$1,100Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K White Gold Valerie Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature Micro-Prong wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,695Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Rose Gold Carole Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature Micro-Prong wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,695Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Carole Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature Micro-Prong wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,299Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Valerie Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature Micro-Prong wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
$4,991Sale Price / item|30% Off
18K White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds . Experience the Difference! Product details: Center...
Diamond, White Gold
14k Rose Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds . Experience the Difference! Product details: Center...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14k Yellow Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds . Experience the Difference! Product details: Center...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds . Experience the Difference! Product details: Center...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18k Rose Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds . Experience the Difference! Product details: Center...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14k White Gold Mia French Pave Diamond Eternity Ring '3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this eternity ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds . Experience the Difference! Product details: Center...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Ethel Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 13 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATU...
Diamond, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Ethel Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 13 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATU...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Ethel Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 13 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATU...
Diamond, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ethel Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 13 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATU...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Ethel Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 13 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATU...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ethel Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features 13 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATU...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
$858Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$972Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$972Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,577Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,577Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,379Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,379Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k White Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,379Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,577Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Rose Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,056Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,056Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,810Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
14k White Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k White Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
18k White Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
14k Rose Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,056Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,810Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$858Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold Voyage French Pave Diamond Ring '1/3 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14k Rose Gold Carole Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature Micro-Prong wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Produc...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K Rose Gold Valerie Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature Micro-Prong wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
18k Rose Gold Valerie Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature Micro-Prong wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 50% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,810Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Lotus East West Ring with 3ct Emerald Solitaire, Blue Sapphire and Diamonds
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
14k White Gold. These any-finger rings include a dazzling OVAL-shaped emerald solitaire of approximately 3ct, pave set blue sapphire petals in a lotus motif, and pave set brilliant c...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Stunning and Unique Pink Sapphire and 3 CT VS1 Diamond Bow Platinum Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
The ring is fashioned as a bow motif in 18-karat two-tone gold, the 750 stamp visible on the interior of the shank. The two bow wing lobes are each fully pave-set with round brillian...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,536Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '3/4 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! Product...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 3ct Ceylon Sapphire and 0.50ct Diamond Platinum Dress Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3 carat blue cabochon Ceylon sapphire and 0.50 carat diamond, platinum Art Deco dress ring; part of our antique collection of gemstone engagem...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$70,000Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 3ct Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern bezel set diamond solitaire ring yellow gold. High Jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. GIA graded 3.01 carat emerald cut diamond, G color grade, and VVS2 clarity grad...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 3ct Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Ring, Emerald-Cut Red Gem 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A striking vintage ring crafted in solid 14K gold and set with a vibrant emerald-cut ruby-red rubellite tourmaline of approximately 3.00 carats. The gemstone displays rich, fiery red...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Crafted in rich, enduring 950 platinum, this GIA-certified 3ct cushion-cut diamond ring is the epitome of modern sophistication with an unmistakable nod to Art Deco glamour.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
3 Ct Cushio Blue Sapphire with Sapphire and Diamond Halos Platinum Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
3 carat center Cushion Blue Sapphire set in a Double Sapphire and Diamonds Halo with a total Sapphires weight of 0.25ct and an approximate diamond carat weight of 0.10 carats. Made u...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified 3ct Oval Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Evoking the opulent spirit of the 1920s, this Natural Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring is a definitive statement of luxury. At its center rests a magnificent 3.00-carat natural oval-cut...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Tahitian Pearl & 3 ct Diamond Ribbon-Style Ring, FR
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This modern statement ring spotlights a lustrous 10.5 mm Tahitian pearl nestled between gently curving “ribbon” arms of brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victor Mayer Ring 18k Yellow Gold Vitreous Enamel Blue 3 Diamonds 0.07 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Band Ring, 18k yellow gold, vitreous enamel, guilloche, 3 diamonds total 0.07 ct, G VS brilliant cut VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated cr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victor Mayer Ring 18k Yellow Gold, Vitreous Enamel pink, 3 diamonds 0.07 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Band Ring, 18k yellow gold, vitreous enamel, guilloche, 3 diamonds total 0.07 ct, G VS brilliant cut VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated cr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Princess-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Modern Majesty, Art-Deco Precision Command the spotlight with this sculptural tour-de-force, crowned by a 3.00-carat natural princess-cut diamond—GIA certified and graded an icy E c...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
3ct Natural Oval Blue Sapphire & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring –18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
💎 Product Description: A masterpiece of timeless elegance, this Halo Engagement Ring showcases a mesmerizing approx. 3.15ct natural oval-cut blue sapphire. Known for its deep, royal...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 3ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 950 Platinum
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Where Art Deco Glamour Meets Modern Magnificence. An embodiment of elegance and timeless brilliance, this handcrafted GIA-certified engagement ring showcases a mesmerizing 3.00ct na...
Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
Beauvince Ariel 3 Stone Ring (5.82 ct Emerald Cut IVVS2 IGI Diamond) in Platinum
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The clean defined lines of this 3 diamond Emerald Cut engagement ring are reflection of strength and power.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 3ct Cushion-Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K WhiteGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Where Art Deco Glamour Meets Modern Magnificence. An embodiment of elegance and timeless brilliance, this handcrafted GIA-certified engagement ring showcases a mesmerizing 3.00ct na...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
5.40 ct Natural Fancy Yellow Oval Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring GIA Scarselli
By SCARSELLI
Located in New York, NY
Three Stone Engagement Ring with GIA certified 5.40 carat Fancy Yellow Oval Cut Diamond center stone and two half moon side stones (0.92 TCW). Natural fancy yellow oval cut diamond ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
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.