GIA 0.81 Carat Diamond Black Starr & Frost Engagement Ring
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in New York, NY
This elegant platinum engagement ring by Black Starr and Frost, is centered with a sparkling GIA certified old mine cut diamond that weighs 0.81ct. graded G color with VVS2 clarity. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Black Star Sapphire and Blue Sapphire 10 Karat Yellow Gold Men's Crown Ring
By Ring Reno
Located in Niagara On The Lake, ON
Listing Title: Hand carved Sterling Silver with Gold Ring on Ring • Hand carved 10 karat yellow gold • 3 x Black Star Sapphire, cabochon • Pavé set blue sapphires, 1.2 Approximate...
Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Starr & Frost Natural Pearl & Diamond Ring GIA
By Black, Starr & Frost
Located in Litchfield, CT
Delicately surrounded by .80 carats of brilliant white diamonds (F color, VS clarity), the look is charming, chic, timeless.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Platinum
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 3/4 Carat White and Black Treated Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
This stunning men's black and white diamond band ring is a true testament to the art of craftsmanship. With 10K yellow gold, this ring boasts a unique design that highlights the 93 n...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 3/4 Carat White and Black Treated Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
This stunning men's black and white diamond band ring is a true testament to the art of craftsmanship. With 10K yellow gold, this ring boasts a unique design that highlights the 93 n...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Halo Diamond Platinum 4.39 Carat Australian Black Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stones- 1 Oval Shaped Australian Black Opal 4.39 Carats. 24 Round Diamonds F-G Color SI1 Clarity 0.52 Carats.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Sterling Silver 3/8 Cttw Enhanced Black and White Diamond Men's Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Create a debonair look for him with this handsome diamond ring. This bold ring design is crafted in sterling silver and showcases 3/8ct TDW of shimmering black and white round cut di...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
4.60 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A delicate wing-like pattern surrounding the opal gives this ring an airy style. The marquise-cut diamonds, weighing 0.70 carats, develop a classic touch for a timeless piece.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Stackable 0.18 Carats Three-Stone Diamond and Enamel Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Fun Stackable Ring The ring is 14K White Gold There are 0.18 Carats In Diamonds G/H SI The black enamel is inside the 3 circles The ring is a size 6.5, sizable The ring weighs 2.6 gr...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Enamel
Platinum Baguette Diamond GIA Certified 11.01 Carat Australian Black Opal Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stones- GIA Certified Oval Australian Black Opal, 115 Baguette Diamonds G-H-I Color VS1-VS2-SI1 Clarity 3.17 Carats.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
3 Carat Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring 3 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, Estate with a color and clarity of F/G and VS1/VS2, respectively with no color enhancement.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.22 Carats Diamond Rose & Black Gold Flower Cocktail Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful floral ring features a trio of rose gold flowers, two of which are adorned with 3 diamonds and one with 1 diamond, all set in a black gold bypass band. 7 White Diamon...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sonia B 2.00 Carat Black Diamond White Gold Ribbon Design Cocktail Ring
By Sonia B. Designs
Located in Stamford, CT
Sonia B white and black diamond cocktail ring set in 18k white gold ribbon design. 62 round black diamonds, approx. total weight .75cts 100 full cut round diamonds approx. total wei...
Black Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 5.22 Carat Black Onyx and 3.64 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, large vintage 5.22 carat black onyx and 3.64 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewel...
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Platinum Diamond GIA Certified 8.70 Carat Rare Australian Black Opal Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A breathtaking Art Deco Inspired Very Rare Multi Colored GIA Certified Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring Handmade in 90% Platinum.
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Art Deco 3 Carat Diamond and Ruby Tablet or Plaque Ring in Platinum, Circa 1925
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This tablet (aka shield) ring is quintessential Art Deco: the strong geometric pattern with open channels, the varied gem-setting techniques, the way components appear to lap over a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.27 Carat Black Opal and 0.70 Carat Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.27 carat cabochon black opal and 0.70 carat diamond, platinum trilogy ring; part of our diverse collection of black opal jewelry.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1980s 3 Carat Baguette and Round Diamond Two-Tone Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very good Era: Estate Contemporary Year: 1980s Metal: 18k White and Yellow Gold Diamonds: 29 Carat Weight: 3 carats total Cut: 14 Round brilliant, 15 Tapered Color Range:...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.92 Carat Diamond Marquise Ring in 18K Rose Gold and Black Finished Silver
By Tamir
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Kindly specify your desired ring size at the time of order. Metal: 18K rose gold, black finished silver top Diamonds: Round brilliant diamonds Total diamond weight: Approximately 1....
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold, Silver
2.28 Carat Australian Black Opal, Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one-of-a-kind, beautiful addition to any fine jewelry wardrobe! Ring size 5-3/4; complimentary sizing as needed Australian Black Opal, 11.50 x 7.77 x 5.01mm, 2.28 carats 64 roun...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Round Diamond Engagement Ring 1.40 Carat 14 Karat White Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Black Round Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Accent Diamonds Metal: 14 kt White Gold Size: 6 - Sizable TCW: 1.40 tcw Main Diamond: Round Black Diamond 0.80 cts Acc...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Black Pearl Diamond Platinum Ring Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds Two Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Total Diamond Weight approx. .3 Carat Color: Approx.
Diamond, Black Pearl, Platinum
D'Jula 18 Karat White Gold Feather Ring with 1.00 Carat Black Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful feather ring is set with 1.00 carat of round black diamonds.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1/3 Carat, 14K Gold, Diamond Band, Vine Design, Twist Design
Located in New York, NY
Item Code: AD226 Division: Natural Diamond Collection: Classics Metal Type: 14K Gold, White Gold. You can request a switch in gold color to yellow or rose or black rodium. You can me...
Diamond, 14k Gold
2/3 Carat TW, 14k Gold Diamond Band, Round and Baguette Diamonds, Half Eternity
Located in New York, NY
Item Code: AD238 Division: Natural Diamond Collection: Classics Metal Type: 14K Gold, White Gold. You can request a switch in gold color to yellow or rose. We also provide gold with ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18 Carat Gold Ring Set With 3 Coral Beads And Antique Cut Diamonds Enhanced With
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Superb clasp in 18K gold, set with 3 natural coral operles (one of which has a discreet crack visible only on the back of the ring), surrounded by a pavement of old-cut “rose” diamon...
Coral, Diamond, Gold
Men's Titanium Round Black Diamond Band Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Titanium band ring is from our Men's Collection. This masculine ring is made decorated by 5 natural black round diamonds in total of 0.15 Carat placed along the band.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Titanium
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Black Onyx and .42 Carat Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Total Diamond weight 0.42 carats Finger size 6 3/4
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 2.27 Carat Total Weight Old European Cut Diamond and Onyx 3-Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exquisite Art Deco era 3-stone ring composed of platinum. Featuring 3 Old European Cut diamonds weighing 1.50 carats in total.
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
2.66 Carat Turquoise Black Diamond Sapphire Gold Band Set
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 3 elegant and classy 2.66 Carat Black Diamond and Turquoise bands that are sure to be a great addition to your accessory collection! There are 22 Round Cut Black Diamonds in 2...
Black Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
Black, White, & Yellow Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Diamond Carat Weight: 1.75ctw Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant cut Color: G-H, Champagne, Black Clarity: SI1-I1 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Stamped: "14k" "1 3/4 TW" Weight: 6.4 Grams Ring ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Black Rhodium White Gold 1.5 Carat Total Diamond Cluster Ring Size 8
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14K Black Rhodium White Gold 1.5 Carat Total Diamond Cluster Ring Size 8 10.4 gram Little less than 3/4 inch on top I counted twice 150 pieces of .01 carat each mixed color Diamon...
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Plated .925 Sterling Silver 1 3/4 Cttw Diamond Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Yellow Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 4.923 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: Black, Count: 3, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Se...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow...
Dalben Black and White Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Romantic Gothic band ring mounted in 18-karat rhodium plated engraved white gold with 40 round brillant cut black diamonds total weight 0,48 carats and 10 round brillan...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
1/3 Ct, Oval Diamond Ring, Half Bezel Diamond Band, 14K Solid Gold, SI GH
Located in New York, NY
Item Code: AD275 Division: Natural Diamond Collection: Classics Metal Type: 14K Gold, White Gold. You can request a switch in gold color to yellow or rose gold (two-tone). We also p...
Diamond, Gold
$2,980Sale Price|20% Off
Striking Black Opal & Diamond Ballerina Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Striking Black Opal & Diamond Ballerina Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this ring features a 2.16 carat black opal framed by a ballerina-style halo of round and baguette d...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
3/5 Ctw Criss Cross Diamond Ring, Statement Ring, 14K Solid Gold, Pave, SI GH
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS Metal Type: 14K Gold, White Gold / Yellow Gold / Rose Gold / Blackened Gold Please let us know your gold color preference and ring size through inbox message Total D...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Black Opal Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring 950 Oval Cabochon 10.60ctw Halo
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $100 or Down 2 sizes for $50 Era: Vintage Metal Content: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Black Opal Carat(s): 8.50ct Cut: Oval Caboc...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
Art Deco Platinum Halo Diamond Oval Black Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Size- 6 3/4. FREE SIZING!!!! Handmade Platinum and Diamond Engagement Ring Featuring a Halo Australian Oval Shaped 1.29 Carat Black Opal.
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Marquise Black Diamond and Round Black Diamond Wedding Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Specifications: 7 Round Brilliant Cut Natural Black Diamonds: Carat total weight 0.25 7 Marquise Cut Natural Black Diamonds: Carat total weight 0.53 Metal: 18K White Gold Ring width:...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Micro Pave Black Diamond .50 Carat Eternity Wedding Band in Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Pave set brilliant round diamonds are natural black. Carat weight: .50 ct. Total ring weight: 1.50 grams.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Suzy Levian 14K Rose Gold Round Blue & Black Diamond Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Jewelry Type: Fine Diamond Properties: Color Enhanced Product Features: Certified Diamond Band Width: 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm Stone: Diamond Diamond Color: Blue Gold Karat: 14k Total Diamond ...
Diamond, Blue Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Plated .925 Sterling Silver 1 3/4 Cttw Treated Diamond Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Metal: .925 Yellow Sterling Silver with 14K Gold Plating • Average Gram Weight: 4.923 • Diamond 1 Clarity: I2-I3, Color: Black, Count: 3, Cut: Very Good, Origin: Natural, Se...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow...
Barry Kieselstein Cord Black Spinel Diamond Platinum Ring
By KIESELSTEIN-CORD
Located in Southampton, PA
This 1998 Kieselstein-Cord cocktail ring features a bold design in platinum, showcasing approximately 3 carats total weight of dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Spinel, Black Spinel, Platinum
Men's Titanium 18 Karat Round Black Diamond Band Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Crafted with precision and elegance, this Titanium Band Ring has been made with 225 natural black round diamonds, totaling a stunning 2.25 Carats.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Titanium
Ruby Diamond Black Jade Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold and beautiful cocktail ring centered with a large near-round carved ruby weighing an estimated 17.61 carats, clustered with concentric rings of channel-set rectangular shape r...
Moonstone, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Princess-Cut Black Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: Enhanced Black DiamondMain Stone Color: BlackMain Stone Shape: PrincessMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 3.5mmMa...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold
Antique Art Deco 3.26 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this antique engagement rings. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color F Clarity SI2 Cut Old European Content 2...
Diamond, Platinum
Suzy Levian 14K Rose Gold Round Blue & Black Diamond Crossover Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Jewelry Type: Fine Gold Karat: 14k Total Diamond Weight: 2.05 Carats Jewelry Setting: Pave Diamond Properties: Color Enhanced Band Width: 2-3 mm, 3-4 mm Product Features: Certified D...
Diamond, Blue Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Oscar Caplan Art Deco 2.20 Carat Onyx 0.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning onyx Art Deco ring with diamonds. Onyx Quality Cut Baguette Content 2.20 carats Diamond Quality...
Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
2.26 Carat Diamonds Eternity Band 14 Karat and Black Enamel 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Modern Deco + Vintage Deco touch Ring is set with rounds diamonds & black enamel on outer, seems like 3 rings!! 2.26ct. diamonds Brilliant full cuts Channel mounted G-c...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Oval Woven Diamond Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
The center is an oval plane of brightness, courtesy of pave set round brilliant cut diamonds. Black enamel surrounds the jewels, its contrast making the diamonds seem still lighter. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Natural 3 CTW Multi Gemstone/Diamond Serpentine Ring Size 7 in 18k/925
Located in New York, NY
Discover the allure of the Victorian Multi Gemstone and Diamond Serpentine Band Ring — a stackable masterpiece in 18k Gold and Sterling silver that seamlessly blends historical charm...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling ...
Angara Natural Half Eternity Black and White Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: Enhanced Black DiamondMain Stone Color: Grayish black to blackMain Stone Shape: RoundMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone...
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Diamond, Gold
$1,835Sale Price|20% Off
Sybarite Cross Ring in Blackened Gold with Black Diamonds
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Life is a precious thing, and with Sybarite every day is a celebration. 18K Blackened Gold charm ring set with 1.36 Carat of round cut black diamonds.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1.29c Carat Ruby and 0.60 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning vintage ruby and diamond trilogy ring in yellow gold. Ruby Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 1.2...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,990Sale Price|20% Off
Victor Velyan Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By Victor Velyan
Located in Carmel, CA
It features a single Black Opal weighing 5.13 carats is accented by 0.34 carats of fully faceted, round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.