Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.0 carats with Ruby 4.63 carats and Diamond 1.29 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
2010s Thai More Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.0 carats with Ruby 4.63 carats and Diamond 1.29 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Three Stone Diamond and Natural Ruby Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is s rare Three Stone Diamond and Ruby Ring .with 80 Carat Old Mine cut diamond flanked by 2
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage Ruby Diamond Studded Band Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Monica, California is studded on its top with alternating rubies and diamonds, circa 1970s-80s. It is a
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 6.25- This lovely ring
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1940s Retro Ruby and Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold and Palladium
Located in Wailea, HI
1940's Retro Ruby and Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold and Palladium Nineteen Round Rubies weighing 2.30
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Palladium
Cabochon Ruby with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 2.16 carats with Ruby 3.57 carats and Diamond 0.57 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby with Diamond and Black Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.75 carats, Diamond 1.01 carats with Black Diamond 1.10 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.74 carat with Diamond 1.02 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.75 carats with Diamond 0.94 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.09 carats with Ruby 1.98 carats and Diamond 0.25 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Ruby, Black Diamond with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.32 carats, Black Diamond 2.07 carats with Diamond 0.36 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Vintage GIA 1.25 Carat Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
: Thailand Treatment(s): Heated Accent Stone: 32 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Weight: Approximately .80
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.74 carats with Diamond 0.18 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.77 carats with Diamond 0.10 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 3.66 carats, Ruby 3.31 carats with Diamond 0.15 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 7.60 carats with Diamond 1.35 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Ruby and Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Star Sapphire 29.64 carats, Ruby 9.37 crats with Brown Diamond 0.89 carat Ring set in 18
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco style 1.11 carat transitional cut diamond ruby platinum cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This modern Art Deco-inspired platinum cluster ring showcases a 1.11 carat transitional cut diamond
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Marquise Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.04 carats with Diamond 0.43 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 0.6 cm
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18K Ruby Pave Diamond Bypass Large Cocktail Ring 4.53cttw Sz 7.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Vs2-Si1 clarity rounds diamonds and channel set with approximately 2.53cttw in bright, natural rubies
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
GIA Certified Heart Shape Burmese Ruby, Sapphire with Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bangkok, TH
Burmese Ruby 3.01 carats, Blue Sapphire 2.21 carats from Madagasgar with Baguette Diamond 1.25
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified Burmese Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Burmese Ruby 2.25 carats with Diamond 2.77 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings (GIA Certified
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Gold Ring with Sapphire, Ruby and Vivid Yellow Diamonds.
Located in San Antonio, TX
Diamonds (2 cts approx). Circa 80's.
18k Gold
Opal, Ruby with Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 2.56 carats, Ruby 1.22 carats with Brown Diamond 1.32 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Brown Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Andy Gotz Ruby Diamond Contour Cluster Cocktail Band White Gold 14k 4.60ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heated Carat(s): 4.50ctw Cut: Round
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
GRS Certified Unheated Ruby with Diamond Jacket Ring in 18 Karat Rose/White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.74 carats with Diamond 0.92 carats Ring set I 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings (GRS Certified
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Emerald Pave Diamond Bypass Large Cocktail Ring 4.30cttw Sz 7.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
emeralds. It’s such a look! Dimensions/Weight: Ring measures .80” top to bottom and weighs 15.5g. Size
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold
Solid 18K Gold Chunky 80s Tanzanite and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Valentina Fine Jewellery
Located in Sai Kung District, HK
Our take on the 80s fine jewellery featuring a solid chunky gold ring setting. Beautiful Tanzanite
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Baguette Jewellery 14K Yellow Gold Pinky Ring with Diamonds and Ruby
Located in Teşvikiye, 34
Baguette Jewellery 14K Yellow Gold Pinky Ring with Diamonds and Ruby Jewellery is an expression of
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Baguette Jewellery 14K Yellow Gold Alessa Ring with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon
Located in Teşvikiye, 34
Baguette Jewellery 14K Yellow Gold Alessa Ring with Diamonds and Ruby Cabochon Jewellery is an
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro Three-Stone .12 Carat Diamond Ring .33 Carat Ruby
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautiful Retro ruby and diamond 3-stone Antique Engagement or Fashion ring features a .12ct
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
14k white gold ruby and diamond ring featuring 9 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Band Vintage 80s 18k Yellow Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond band (circa 1980s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Cabochon and
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Vintage Rhombus Ring Diamond Ruby 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Jewelry Sz 5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond 7 ruby cocktail ring (circa 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1940's Retro Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby and Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Retro platinum ring with aquamarine, diamonds, and rubies. The ring has a rectangular-cut
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Raymond Yard 1930's Retro Diamond, Ruby and Platinum Ribbon Ring
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
An American Retro platinum ring with diamonds and rubies by Raymond Yard. The crossover ring has 8
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Cushion Ruby & Diamond Bombe Ring in 18k Yellow Gold - GIA
Located in Orlando, FL
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Bombe Ring with GIA Certified Ruby & Diamonds – 1970s/80s Bold and
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Ruby Diamond Design Fashion Statement Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
14K White Gold 1 Oval Ruby at 1.45 Carats - Measuring 7.9 x 6.1 mm 80 Round Rubies at 0.54 Carats
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 14k Gold
Retro 2 carat total weight diamond ruby 18k yellow gold tank ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold Retro tank ring in 18k yellow gold features a dazzling 0.80-carat old European diamond
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Arcese Rome Diamonds, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald Gold Trio Of Bangle Bracelets
Located in Napoli, NA
diamonds. Made around the 80s by the manufacturer Arcese, whose trademark "280 Roma", is known for his
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
calibre-cut rubies with an approximate total weight of .80 carat. Circa 1920's. Ring size 6-1/4; this
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This stunning ring includes natural Oval faceted natural 1 carat red ruby center. It is surrounded
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow-White Gold
Located in Addison, TX
This stunning ring includes an oval faceted natural 0.50 carat red ruby center. It is surrounded by
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby, Black Diamond with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.74 carats, Black Diamond 2.13 carats with Diamond 0.59 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Ruby and Diamond Panther Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 0.52 carat with Ruby 0.07 carat and Diamond 0.11 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby Diamond Ring 1.10ct Platinum Antique Original 1930's Vintage
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from the 1930's Ruby Diamond Ring 1.10ct Platinum Art Deco Featuring a
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Multi-Stone Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This Multi-Stone ring is set with a central Diamond weighing .80 ct, 0.30 ct of pavè diamonds, 1 ct
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Decorative Vintage Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
West until the end of the 19th century, and diamond rings didn't become common until the 1930s. Now, 80
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, P...
10.50 Carat Ruby Cabochon and Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
10.50 Carat Oval-shaped Ruby Cabochon and 0.64 Carat White Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Large rose cut diamond diameter 10mm×8mm in octagon shape excellent spark white color no inclousion with total estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats centered in 14k gold solitaire ri...
Rainbow Galaxy Confetti Cigar Band, 8.5mm 14K Yellow Gold, Genuine Gemstones
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
This lovely rainbow confetti ring is dripping with 1.36 carats of sapphires, rubies, and tsavorites and makes a bold statement as a cigar band. All the genuine gemstones are like a ...
Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,751 / item
Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring....
Garnet, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 8.50 Ct Round Cut Fancy Color Diamond Men's Ring
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 8.50 ct Round Cut Fancy Color Diamond Solitaire Men's Ring 8.50 fancy yellowish brown round cut center diamond set in 18k gold hexagon motif band. Ring Size: 5.75 R...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Certified 2.10 Ct Ceylon NO Heat .70 Ct Diamond Gent Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding antique 1930 circa ring has been individually hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold It is a classy three stone ring suitable for either sex, fascinating band boasting thr...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$878Sale Price / item|22% Off
Genuine Diamond Stardust Unisex Band Ring in 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Diamond Stardust Unisex Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 0.057 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. April birthstone diamond brings...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Epoque Colombian Certified Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Antique 18Kt rose Gold and silver Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with a stunning oval natural emerald, accented by an halo of sparkling old mine cut diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby & Diamond Band Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1890
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gypsy Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Hallmarked Birmingham 1890 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct yellow gold Victorian gypsy ring, a true embodiment of timeless eleg...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents. This ring is set with a faceted oval 7.0mm x 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$808Sale Price / item|23% Off
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with emeralds and diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
1930 Nordic Ring 5ct Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø7.75US/4.4gr
Located in SE
Nordic Cluster Ring set with claw set oval cut natural untreated Sapphire flanked with 4 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum pave settings on solid 18K Yellow Gold. Swedish ring, h...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Pink Red Ruby Oval Cut 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ellipse Ring 50
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Vivid Red Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with a vivid red ruby. Fine jewellery houses like Cartier only use the finest of ge...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari, Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Rubelite Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This classic ring by Bulgari features a gorgeous oval cabochon rubelite measuring approximately 10.20 x 7.80 x 4.85 mm and weighing 4.15 carats. Mounted in 18 karat yellow gold in a ...
Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Bulgari pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s
By Bulgari
Located in Addlestone, GB
Vintage beautiful BULGARI Vintage Pink Tourmaline ring Circa 1980s 18ct yellow gold, set with an oval cut pink tourmaline of approximately 2.15 carats, signed Bulgari and numbered, ...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Vintage Cartier Diamond Ruby Daphne 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Domed Ring EU50
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Diamond & Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Daphne Ring. Stunning yellow gold Cartier ring set with a beautiful 4mm centre diamond with F/G Colour and VVS clarit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 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.
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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.