GIA Certified 2.2 Carat Emerald Hidden Halo Pave Band Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The band is crafted from luxurious platinum and features a beautifully polished finish, encrusted with additional round diamonds in a striking 3/4 eternity setting, ensuring brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
1.66 carat Diamond and Platinum Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive contemporary 1.66 carat diamond and platinum half eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Eternity Band Ring #20503
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size- This timeless 14K yellow gold eternity band features 24 round brilliant cut diamonds set in a channel setting, offering a s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Band - 14k Round Brilliant Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Note: Please contact us for a resizing quote Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .04ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F - G Clarity:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2 Carat Radiant Hidden Halo Pave Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The band is crafted from luxurious yellow gold and features a beautifully polished finish, encrusted with additional round diamonds in a striking 3/4 eternity setting, ensuring brill...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Emerald Hidden Halo Pave Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The band is crafted from luxurious yellow gold and features a beautifully polished finish, encrusted with additional round diamonds in a striking 3/4 eternity setting, ensuring brill...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14kt Gold Half Eternity Ring with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: 21st Century Style: Contemporary Creator: Unknown Metal: 14Kt Gold Stone: Diamond & Rubies Ring size: 6 3/4 (sizable).
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 4.46Ct Diamond and Platinum Triple Row Eternity Ring 2013
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone...
Diamond, Platinum
Angara Natural Half Eternity Five Stone Aquamarine Wedding Ring 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: AquamarineMain Stone Color: Sky BlueMain Stone Shape: RoundMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 3.8mmMain Stone Car...
Aquamarine, Gold
GIA Certified 0.80 Carat Emerald Hidden Halo Pave Band Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The band is crafted from luxurious platinum and features a beautifully polished finish, encrusted with additional round diamonds in a striking 3/4 eternity setting, ensuring brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 0.97 Carat Emerald Hidden Halo Pave Band Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The band is crafted from luxurious platinum and features a beautifully polished finish, encrusted with additional round diamonds in a striking 3/4 eternity setting, ensuring brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.80 Carat Radiant Hidden Halo Pave Band Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The band is crafted from luxurious platinum and features a beautifully polished finish, encrusted with additional round diamonds in a striking 3/4 eternity setting, ensuring brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Retro Eternity Wedding Band 18" 950 Single .64ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Era: Retro Metal Content: Platinum 950 Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .64ctw Cut: Single Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Stone Note: several have small chips, not ey...
Diamond
Art Deco Ring Eternity Band Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Art Deco ring designed as an eternity band, made of platinum with diamonds.
White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.76 carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 1960s 1.76 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold full eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Eternity Five Stone Sapphire and Diamond Wedding Band in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This alluring sapphire and diamond 5 stone ring is sure to steal the spotlight.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Diamond Leaf Eternity Ring Platinum Band Vintage Fine Jewelry Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage diamond eternity ring, crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$1,480Sale Price / item|20% Off
Diamond Half Eternity Ring Pattern Ring Band in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Product Specifications: Type: Round Brilliant Diamond High quality Diamond: D-F in color and VS with Heart and Arrow (Ideal cut) Number of Gemstones: 29 Total Carat Weight: 0.54ct Pr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.92 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1930's diamond eternity ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Harry Winston Baguette Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring Size 4.75
By Harry Winston
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Refined elegance meets iconic craftsmanship in this exquisite Harry Winston Baguette Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring—a timeless piece that showcases the House’s enduring devotion...
White Diamond, Platinum
Full Eternity Diamond Wedding Ring with Marquise Cut Diamond and Round Diamond
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise diamond create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Product Specifications: - 24 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,500 / item
Oval Diamond Eternity Band
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Eternity Band set in shared prong Platinum.
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier 3-Tone Gold Diamond Trinity Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Collection/Series: Trinity Metal Type: 3 Tone Gold Metal Purity: 18k Ring Size: 5.75 Pre-Owned Jewelry Condition: Excellent SIDE STONE INFORMATION Side Stone 1 Gem Ty...
Gold
Antique 3.00 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning 3 carat diamond eternity ring in platinum. Diamond Quality Color (average grades) D/E Clarity (a...
Diamond, Platinum
$540Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Eternity Ring Natural Sapphire Full Eternity Band Ring Stacking EverydayRing
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This gorgeous sapphire eternity ring is one of our best selling rings. These eternity band is perfect for anniversary rings or engagement rings.
Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$585Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Eternity Ring Natural Sapphire Full Eternity Band Ring Stacking EverydayRing
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This gorgeous sapphire eternity ring is one of our best selling rings. These eternity band is perfect for anniversary rings or engagement rings.
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 3.5 #25442
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 3.5 This 14K yellow gold eternity band features 21 round brilliant cut diamonds, offering a continuous circle of sparkle.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.61 Carat Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone i...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
1.5 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Band 14 Karat White Gold 3-Row Band
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 1.5 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Band 14 Karat White Gold 3 Row Band Size 6 Very clean and shiny diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Half Eternity Seven Stone Emerald Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: EmeraldMain Stone Color: Medium GreenMain Stone Shape: RoundMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 2mmMain Stone Cara...
Emerald, Gold
Vintage Elizabeth II 0.90Ct Diamond and Platinum Full Eternity Ring 1958
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive baguette diamond eternity ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2.42ct Diamond Double Row Eternity Ring in 18k Gold, 1980s
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive gold diamond eternity ring. Diamond Quality Colour (average grades) G Clarity (average grades)...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond Full Eternity Ring 0.45 Carat 18K White Gold Wedding Band Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Details:- Item Code: SER-210581D Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Gross Weight: 1.67 Grams Natural Diamond Weight: 0.45 Carats Diamond Clarity: SI Diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Half Eternity Seven Stone Citrine Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Citrine, Gold
Angara Natural Half Eternity Seven Stone Ruby Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural Half Eternity Seven Stone Amethyst Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Amethyst, Gold
Antique 1920s 18ct White Gold Stamped Diamond Full Eternity Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Eternity Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1920s This exquisite 18ct white gold eternity ring is an absolute stunner.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamonds in this ring total approximately 50pts and are princess cut which give such a wonderful shimmer. The stones are set within the 9carat white gold band. Ring Size: L or ...
Diamond, Platinum
7.92ct Princess Cut VVS2 Diamond 18K White Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Excellent vintage condition. Style: Eternity Band Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Gemstone 1: 0.46 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: G Clarity: VVS2 Shape: Princess Cut Gemstone 2:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.00ct Diamond Eternity Ring in 15k White Gold, Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning 1 carat diamond and 15 karat white gold full eternity ring; a part of our diverse collection of vintage jewelry estate jewelry.
Diamond, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Eternity Wedding Band - 14k Round Brilliant .36ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $50 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .36ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G Clarity: VS2 - SI1 Total Car...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamonds in this ring total approximately 50pts and are princess cut which give such a wonderful shimmer. The stones are set within the 18carat white gold band. Ring Size: J or...
Diamond, White Gold
2.00ct Emerald-Cut Diamond Bezel 14K Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique East-West Eternity Band in Bezel Setting gives a secure place for each stones and letting you appreciate all of the diamonds individually.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Pl...
Antique French Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive vintage diamond eternity ring has been crafted in 15 karat white gold.
Diamond, 15k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 4.5 #21952
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 4.5 This 14K white gold eternity band features 20 natural round brilliant cut diamonds, offering a continuous circle of sparkle.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Band Sz 6.75 Ring Platinum Wedding Eternity Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant antique Edwardian ring (circa 1918), crafted in 900 platinum. Single cut diamonds total an estimated 0.70 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2-SI2 clarity). The ring epi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 7.5 #19517
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 7.5 JAGi Certified- This sparkling eternity band features 24 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Bezel-Set Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 8 #25639
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Bezel-Set Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 8 This elegant eternity band features 20 round brilliant cut diamonds bezel-set in classic 14K white gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Peridot Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Alternating oval peridots and brilliant diamonds define this Peridot Half Eternity Ring, beautifully crafted in solid 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Style Eternity Ring 3.50 Carat
By Belfiore Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
Diamond Eternity ring set in 14K white gold with 3 rows of diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold
White Gold Diamond Eternity Wedding Band 14k Round Brilliant 2.89ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Note: Please contact us for a resizing quote Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 2.89ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clar...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Half Eternity Marquise Shape Diamond Wedding Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise diamond create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Product Specifications: - 14 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Eternity Wedding Band - Round Brilliant 1.25ctw Ring Sz 6
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.25ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Total Carats: 1.25ctw Style: Eternity W...
Diamond, Platinum
French Antique Diamond Band Sz 4.75 Platinum Wedding Ring Eternity Table Cuts
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant antique French diamond eternity ring (circa 1900s to 1910s). Antique table cut square diamonds total an estimated 0.87 carats (estimated at H-I color VS2-SI2 clarity).
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 1920 Platinum Eternity Band Ring with 1.20 Cts in Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: 1920s, Art Deco Metal: Platinum Stones: Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 7 (not resizable/eternity style) Ring Width: 0.12 inches / 3 mm Total weight: 4.6 grams / 2.96 dwt Stamped...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1940s 18ct White Gold, 2 Carat Full Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Eternity Band 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1940s Step back in time with this exquisite 1940s eternity ring, expertly crafted in 18ct white gold and adorned with approxim...
Diamond, White Gold
$17,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Asscher Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring in 14K 18K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Details of this particular ring DEF VS Clarity Asscher Cut Diamonds: Total 4.76ct 18K White Gold Gold Weight: 2.11g Total Weight: 3.062g Stamped: 750 D4.76 Ring Size: 6.75 (US), O ...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
Antique 2.80Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Full Eternity Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Images do not always reflect the true colour and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual colour and showcases each stone...
Diamond, White Gold
$8,985Sale Price|20% Off
6.22ct Pear Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring Handmade 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Extraordinary in scale and breathtaking in execution, this handmade 6.22 carat Pear Diamond Eternity Band Ring in 18 karat white gold is a masterpiece of fine jewellery ambition.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Eternity Ring Sz 4.75 Mid Century Platinum Band Bridal Wedding
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant vintage diamond eternity ring (circa 1950s to 1960s), crafted in 900 platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
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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