Natural Emerald Ring, 4.78ct in 14K Gold, India
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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Heart-Shaped 18K White Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring, 1.02ct
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, HEART-SHAPED ring is crafted from 18-carat white gold and feat...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Radiant Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring, 7.50ct
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, Radiant-shaped Ring is crafted from 18-carat WHITE gold and fe...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Zambian Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring, 1.05ct & 1.95ct
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...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural 6.230cts Zambian Emerald & 0.250cts 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, Radiant-shaped Ring is crafted from 18-carat WHITE gold and fe...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Radiant-Shaped 18k Gold Zambian Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring, 1.41ct
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, RADIANT-SHAPED Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald Heart Cut Ring, 18K Gold with Diamonds, 0.78ct Gemstone
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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Gold, Natural Gemstones, New
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 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
$2,400Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald Solitaire ring size 9 untreated
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This is one of a kind emerald solitaire ring made in a modern ring setting in 14KT yellow gold, the stone has such a beautiful radiance of slightly bluish green color, the emerald is...
Emerald
Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K Gold, Natural Stones, 2.24ct
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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.15ct Vivid Green Asscher Cut Emerald Solitaire Bezel Set Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This exquisite solitaire emerald ring highlights a captivating Asscher-cut Zambian emerald, admired for its rich medium-green hue and enchanting semi-transparent clarity. The gemston...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 7.18cts Multi-sapphire 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 multi-sapphir...
Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold
1.50tcw 14K Rich Green Asscher Emerald & Diamond Accent Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This elegant ring features a breathtaking Asscher-cut emerald with a deep, rich green hue, securely set in a classic four-prong setting. Accented by a row of brilliant round-cut diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 1.69cts Emerald & 0.32Cts 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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
GIA Diamond And Emerald Ring. 0.50ct Diamond Emerald Halo Engagement Ring H VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Asscher Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: GIA Certi...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Engagement 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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$2,040Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ascher Cut Emerald Diamond Double Band Wedding Ring Made in 14k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Cushion Cut Emerald Diamond Double Band Wedding Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural emerald of 2.32 carats and diamonds of 0.32 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$15,200Sale Price|20% Off
2.5 Carat 5 Stone Emerald Cut Diamond 18 Carats Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
2.5 ct total weight Five 5-Stone Asscher Cut Diamond Wedding Band / Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. The ring weighs 5.8 grams, size 10.5, there are 5 Natural Asscher Cut diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 3.17cts Emerald, 5.05cts Opal & 0.74cts 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 and ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold
2.64 Carat Antique Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This charming antique ring centers around a 2.64 carat colombian emerald of exceptional clarity and rich color. The fine crystal is accompanied by a certificate from AGL stating the ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring, 0.85ct Emerald, 0.38ct
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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald 3.90ct and Diamond 1.52ct 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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Pearl 12.15ct Emerald Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold, New
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 ...
Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald 0.70ct & Diamond 0.40ct 18K White Gold Ring, New
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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural Emerald 1.60ct and Diamond 0.86ct 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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Natural 0.89cts Emerald & 0.72cts 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 gems...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$1,272Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ascher Cut Three Stone Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ascher Cut Three Stone Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural emerald of 1.6 carats and diamonds of 0.12 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.99ct 14K Asscher Cut Emerald Solitaire Ring - Dark Green V-Prong Set 585 Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Embrace timeless sophistication with our solitaire emerald engagement ring, showcasing a breathtaking 1.99-carat asscher-cut emerald of deep green hue and semi-transparent clarity, e...
Emerald, Gold
2.89ct 14K Asscher Cut Emerald Solitaire Ring - Medium Dark Green Floral Prong
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elevate your elegance with our exquisite solitaire emerald ring, boasting a captivating 2.89-carat emerald cut emerald. Its mesmerizing semi-transparent clarity and deep green hue ex...
Emerald, 14k Gold
18K Platinum Three Stone Ring 4.85tcw Asscher Cut Emerald & Trapezoid Diamonds
Located in Jupiter, FL
Introducing our stunning emerald and diamond three-stone ring, featuring a captivating 4.49-carat natural asscher cut emerald sourced from Zambia, renowned for its exceptional color,...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
4.48ct 14K Organic Emerald Solitaire Ring - Dark Green Asscher Cut Gold Nugget
Located in Jupiter, FL
This captivating solitaire ring features an Asscher-cut Zambian emerald, boasting a rich dark green color with semi-transparent clarity. Set in a fun, organic gold design, the intric...
Emerald, Gold
4.08tcw 14K Asscher Cut Emerald Three-Stone Ring - Rich Green Bezel Set Gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Introducing our exquisite Emerald Trilogy Ring, featuring a magnificent 3.08-carat Asscher-cut emerald as the focal point, radiating with a rich dark green hue and transparent clarit...
Emerald, Gold
1.74ct Platinum Asscher Cut Emerald Solitaire Ring - Vivid Green 950 May Births
Located in Jupiter, FL
Introducing our Solitaire Emerald Ring, featuring a stunning 1.74 carat Asscher-cut emerald with a vivid medium green color, sourced from the renowned mines of Zambia. This natural g...
Emerald, Platinum
2.14tcw 14K Asscher Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring - Rich Green Bezel Set Unisex
Located in Jupiter, FL
Experience timeless elegance with our exquisite emerald and diamond ring, featuring a stunning 1.98-carat Asscher cut Colombian emerald. The medium rich green color of the emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald
2.55tcw 18K Asscher Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring - Deep Green Split Shank Halo
Located in Jupiter, FL
Celebrate your love with our breathtaking emerald and diamond engagement ring, featuring a AAA fine quality Asscher cut emerald weighing 2.10 carats. The rich green color and semi-tr...
Diamond, Emerald
2 Carat Asscher Cut Emerald & Diamond Checkerboard Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
2 Carat total Asscher Cut natural Emerald and Diamond Checkerboard Style Statement Ring, Size 7. Set in platinum 900. Details: Item Type: Statement Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size: 7...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,940Sale Price / item|20% Off
Zambian AAA Emerald Diamond Wedding Ring for Christmas in 14k Solid Rose Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Zambian AAA Emerald Diamond Wedding Ring for Christmas in 14K Gold featuring natural emerald of 3.23 carats and diamonds of 0.57 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$732Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ascher Cut Four Stone Emerald Band Ring in 14k Solid White Gold for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ascher Cut Four Stone Emerald Band Ring in for Women in 14K Gold featuring natural emerald of 0.87 carats. The gorgeous handcrafted ring goes with every style. Emerald enhances intel...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Polline Ring - 18k Gold with 1ct Brazillian Emerald - By Crayons Sao Paulo
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
The exponent collection translates through elements of nature the ideas of a new generation of Brazillian exponents in fashion and design that have been permeating and expanding in p...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Framed Green 18k Gold - 0.93 ct Brazillian Emerald ring - By Crayons Sao Paulo
Located in Sao Paulo, SP
With a deep green and crystalline Brazilian emerald, the Framed ring is our new masterpiece crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. It is the finest emerald that has ever passed through Cr...
Emerald, 18k Gold
$16,500Sale Price|40% Off
GIA Certified 2.75 Carat Colombian Emerald and Trapezoid Diamond Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Centered upon a beautiful Colombian Emerald certified by GIA weighing 2.75 carats. Set between Trapezoid Diamonds weighing 0.53 Carats. Set in Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold. A f...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Gold 3.60ct Deep Green Colombian Emerald Asscher Cut Bezel Set Solitaire
Located in Jupiter, FL
Indulge in luxury with our Emerald Solitaire Ring, showcasing a striking 3.60-carat deep rich green Colombian emerald of unparalleled quality that commands attention. This exquisite ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
14K Gold 1.17ct Alpine Green Asscher Cut Emerald Men's Bezel Solitaire Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This stunning solitaire ring features a 1.17 carat asscher cut emerald with a deep alpine green color, expertly bezel set in a 14k yellow gold band. The unisex design makes it an exc...
Emerald, 14k Gold
14K gold ring featuring a 2.37ct natural Asscher cut emerald in a regal floral
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elevate your style with our enchanting solitaire emerald ring, showcasing a mesmerizing 2.37-carat asscher cut emerald at its heart, radiating a medium green hue with transparent cla...
Emerald, 14k Gold
14K gold solitaire ring with 2.89 carat natural Asscher-cut emerald showcasing
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elevate your elegance with our exquisite solitaire emerald ring, boasting a captivating 2.89-carat emerald cut emerald. Its mesmerizing semi-transparent clarity and deep green hue ex...
Emerald, 14k Gold
14K Gold 2.14tcw Asscher Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring, Bezel Set Medium Green
Located in Jupiter, FL
Experience timeless elegance with our exquisite emerald and diamond ring, featuring a stunning 1.98-carat Asscher cut Colombian emerald. The medium rich green color of the emerald is...
Emerald, 14k Gold
4.60tcw 14K Rose Gold Asscher Cut Emerald & Trillion Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elevate your love story with the enchanting beauty of this emerald and diamond three-stone engagement ring. The centerpiece features a captivating 3.85-carat natural Zambian emerald,...
Emerald, 14k Gold
1.92tcw 14K Natural Asscher Emerald & Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elegance takes center stage in our Emerald and Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, starring a 7x7mm almost perfectly square Asscher-cut emerald. Its lush green color, semi-transparent c...
Emerald, 14k Gold
GIA Certified 1 Carat G SI Asscher Cut Diamond & Emerald Engagement Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This brand new 3 stone emerald and diamond engagement ring checks all the boxes. Hand fabricated of platinum and centered by a glinting, GIA certified 1 carat Asscher cut diamond emb...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
14K Gold 3.08tcw Asscher & Pear Cut Emerald Ring - Dark Green Trilogy Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Introducing our stunning Emerald Trilogy Three Stone Ring, where the heart of Zambia graces the center with a luscious asscher-cut emerald, showcasing a captivating dark green hue an...
Emerald, 14k Gold
3.01tcw 14K Asscher Cut Emerald Trilogy Ring with Round Side Accents
Located in Jupiter, FL
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our Emerald Trilogy Three Stone Ring, where a captivating asscher-cut emerald takes center stage, flanked by two round cut emeralds to create a st...
Emerald, 14k Gold
6.08ct 18K Large Asscher Cut Emerald Solitaire Ring - Dark Forest Green
Located in Jupiter, FL
Embrace the enchanting allure of our Emerald Solitaire Ring, featuring a magnificent 6.08-carat asscher-cut emerald sourced from the verdant landscapes of Zambia. Set in a secure bez...
Emerald, 14k Gold
GRS Certified 8.04 Carat Minor Oil Colombian Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS Certified 8.04 carat octagonal emerald cut minor-moderate oil Colombian natural emerald & diamond halo ring. Details: ✔ Item Type: Ring ✔ Metal: 18k Yellow & White Gold ) ✔ ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
Square Cut Emerald Yellow Cushion Shape Diamonds Two Stone 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Fairfax, VA
Square Cut Emerald Yellow Cushion Shape Diamonds Two Stone 18K White Gold Ring Square Asscher Emerald - 11 x 11 mm - 7 Carats Total Weight 1.00 carats cushion-shape light yellow diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Bezel Asscher Green Emerald Solitaire Ring 'Center- 1.2 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic and delicate solitaire features an Asscher cut 1.20-carat green emerald set in a thin bezel to bring up its natural beauty. Experience the difference in person! Product...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
2.56tcw 14K Lush Dark Green Genuine Emerald-Asscher Cut & Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A classic emerald and diamond engagement, statement, or right-hand ring. Dexterously crafted in gleaming 14K white gold this ring features a 2.36-carat natural Zambian emerald-Assche...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.50 Carat Diamond Halo Ring.Asscher Cut Diamond Emerald Halo Ring JVS2 Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Asscher Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones:...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.38tcw 14K Dark Green Asscher Cut Emerald & Trillion Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A classic emerald and diamond three-stone ring. This magnificent piece features a remarkable Asscher cut emerald from the origin of Zambia as the center stone. The gem displays a dar...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.96tcw 14K Vivid Green Asscher Cut Emerald & Hidden Diamond Halo Prong Set Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This stunning emerald and diamond ring features a gorgeous 0.80-carat asscher cut emerald sourced from Zambia. The emerald is set in a four-prong setting that showcases its unique cu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k 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 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.