Art Deco Emerald, Diamond and 14 Carat White Gold Cluster Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is gorgeous and holds a gorgeous bright emerald and sparkling diamonds. The emerald measures approx 2carats and the diamond total is approx 75pts. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Cl...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Platinum Dome Cluster Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in London, GB
This intricate ruby and diamond cluster ring features an oval shaped ruby in a rub-over, open back setting weighing approximately 1.50 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3 Carats Green sapphire and diamond cluster ring circa 1900 - 1910
Located in Uccle, BE
Sapphire cluster ring circa 1910. Bicolor 18 Karat white gold on top and yellow gold for the body of the ring. The ring is set with a Ceylon green sapphire of approximately 3 Cara...
Diamond, Green Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 4.52 carat Amethyst and 0.98 carat Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This yellow gold cluster ring is supplied with an independent diamond and gemstone grading report card.
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.90 Carat High Zircon 1.48 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 5.90 carat blue high zircon, 1.48 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cluster style dress ring; part of our gemstone cluster r...
Diamond, Zircon, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond cluster ring, circa 1925
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco Tiffany & Co. sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape mixed cut natural unenhanced sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate we...
Sapphire, Platinum
Opal and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This charming antique ring exudes sophistication and timeless elegance, featuring a mesmerising 9x7 mm opal as its centrepiece. The wonderful opal, with its captivating and iridesc...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 11.05 Ct Blue Zircon and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18K Rose Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
True Love! True love is what you will feel for this ring on the first sight Stunning, mesmerising, top quality, rare era, all facts that will make conscious of having one of the fine...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.35 Carat Diamond Platinum Yellow Gold Art Deco Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco handmade 1920’s old mine cut diamond cluster ring. Oval platinum top set with 19 old mine cut diamonds with a 14k yellow gold shank. 19 old mine cut diamonds, H-I SI-I ap...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Oval Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Shaped Edwardian Style Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian style oval sapphire & diamond ring in 18k white gold. Ring contains 1 center oval sapphire 1.60ct and round diamonds 1.25tcw. Sapphire measures approximately 6.2x6.7mm. Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.30 Carat Oval Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This beautiful Victorian ring begins with an oval center sapphire that is GIA certified as natural with no treatments of any kind, no indications of heating. 23 round diamonds with v...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 1.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian cluster ring centres around a captivating 1.85 carat oval cut, natural sapphire, expertly claw set.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cut Sapphire and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive oval cut sapphire and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late 19th Century 18kt Gold Diamond And Oval Opal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Gold 750 and platinum 850 thousandths ring set with a claw-set opal cabochon surrounded and shouldered by crowned roses. Circa 1890 Gross weight: 4.70 g. Size 5 1/2
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautifully crafted Victorian double heart ring. In this case, a duo of perfectly matched oval faceted rubies possessing a vivd red colour tone have been individually ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Art Deco Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous amethyst and diamond ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. At the centre of the face we find an elongated oval faceted amethyst possessin...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautiful sapphire and diamond halo ring taken from the Edwardian period. At the centre we find a captivating 1.50ct oval faceted sapphire possessing a medium light bl...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Colour Change Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1905
Located in London, GB
Colour change Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural unenhanced pinkish purple colour change Ceylon sapphire, pinkish purple in daylight and pin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco 2.50 Carat Burmese Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous Art Deco ring focally featuring a single 2.50 carat oval faceted pink sapphire at the centre of the face. This vibrant natural stone is of Burmese origin and ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Georgian Imperial Topaz Diamond distinctive 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
It is the most sought after natural topaz Considered to be the colour of the setting sun, imperial topaz gets its name from the Russian Tsars of the 17th century This awesome antique...
Diamond, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Gold
Art Deco 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s this stunning cluster ring features a natural sapphire at its centre.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian 0.30 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This lovely Victorian cluster ring features a blue sapphire and diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Rose Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
A truly special piece, this one-of-a-kind ring is perfect for a wearer who favours a nuanced look. This is a rare English, Victorian fancy colour diamond band with approximately 2ca...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Victorian 0.90 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian period is this navette ring featuring a lively red ruby in its centre with old cut diamonds surrounding. The ruby weighs 0.90 carat and is oval in shape....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.60 Carat Unheated Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a 15ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond cluster ring from the Victorian era. The central sapphire is oval shaped and sits amidst a diamond claw setting which in turn is encom...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique opal and diamond cluster ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 9k gold and silver.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A stunning deep blue sapphire sits central in this classically Art Deco ring. The sapphire is an oval cut stone, weighing 1.50 carat. Flanking the sapphire down stepped shoulders are...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Presenting a flat and openwork setting at the level of its basket this magnificent antique ring is decorated, in closed setting millegrain, of an Austra...
Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful French cut sapphire is accompanied by old cut diamonds in this beautiful Art Deco Ring. The deep blue sapphire weighs 0.50 carat and is rub over set into platinum. Two ol...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 2.48 Carats No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond Platinum Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
GIA Gemstone Report: 2225846712 Stock Number: We-11120 This halo ring features a vibrant, no-heat Burmese sapphire nestled amongst glittering old European cut diamonds in a cluster...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is gorgeous and holds an inky blue sapphire and baguette diamond step shoulders. The sapphire measures approx 2carat and the shoulders measure 30pts per side. Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Victorian 0.90ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Boat ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This exquisite Victorian pink sapphire and diamond boat ring is truly a one of a kind piece. Featuring a 0.40 carat oval cut pink sapphire at its centre, with a 0.25 carat pear cut p...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
15.00 Ct Untreated Tourmaline 3.00 Ct Mine antique Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Surprisingly Beautiful This outstanding antique ring is Victorian transitional Edwardian period 1890/1900 ca Large statement ring designed upon the main stone as classy cluster to s...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Edwardian .65 Ct Natural Sapphire 1.70 Ct. Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
A Heart of Love This exquisite Edwardian era heart shaped ring is 1905 ca Beautiful hand crafted as unique of solid 18 kt gold topped by silver Sweet heart as love token, classic, ro...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Peridot and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step into elegance with this exquisite 18ct yellow gold and platinum ring, a stunning example of Edwardian craftsm...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 3.60 Ct Certified Burma Natural Sapphire 2.30 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Tradition Spectacular Victorian period Diamond and Sapphire cluster ring which is in the tradition of the antique jewellery, 1890/1900 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.80 Ct Certified Purple Ceylon Sapphire 2.0 Ct Diamond Navette ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Subtle Elegance This rare authentic Victorian ring is the emblem of beauty Outstanding navette, elongated shape, boasting the finest Victorian workmanship made during 1880 Focal poin...
Diamond, Sapphire
Antique Emerald Diamond Ring Edwardian Platinum Top 18K Yellow Gold F1 Emerald
Located in Fairfield, CT
Antique Emerald Diamond Ring Edwardian Platinum Top 18K Yellow Gold F1 Emerald This Edwardian ring is made in 18k yellow gold with a platinum-topped setting, a style commonly used i...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920s 1.50 Carat Cabochon Cut Emerald and 2.85ct Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive cabochon cut emerald and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art-Deco Original Platinum Green Tourmaline 2.20 cts. and Diamond Ring, Ca. 1920
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art-Deco Original Platinum Green Tourmaline and Diamond Ring, Ca. 1920 This exquisite Art Deco ring showcases a vibrant oval-cut green tourmaline, measuring approximately (9.4 × 6.44...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Victorian 0.60ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, hallmarked 1897
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian five stone ring features a trio of intense pink sapphires, separated by a pair of old cut diamonds. The biggest sapphire sits at the centre weighing 0.30 car...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Step into the elegance of the Art Deco era with this exquisite cocktail ring, crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold. Showcasing a captivating 0.75-carat sapphire at its center, flanke...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
NEW Natural Precious Ruby and Emerald Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold New
Located in Warren, NJ
This stunning ring from LaFrancee features a beautiful natural oval-shaped ruby and emerald set in 14k solid yellow gold. The gemstones are accented by dazzling diamonds, making this...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1914 Halo Ring Ruby Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
Old Halo Ruby and Diamonds Ring once created 111 years ago on the territory of The Grand Duchy of Finland - at that time a part of Russian Empire. Hallmarked with 750, crown of Nicho...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 2.15 Ct Sapphire 1.0 Ct Diamond 18 KT Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This appealing Sapphire & Diamond Art Deco ring, is 1920 ca. Appealing timeless design rendered in a skilfully hand crafted mount of solid 18 kt gold and Platinum Hand crafted moun...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Late Victorian Unheated 3.50 ct Ceylon Sapphire & Rose-Cut Diamond ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exceptional Late Victorian cluster ring showcases a richly hued, unheated Ceylon sapphire of approximately 3.50 carats, bezel-set in warm 9K yellow gold. Surrounding the central...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau 2.40 Ct Natural Sapphire 1.20 Ct Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Art Nouveau 2.40 Ct Natural Sapphire 1.20 Ct Old Mine Diamond Ring Quintessential of beauty, Art Nouveau period, Natural sapphire and Diamond ring 1890/1900 ca Hand crafted as unique...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
20th Century Natural No Heated Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. A charming antique ring with a very flat, oval-shaped setting featuring a center-set natural light blue sapphire surrounded by platinum-set rose-cut diamo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinu...
Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Nice cluster Ring with the carved band and shoulders. Top parts of openwork crown in White Gold or Platinum holding bezel set natural Emerald stone and twenty diamonds, both of old ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 1.25ct natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø7.5US/2.5gr
Located in SE
Late XIX - early XX century. European Ring with Silver on 18K Gold openwork crown with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, band tested solid 18K . Medium...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Vinaigrette Perfume Ring Amethyst Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Ø 8US/ 5.55gr
Located in SE
Old German ca. 19th cent first half Renaissance styled Vinaigrette or Perfume Ring decorated with natural Amethyst and Diamonds featuring a hinged pierced lid that opens to house a ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Halo Ring natural 0.8 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø7.5US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Halo Ring, band in solid 18K Yellow Gold and top of the crown in Platinum with natural Greenish Blue Sapphire and eight old European cut Diamonds . Hallmarked 18ct , h...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Late Victorian Cert. 2.51 Ct Natural No Ceylon Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Statement Imposing classy style from the late Victorian period designed in a large oval crown with two tiers of Diamonds surrounding a fantastic natural Sapphire, a statement ri...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 6ct Amethyst 0.8ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6US/4gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold and Silver. European, no hallmarks (band and crown tested solid 18K) , hand - made ca. late 19th - early XX century. Crown 20 mm x 17mm x 8mm de...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Victorian 6.78 Carat No Heat Sapphire Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Victorian 18K yellow gold and sterling silver sapphire and diamond double row cluster ring with openwork. The oval sapphire totals 6.78 carats and is accompanied by an AGL report, Th...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1925
Located in London, GB
Burmese sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphire in an open back claw and rubover setting with a weight of 2.64 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Victorian ruby diamond 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This antique Victorian ring centers on a richly saturated 1.00 carat oval cut ruby, embraced by a glowing cluster of nine old European cut diamonds.
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 cluster rings are timeless accessories. While they might have been considered more popular in certain eras than in others, they’re versatile and belong in any jewelry box.
Featuring a diamond or other central gemstone surrounded by smaller stones, the cluster rings’ distinguished look makes them a popular choice for engagement rings or, for a fancy night out, an accent piece for jewelry lovers everywhere.
The style of cluster rings has changed over time even if the defining attributes have remained intact.
Georgian-era jewelry — named for the monarchies of the four King Georges — features cluster rings that are often characterized by a grouping of central stones into rose-like shapes. (The stones are set off by the setting’s blackened metal.) Diamonds came into fashion during the late Victorian period, and late Victorian cluster rings were most often set in yellow gold. Jewelers of the Art Deco period embraced geometric shapes, and Art Deco cluster rings feature emeralds, sapphires and other colorful stones.
Cluster rings for future brides have been in and out of the spotlight, but cluster-style engagement rings have been experiencing a consistent revival of sorts since at least 2011, when Kate Middleton began wearing Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring, which was made by Garrard in the 1980s. For your special day, whether you prefer vintage engagement rings or contemporary pieces, a cluster ring can deliver some sparkle if a diamond solitaire is out of your budget. (See our engagement ring buying guide for insight and expert tips to help you find the perfect ring.)
On 1stDibs, find many ruby cluster rings, gold cluster rings and an extraordinary range of other antique and vintage rings today.
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.