1.89 carat Oval Cut Emerald Diamond Eternity Wedding Band in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A fascinating gemstone wedding band 9 stone style showcasing lush green 5 oval cut emeralds weighing 1.89 carats total, alternating to these emeralds are 4 oval cut brilliant colorle...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.10 carat Oval Cut Sapphire Diamond Eternity Wedding Band in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A fascinating gemstone wedding band 9 stone style showcasing 5 oval cut royal blue sapphires weighing 3.10 carats total, alternating to these blue sapphires are 4 oval cut brilliant...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$963Sale Price / item|44% Off
Natural Tanzanite 14k Gold Ring, Tanzanite Diamond Engagement Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
December Birthstone Ring. 14k Tanzanite Wedding Ring. Tanzanite Bridal Ring.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
$742Sale Price / item|24% Off
Multi-Cut Moissanite 14k gold Wedding Band
Located in Istanbul, TR
Marquise moissanite gold ring. Cluster Moissanite Wedding Band. Metal: 14k gold Weight: 2 gr depends from size Moissanite: 3 pieces marquise cut, 0.30 ct, D/VS Moissanite: 4 pieces,...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,926Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald and Diamonds 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring. Emerald engagement ring. Oval emerald ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$34,400Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 4 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Details Brand: Cartier Type: Eternity Band Ring Metal: 950 Platinum Signed: Cartier, numbered, JC, 950, UK hallmarks Ring Size: UK / London size 6 Top Measurements: approx. 5 m...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$963Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring. Emerald engagement ring. Oval emerald ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
$963Sale Price / item|44% Off
Emerald and diamonds 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Central gemstone: Emerald: oval shape, green color, Si (transparent with inclusions) clarity, 1 piece approx 0.80 ct Diamonds: G/VS1, brilliant cut, weight: 0.08 ct. 💍This ring wil...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
$808Sale Price|20% Off
14k Solid Gold Floral Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Floral Diamond Ring Designer Fashion Diamond Ring Modern Design Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Material: 14K Rose Gold, Natural Diamond, Ge...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$963Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal and Diamonds 14k Gold Ring. Round Halo Opal Gold Ring!
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Halo Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14 Karat Gold. Opal gold ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$900Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Ruby & Sapphire Five Stone Stackable Band Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone ring features vibrant round and baguette-cut natural rubies and round blue sapphires totaling 0.52 carats, set in 14k white gold.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$876Sale Price / item|24% Off
Oval moissanite 14k gold semi eternity wedding band
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval moissanite 14k gold semi eternity wedding band. Oval Cut Half Eternity Band. Stackable, Matching Moissanite Band. 3x2mm Oval Moissanite ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$876Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Multi-Gemstone Five-Stone Ring in 14K White Gold Everyday Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist five-stone ring features five round & baguette cut vibrant natural multi gemstones totaling 0.55 carats, set in 14K white gold.
Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond 'Daisy' Ring in 18 Karat Gold & Platinum
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Ring size - 54/N.5/7 Marked - '18Ct PLAT' Total diamond weight - 3.24 carat Total weight of piece - 5.93 grams
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,052Sale Price / item|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring, Ringed with Diamonds in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- > Material - 18K Solid White Gold > Gemstone - Blue Sapphire > Gemstone Weight - 0.7 ct > Stone Shape - Pear > Stone pcs - 1 > Stone Size - 7 x 5 mm > Diamond...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,416Sale Price|20% Off
14K Solid Gold Diamond Signet Pinky Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Shape: Round Handmade: Yes Total Carat Weight: : 0.24 & Under Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Band, Beaded, Charm, Cocktail, Crisscross, Dome, Double Finger, Eternity, Fu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Natural 6cts Ruby & 0.65cts Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Gemstone : Natural Ruby ★Stone Shape : Oval ★Stone Weight: 5-6ct approx ★ Stone Color: Pink DIAMOND DETAILS : ✦ Diamond Type : Natural ✦ Diamond Weight : 0.65 Carats FOLLOW US O...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$963Sale Price / item|44% Off
Halo Sapphire Ring with Diamonds in 14 Karat Gold, Sapphire Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Central gemstone: Sapphire: round shape, blue, Si (transparent with inclusions) clarity, 1 piece approx 0.45- 0.50 ct Diamonds: G/VS1, brilliant cut, weight: 0.10 ct. 💍This ring i...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
$963Sale Price / item|44% Off
Halo Amethyst Ring with Diamonds in 14 Karat Gold, Amethyst Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Halo Amethyst Ring with Diamonds in 14 Karat Gold. Amethyst gold ring.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$758Sale Price / item|24% Off
Full Eternity U Prong Set Wedding 14k gold Band
Located in Istanbul, TR
💍Processing time for custom item take: 5-7 working days. 💍It could be done in any size 💍Color and type of the stones could be changed 💍Made in Solid 14K Gold, in your choice of c...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Statement Engagement Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14K yellow gold and .75 carat 5-Z natural mined diamond ring. Round stone solitaire ring on thick gold band.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$682Sale Price / item|24% Off
Pear & Marquise Shape Moissanites Curved 14k gold Wedding Band
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear & Marquise Shape Moissanites Curved 14k gold Wedding Band. Stackable Half Eternity Band. Moissanite Wedding Band Bridal. Vintage chevron engagement ring. Metal: 14k gold Weight...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1938 Maier 's Ring 2 in 1 solid 18K + 14K Gold Ø7.5US / 5 gr.
Located in SE
This particularly applies to pieces with enamel, pearls, opals, and delicate filigree but even diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken.
18k Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 3.02ct GIA Certified Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in London, England
The true beauty of this piece lies in the design and the focal point, which is the stunning diamond. The simplicity of this engagement ring allows the wearer to admire the stone to i...
Diamond, Platinum
14k White Gold Natural Round Brilliant Diamonds Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold Natural Round Brilliant Diamonds Ring Diamond Details: This ring features approximately 0.50 ctw of 5 natural round brilliant diamonds in a U-prong setting across the...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum AIG Graded Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring and Band
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies Platinum Wedding Ring Set With Diamonds. Marked Platinum And Weighs 8.5 Grams.
Diamond, Platinum
14k Diamond Cluster ring. Graduated 1ctw diamonds in 2 rows prong set band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1990s Size: 5 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Mid-century Beautiful 14k TWO row Diamond Cluster ring / wedding b...
Diamond
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
2.5 Carat Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold 6.0 Grams Ring
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 2.5 Carat Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold 6.0 Grams Ring Brilliant round cut diamonds Diamond SI to VS quality and I/H Color This is a very affordabl...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Pinky Vintage Luxury Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Natural Round-Cut Ruby Ruby Size: Approximately 5 mm Ruby Weight: Approximately 0.65 Carats Accent Stones: 10 Round Brilliant-Cut Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Graduated Diamond Demi-Alliance Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Details: • Period: Contemporary • Style: Demi-alliance / half-eternity • Metal: 18K yellow gold (750‰) • Diamonds: 9 brilliant-cut diamonds, total approx. 0.20 ct • Setting...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 9.40 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Provident
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
The diamond is elegantly set within a cathedral mounting, thoughtfully engineered to allow a wedding band to sit perfectly flush against the ring.
Diamond, Platinum
$5,647Sale Price / item|20% Off
0.91ct Oval Diamond Engagement Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Enhancing its allure is the impeccable clarity of the diamond, graded as SI (Slightly Included), ensuring that the stone is free from any visible imperfections to the naked eye, allo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.02 Carat Oval Diamond Halo Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Oval diamond halo two tone engagement ring. This ring is set with a 1.02ct oval diamond center stone that is acccented by a halo of twelve full cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Natural 2.24cts Emerald & 0.70cts Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
STONE DETAILS : ✦ Stone: Emerald ✦ Stone Type : Natural ✦ Stone Size : 6x4mm ✦ Stone Shape : Oval cut ✦ Number of stones : 5 ✦ Stone Weight : 2-3 carats ✦ Stone Grade : AAA DIAMOND ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$987Sale Price / item|24% Off
0.5 ct Round diamond moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
0.5 ct Round diamond moissanite 14k gold ring. Classic moissanite engagement ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,183Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Long Ring 14k Gold Full Finger Bridal Jewelry
Located in Chicago, IL
The original tags may not be attached. Main Stone Creation: Natural Gross Weight: as per ring size approx 5 grm to 8 grm Occasion: Wedding Fancy Diamond Color: Gold Sizable: Yes Ring...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,960Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Ring for Father
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Emerald Gemstone Weight - 0.48 cts Stone Shape - Square Gemstone Pcs - 5 Stone Size - 2.7 mm Diamond Weight - 0.21 ct...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
.25 Carat Total Weight Platinum Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.9grams Diamond Details: Weight: .25ct, total Cut: Old European brilliant Color: F-G Clarity: VS Finger to Top of ...
Platinum
$963Sale Price / item|44% Off
Topaz Ring with Diamonds in 14 Karat Gold, Sky Blue Topaz 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Halo topaz Ring with Diamonds in 14 Karat Gold. Topaz gold ring.
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
Antique 2.62 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique platinum solitaire ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card fo...
Diamond, Platinum
$799Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond 0.6 Carat Traditional Ring/Band 14 Karat White Gold, Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Center stone is approximately 25 pointer while the side diamonds are approximately 20-25 points This is a Engagement ring from our affordable wedding collection.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Natural Diamond Broad Diamond Band Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★MATERIALS★ Stone: Diamond Shape: Marquise Carat: 1.35ct Color: FGH Clarity: SI Stone: Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 0.69ct Color: FGH Clarity: SI ★THE METAL★ 14k Solid Gold Availabl...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond in 14K Yellow Gold Band Open Bar Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Additional information: Metal: Yellow Gold Shape: Round Handmade: Yes Country of Origin: India Country/Region of Manufacture: India Style: Band, Beaded, Charm, Cocktail, Crisscross, ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$512Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K White Gold Flower Citrine Halo Diamond Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- > Material - 14K Solid White Gold > Gemstone - Citrine > Gemstone Weight - 0.78 ct > Gemstone pcs - 1 > Gemstone shape - Oval > Gemstone size - 7 x 5 mm > Diamo...
Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
14k Solid Gold Tiny Diamond Skinny Dainty Ring Minimalist
Located in Chicago, IL
Number of Diamonds: 5 Antique: No Shape: Round Occasion: Anniversary, Birthday, Christening, Christmas, Confirmation/Communion, Engagement, Father's Day, Graduation, Mother's Day, Va...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A beautiful GIA certified emerald cut diamond three stone ring set in platinum. This sparkly piece is centrally set with a 2.54 carat emerald cut diamond which is securely four claw...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 'Solitaire 1895' Diamond Engagement Ring, Platinum 0.51 Carat
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier 'Solitaire 1895' diamond engagement ring, platinum 0.51 carat. From the Cartier ‘Solitaire 1895’ collection, this ring is set with a 0.51 carat round brilliant cut diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2.73 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive 1960s 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 supporting st...
Diamond, Platinum
2.5 Carat Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold 12.8 Grams Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a very affordable ring from our affordable wedding collection. These ring is made with 12.8 grams of 18 Karat white gold Ring size is 6.5 It’s very hard to capture the...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Inspired Asscher Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in London, England
Due to the design, the ring could easily be paired/stacked against other rings such as a wedding and/or eternity band.
Diamond, Platinum
Teardrop Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Bright Green Classic Three Stones Australian Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$19,076Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.51Ct Natural Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 18K Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Exquisite 1.51 carat natural emerald cut diamond solitaire ring, hand-set in radiant 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 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
$560Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dainty Two Stone Amethyst By Pass Ring Gift for Her in 14k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Dainty Two Stone Amethyst By Pass Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural amethyst of 0.5 carats and diamonds of 0.1 carats.
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 14K Gold Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Garnet, Pearl Harem Ring
Located in Venice, CA
The silver has an excellent patina that offsets the stones against the silver tarnish. The first harem rings were worn as wedding bands in Turkey, but gained popularity in the West...
Diamond, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$1,948Sale Price / item|20% Off
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
1.60 Ctw Cluster Diamond Ring Half-Eternity Band 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Product Details Metal Type: 14k Gold Diamond Type: Natural Diamond Carat Total Weight (ctw): 1.60 ctw Total Number of Stones: 17 pcs Diamond Cut: Round, Baguette, Marquise Size of S...
Diamond, 14k 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.