18K Yellow Gold Ring with 10 Ct. Tourmaline and Diamonds. (Size 7.50)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
The bold bezel setting enhances the stone’s modern elegance, while 5 round diamonds (0.08 ct total weight) add a subtle touch of sparkle along the band.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Rotating 9.46 Carats Blue Topaz Diamond Spinning Cocktail Gold Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Style number: RN862BT Metal Type: 14K Gold Total Weight: 7.37 g Ring Size: US 6.5 Place of Origin: India Gemstone Details: Color stone Details: Gemstone(s): Blue Topaz Carat Weight:...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 1.35 Carat Light Brown Diamond Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
This elegant engagement ring by the Peter Suchy Workshop features a striking, GIA certified 1.35 carat light brown bezel set cushion cut diamond set in a classic solitaire design. th...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 0.50cts Emerald Heart & 0.65cts Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
STONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald ✦ Gemstone Type : Natural ✦ Gemstone Size : 5 MM ✦ Gemstone Shape : Heart Cut ✦ Number of gemstones : 1 ✦ Gemstone Weight : 0.50 Carats ✦ Gemston...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Victorian 1.25 Cttw Natural Diamond, Opal and Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Luxury Jewels is proudly rated as a Top Seller on 1stdibs with all 5-star customer reviews. Jewelry Specifications: Metal Type: 18K Gold and 925 Sterling Silver Appprox Diamond Wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
3.03 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Effortless Elegance Heirloom
Located in Mumbai, IN
Collectors often describe this specification as ‘comfortable to live with’ – elegant for evening, but equally convincing in daylight and everyday settings. Diamond shape & cut: E...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.2 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K White Gold Graceful Brilliance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Christian Bale · Hollywood styling leans into dramatic emerald cut silhouettes and luminous emerald green diamonds; collectors who follow red-carpet moments will recognise the same c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Substantial 18K White Gold Emerald Bypass Ring with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Emerald Gemstone Weight - 0.7 ct Stone Shape - Oval Gemstone Pcs - 1 Stone Size - 5 x 4 mm Diamond Weight - 0.6 ct Dia...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique 1930s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Unisex Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ruby is flanked on either side by bezel set Old European round cut diamonds. The ring shoulders integrate with the main setting and blend seamlessly with the plain ring shank.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.5 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Everyday Royalty
Located in Mumbai, IN
Ring Design, Setting & Craftsmanship On the workbench, diamonds and gemstones are set, Legacy goldsmiths map how the ring should behave in real life: how the Emerald Cut line wil...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Diamond and Sapphire Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Step Content 0.42 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) J Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Transitional modern brilliant round / Eight-cut Cont...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Diamond & Green Emerald Art Deco Style Engagement White Platinum Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This vintage style ring centers a round cut diamond, weighing approximately 0.50 carat in bezel set.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.3 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Pure Sophistication
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1.3 carats, emerald, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White Graceful Brilliance Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Anne Hathaway · Screen legends of every era have relied on disciplined radiant stones and classic brilliant white palettes; this radiant cut diamond east-west half bezel haven ring f...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.62 Carat Cushion, Marquise, Pear, Princess Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
3.62 ct total weight 5 Five Stone Cushion, Marquise, Pear, Princess, & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bezel Set Wedding / Anniversary Band / Ring in Platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
1.99 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Classic Charm
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1.99 carats, emerald, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.6 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Classic Charm
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1.6 carats, emerald, diamond ring. A serious diamond ring with disciplined selection—meant to read clean at normal viewing distance.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 1930s Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The central pearl is encircled by a total of eight individually millegrain decorated bezel set Old European round cut diamonds. The bifurcated ring shoulders integrate with the main...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Men's Ring - 18k Trillion .72ctw Geometric
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $100 or Down 1 size for $60 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .47ct Cut: Trillion ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 7.73ct Royal Purple Amethyst & Diamond Large Geometric Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Amethyst -Emerald Cut- Bezel Set - Deep Royal Purple Color - 13.1x10mm (approx.) - 7.33ct (exact) (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Cultured Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Feature Diamond Color H Clarity VVS1 Cut Transitional modern brilliant round Content 0.28 carat Dimensions 4.24mm x 2.68mm Supporting Diamonds Color (average grades)...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Everyday Royalty
Located in Mumbai, IN
The chosen colour and clarity band is deliberately curated to give a clean, luxurious face-up look that still retains softness and depth. Diamond shape & cut: Emerald Cut cut Col...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
1.34 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Elegant Sparkle
Located in Mumbai, IN
The result is a jewel that feels ‘finished’ to the eye – beautifully resolved rather than simply high on paper grades. Diamond shape & cut: Emerald Cut cut Colour family: Emerald...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
1.02 Carat Radiant Statement Fancy pink Colour-Collector’s Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Jeff Goldblum · Hollywood’s private jewellery appointments revolve around radiant stones whose fancy yellow fire feels both rare and wearable; this $37500 1.02ct fancy purple-pink ra...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1920s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G/H Clarity (average grades) VS2/SI1 Cut Old European round / Dutch Content (total) 0.31 carat Dimensions Length of Setting 9.02mm/0.36" Width...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Huge 15.67 Australian Opal Statement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A breathtaking Art Deco Inspired Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Handmade in 90% Platinum.
Vintage 1980s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Pinkish-Red Cut Round Content 0.28 carat Dimensions 4.48mm x 3.57mm x 2.63mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Modern bril...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.5 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Brilliant Elegant Sparkle Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
This is the level of specification that quietly signals connoisseurship to anyone who truly understands fine stones. Diamond shape & cut: Round cut Colour family: Brilliant White...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Blue Sapphire Diamond Aquamarine Stacking Rings, Petra Class 2024
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Stacking Ring Set hand-fabricated by jewelry maker Petra Class featuring gorgeous bezel-set diamond, emerald, sapphire, and aquamarine gemstones (listed below: top to b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Brown Diamond, Emera...
Antique and Vintage 3.22ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive 2 carat diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the sup...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carat Cushion Statement Fancy Colour-Collector’s Treasure Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1.5 carats, cushion, statement ring, diamond ring. A collector-facing piece where proportion and light return are treated as non-negotiable.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Round mixed Content 0.38 carat Dimensions 4.60mm x 2.81mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old European roun...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Bvlgari Marquise Diamond Bombe Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
An extremely beautiful vintage Bvlgari marquise diamond bombe ring set in platinum. The ring is centrally set with a single marquise diamond stone, bezel set in a stylized polished ...
Diamond, Platinum
18K Rose Gold Ring with 0.80 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
With plain shank & bezel halo with 0.80 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold 2 stones baguette cut diamonds 0.10ct each 3 stones princess cut diamonds 0.19ct each Size: 5
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.04 Carat Asscher Statement Brilliant Gold Graceful Brilliance Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1.04 carats, asscher, statement ring, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos.
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950s Black Onyx and 1.68 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive black onyx and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold The pierced decorated, three dimensional Art Deco style frame is ornamented with a feature be...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Pigeon Blood Rubies
Located in Vannes, FR
Details Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 5 grams Ring Size: EU 55 (resizable) Gemstones: Diamonds (2) Cut: Oval Color: E (Exceptional White) Dimensions: approx. 5 mm x 3.2 mm Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1940s Purple Star Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14k Rose Gold
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Electronically tested 14k rose gold custom cast purple star sapphire and diamond ring. The featured purple star sapphire is set within a diamond bezel, supported by diamond set shoul...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified 5.51 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Wonderful oval 5.51 carat certified natural deep blue sapphire and diamond engagement ring. Mounted in its original 1950's bezel platinum platinum setting with a filigree crown.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
14k Solid Gold Natural Diamond Stacking Ring in Minimalist Eternity
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Round Country of Origin: India Total Carat Weight: 0.24 ctw & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Band, Charm, Cocktail Base Metal: Gold Band Thickness: 1.5mm Ap...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,800Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brilliant diamond at its center, securely set in a sleek bezel setting for a clean, elegant look.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 1.35 Carat Chrysoberyl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Chrysoberyl Quality Cut Cabochon Content 1.35 carats Dimensions 6.65mm x 5.97mm x 4.01mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Old European round...
Diamond, Chrysoberyl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
14k Yellow & White Gold 0.37ctw Sapphire w/ Diamond Wavy Freeform Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Burnish Set - G/H Color - SI1/SI2 Clarity - 0.12ctw (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Pear Cut - Bezel Set - Da...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Pico Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Center sapphire is GIA certified. Diamonds are G in color and VS2 in clarity. Center stone is mounted in a handmade basket prong setting and side diamonds are mounted in bezel settin...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Deco 1930 Solitaire Ring in Two Tone 18kt Gold with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: 1930's Style: Art Deco Metal: 18Kt Yellow & White Gold Stone: Natural Diamonds Ring size: 5 1/2 (sizable).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Two Tone Round Diamond Ring in Brushed 18 Karat Gold & Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Side Diamond Color: F–G Side Diamond Clarity: VS1–VS2 Total Diamond Stone Count: 5 Ring Size: 5.5 Ring Band Width: 2.7mm Total Weight: 6 Grams Stamped: 750 Estate Condition: Very goo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
EGL Certified .60 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Round bezel set fancy yellow diamond engagement ring. EGL certified center stone set in a 14k yellow gold crown with a 14k yellow gold setting, accented with 4 tapered baguette cut d...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, White Gold
3.07 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring VVS 18K Gold Crystal-Clear Grandeur
Located in Mumbai, IN
Collectors often describe this specification as ‘comfortable to live with’ – elegant for evening, but equally convincing in daylight and everyday settings. Diamond shape & cut: E...
Diamond, 18k Gold
4.3 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Brilliant White 18K Gold Everyday Royalty
Located in Mumbai, IN
This is the level of specification that quietly signals connoisseurship to anyone who truly understands fine stones. Diamond shape & cut: Cushion cut Colour family: Brilliant Whi...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Gold Fancy Yellow and Pink Diamond Ring by MWM Goldsmithing
Located in Venice, CA
The stone is flanked by two deep pink diamonds flush mount into the band.
Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.60ct Diamond Twist Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The hallmarks to the exterior of the shank include the 18k fineness mark (18k) and the maker's mark 'LK.' This 1900s ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15 Carat eachAshoka cut Brilliant Eternity Band l Brilliance Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
The result is a jewel that feels ‘finished’ to the eye – beautifully resolved rather than simply high on paper grades. Diamond shape & cut: Round cut Colour family: Brilliant Whi...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
French 1.90 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The elevated ring shoulders are each set with a single bezel set trillion cut diamond, integrating with the main setting and blending with the plain ring shank.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.01 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Quiet Power Modern Classic
Located in Mumbai, IN
Diamond shape & cut: Emerald Cut cut Colour family: Emerald Green Clarity profile: On Request Approximate total carat weight: 4.01 carats Metal & finish: 18K Gold (other gold...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1929 Ring 1ct Blue Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold / ØUS6.5 /1.85gr
Located in SE
Crown is 9 mm x 9 mm x 4.75 mm deep with top in Platinum with bezel set lab made Blue square cut 5 mm x 5 mm x 4 mm deep / ca 1 ct accented with 12 rose cut Diamonds Ø 0.75 mm / ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cartier Signed Art Deco Colombian Emerald Onyx & Diamond Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Cocktail Ring Design Style: Art Deco Halo Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 5, (adjustable) Ring Face: 14mm Setting Style: Bezel and Channel Shank Style: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Fancy-Cut 3.96 carat Morganite & Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Martha Seely
Located in Carlisle, MA
Details: Designer: Martha Seely Gemstone: Morganite, 3.96 carats Cut: Fancy German cut by Alexander Kreis Accent Stones: 5 round brilliant diamonds, 0.15 total carat weight Metal: 18...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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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.