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
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
Antique Mid-Century Bombé Ring with 1.91ct Fancy Yellow-Brown Diamond & Rubies
Located in Great Neck, NY
The Epitome of a True 60's Mid Century, Cocktail Ring A dazzling vintage treasure, this Antique 14K Yellow Gold Bombé Cocktail Ring showcases a rare 1.91 ct Fancy Yellow‑Brown Diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k G...
Antique 0.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: H, Clarity: VS Total Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.20ct (0.60ct each) Tested As: 18ct Gold & Platinum Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, 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
Vintage Opal 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.65 carat opal, 1.10 carat ruby and 0.22 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and and white gold set cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry c...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark, and platinum, dog head hallmark. Voluminous tank ring, it is decorated in its center with an emerald-cut ruby, with two rows of ros...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A delightful early 20th century ring, its front holds an openwork motif of 2 fleur-de-lis and two small crescents, all set with sma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baume Creation Rubies E.VVS Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Baume creation - Unique piece. This timeless trilogy ring is set with a brilliant-cut diamond in the center, held in place by 4 claws, and with 2 pear-cut rubies on either side of th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Cabochon Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Domed Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A delicate vintage ring with a domed band adorned on top with an oval cabochon ruby. The base of the band is decorated on either side with five small le...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and silver. Delightful antique ring, it is decorated on its top with 5 oval rubies in fall surmounted on both sides of a line of 2x7 rose-cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Nouveau 1910 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Diamonds & Ruby
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Nouveau ring is finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered by one round-cut gem-quality natural red ruby with approximately 0.15 carat total weight, beautifull...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1950s Diamond and Ruby 15K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1950s 0.64 carat diamond and 0.45 carat ruby, 15 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby, Blue Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A highly unique antique ruby, blue sapphire and old cut diamond triple cluster ring set in 18k gold and silver.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Filigree Ring
Located in New York, NY
Emerald-Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Filigree Ring Description: This vintage-inspired statement ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features a prominent emerald-cut ruby at its...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930s Oval Cut Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique oval cut ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage Oval Ruby Marquise Diamond Floral Coronet Cluster Engagement Ring Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
Vintage Oval Ruby and Marquise Brilliant Cut Diamond Floral Coronet Cluster Engagement Ring in 19.2 Karat White Gold, Portugal, 1980s/1990s.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with platinum settings.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1940s Synthetic Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Asymmetrical Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold. This asymmetrical tank ring features a scrolled design and is set at the top with a line of rail-set calibrated synthetic rubies. The other end of the pla...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Modern 1.40 Carat Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Of daisy shape, this ring is decorated with an oval ruby set with claws surrounded by 10 brilliant- cut diamonds. It has a spring r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Moonstone Ruby Diamond and Enameled 14K Gold Ring
Located in Venice, CA
The ring contains 20 natural antique rubies. The old cuts have beautiful high tables and a TCW of approximately 0.60 carats.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.09 carat diamond and 0.15 carat ruby, 14 karat yellow gold and 14 karat white gold set twist ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry coll...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1950s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Asymmetrical Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. The top of this tank ring is asymmetrical, set on the roll with a row of calibrated verneuil rubies in the center of two rows of 8/8 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Old European Cut Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Art Deco inspired white gold stunner features a 0.42 carat Old European Cut Diamond at the center, bezel set amidst fine white melee diamonds and expertly cut rubies, forming a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
New 1900s Style Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark, and platinum. This charming and feminine platinum and gold ring is set with claws on its top of an oval ruby, vertically supported ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum 3 Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum. Magnificent, this ruby-diamond ring is set with claws on the top of an oval ruby surrounded on the top and bottom by 2...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Shuttle Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum. Elegant antique ring, its mounting is of shuttle shape and decorated in the center on platinum, of rose- cut diamonds surrounded by synthe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 4.67 Carat Burmese Ruby 0.86 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique ruby ring with diamonds has been crafted in platinum with an 18k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby and 2.13 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
French Edwardian Untreated Ruby Diamond 18 KT/Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This breathtaking Edwardian ring is 1900/09 circa Elegantly designed as a flat crown panel, hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold with Platinum top French origin, hallmarked Set on one si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unique Wedding Band. Round cut Diamond and Ruby Beaded Band 18K White Gold
By Estate Diamond Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 5, 7 US, Resizable Made By: Estate Diamond Jewelry Metal: Gold, White Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut, Round Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. A charming round antique ring with openwork setting, set in platinum with rose-cut diamonds and in yellow gold with 6 rubies in closed sett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Beaded Wedding Band. Round Cut Diamond and Ruby Band 18K White Gold 1.58mm
By Estate Diamond Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 5, 7 US, Resizable Made By: Estate Diamond Jewelry Metal: Gold, White Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut, Round Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,040Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band. Alternate Wedding Band 14K White Gold 2.55m
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously handcrafted in 14k white gold, the band features a striking combination of dazzling diamonds and rich, natural rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
3.54ct Natural Unheated Oval Ruby and Diamond Halo 18K Gold Coronet Cluster Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
The centrepiece is beautifully complemented by a scalloped halo of 14 fine quality round brilliant cut diamonds, with a combined weight of 0.96ct, all perfectly mounted in cool 18 ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This antique piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases a trio of perfectly matched red rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Ring Size: 6 1/2 (can be sized) Metal Type: 18 Kt White Gold (stamped and/or tested) Metal Weight: 2.9 Grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Half Eternity Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band. Alternate Band 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Meticulously handcrafted in 14k white gold, the band features a striking combination of dazzling diamonds and rich, natural rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
French 1920s Art Deco Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head and owl hallmarks and platinum, dog's head hallmark. An elegant ring typical of the Art Deco period, it features a flat setting with rounde...
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French 1925s Art Deco Diamonds Verneuil Ruby 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A charming antique ring, it features a flat oval setting, with a synthetic verneuil ruby set in the center, surrounded by rose-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Ruby and Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 4.34 carat diamond and 1.26 carat sapphire, 0.85 carat ruby and 17 karat yellow gold, silver set navette shaped ring; part of our diverse antique esta...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Slim French Cut Red Ruby Art Deco Style Channel Set Eternity Band 14K White Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Discover a beautiful and dainty piece of art deco history. The natural French cut rubies run around the entire ring in an enclosed type of setting. This piece is great for wearing wi...
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1910s 0.45Ct Ruby 0.60Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.45 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our antique ruby jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
0.30 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
The piece is then finished with an 18ct yellow gold band. This ring started life as a Victorian brooch but has been expertly transformed into a more practical everyday ring by maste...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White 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
20th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A delightful antique You and Me ring, set with a wave-shaped gold wire framing a brilliant-cut diamond and a claw-set ruby. Total diamond weight : 0.12 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Ruby and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. An elegant antique ring, it's called You and Me by its 2 main stones held in claws at the top. One is a brilliant-cut diamond and the other...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
French 1940s Ruby Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Patriotic Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Geometric, this tank ring is set on its top of a blue sapphire, a white diamond and a ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This antique piece has been crafted from a warm 18ct yellow gold and showcases a stunning pear-cut ruby at its heart.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian old European cut diamond ruby 18k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The interplay of shimmering white diamonds and vivid red rubies gives the ring a regal yet intimate presence on the hand.
Blue Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Modern 2.95 Carat Ruby Diamond Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats yellow gold. Superb signet ring, it is set on its tray with calibrated ruby lines that continue to the start of the ring and interspersed with lines of brilliant- c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Dinner Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
They are often considered the glamorous predecessor to the equally stylish Mid century cocktail ring. This ring is 18k white gold and features exquisite hand engravings along with su...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,136Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic Orient Vintage Ruby, Apatite & Topaz Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Ruby, Apatite & White Topaz Cocktail Ring Set in 18K Gold & Silver Natural Pink Ruby, Oval Shape — 2.50 Carats Natural Blue Apatite, Pear Shape — 1.00 Cara...
Apatite, Topaz, Ruby, Silver, 18k Gold
Cocktail Ring -Victorian 18K Gold & Silver 3.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond & Burma Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
This is a spectacular, museum-quality antique Victorian dome ring masterfully crafted in 18K yellow gold with an authentic oxidized silver-topped setting. Weighing a substantial 13.6...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
13.66 ctw Oval Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Tysons, VA
The impressive center stone is beautifully complemented by a halo of rose-cut white diamonds, adding a soft, antique-inspired brilliance that enhances the ruby’s depth and allure.
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Engraved Cushion Shape Natural Amethyst Faceted Oval Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique ring with a Big Natural Engraved Cushion Shape Amethyst ,measuring 32 mm. x 24 mm x 8mm. and weighing 63 Carats with a nice Oval Faceted Ruby measuring 7 mm x 9 mm set in 14 k...
Amethyst, Ruby, Gold, 14k 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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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.