18 K Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Unique 18 K Rose Gold Ring set with 90 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.84 ct, I color, si larity.
2010s German Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Unique 18 K Rose Gold Ring set with 90 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.84 ct, I color, si larity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K white Gold Pave Diamond Domed Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Ring is also available in 18 K yellow Gold! Condition: The overall condition of this piece is very good.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K white Gold Band Ring Emerald Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sporty, Elegant 18 K white Gold Band Ring set with central fine emerald cut Emerald weighing ca. 0.95 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat signet ring - Intaglio ring - 18 K solid gold gentleman ring - patina
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this wonderful signet ring. This 18 Karat handmade stunner is a real sign of nobility and status which is perfect to wear with your favourite statement outfit. Signet rin...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond Five Stone Ring, in 18 K Gold British Hallmarked 1896
Located in London, GB
This antique diamond five-stone ring is distinguished by its elegant graduated design and beautifully pierced gallery, a detail that reveals true craftsmanship and allows light to en...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Modern Sapphire Diamonds 18 K White Gold Wedding Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This timeless yellow gold half eternity ring is adorned on the top with three modern brilliant-cut diamonds and four round sapphire...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
$6,950 / item
18 K white Gold Pave Diamond Emerald Band Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sophisticated band ring crafted in 18 K white Gold, featuring 27 round Emeralds weighing 1.20 ct and 288 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 2.60 ct, H color, si clarity in a ref...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K white Gold Band Pave Ring Ruby Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sophisticated band ring crafted in 18 K white Gold, featuring 27 round Rubies weighing 1.40 ct and 288 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 2.60 ct, H color, si clarity in a refin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K rose Gold Amethyst Champagne Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
An impressive 18 K rose Gold Statement Ring featuring an oval Amethyst weiging approximately 19 ct and surrounded on the shoulders by 28 Champagne colored brown brilliant cut Diamond...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K yellow white brushed Gold band Ring Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Featuirng a stunning Ring in 18 K yellow and white textured and brushed Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K white Gold Ring Madeira Citrine and Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A striking 18 K white Gold Ring featuring an oval vivid orangy Madeira Citrine weighing approximately 5.50 ct and 44 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately 1.15 ct, G c...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K white Gold openwork filligree band Ring Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Show her you love her with this romantic diamond filigree anniversary ring. This scintillating openwork filigree ring is crafted in cool 18 K white Gold and is enhanced with the bril...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K yellow gold openwork filligree band Ring Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Show her you love her with this romantic diamond filigree anniversary ring. This scintillating openwork filigree ring is crafted in warm 18 K yellow Gold and is enhanced with the bri...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Band Ring Dimonds Gubelin Lucerne
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Timeless and elegant 18 K yellow Gold Band Ring featuring 38 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 1.34 ct, G color, vs clarity and 3 brown brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.25 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K Rose Gold Brown Diamond Pavé Band Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sophisticated band ring crafted in 18K rose gold, adorned with 89 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 3.68 carats of brown diamonds in a refined pavé setting. The warm tones of t...
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18 K white Gold Ring double Diamond Entourage Ruby Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Stunning 18 K white Gold Ring featuring a fancy cut natural Ruby weighing approximately 5 ct, surrounded by 2 rows of 36 round brillinat cut Diamonds weighing approximately 3.20 ct, ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Ring Gübelin Lucerne Peridot Diamonds
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Elegant 18 K yellow Gold Ring featuring a square cut fine Peridot weighing 3.65 ct.
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Extravagant Ring 18 K Rose Gold Hematite Smoky Quartz Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Extravagant and bold Ring in 18 K rose Gold featuring a kite shape Smoky Quartz embellished by small brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.28 ct.
Diamond, Hematite, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K rose Gold Pave Band Ring fancy Sapphire Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sophisticated band ring crafted in 18 K rose Gold, featuring 191 round fancy Sapphires in various pastel sahdes of pink weighing approximately 8 ct, and 10 round brilliant cut Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Ring Gubelin Lucerne Switzerland
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A timeless 18 K yellow Gold Ring featuring a Mabe pearl in a wide bezel setting.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K white Gold Art Déco style Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This beautiful 18 K white Gold Ring is inspired by the Art Déco period/style, the halo ring features round H color SI clarity brilliant cut Diamonds with a total weight of 1 ct and i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K yellow Gold Ring golden South Sea Pearl Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A sophisticated band ring crafted in 18 K yellow Gold, adorned with numerous round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.87 carats in a refined pavé setting.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K white Gold Aquamarine Diamond Band Ring by Gübelin
By Gubelin Lucerne
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A timeless and elegant 18 K white Gold Ring featuring a fine oval Aquamarine weighing 2.74 ct flanked by pave set Diamonds with a total weight of 0.65 ct, G color, vs clarity. 9.73 ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K rose Gold Statement Ring Citrine by Schubart Düsseldorf
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A large and impressive Ring, solidly handcrafted by the renowned Düsseldorf jeweler Schubart. With ist corners and edges and this light yellow rectangular Citrine, this Ring exudes c...
Citrine, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Ring Iris Flower Buds 18 K Yellow Gold Oriental Pearl France
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This finely modelled and extremely rare French Art Nouveau ring features two entwined irises and two flower buds surrounding a fine white oriental pearl. This elegant and harmoniousl...
Oriental Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K yellow Gold Vintage Ring with Onyx Ruby Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A unique Ring consisting of an inverted Onyx Cabochon that is set with 20 natural Rubies and 7 small brilliant cut Diamonds. Add a touch of Vintage glamour to any ensemble with this...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 K yellow & white Gold Band Ring Emarald Cabochon Diaomond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A modern 18 K yellow and white Gold Band Ring featruing a fine deep green Emerald Cabochon weighing approximately 2 ct and 32 round brilliant cut Diamonds weighing ca. 1.80 ct, G col...
Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K white Gold double halo blue Sappire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Surrounding the sapphire are 28 round brilliant cut Diamonds totaling ca.3.50 carats, G color, vs clarity enhancing the ring's brilliance and elegance. Crafted in 18 K white Gold , t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Pink Sapphire Ring Set In 18 K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage London Blue Topaz & Pink Sapphire Ring Set In 18 K Gold & Silver Natural Center Blue Topaz 16.00 Carat Natural Pink Sapphire 3.00 Carats This Ring is fro...
Pink Sapphire, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
18 K Rose Gold Ruby Diamond Pink Sapphire Tsavorite Butterfly Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Fantastic 18 K rose Gold Butterfly Ring. This butterfly is ready to take a flight covered with precious gems.
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K white Gold Band Ring Baguette Diamonds Paul Binder Zurich
By Paul Binder
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Clarity, minimalism and a simple elegance captivate with this Ring. The Ring consists of six individual Rings that are held together at the bottom by a clip. A very typical design by...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K white Gold VintagNatural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This wonderful Vintage 18 K white Gold Cocktail ring features a natural royal blue oval sapphire weighing ca. 1.02ct in a four claw, open back setting.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bold 18 K rose Gold italian Statement Ring Diamond and white Agate
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This beautifully designed Ring combines together 18 K rose Gold, 56 round brilliant cut diamonds and white fancy cut Agate into a stunning and bold ring.
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K yellow Gold Band Ring Onyx Coral Diamond by Péclard Zurich
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Attractive, sporty band ring in the typical Péclard Zurich Switzerland style, made in solid 18 K yellow Gold.
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K Vintage white Gold Diamon Cocktail Ring Burch & Korrodi Zurich Switzerland
By Meinrad Burch
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
A timeless and elegant 18 K white Gold Vintage Ring featuring a round old mine cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.85 ct, I color, si clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K Rose Gold Cluster Ring Tanzanite Pink Sappire Blue Sapphire Diamond
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Set in 18 K rose Gold. Dimensions: 2.1 cm x 1.80 cm Weight: 6.55 grams.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Belle Époque Diamond Platinum 18 K Natural Oriental Pearl Bridal Ring
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This ring is made out of 18 karat yellow gold and platinum the ring head features ca natural oriental button pearl surrounded by lovely white diamonds, all set in platinum. The ring ...
Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Platinum
18 K White Gold Eternity Band Aquamarine Amethyst
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Modern and solid 18 K whiteGold eternity band featuring 6 oval bezel set Aquamarines with a total weight of 3.28 ct and 6 square cut Amethyst weighing 1.79 ct. The ring is currently...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K Rose Gold Emerald Cut Rose De France Amethyst Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Stunning large prong set emerald cut Amethyst weiging 19.85 ct surrounded by 66 brilliant cut Diamonds weiging 0.65 ct. The intriguing colour of the Rose de France Amethyst with the ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 K White Gold Toi Et Moi Diamond Ring 3.33 Carat, 2.52 Carat
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Two sparkling brilliant cut Diamonds are the stars of this romantic toi et moi Ring. The weight of the larger Diamond is 3.33 ct, J color, si 1clarity and the smaller Diamond weighs ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring In 18 K Gold and Platinum, GIA Certified.
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
A timeless symbol of romance and craftsmanship, this exquisite engagement ring features a stunning 2.01 carat old mine cut diamond at its center. Celebrated for its antique charm, th...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
French 1930s Art Deco 2.66 Carats J.SI2 Diamond 18 K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. A delightful Art Deco antique ring, its top is adorned with an intermediate brilliant-cut diamond, held in place by six claws. On ei...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Pink Sapphire Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 K Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Elegant antique ring from the Belle Epoque, with a movement at the top and a beaded closed setting of a fine half-pearl and a pink ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, G...
Crochet Fine Jewelry White Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Gold 18 K Diamond 338-Round 57-1,28-5/5A Weight 17,50 gram Size 17,2 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, whic...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Moiseikin 18 Karat Gold Diamond Burmese Spinel Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The early flowering almond tree heralds the beginning of spring and new life. Being the symbol of hope, abiding love and friendship, Almond Blossoms Collection by MOISEIKIN is a hymn...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Breathtaking Modern Blue Topaz Sapphire Yellow 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18 K Sapphire 17-Round 57-1,59ct Topaz 38-13,1 ct Weight 12.23 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery...
Topaz, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-Victorian Sapphire & Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Ring, 1876
Located in London, GB
The mount features carved and pierced shoulders that add beautiful detail to the overall design. Fully hallmarked for 18 carat gold and dated 1876, the ring remains a genuine exampl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Modern Precious Pearl Diamond Fabulous Yellow Gold 18 Karat Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18 K (Matching Necklace and Earrings Available) Diamond 18-Round 57-0,09-4/6- Diamond 38-Round 57-0,22-99/7- Diamond 44-Round 57-0,26-7/7- Pearl d 2,5-5,0 33-5,87 ct...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Deco 0.85 Carat Diamond Ring Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Art Deco era engagement ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 18 karat white gold. Centrally mounted estimated 0.85 carat Old European cut diamond (estimated at K color and VS2 cl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Reversible Modern Pink Tourmaline White Diamond White 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 18 K (Alsi Available in Topaz) Diamond 15-Round 57-0,12ct-7/7A Tourmaline 4-1,30 ct (1)/1A Weight 5.49 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry tradition...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, White Gold
Reversible Modern Blue Topaz White Diamond White 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 18 K (Also Available with Tourmaline Stone) Diamond 15-Round 57-0,12ct-7/7A Topaz 4-1,60 ct (1)/1A Weight 5.36 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, White Gold, Gold
Ukrainian Blue Topaz Yellow Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Designer Diamond Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Inspired by the pride of the beautiful Amazons warriors, the world-renowned French designer Roman Bayand has created a collection dedicated to these powerful but feminine women. Mul...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold
$2,336Sale Price|20% Off
Ukrainian Collection Diamond Quartz Topaz 18 Karat Gold Diamond Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow 18 K Gold (Matching Earrings Available) Weight 3,14 gram Diamond 65-Round57-0.02ct-3 / 5A Topaz 1- 2,2 ct Quartz 1-1,8 ct Size US 7 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss...
Diamond, Quartz, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Georgian Era Ring circa 1825 18 Karat Yellow Gold Memorial Hair Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Antique Georgian era memorial ring (circa 1825) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5.25- This elegant ring features one genuine oval ruby (7 mm x 5 mm) surrounded by 16 rose cut diamonds a...
Multi-gemstone, Gold
Timeless Jewellery Fashion White Diamond Yellow 18 Karat Gold Karat Spiral Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18 K (Available Matching Earrings) Diamond 1 RND - 0,04 ct 3/5A Diamond 68 RND - 0,68 ct 3/6A Weight 17.66 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry trad...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern White and Tahiti Pearl Diamond Garnet Emerald Designer 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Give the gift of a lifetime with nature's most precious jewel. The pearls seem inseparable from the woman herself— perfectly suited for the lifestyle of luxury, beauty, and grace tha...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Emerald, Garnet, 18k Gold, 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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