$10,690 / item
Bezel Set Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bezel Set Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring is a stunning piece crafted with natural diamonds set in 18K yellow gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.18 ct Emerald Cut Half Bezel Set Diamond Eternity Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning 5.18 carat emerald-cut diamond ring showcases a seamless array of white stones, exuding brilliance and clarity. The 20 diamonds, graded G/H in color and VS1/VS2 in clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
$713Sale Price|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Round Bezel Set Citrine And Diamond Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This pretty contemporary ring features a center round faceted, medium orange color citrine, approximately 0.52 CTS, bezel set, and flanked by round faceted acce...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Bezel Set Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold and .5ct natural mined diamond engagement vintage estate ring. Round diamond in raised bezel setting on sturdy band. Unusual statement piece, perfect for adding weddi...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Bezel Set Round Diamond Modern Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 karat yellow gold split shank ring featuring an estimated 0.50 carat bezel set round brilliant cut diamond of VS clarity and H color.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cellini 6.27ct Baguette & Calibre Ruby Ring with Bezel Set Diamond
Located in New York, NY
This stunning tapered statement ring is composed of baguette and calibre cut rubies surrounding a single G color round brilliant bezel set diamond, expertly set in 18 karat yellow go...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18k Yellow Gold Bezel Set Orange Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
Contemporary 18k Yellow Gold Bezel Set Orange Dia Ring Ring size: 7.75 (can be resized upon request) 18k yellow gold .07 carat, round cut diamond Gram weight: 5.38 grams
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.22ctw Bezel Set European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
A handmade Edwardian period diamond engagement ring featuring a miligrained bezel setting. Centered by a vibrant 1.10 carat antique European cut diamond of H color with VS1 clarity...
Diamond, Platinum
18k Solid Gold Diamond Heart Ring Minimal Heart Ring with Bezel Set Diamond
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Promise Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with a natural white diamonds. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorge...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Gold Diamond Heart Ring Minimal Heart Ring with Bezel Set Diamond
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Promise Ring in 14k solid gold featured with a natural white diamonds. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight and gorgeous, the...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gorgeous 2.51 ct Emerald Cut Bezel Set Diamond Eternity Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This modern band ring showcases a continuous row of emerald-cut white diamonds, totaling 2.51 carats. Each diamond is meticulously graded G/H color and VS1/VS2 clarity, creating a ha...
Diamond, Platinum
Bezel Set Diamond 14k Solid Gold Wedding Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Bezel Set Diamond 14k Solid Gold Wedding Band Ring Engagement Men Ring Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unused, ...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Elegant 5.93 Carat Emerald-Cut Bezel Set Diamond Platinum Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
A sophisticated platinum ring featuring approximately 5.93 carats of emerald-cut white diamonds, composed of 20 individual stones. Each diamond is graded G/H color and VS1/VS2 clarit...
Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Bezel Set Diamond Engagement Ring Size 7.75 #24928
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Bezel Set Diamond Engagement Ring Size 7.75 This sparkling ring features one bezel set diamond set in classic 14K white gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 2.05 cts pink sapphire & 0.53 cts diamond vintage ring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Pink sapphire emerald cut diamond ring gold Natural octagon pink sapphire bezel set diamond ring gold Pink sapphire diamond ring gold STONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Pink Sapphire ✦ ...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
5.72 Carat Emerald-Cut Bezel-Set Diamond Eternity Ring, 17 Diamonds, Platinum
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite eternity ring showcases 17 emerald-cut diamonds, each measuring 5x3 mm and bezel-set in platinum for a sleek, modern look.
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Bezel Set Kunzite and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K white gold Kunzite: 1 cushion cut = 11.37ct Diamonds: round cut= 0.27cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 7 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing r...
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate Heavy Platinum Bezel Set Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring G Vs
Located in Winter Springs, FL
The two opposing round brilliant cut diamonds, weighing 0.69 and 0.85 carats respectively, are bezel set and present with bright, lively brilliance, both averaging G–H color and VS1–...
Diamond, Platinum
14K White Gold Round Cut Bezel-Set Diamond Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This piece is the epitome of "quiet luxury." Its low-profile bezel setting makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear, as it won't catch on clothing or hair like a high-set prong rin...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Bezel-Set Diamond Double Band Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This piece is the epitome of "quiet luxury." Its low-profile bezel setting makes it an ideal choice for everyday wear, as it won't catch on clothing or hair like a high-set prong rin...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.24tcw 14K Blue Diamond & Diamond Halo Ring Bezel Set Round Cut Unisex Ring 585
Located in Jupiter, FL
Elevate your style with our stunning diamond statement ring, boasting a mesmerizing blue diamond at its heart, encircled by a brilliant halo of diamonds. Crafted in lustrous 14k whit...
Blue Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 0.46Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive bezel set diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the s...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.35 CT Bezel Set East West Pear Diamond Ring in 14K Gold Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in solid 14K gold, this east-west pear diamond ring showcases a 0.30 carat natural diamond in a sleek bezel setting that gives the piece a clean and modern feel.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Jemma Wynne Emerald and Diamond Pear bezel set "Kissing Ring"
By Jemma Wynne
Located in Englewood, NJ
Our one-of-a-kind two stone ring is constructed in our rich 18K yellow gold and deep green colored Zambian emerald and Pear shaped diamond. It is an amazing and unique engagement rin...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Natural Pink Sapphire & Diamond Bezel Set Disconnected Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K White Gold Natural Pink Sapphire & Diamond Bezel Set Disconnected Ring Ring Material: 14k White Gold Gemstone & Diamond Details: The main stone is a natural, pink, round, sapp...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Bezel Set Diamond Solitaire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Custom made eighteen karat 18K yellow gold estate ring with attractive step style wide band leading to one full cut round faceted .94 carat H/VS diamond solitaire in a rhodium settin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18k Gold & Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Bezel-Set Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Altrincham, GB
A stunning 5-stone ring dating from the Edwardian period, circa 1910. Typical of this era, the stones rest in bezel settings featuring millegrain detail, the platinum millegrain cont...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sleek 18K Gold Diamond Band Ring – Bezel / Gypsy-Set Diamond Approx. 0.20 ct
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
A beautifully minimal yet striking 18K gold band ring, set with a sparkling diamond of approximately 0.20 carat in a closed bezel (gypsy-style) setting.
Diamond, Gold
$948Sale Price / item|24% Off
Bezel set marquise moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel set marquise moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style solitaire moissanite ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Bezel Set Heart Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 2 heart cut =0.40cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1-2 Diamond: 48 round brilliant = 0.50cttw Color: Pink / H Clarity: SI1-2 Size: 5.25 si...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mikimoto Ring. Vintage Platinum Mikimoto Diamond Bezel set band. Mikimoto PT950
By Mikimoto
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Genuine MIKIMOTO ring PT950 Platinum with three Diamonds bezel set.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery Champagne Diamond Bezel Set 18kt Stacking Ring
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A 0.17ct Brilliant cut Champagne Diamond has been hand set in a 18kt Yellow Gold bezel setting to create this pretty ring.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Pin...
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Sterling Silver Bezel Set Oval Emerald & Diamond Bypass Ring by Silvorra
Located in New York, NY
This delicate emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a vivid oval cut emerald at the center, accented by two sparkling round diamonds that add subtle b...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Contemporary Bezel Set Oval Emerald & Diamond Solitaire Ring in Silver
Located in New York, NY
This dainty oval cut emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring an oval emerald measuring approximately 4 x 6 mm at the center. Accented by eight sparkling...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Tanisa Nahata Diamond & Turquoise Bezel Set Ring with Milgrain in 18KYG
By Tanisa Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These pieces are part of our dainty and fine jewelry line known as TanisaJewelry - see more on Instagram @tanisajewelry. Diamond & Turquoise Bezel Set Ring with Milgrain in 18 Karat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold...
Tanisa Nahata Diamond & Turquoise Bezel Set Ring with Milgrain in 18KWG
By Tanisa Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These pieces are part of our dainty and fine jewelry line known as TanisaJewelry - see more on Instagram @tanisajewelry. Diamond & Turquoise Bezel Set Ring with Milgrain in 18 Karat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold...
Wide Satin Finish Bezel Set Diamond Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Height: 14.1 mm tall Total Weight: 21.3 Grams Diamond Count: 32 Diamond Color: F-G Diamond Clarity: VS1-SI1 Diamond Cut: brill...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tanisa Nahata Diamond & Turquoise Bezel Set Ring with Milgrain in 18KRG
By Tanisa Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
These pieces are part of our dainty and fine jewelry line known as TanisaJewelry - see more on Instagram @tanisajewelry. Diamond & Turquoise Bezel Set Ring with Milgrain in 18 Karat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold...
Jadeite Jade Bezel Set & Diamond Pavé in 14K Gold Nugget Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural oval-cut Type A jadeite jade mens ring bezel set in 14K yellow and white gold with pavé set diamonds around the border and nugget-textured finish.
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,472Sale Price|20% Off
Princess Cut Diamonds in Bezel Set Ring Made in 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
The Princess Cut Diamonds in Bezel Set Ring is a timeless and sophisticated piece, expertly crafted in 18K gold. 18KT:3.8g, Diamond:1ct
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Gypsy Ring Bezel Set 14K Yellow Gold ~.63ct Center
Located in Fairfield, CT
Vintage Diamond Gypsy Ring Bezel Set 14K Yellow Gold ~.63ct Center This ring features a ~0.63-carat round white diamond set in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.47tcw 18K Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring - Vivid Green Bezel Set Emerald
Located in Jupiter, FL
Complemented by shimmering pave-set brilliant round cut diamonds along the shank, this ring exudes sophistication and allure.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
3.23tcw 14K Oval Emerald & Diamond Halo Floral Bezel Set Statement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This magnificent emerald and diamond ring commands attention with a 2.87-carat oval-cut emerald at its center, elegantly bezel-set to showcase its vibrant beauty.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 2.90ct Round Diamond & Ruby Bezel Set Eternity Stack Wedding Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Milgrain Bezel Set - I/J Color - I1/I2 Clarity - 2.40ctw (approx.) (32) Natural Genuine Rubies - Custom Cut - Beze...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Green Emerald with Bezel Set Diamond Side Stones Stacking Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural Green Emerald and Natural Diamond Stacking Ring, Set in 18K White Gold. Featuring a textured ribbed bezel set of diamond side stones and a vivid emerald cut Green Emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bezel Set Round Cut Diamond Fancy Ring 18K White Gold 0.68cttw
Located in New York, NY
Speak of the bold and beautiful diamond ring design. This ring features 9 bezel set fine round brilliant cut diamonds crafted in high polished 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$140,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4 Carat D Color Diamond Yellow Gold Bezel Set Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The yellow gold shank is smooth and polished, with a refined tapered design that keeps the focus on the impressive center diamond. This ring combines a contemporary bezel-set design...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$408Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist 14k Yellow Gold Bezel Set Diamond Solitaire Ring Everyday Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This is a minimalist 14k yellow gold ring featuring a round brilliant-cut diamond in a bezel setting. The diamond is securely encased in a smooth gold rim, allowing for a sleek, mode...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Triple Diamond 1ctw ring. Gypsy Diamond bezel set into Signet band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1930s Materials: Gold Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Style: Minimalist Very unique Men or Women ring/band. Triple diamonds set into signet style ring. Will...
Diamond
0.10 CTW Baguette Diamond Ring in 14K Gold, SI+ Bezel Set Solitaire
Located in New York, NY
Elegant in its simplicity, this 14K gold baguette diamond ring showcases a single natural baguette-cut diamond in a sleek bezel setting that highlights the stone’s clean lines and so...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique 14k Triple Diamond signet ring. Gypsy Diamond bezel set into Signet band
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1930s Size: 8 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Diamond Gem Color: Colorless Style: Minimalist Very unique Men or Women's ring/band. Triple diamonds set into signet sty...
Diamond
14K Yellow Gold 0.77ctw Emerald Cut Diamond Bezel Set Wedding Band Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Might show minor signs of wear. Bezel Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold with: Seven (7) emerald cut natural diamonds: Measurements: 3.10mm x 2.10mm x 1.52mm in depth.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,100Sale Price|21% Off
14k Yellow Gold Natural 1.75 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Bezel Set Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14kt Yellow Gold 5 Stone 1.75 Carat Weight Round Brilliant Natural Diamond Bezel Set Ring Style :5 Stone Bezel Set Ring Material :14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: There Are Approx...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Artisan Bezel Set Citrine & Diamond Handmade Engraved Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This beautifully handmade band ring features a sparkling 4.62 carat citrine set with diamonds in 18k yellow gold.
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
EGL Certified .40 Carat Semi Bezel Channel Set Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Designer FD diamond engagement ring. EGL certified round center semi bezel diamond with 6 full cut diamonds in a platinum setting. One diamond, approx. total weight .40ct, F, SI2, ...
Diamond, Platinum
3.09 CT GIA Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Bezel Set Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning 3.09-carat Fancy Intense Yellow diamond engagement ring features a magnificent GIA-certified cushion modified brilliant-cut center stone with exceptional VVS2 clarity a...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Bezel Set VIVID RED Cabochon Ruby & Diamond Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Round Cabochon Cut - Bezel Set - Deep Red Color - Very Nice Color - 4.9mm (approx.) (14) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pav...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage 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.
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