Natural Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby, an emer...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond Emerald Platinum Square Halo Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: Asscher Cut Diamond Weight: Approximately .55 Carat Color: I Clarity: VS Accent Stone: 20 Calibre Cut Emeralds Weight: Approximately .60 Carats Accent Stone: 24 Old Eu...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Amethyst & Emerald Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald &...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$6,200Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald & Pearl & Black Onyx Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald, bla...
Emerald, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold
$9,280Sale Price|20% Off
18K Gold 0.6ct Colombian Emerald & Diamond Signet Ring by Nancy Phillips
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
This stunning 18k yellow gold emerald ring features a prominent, natural Colombian asscher-cut green gemstone set in a chunky and unique octagonal bezel setting, which protects the e...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$472,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 11 Carat Square Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and highly refined diamond ring centered by a magnificent 11 carat GIA certified square emerald cut diamond, notable for its striking architectural geometry, remarkabl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.48 Carat Cocktail Emerald Ring made in PT900
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant, vibrant, and beautifully crafted—this 2.480 Carat Emerald Cocktail Ring is a refined statement of timeless sophistication. Set in 6.69 grams of premium PT900 platinum, the c...
Diamond, Emerald
Asscher-Cut 5.50 Carat Emerald & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This Asscher-cut 5.50 carat emerald and diamond three-stone ring features a vivid green emerald flanked by Kite-shaped diamonds in a sleek platinum setting, radiating timeless sophis...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning Art Deco-style engagement ring features a vivid emerald at its center, symbolizing elegance and sophistication. Surrounding the emerald are stepped layers of sparkling ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$41,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant three stone ring by Tiffany and Co showcases the timeless sophistication and refined craftsmanship for which the house is renowned. Crafted in luxurious platinum, the de...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
Natural Emerald 4cts Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an emerald. The...
Emerald, 14k Gold
$3,920Sale Price|28% Off
Natural Emerald 4cts Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an emerald. The...
Emerald, 14k Gold
$5,440Sale Price|26% Off
Natural Emerald 9cts Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an emerald. The...
Emerald, 14k Gold
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Double Platinum Diamond Half-Eternity Band
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Featuring 14 beautifully well-matched diamonds totaling 4.40 carats, this elegant half-eternity band is expertly crafted in platinum. The diamonds are near-colorless with an average ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.28CTW Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond & Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
Located in San Francisco, CA
This nine-stone in 18K white and yellow gold ring, featuring five asscher cut fancy intense yellow diamonds, weigh 1.31ct and four emerald cut diamonds, weigh .97ct in F color and VS...
Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Tourmaline, Emerald & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features an emerald and ...
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.20 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Square Ring with Emeralds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with an Asscher cut Diamond, accenting Emeralds, and a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.80 carats....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Asscher Zambian Emerald Trillion Diamond Bridal Ring 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Asscher Zambian Emerald Trillion Diamond Bridal Ring 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry This elegant ring features a vivid asscher-cut natural emerald at the center, framed by sparkling tri...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.46Ct Asscher Cut Emerald & 0.89Ct Pear Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Wedding Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Asscher Zambian Emerald Trillion Diamond Bridal Ring 18k White Gold Fine Jewelry This elegant ring features a vivid asscher-cut natural emerald at the center, framed by sparkling tri...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$40,000 / item
Certified 2 Carat Emerald Cocktail Ring
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2 Carat certified emerald with a halo of pave emeralds or diamonds and "hidden" diamond baguette and princess cut diamonds set baguette. The ring was recently redesigned to add the ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
$100,000Sale Price / set|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.02 Carat F-VVS1 Square Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 4.02 Carat F-VVS1 Square Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum with Trapezoid Side Stones A magnificent GIA-certified 4.02 carat F color, VVS1 clarity square emerald cu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$3,820Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ascher Cut Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Women Engagement Ring 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Ascher Cut Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Women Engagement Ring 18k White Gold This ring is masterfully set with Ascher cut emerald in center with round cut diamonds set around to make...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,820Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ascher Cut Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Women Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Ascher Cut Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Women Engagement Ring 14k White Gold This ring is masterfully set with Ascher cut emerald in center with round cut diamonds set around to make...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$632,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10.19 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with Tapered Baguettes
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 10.19 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with Tapered Baguettes At the center of this breathtaking jewel lies a 10.19 carat square emerald cut diamond, GIA certified with ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5.01 Carat Square Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 5.01 Carat Square Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with Trillion Cut Side Diamonds in Platinum This extraordinary creation showcases a rare GIA certified 5.01 carat square eme...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Natural Zambian Emerald 3.99cts & Diamond 1.25cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=6.22gm NW=5.17gm Emerald=3.99cts Diamond=1.25cts THIS IS A BRAND NEW PIECE FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc. storefront to view the latest collection. Free Shipping with in United St...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Zambian Emerald 1.39 & Diamond 1.62cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=4.858gm NW=4.256gm Emerald=1.39cts Diamond=1.62cts THIS IS A BRAND NEW PIECE FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc. storefront to view the latest collection. Free Shipping with in United ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Zambian Emerald 3.54cts & Diamond 5.65cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=9.993gm NW=8.155gm Emerald=3.54cts Diamond=5.65cts THIS IS A BRAND NEW PIECE FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc. storefront to view the latest collection. Free Shipping with in United ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Zambian Emerald 1.82cts & Diamond 0.85cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=4.23gm NW=3.69gm Emerald=1.82cts Diamond=0.85cts THIS IS A BRAND NEW PIECE FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc. storefront to view the latest collection. Free Shipping with in United St...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Zambian Emerald 1.80cts & diamond 1.26cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=4.450gm NW=3.838gm Emerald=1.80cts Diamond=1.26cts THIS IS A BRAND NEW PIECE FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc. storefront to view the latest collection. Free Shipping with in United ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Zambian Emerald 1.86cts & Diamond 2.95cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
GW=6.840gm NW=5.878gm Emerald=1.86cts Diamond=2.95cts THIS IS A BRAND NEW PIECE FOLLOW MonalisaJewelry Inc. storefront to view the latest collection. Free Shipping with in United ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$12,160Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Zambian Emerald 3.54cts & Diamond 5.65cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a radiant cut E...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Zambian Emerald 1.39cts & Diamond 1.62cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat white & yellow gold and features ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Zambian Emerald 1.86cts & Diamond 2.95cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made floral-shaped ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$4,320Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Zambian Emerald 1.80cts & Diamond 1.26cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a ZAMBIAN EMERA...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$7,600Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Zambian Emerald 3.99cts & Diamond 1.25cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat yellow gold and features an EMERA...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Natura Zambian Emerald 1.82cts & Diamond 0.85cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat white and yellow gold and feature...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,032Sale Price / item|30% Off
Handmade 1.83Ct Asscher Cut Emerald Solitaire Ring 14K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This handmade solitaire ring features a 1.83 carat asscher cut emerald set in a classic four prong setting. Crafted in 14K yellow gold, the vibrant emerald is securely mounted to hig...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA certified 4.16 Carats Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
One of a kind color on this 4.16 carats Colombian GIA certified emerald, this fine quality gem is hard to find! Made in Art Deco style cocktail ring in platinum with top grade white ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,996Sale Price / item|20% Off
Zambian Emerald SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and handset with 1.20 carats of emerald and 0.63 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,496Sale Price / item|20% Off
Zambian Emerald SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold and handset with 1.20 carats of emerald and 0.63 carats of diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.92 cts Natural zambian emerald & 0.18 cts diamond earring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Real emerald pave set dog tag dangling earrings gold Natural 5CTW emerald diamond dangling earring gold Emerald cut emerald earring gold EARRING DETAILS : ✦ Earring type : Dangle ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
0.52 cts Natural emerald earrings in 14k gold
Located in New York, NY
Emerald mini hoops earring gold Natural octagon emerald vivid green hoops earrings gold Mini emerald minimalistic huggies earrings gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Blue Sapphi...
Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural 4.78 cts emerald ring in 14k gold
Located in New York, NY
Real Emerald eternity band ring gold Natural emerald cut emerald ring gold Emerald cut eternity band ring Chunky emerald ring gold STONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald ✦ Gemston...
Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural 0.23 cts Zambian emerald & 0.49 cts diamond heart ring 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Real emerald heart shape ring 14K gold Natural 1.20ct big emerald heart diamond ring gold Emerald pinky ring Emerald cut proposal ring GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald ✦ G...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural 5.28 cts Zambian emerald band ring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Emerald bezel set oval eternity band ring gold, Natural 6x4MM 7CTW emerald oval east west eternity band ring, Emerald wedding band ring gold STONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald ✦ G...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural 5.50 cts emerald & 0.75 cts diamond ring in 14k gold
Located in New York, NY
Real emerald octagon diamond eternity band ring gold Natural emerald cut emerald diamond ring gold Real emerald cut emerald ring gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald ✦ Gem...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Natural 4.12 cts Zambian emerald band ring 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Real emerald heart cut bezel set eternity band ring in 14K gold Natural 4-5cts heart shape emerald band gold Heart cut emerald ring gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald ✦ ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural 0.71 cts emerald & 1.02 cts ruby & 0.76 cts diamond ring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Ruby heart with diamond heart cut ring gold Natural emerald ruby heart diamond ring gold Emerald ruby heart two stone ring gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald / R...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond & Emerald Double Halo Art Deco Style Asscher Shape 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
In this superb and stunning bright and shining Asscher cut H color, SI clarity diamond, weighing 0.25 carats, beam brilliantly from within a striking octagonal setting accentuated al...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 0.31 cts Zambian emerald & 0.14 cts diamond ring 14k gold
Located in New York, NY
Emerald cut emerald thin diamond ring gold Natural emerald cut emerald prong set diamond ring gold Emerald octagon mini diamond ring GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Emerald ✦ Gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
1.90ct PLAT Colombian Asscher Emerald Solitaire Ring for Men or Unisex
Located in Jupiter, FL
This striking emerald solitaire ring, designed with a bold masculine aesthetic yet perfectly unisex, features a remarkable Asscher-cut Colombian emerald. Showcasing a vivid medium gr...
Emerald, Platinum
Natural 0.95cts Zambian Emerald & 0.33cts Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This elegant ring is crafted in 14-carat gold, beautifully set with a row of vivid emeralds ...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco Style Square Asscher Diamond & Emerald Engagement 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
An 18k white gold Art-Deco design diamond and sapphire target ring, center K/VS diamond with an inner halo of French cut emeralds and outer round diamonds with finished with millgrai...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 3.50cts Zambian Emerald Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat yellow gold and features a Zambia...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural 12.15cts Pearl, 3.90cts Emerald & 0.36cts Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning ring is a true statement of elegance, crafted in 18-carat white gold. At its c...
Emerald, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Natural 1.92cts Ruby, 2.02cts Zambian Emerald & 0.27cts Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a ruby and Zamb...
Emerald, Ruby, 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.”
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.