French Belle Epoque Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Emerald Sz 7.5 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Charming French antique Belle Epoque ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1900s). 7 small rose cut diamonds, 6 rubies and 6 emeralds adorn the mount. Note: few light surface...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold and Ruby Italian Buckle Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This is a trendy, Italian version of a buckle ring, with a billowy shape and two-tone white and yellow gold details.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ring Diamond Burma Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Navette Sz 6 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian Burma ruby & diamond navette ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Three Burma rubies total an estimated 0.90 carats. Old mine cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring No Heat Burma
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 14k, American. This stunning ruby and diamond ring features a spectacular .76 carat No Heat Burma Ruby surrounded by 1.0 carats of superb white diamonds (H color, VS cla...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique 2 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique diamond and Victorian ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1930s 18K White and Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco ruby, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one lozenge shaped ruby, and two rose cut diamonds, in 18 karat white and yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Burmese Ruby And Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian era 1910s 14k gold ring centered with 1 natural burmese ruby stone pigeoun blood color flanked with old mine cut diamonds estimate weight 1 carat H color whi...
18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1930s French, Diamond and Ruby Cross Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cocktail Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum- French Hallmarked Circa 1930s Step into the elegance of the 1930s with this stunning Art Deco cocktail ring, a true masterpiece ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut and Ruby Floral Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut and Ruby Floral Ring. This gorgeous ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and silver top. The ring has rose cut diamonds ...
White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Art Deco Style 0.75Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k White Gold Ring A radiant bright oval ruby centers this striking and sparkling Vintage Art Deco style ring expertly crafted...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Quartz Carved Ball Ruby 14k White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant 14 K White Gold ring composed of an engraved Natural Satinated Quartz Ball measuring 17 mm in diameter surmounted by a Round Ruby Cabochon of 6 mm. in diameter se...
Diamond, Quartz, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Oval Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White and Yellow Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous 18 carat gold, ruby and diamond cluster ring is sublime.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.37 Carat Antique Style Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band in 18K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
An antique-style wedding band featuring round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.37 carats total; set in a marquise-shaped basket. Spacing the diamonds are vibrant round red rubies weighi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Gold 3.5ctw GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond Cushion Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 4.72 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Original Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Target Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Introducing an exquisite original Art Deco Target Ring, a true testament to timeless elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Cloverleaf Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. An original and elegant antique ring in the shape of a 4-leaf clover, with a cushion-cut diamond in the center. Each petal of the clover is...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.42 Carat Ruby and 2.97 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Antique Gold & Platinum AGL Burma No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Platinum Top Weight: 3.58 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 2.04Ct Ruby and 0.96Ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.04 carat ruby and 0.96 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of 1930's ruby coc...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 0.26 Carat Ruby and 0.65 Carat Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s ruby ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1.15 Carat Burmese Ruby and 1.36 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The feature diamonds and supporting diamonds display a fine white color and brilliance. The antique ruby ring is an excellent gauge of gold and in excellent condition, with a clear h...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Black Onyx Carved Ball Ruby 14k White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant 14 K White Gold ring composed of an engraved Natural Black Onyx Ball measuring 18 mm in diameter surmounted by a Ruby Round Cabochon of 6 mm. in diameter set in ...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.9grams Ruby Details: Natural Rubies, .90ct total weight, Red color Di...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spectacular Vietnamese Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, American. This stunning ruby and diamond ring features a spectacular 3.38-carat Vietnamese ruby set with 2 superb white diamonds (1.40cttw H color, VS clarity). Th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct. Ruby 0.5 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Art Nouveau period Ruby and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Silver. Ca. 1900s -1910s, no hallmarks. Band and bridge in solid 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Alex Jona Amethyst Ruby White Diamond Pink Sapphire 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band, set with, cabochon rubies, cabochon amethysts, pink sapphires and 0.12 carats of white diamonds.
Amethyst, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 0.39ct Ruby and 0.63ct Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 0.23 Carat Ruby and 0.97 Carat Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Edwardian 0.23 carat ruby, 0.97 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold and platinum set lozenge shaped dress ring; part of our diverse gemstone jew...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Style Moonstone Blue Sapphires Rubies Diamonds White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique and completely handmade 14 kt white gold ring,with a central Moonstone cabochon measuring 12x14 mm,surrounded by 4 mm round faceted rubies of 4 mm diameter,8 mm oval blue sapp...
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
0.85ct Round White Diamond Sapphire Ruby Cocktail Ring Precious Stones 18K Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
Specification: Round Diamond Carat: 0.85ct Round White Diamond Stones: Sapphire and Rubys Diamond cut: Round Type: Cocktail Ring Metal Purity: 18K Gold Weight: 24.5 Grams Size: 6.5 (...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
1960s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Delicate vintage yellow gold ring with a round setting on top, adorned with an oval ruby held in place by four prongs. Modern brilliant-cut diamonds in ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Pyramid Ring natural 4.75ctw Ruby solid 14K Gold Ø US8.5 / 6.9gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring with pyramid / dome shaped openwork crown in 14K Yellow and White Gold decorated with 27 natural pink Rubies.
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Radiant Ruby & Diamond Ring in 14k Rose Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Radiant Ruby & Diamond Ring in 14k Rose Gold Crafted in 14k rose gold, this antique ring features a sculptural floral design set with 0.25 carats total weight of diamonds and 0....
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1890s Cabochon Cut Ruby and Opal Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 0.75 carat ruby and 0.85 carat opal, 14 karat yellow gold three stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 4.70 Carat Antique Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Breathtaking Vintage 18K White Gold (tested) Elongated Oval Ruby ring. CIRCA 1940s.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold 0.78tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising four round cut rubies, and eight old European cut diamonds, set in 14 karat yellow gold, to an 14 karat yellow gold band. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.30 Carat Ruby 1 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a palladium setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Palladium
10 Carat Oval Ruby Cab 1 Carat Diamonds Red Enamel 14k White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classy Art Deco 14 White Gold Ring with a 10 Carats Oval Ruby Cabochon measuring 9x11 mm surrounded by 16 full cut brilliant cut diamonds for a total weight of 1,06 Carat...In the o...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This second hand ring is set with an oval ruby in closed setting, surrounded by gadroons alternating on each side with 2x2 diamonds and from top to bott...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Massive second-hand ring, asymmetrically set on the front with a pear-cut ruby and a line of 10 modern brilliant-cut diamonds. Weig...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Carat Oval Ruby Cab 1 Carat Diamonds Red Enamel 14k White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
SHIPPING+CUSTOM DUTY ARE PAID BY SELLER Classy Art Deco 14 White Gold Ring with a 10 Carats Oval Ruby Cabochon measuring 9x11 mm surrounded by 16 full cut brilliant cut diamonds fo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
French Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This feminine yellow gold flower ring features a cushion-cut ruby set in a closed-set setting at its center, surrounded by 10 moder...
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Antique 1920s 18K Yellow Gold 0.25tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, ruby, and yellow gold ring, comprising one old European cut diamond, two rose cut diamonds, and two round cut rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Carat Oval Ruby Cab 1 Carat Diamonds Red Enamel 14K White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classy Art Deco 14 White Gold Ring with a 10 Carats Oval Ruby Cabochon measuring 9x11 mm surrounded by 16 full cut brilliant cut diamonds for a total weight of 1,06 Carat...In the o...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Enamel
1.29c Carat Ruby and 0.60 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique and vintage 1.29 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, white gold set, three stone/trilogy ring; an addition to our ruby je...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow and green gold, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Art Nouveau ring, it is formed of 2 patterns in the shape of leaf carried out in green gold whic...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Crossover Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
1955 hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold crossover ring set with 0,22 carats of white diamonds and 0,18 carats of rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Hancocks 2.70ct Burma Ruby & Diamond ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
Maker: Hancocks Summary: 2.70ct Burma Ruby & Diamond ring in 18ct Yellow Gold Description: A cabochon ruby and diamond ring, by Hancocks. The handcrafted ring is centred on a 2.70ct ...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1960s Ruby and Diamond Baguette Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This is a breathtaking 1960s 18K yellow gold ring that features bright white baguette diamonds and stunning vibrant rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring from ca .1920s -1930s with Ruby and 13 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, tested 18K. Crown with Silver /or White Gold top on solid 18K Yellow Gold measures Ø 14 mm x 6 mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Marquise Ruby Diamond Waterfall Ballerina Ring Retro Cocktail Fashion Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous Marquise Ruby and Diamond Waterfall Ballerina Ring. The antique Retro ring is centered with an oval faceted Ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
1980s Cabochon Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This feminine flower ring features a wide band adorned on either side of the head. At the base of the band are 3x4 modern brilliant...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1890s Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Toi et Moi Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Shank & Platinum Head Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Antique Cushion Carat Weight: .35 Carat Color...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Style Natural Ruby Cab Black Onyx Ring Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant ring composed of a big Natural Ruby cabochon measuring 19x28mm surmounted by a brilliant cut Diamond in a Black Onyx ring and set in a 14k white gold bezel...Th...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Ruby diamond second hand ring, its shuttle-shaped setting is adorned in the center with a probably treated marquise-cut ruby, held ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Shuttle Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Second- hand ring known as marquise, it is set in the center of an oval ruby surrounded by 16 diamonds brilliant- cut set with claw...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding the center stone, delicate petals adorned with shimmering rose-cut diamonds, with total weight of 2.53cts., bloom in an intricate Victorian floral pattern, evoking the ro...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.”
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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.