Antique Ring natural 0.8ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø7 US / 5gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1929 Ring 1ct Blue Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold / ØUS6.5 /1.85gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
18k White Gold Princess Colombian Emeralds Cts 0.29 Round Diamond Cts 0.22 Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Crafted in 18k white gold (3.74 grams), this engagement ring features 60 round diamonds totaling 0.22 cts and 5 princess-cut emeralds weighing 0.29 cts, sourced from Zambia.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 5.00 Carat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Introducing the Peter Suchy GIA Certified 5.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Platinum engagement ring. This stunning piece is meticulously crafted to perfection, featuring a vibrant 5.00 ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Diamond & Blue Sapphire Filigree Navette Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The intricate, layered composition stacks old European and old mine cut diamonds vertically along the face of the ring, their antique faceting producing a warm, romantic sparkle that...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
An Art Deco 3.3ct Colombian Emerald And Diamond Ring Circa 1930
Located in Firenze, IT
Ring centered with an oval emerald approximately 3.3ct in a multi-lobed frame set with old-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Gold With 0.60 Cwt Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds: Mounted in prongs settings, with 5 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, with an estimate weight of about 0.10 carats, white colorless, F/G clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Gold With 1.10 Cwt Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds: Mounted in prongs settings, with 5 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, with an estimate weight of about 0.15 carats, white colorless, F/G clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Harry Winston Platinum & Antique Cushion Diamond Ring 11.56ctw GIA F/VS2
By Harry Winston
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are very pleased to present this truly remarkable and rare vintage GIA Certified Harry Winston Platinum & Antique-Style Cushion Cut Natural Diamond Ring. This exceptional Harr...
Diamond, Platinum
2.28 Carat Australian Black Opal, Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A one-of-a-kind, beautiful addition to any fine jewelry wardrobe! Ring size 5-3/4; complimentary sizing as needed Australian Black Opal, 11.50 x 7.77 x 5.01mm, 2.28 carats 64 roun...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian Gold & Silver Old Diamond w/ Pearls Hand Engraved Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
**Antique Edwardian Diamond Pearl 5 Stone Band Ring, With Hand Engraving Wheat Patterns.** --Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine & Old European Cut - Pave Set - Large...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1932 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6.75 / 3.96gr
Located in SE
Nine rose cut Diamonds, central stone is Ø 3mm / ca.0.11ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1917 Ring natural 2.3ct Aquamarine Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.25/ 2.9gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Platinum Baguette Diamond GIA Certified 11.01 Carat Australian Black Opal Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The opal is surrounded by a double row of professionally channel set and specially cut baguette diamonds. The bottom of the ring has amazing gallery work that is entirely pulled pla...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique Italian Halo Ring Sapphire Diamonds 12K Ø 7.75US / 4.2gr
Located in SE
Italian Halo Ring with natural Blue - Green Sapphire and 12 rose-cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold US 5.25 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Navette Ring 0.6ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver Ø7.5US/ 2 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, 14k Gold
$1,038Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Edwardian 14k Two Tone Gold Old European Diamond Filigree Repousse Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European & Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - White Nice Diamonds Total Carat Weight: 0.10 (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,833Sale Price / item|20% Off
6.38Ct Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo 14k White Gold Statement Engagement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
6.38Ct Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo 14k White Gold Statement Engagement Ring This stunning ring features a radiant oval-cut emerald gemstone, beautifully framed by a halo of sparklin...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.38Ct Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo 18k White Gold Statement Engagement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
6.38Ct Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo 18k White Gold Statement Engagement Ring This stunning ring features a radiant oval-cut emerald gemstone, beautifully framed by a halo of sparklin...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,095Sale Price|20% Off
3.6ct Statement Sphene Ring w Natural Diamond Accents in 14K Gold CU 9x7mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Make a bold impression with this striking 3.63 carat cushion-cut sphene ring, set in solid 14k real gold. Brilliant earth-mined diamonds frame the fiery gemstone, creating a one-of-a...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1916 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US7/ 2.2gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Ruby Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful bright red 1.03 carat round Burma ruby and diamond three stone ring. This ruby is certified by the GIA as simple heat with country of origin being Myanmar mine known tor th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Alliance Ring natural 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø8.25US
Located in SE
Fine Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Green Gold band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Sugar Loaf Blue .75 Carat Sapphire Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1920's Art Deco handmade sapphire and diamond engagement ring. GIA certified round, sugar loaf center sapphire, mounted in a platinum setting with a triple pave diamond cluster halo ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1967 Nordic Alliance Wedding Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.25/ 3.1gr
Located in SE
Nordic Alliance Wedding Ring in solid 18K Gold with lane in White Gold or Platinum for 5 pave set diamond cut Diamonds Ø 1.75 mm / ca 0.02ct. each.
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose White Gold Ø US7.75 / 2.04gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 1ct Emerald 0.9 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.5 /4.7gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
1939 Ring natural 0.6ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS9 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Three Stones Ring decorated with natural Emerald stone and rose - cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring 1 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6 / 3.8gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Ring natural 7ctw Ruby Diamonds solid 9K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 4.4gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold
Antique Halo Ring 0.7ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Rose Gold Ø8US/ 2.85gr
Located in SE
Color Blue of medium intensity, demonstrates internal structure typical for natural stones. All Diamonds of old mine cut : 8 stones circa Ø 2.75 mm x 2mm deep / 0, 12 ct each + 2 on...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1954 Ring natural 0.45ct Sapphire 0.64 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS6.75 /2.43gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Mosaic Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 14K Gold Silver US6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Spinel, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Vinaigrette Perfume Ring Amethyst Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Ø 8US/ 5.55gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Halo Diamond GIA Certified 3.13 Carat Tsavorite Garnet Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Metal- 18K White Gold, 18K Yellow Gold, .750. Stones- GIA Certified Rectangular Cushion Cut Tsavorite Garnet 3.13 Carats, 70 Round Diamonds 1.35 G VS2-SI1...
Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
1929 Nordic Ring 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.5 US /3gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring featuring old diamond cut Diamonds arranged in fancy eye-shaped pattern.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.75ctw Emeralds 0.44ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Halo Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø4.5US /5gr.
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold ØUS6 / 3.3gr
Located in SE
Elegant Emerald and Diamonds European Ring with curved band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural emerald cut Emerald stone 5 mm x 4.55 mm x 3.15 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct of deep...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
1939 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum Ø 3US / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Alliance Ring 1.3 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø5.25US/2.9gr
Located in SE
Fine old German Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 1 ctw. Sapphire 0.5ctw. Diamond 14K ØUS6.75 /6.6gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Ring Blue Spinel 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø 8US / 5.7gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 3 Diamonds 1ctw. solid 18K Gold Silver Ø7.5 US /2.9gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Halo Ring 1.25ct Bi-color Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Platinum Ø4.5US / 5.3gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Vintage Ring natural 1ct Yellow Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.75/2.35gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique European Ring 2ctw Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø5.5 US/ 6.7gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring decorated with 24 old diamond cut Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique German Ring Emerald Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.75US / 3gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Nordic Ring natural 5ctw Sapphire 0.6ct Diamond 18K Gold ØUS8.25 /4.53gr
Located in SE
All Sapphires of cornflower color variety: show flaws, inclusions, and color banding typical for naturals. Total weight of the stones ca. 5 ctw. Old European cut Diamond Ø 5mm x 2.75...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4.5 /5.35gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct greenish Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural 0.4 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US5 / 2gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 0.4ct Emerald 0.4ct. Diamond 14K Gold Ø5.75/2.2g
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring natural 0.8 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø7.5US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antiquee Ring 0.3ct Emerald 0.4ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6.25 /3.2g
Located in SE
Emerald stone is accented with 26 old diamond-cut cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique German Ring natural 0.65ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Silver Ø US6.5 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
Old German Ring, the band in solid 14K Yellow Gold (tested) with shoulders and top of the crown in Silver holding bezel set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 5 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca ...
Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold
Art Deco German Ring Diamonds solid 14K White Gold Ø US5 / 1.55 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Marks of the year on this ring V7 = made in 1923. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 5 mm x 1.8 mm deep / ca. 0.65 ct , color is medium Rose Red , demonstrates in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1917 Halo Ring Natural 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 2.4gr
Located in SE
The central stone is marquise cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 12 old diamond cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique European Halo Ring 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US10.25 /4.6g
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Silver, 18k 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.”
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.