Vintage Carré cut ruby and diamond platinum five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage platinum five-stone ring showcases three carré cut rubies totaling 1.32 carats and two carré cut diamonds of H color and VS clarity, weighing .46 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old European and eight rose cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.85 carat, graded near-...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Wedding Band - 14k Round .20ctw Five-Stone Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $30 or Down 1 size for $20 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .20ctw...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring three old mine cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.50 carat, graded I color, I1 clarity.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.15Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.15 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold five stone ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Five Stone Diamond Ring Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond five stone half eternity ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The one cut diamonds in this band are bright and have a great sparkle. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold and the stones are set in square settings. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Band Widt...
Diamond, Gold
Contemporary Fancy Orange Brown Diamond Platinum Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut diamond weighing 1.52 carats total Transparent medium orangey brown in color Prong set in basked and flanked by stepped shoulders Bar and prong set with ba...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian English Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian English Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old mine cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.50 carat, graded near-colorless, VS-S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Five Stone Diamond 18 Karat Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian 18k gold five stone old mine diamond half hoop ring, circa 1870.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Georgian Emerald 15 Karat Yellow Gold Engraved Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique Georgian Emerald 15 Karat Yellow Gold Engraved Five Stone Ring. Featuring five rectangular step cut emeralds with a total weight of approximately 1.00 carat.
Emerald, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Five-Stone Ring, 10k Round Cut 1.56ctw
By Wilson Brothers Jewelry
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Down 2 sizes for $20 or Up 2 sizes for $25 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information: Genuine Topaz Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Total Carats: ...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Five-Stone Band, Round 1.85ctw Wedding Anniversary Ring GIA
Located in Greensboro, NC
"Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Down 1 size for $100 Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Total Carats: 1.85ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I - J Clarit...
2.15Ct Sapphire & 1.94Ct Diamond, Platinum Five Stone Ring - Vintage Circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 2.15 carat blue sapphire and 1.94 carat diamond, platinum five stone / dress ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry coll...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Amethyst Five-Stone with Diamond Points Modelled in 9 Carat Gold
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Not only does this ring hold five bright and sparkling amethyst but it also boasts diamond points.The diamonds are set in gold and the amethysts are set in gold which come together i...
Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Demantoid Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Gold Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Demantoid Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Gold Five Stone Band Ring. Featuring five oval brilliant cut demantoid garnets with a total weight of approximately 1.75 carats.
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Pearl Vintage Style Five Stone Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.70 carat.
Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Topaz Tourmaline Diamond 14 Karat Gold Five-Stone Dinner Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Dinner style ring with five well-matched pastel gemstones set vertically North to South in a pointed navette mounting With two topaz weighing approximately 5.20 carats total, transp...
Diamond, Topaz, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Five-Stone Citrine Bypass Ring, 10k Gold Diamond Accents Marquise .59ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 7 1/4, but it can be re-sized up 1 size for a $25 fee. Once a ring is re-sized, we guarantee the work but we are unable to offer a refund on the sizing. Please co...
Citrine, Diamond, 10k Gold
Dated 1897 Hallmarked Five Stone Diamond and Emerald Antique Unisex Band Ring
Located in Addison, TX
In the center there is a five stone channel that holds diamond and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hearts on Fire 1.00ctw Diamond Ring 18k Gold Five-Stone Wedding Anniversary Band
By Hearts On Fire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Originally retailing for $5650, this timeless designer anniversary band is being offered here for a much more wallet-friendly price. This ring is a size 5 1/4. Brand: Hearts On Fir...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Five-Stone Engagement /Dress Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful five stone diamond ring set in 18k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Men's Five-Stone Ring 14k Round Brilliant.25ctw Wedding Band
By Wilson Brothers Jewelry
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds Clarity: SI2 Color: E - F Cut: Round Total Carats: 0.25ctw Face Height (north to sout...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.33 CTW Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Five Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering five graduated round cut rubies bead set east to west Weighing approximately 0.75 carat total - transparent purplish red Accented by a halo surround of old European cut dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Ruby Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Band Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Five stone ring is an excellent unique gift for a loved one at any stage of the relationship or an ideal gift for milestones and anniversaries.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Victorian 0.95 CTW Old Mine Diamond 18K Gold Antique Five Stone Scroll Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring five old mine cut diamonds set east to west with belcher style prongs Weighing approximately 0.95 carat total - I to L color with SI2 to I1 clarity Accented by grooved gall...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960's 0.50 Carat Tiffany Ruby Diamond Three Stone Stacking Band Ring Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Set of two band style rings designed with three stones each set to front Featuring five round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.39 carat total Diamonds are F/G in col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,250 / set
Five Sixties Stacking Rings Diamond Sapphire Ruby Opal Pink Sapphire
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 14k, American. This group of five stacking rings offers endless possibilities!
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Sold|$5,450
Tiffany & Co. 5-Stone Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Tailored and classic, this Tiffany & Co. platinum band ring features five matched emerald-cut diamonds, weighing in total 1.50 carats, with G-H color and VVS-VS clarity. The ring wei...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Five Opal and Diamond Scroll Carved Vintage Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a very well maintained five stone opal ring with rose cut diamond accents, and exquisite scroll engraving.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Two-Stone Diamond Sapphire Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Victorian diamond and sapphire “Toi et Moi” (French for you and me) yellow gold ring circa 1890. DETAILS: Victorian two-stone diamond sapphire and gold engagement ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold
1930s 1.45 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Aquamarine Quality Color Natural blue Cut Step Content 1.45 carats Dimensions 8.35mm x 6.30mm x 3.70mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI 1 Cut Eig...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18 Karat 5-Stone Australian Opal Ring HM Sheffield, 1870
Located in Baltimore, MD
Lovely 18K five stone opal ring with five perfect blue-tinged translucent Australian opals set in an embellished gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Edwardian Platinum Vintage Navette Style Three Stone Statement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This ring is a classic example of the Edwardian era. The clean silver color of the platinum and the crisp diamonds give a outstanding regal feel. The Navette piece in the center has ...
Diamond, Platinum
Peter Suchy EGL 3.13 Carat Diamond Sapphire Platinum Wedding Band Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond and sapphire hand engraved wedding band ring. Five stone old European cut diamonds and sapphires in a platinum setting from the Peter Suchy workshop. 3 old European cut dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
5 Stone Diamond Wedding Band, Platinum, Ring Size 5.75, Stackable Diamond Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 5 stones - round brilliant cut - 3.25 - 3.4 mm - weighing approximately .75 total carats - F-G color, SI1-2 clarity Ring Size 5.75 Rise Off Of Finger: 3 mm Wei...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18k Gold & Platinum 1.04ct Emerald & Diamond 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
The five stones total approximately 1.04 carats and wonderfully complement each other with the gorgeous vivid green color of the emeralds and the glamorous sparkles that reflect from...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.80 Carat Thai Ruby and 1.12 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Origin Thailand Cut Oval Faceted Content 1.80 carats Dimensions 8.65mm (length) x 6.53mm (width) x 3.08mm (depth) Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (ave...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond 5 Stone Band Ring 4mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Diamonds are bright and lively. Ring Specifications Brand: Tiffany & Co. Hallmarks: Tiffany & Co., ©, 750 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Shank Width: 2 to 3 mm Setting Style: Bar Set Weight...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.56 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this 18k white gold Art Deco diamond ring. Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Colour G Clarity VVS2 Cut Asscher C...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Carved Hardstone and 0.52 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine Victorian hardstone ring in the UK. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average grades...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Diamond Graduated Ovals Ring, 14 Karat Rose Gold Round Cut .58 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds - Clarity: SI1 Color: G Cut: Round Total Carats: 0.58ctw Face Height (north to south): 11/16" (...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 18Y Diamond & Sapphire 5 Stone Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 2 stones - old European cut - 3.75- 4 mm - approximately .50 total carats - J-K color, SI-I clarity - sapphires, 3 stones - round cut - 4 - 4.5 mm - approximate...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Kabana Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Round Brilliant .25 Carat
By Kabana
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6. Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds - Clarity: SI1 Color: G - H Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 0.25ctw ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Kabana Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold Round Brilliant .25 Carat
By Kabana
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6. Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds - Clarity: SI1 Color: G - H Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 0.25ctw ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 6.54ct Colombian Green Emerald Diamond Anniversary Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Five Stone GIA 6.54ct Columbian Emerald Cut Green Emerald & Diamonds Engagement Anniversary Ring. This jewel will make a great addition to any GEM/jewelry collection... Buy her this...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sold|$2,424
Cartier Trinity Diamond Set Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Our Xupes reference is J957 should you need to quote this RRP £2,090 ITEM CONDITION Excellent XUPES REFERENCE J957 MANUFACTURER Cartier MODEL Trinity GENDER Women's ACCOMPANIED BY Xu...
Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$1,200
Shriners Two-Tone 10 Karat Gold Club Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 10k white and yellow gold Center Stone: one round brilliant 0.18 carat diamond Accent Diamonds: five round brilliant cuts = 0.08 carat weight Total ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This contemporary gemstone five stone ring is supplied with two independent diamond grading certificates for the diamonds in addition to an independent diamond grading report card fo...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
A Rainbow of Sparkling Gems: 3.68ct Diamond Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
These captivating gems, with VS2-SI1 clarity and VG-G cut, add a touch of earthy elegance and playful contrast, solidifying the ring's unique character. 2 Diamond main stone of 0.45...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Flower Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - sapphires - oval cut, 5 stones - 4 x 3 mm - diamonds - full cut rounds, 6 stones - 1.3 mm - approximately .11 total carats - G-H color, I clarity Ring Size 5.5 2.3 dwts ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro Emerald Cut Citrine Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Retro citrine and gold cocktail ring circa 1950. Showcasing an emerald-cut citrine weighing approximately 16.00 carats, mounted in 14-karat yellow gold.
Citrine, 14k Gold
Sold|$850 / item
LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.95 ct Diamond Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A row of five larger pear-cut diamonds is set above the band, each held in place by four prongs, with a cluster of three round-cut diamonds set above the center stone for a total of ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Old Mine-Cut Diamond Silver and Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Victorian 18K yellow gold and sterling silver Old Mine-cut diamond graduated five stone half hoop ring, with decorative shoulders.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1900s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Natural blue Cut Old round Content 0.27 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) I Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European Content (total) 0.25 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Double C Diamond Entrelaces Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Entrelaces C de Cartier in 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring. From the C de Cartier Collection. Carat Weight: 1.80 Stone Count: 240 With Cartier Certificate.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stylish 0.68ct Gemstones and Diamonds Eternity Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Metal: 14k White Gold Main stone: 3 pcs Diamonds Main stone carat weight: 0.28ct Shape: Round Brilliant Color grade: G Clarity grade: VS Side stone: 5 pcs Rubies Side stone carat w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
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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