18K White Gold Frances Petite Curve Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Petite curve ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds Micro-Prong-Set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone ...
Diamond, White Gold
18k Rose Gold Frances Petite Curve Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Petite curve ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds Micro-Prong-Set. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
18k White Gold Valerie Micro-Prong Diamond Ring '2/5 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
14k White Gold Alina "U" Shape Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features thirteen (13) perfectly matched brilliant round diamonds set on top of a 2 mm band. The "U" shaped shared prongs are delicate to enhance the diamond's brilliance. ...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Alina "U" Shape Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features thirteen (13) perfectly matched brilliant round diamonds set on top of a 2 mm band. The "U" shaped shared prongs are delicate to enhance the diamond's brilliance. ...
Diamond, White Gold
14k Rose Gold Alina "U" Shape Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features thirteen (13) perfectly matched brilliant round diamonds set on top of a 2 mm band. The "U" shaped shared prongs are delicate to enhance the diamond's brilliance. ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Alina "U" Shape Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features thirteen (13) perfectly matched brilliant round diamonds set on top of a 2 mm band. The "U" shaped shared prongs are delicate to enhance the diamond's brilliance. ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Alina "U" Shape Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features thirteen (13) perfectly matched brilliant round diamonds set on top of a 2 mm band. The "U" shaped shared prongs are delicate to enhance the diamond's brilliance. ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18k Rose Gold Alina "U" Shape Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This ring features thirteen (13) perfectly matched brilliant round diamonds set on top of a 2 mm band. The "U" shaped shared prongs are delicate to enhance the diamond's brilliance. ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
2.05 Ct Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold 5 stone Emerald Engagement Band
Located in Jaipur, IN
Celebrate everlasting love with this breathtaking 14K Yellow Gold Five Stone Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring, masterfully crafted with 2.05 carats of natural Zambian emeralds and...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Decô Ring Ct 5, 54 of Zambia Emerald and Diamonds
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exclusive Art Deco design in 18k gold with Zambia emerald ct 5,54 and two side diamonds emeralds cut 0,70 E-F/VS and round brilliant cut ct 1,20 E-F/VS. Handmade by artisan golds...
18k Gold
0.14 CT Natural Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring Size 5
By Unbranded
Located in Los Angeles, CA
100% Authentic, 100% Customer Satisfaction Band Width: 1.7 mm Size: 5 Metal:18K Yellow Gold Hallmarks: 18K Total Weight: 1.4 Grams Stone Type: 0.14 CT Natural Diamond Clarity: VS2-I...
18k Gold
5ct SSEF-Gübelin Colombian No oil Emerald & Diamond Twin Ring - Collectors piece
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
An exceptional twin-stone ring showcasing the harmony of two of the world’s most coveted gemstones: a vivid Colombian emerald and a bright white diamond. At its heart lies a 5.53 car...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$2,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
5 Ct Oval Deep Blue Sapphire & Baguette Diamonds Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant engagement ring features a stunning 5-carat oval-cut deep blue sapphire as the centerpiece, securely held by four prongs. The sapphire is complemented by 0.27 carat roun...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 kt. White Gold Engagement Ring With Large 5 Ct Fancy Light Yellow Diamond
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 kt. White Gold 5.9 Ct Diamonds Engagement Ring With 5 Ct Large Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Center diamond: 5 Ct Fancy Light Yellow cushion cut Diamond Surrounding diam...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Dorota Delicate Organic Design Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite ring features five (5) round brilliant diamonds scattered on top of a delicate 1.2 mm band. A perfectly square Asscher cut diamond is placed in the center of this organic...
Diamond, White Gold
18k Rose Gold Dorota Delicate Organic Design Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite ring features five (5) round brilliant diamonds scattered on top of a delicate 1.2 mm band. A perfectly square Asscher cut diamond is placed in the center of this organic...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k White Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! ...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$1,021Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Rose Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K White Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! ...
Diamond, White Gold
$891Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Petite GIA French Pave Diamond Ring '1/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
From our signature French-Pave wedding band collection, this Petite ring features perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds throughout 75% of the shank. Experience the Difference! ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$38,500Sale Price|42% Off
NWT $67, 000 18KT Gold Gorgeous LARGE Fancy NATURAL 5CT Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT WHITE GOLD NATURAL LARGE SAPPHIRE DIAMOND RING. Ring is comprised a Large Finely Set Sparkling Fancy Shaped Sapphi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$232,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5Ct Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring & 20Ct. F/VS Tennis Necklace
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional high jewelry set featuring a GIA certified 5.07 carat Fancy Intense Yellow diamond paired with a 20 carat round brilliant diamond tennis necklace, offering a rare comb...
Yellow Diamond
18k Gold .5ct Diamond Dual Finish Spinning Center 9.9mm Wide Geometric Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (63) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G-I Color - VS1-SI2 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.50(approx.) Material: Solid 18K White Gold Weight: 1...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Eternity Milgrain Organic Design Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate and unique eternity band features sixteen round melee diamonds set in alternating shapes of round and pear crowns. The delicate Milgrain around the edges enhances the v...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Eternity Milgrain Organic Design Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate and unique eternity band features sixteen round melee diamonds set in alternating shapes of round and pear crowns. The delicate Milgrain around the edges enhances the v...
Diamond, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Eternity Milgrain Organic Design Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate and unique eternity band features sixteen round melee diamonds set in alternating shapes of round and pear crowns. The delicate Milgrain around the edges enhances the v...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Christa Three Row Eternity Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning eternity band features three rows of 130 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Center Gem...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K Rose Gold Christa Three Row Eternity Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning eternity band features three rows of 130 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Center Gem...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Christa Three Row Eternity Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning eternity band features three rows of 130 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Center Gem...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Christa Three Row Eternity Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning eternity band features three rows of 130 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Center Gem...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Christa Three Row Eternity Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning eternity band features three rows of 130 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Center Gem...
Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Christa Three Row Eternity Diamond Ring '4/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This stunning eternity band features three rows of 130 perfectly matched round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. Experience the difference in person! Product details: Center Gem...
Diamond, White Gold
Spectrum 10K White Gold 5-Ct Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Halo Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Design Style: Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Halo Statement Ring Item Code :- STR-2031 Gross Wt. :- 4.82 gm 10k Solid White Gold Wt. :- 3.63 gm Natural Diamond Wt. :- 0.94 Ct. ( AV...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
Medium Blue Vitreous Enamel Ring Floral Motif 18k Yellow Gold 5 Diamonds 0.03 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
VICTOR MAYER Medium Blue Vitreous Enamel Ring, Floral Motif, Merian Collection, 18k Yellow Gold, 5 Diamonds 0.03 ct About Victor Mayer Sensual, exotic, urbane and confident, Victor...
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Amazing Certified Ct 5, 32 of Colombia Emerald and Diamonds on Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite and fabulous ring in 18k gold with Colombia emerald ct 5,32, two side diamonds ct 0,52+ 0,51 , and around diamonds ct 0,40, F/VS(top quality). Handmade by artisan goldsm...
18k Gold
5ct Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Forget Me Knot Ring in 18ct Rose Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
5ct oval cut Forget Me Knot Ring in 18ct Rose gold Oval Cut Pink Tourmaline natural gemstone Round Brilliant cut diamonds FSI set either side of the setting Made to order * Custo...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$28,500Sale Price|40% Off
NWT $47, 500 Fancy Large 18KT Gold Glittering 5CT Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Large Ruby Diamond Ring. Ring is comprised of A Gorgeous Fancy Deep Pigeon Blood Ruby surrounded with Exquisi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Pave Diamond Signet Ring, Circa 1970, 1.60 ct Size 5
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage 18K Gold Pave Signet Diamond Ring This 18k white gold pave diamond ring weighs approximately 10.6 grams and showcases very nice quality white sparking princes cut diamonds 0....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Turqouise Vitreous Enamel Ring 18k White Gold 0, 5ct Solitaire 10 diamonds total
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Cocktail Collection Turqouise Vitreous Enamel Ring in White Gold with 0,5 ct Solitaire Diamond G/VS & 10 Diamonds 0,05 ct G/VS About Victor Mayer Sensual, exotic, urba...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring Vera Wang 1-1/5 CT TW 14K White Gold
By Vera Wang
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
This stunning pear shape diamond with glowing halo brings plenty of sparkle to this Vera Wang WISH Collection Diamond Engagement Ring. Presenting a 1/2-carat pear-shaped diamond outl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
VERA WANG Love Collection 14K W Gold 5/8 ct Princess Diamond Double Frame Ring
By Vera Wang
Located in Addison, TX
Details Weight: 5.5g Metal: White Gold Secondary Stone: Diamond Main Stone: Diamond Ring Size: 8 Main Stone Shape: Princess Base Metal: White Gold Main Stone Creation: Natural Signed...
White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Petite Marquise & Round Organic Design Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate ring features sixteen (16) Round brilliant diamonds and eight (8) Marquise shape diamonds set on a 1.2 mm wide band. This organically designed ring is sparkly and stack...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Petite Marquise & Round Organic Design Diamond Ring '2/5 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate ring features sixteen (16) Round brilliant diamonds and eight (8) Marquise shape diamonds set on a 1.2 mm wide band. This organically designed ring is sparkly and stack...
Diamond, White Gold
18k Rose Gold Petite Marquise & Round Organic Design Diamond Ring 2/5 Ct. Tw
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Delicate ring features sixteen (16) Round brilliant diamonds and eight (8) Marquise shape diamonds set on a 1.2 mm wide band. This organically designed ring is sparkly and stack...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$12,800Sale Price|60% Off
NWT $32, 000 Platinum 18KT Glittering 5CT Fancy Cognac Diamond Deco Style Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold and Platinum Elaborate Fancy Yellow Diamond White Diamond Deco Style Ring. Magnificent 3 Rare Large Sparkling...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
5ct Oval-Cut Swiss Blue Topaz & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
✨ Stone Details: Center Stone: Approx. 5ct natural oval-cut Swiss Blue Topaz (12 × 10.2mm) Side Stones: Approx. 0.22ct natural round-cut diamonds (1.2mm each) Diamond Quality: E...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.26 CT Natural Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Wedding 3/4 Band Ring Size 5
By Unbranded
Located in Los Angeles, CA
100% Authentic, 100% Customer Satisfaction Band Width: 1.6 mm Size: 5 Metal:14K Yellow Gold Hallmarks: 14K Total Weight: 1 Gram Stone Type: 0.26 CT Natural Diamond Clarity: VS2-I1 C...
14k Gold
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
5 Carat Pear Treated Ruby & 0.25 ct Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Size 4.5
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a truly stunning piece, behold the 5 Carat Oval Treated Ruby & 0.25 ct Diamond Ring in exquisite 14 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
18kt White Gold Semi Precious Stoned 15 Ct. Topaz and 5ct Diamond Pavé Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Beautiful semi precious stones and diamond pavé ring. The inside of the ring are 2 hearts engraved depicting the love of life and the love towards other people. Diamonds : ca. 5.02...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold
5ct Natural Diamonds Pear Shape Eternity Band 14kt Gold Ref 12327*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
5ct. Natural Diamonds eternity band Pear, Brilliant Cuts G color Vs-2 clarity Raised Prong Set 3.9 grams 5.2mm wide 3.5mm depth Size 6.25 and may not resize 14kt white gold $20,00...
Diamond, 14k Gold
5ct Oval Cut Autumn Tourmaline in Reef Knot Ring with Yellow Diamonds in 18k
Located in Brisbane, AU
Glamorously bold and unabashedly seductive. This showstopper ring features a glorious oval cut 5ct peach Tourmaline, embraced by powerful-golden ropes, converging to two knots on ei...
Yellow Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
5 Carat Blue Sapphire and 2 Ct Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat WY Gold Estate
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 5 Ct Blue Sapphire & 2 Ct Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold Estate Band is made out of Blue Sapphires.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique German Ring natural 5ct. Star Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Gold ØUS7.5/ 3gr
Located in SE
German Ring from ca 1920s -1930s with natural beautifully Purple natural Star Ruby stone 8.75mm x 7.75mm x 6mm /ca. 5 ct with minor flaws accented with 4 Diamonds.
Diamond, Star Ruby, 14k Gold
Cushion Cut Fancy Diamond ct. 5 GIA Certificate with Two Side Triangle Diamonds
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Cushion Cut Fancy Diamond ct. 5.03 GIA Certificate Ring White Gold with Two Side Triangle Diamonds. Elegant Ring with Unique Cushion Cut Brilliant Fancy Yellow Diamond VS2 ct. 5.03 s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.