0.55 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Wedding Band
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A simple and modern ring style showcasing a solitaire princess cut diamond weighing 0.55 carats, certified as J color and VVS2 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Bvlgari Amethyst Emerald Cut 18k Yellow Gold Signet Bezel Rubover Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Beautifully rub over bezel set in this signet style solitaire ring. In excellent condition, has been professionally polished and cleaned.
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,550Sale Price|25% Off
18K Two-Tone Gold Illusion-Set Diamond Ring with Halo – 1.44 Carats
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A stunning display of optical brilliance, this elegant ring is crafted in 18K two-tone gold and features an illusion setting that showcases a center diamond cluster totaling 1.01 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Emerald-Cut Ruby Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Make it a grand proposal with this 14k white gold solitaire engagement ring. It features an emerald-cut ruby, secured in a bezel setting on a stylish criss cross...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold
Chaumet Paris GIA Certified Cushion Cut Diamond 18K White Gold Tension Set Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Miami, FL
Chaumet Paris signed 18K white gold solitaire east west ring featuring a 1.01 carat GIA-certified oval-cut D color diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 2.01 carat Diamond Art Deco Style Solitaire in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Nashville, TN
A 2.01 ct natural round brilliant diamond is prong set in this gorgeous 18K yellow gold Art Deco style mounting. This contemporary reproduction is one of our favorite settings. The b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.00 Ct E-F Color VS Clarity Solitary Round Diamond Bezel Triump
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the epitome of elegance with the GIA Certified 1.00 Ct E-F Color VS Clarity Solitaire Round Diamond Bezel Triumph Ring. This exquisite piece of jewelry showcases a certifi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.00 Ct E-F Color VS Clarity Solitary Round Diamond Bezel Classic
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing the timeless allure of the GIA Certified 1.00 Ct E-F Color VS Clarity Solitaire Round Diamond Bezel Classic Ring—an emblem of refined elegance and enduring sophistication.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Round 2.39 ct Opal Solitaire Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Nature Inspired Bezel-Set Round Opal Solitaire RingOctober Birthstone Ring for Women: Opal is the October birthstone and the traditional gemstone g...
Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Solitaire Round Blue Sapphire Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Bezel-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Round Blue Sapphire Twisted Shank RingSeptember Birthstone Ring for Women: Blue Sapphire is the September birthstone and the tr...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural Round 1.1ct Turquoise Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Bezel-set on a plain shank is the round turquoise, exuding a breathtaking blue hue.
Turquoise, Gold
Color Diamond Ring in Diamond Pave Mounting.
Located in New York, NY
Color Diamond Ring in Diamond Pave Mounting. Center of the ring is bezel set with 1.52ct Natural Fancy Dark Orangey Brown Old Mine brilliant cut diamond, even color, GIA # 6237109478...
Diamond, Platinum
Angara Natural GIA Certified Solitaire Round 4.08 ct Aquamarine Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Bezel-Set GIA Certified Solitaire Round Aquamarine Twisted Shank RingMarch Birthstone Ring for Women: Aquamarine is the March birthstone and the traditional gems...
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Solitaire Round 2.08 ct Opal Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Bezel-Set Solitaire Round Opal Knife-Edged Shank RingOctober Birthstone Ring for Women: Opal is the October birthstone and the traditional gemstone...
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Round 1.62 ct Opal Solitaire ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Nature Inspired Bezel-Set Round Opal Solitaire RingOctober Birthstone Ring for Women: Opal is the October birthstone and the traditional gemstone g...
Opal, 14k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural Round 1 ct Teal Montana Sapphire Solitaire Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The round teal Montana sapphire is bezel-set on a polished plain shank.September Birthstone Ring for Women: Teal Montana Sapphire is the September birthstone and the traditional gems...
Sapphire, Gold
$2,645Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 14k Rise-Cut Diamond Ring.
Located in Firenze, FI
Elevate your collection with this exquisite rose-cut diamond ring, crafted in luxurious 14k gold. The design showcases a luminous central rose-cut diamond, framed in a scalloped flor...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Old cut diamond gypsy ring, circa 1980
Located in London, GB
Old cut diamond gypsy ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond, U-V colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 4.22 carats in an open back rubover setting, to a solitaire design w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$144,000Sale Price|20% Off
7.52 Carat Fancy Yellow Pear-Shaped Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating expression of elegance and rarity, this extraordinary ring showcases a magnificent 7.52-carat Fancy Yellow pear-shaped diamond, certified by GIA as natural in color. Th...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Solitarie Ring with Heart Setting
Located in London, England
A beautifully proportioned Art Deco diamond solitaire, set in platinum with a square bezel framing an old-cut diamond of approximately 0.40 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique gypsy-set ring centers an Old European-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.35 carats, I color and SI2 clarity. The diamond is flush-set within a smooth bezel mounting. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K .57ct Rose Cut Champagne Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold ring featuring a bezel set rose cut pear shape diamond. The diamond has light champagne color and measures about 6.5mm x 4.3mm. The ring fits a size 6.25 finger and w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond gypsy ring taken from the Edwardian period. Crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold, this antique piece showcases a single round faceted old m...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold .39ct Champagne Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K rose gold ring featuring a bezel set rose cut pear shape diamond. The diamond has light champagne color and measures about 6.1mm x 4.5mm. The ring fits a size 6.25 finger and wei...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA certified 1.04 carat Light Green Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified 1.04ct color diamond and 0.20ct white diamond ring inplatinum and 18k yellow gold. Center of the ring set with 1.04ct radiant cut diamond, color: Light Green, clarity:...
Diamond, Platinum
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 6.71 Carat COLOMBIAN Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
💚 GIA Certified 6.71 Carat Colombian Emerald Ring 💚 An exceptional 6.71 carat Colombian emerald, GIA certified, sits at the heart of this captivating creation — a true statement of...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Beauvince Chunky Chocolate Colored Diamond Ring in White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The Chunky Chocolate Colored Diamond Halo Ring is both cute and classy. Center Diamond Shape: Round Center Diamond Weight: 0.84 ct Diamond Color: Fancy Brown (Chocolate) Side Diam...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Green Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
An Antique Style Emerald and Diamond Gold Ring Inspire in the early 1900's The 18K yellow gold ring is bezel-set with a pear-shaped 0.85 carat natural Colombian emerald medium green ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$54,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 7.68 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking statement piece centered with a 7.68 carat oval-cut natural emerald measuring 15.01 x 11.35 x 7.58 mm, beautifully proportioned with a 1.32 ratio. The emerald displays a r...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18KT Gold Green Tourmaline Ring with Diamonds, Circa 1990s
Located in Braintree, GB
A bold vintage ring set with a vivid oval green tourmaline of impressive size, framed by a polished 18KT gold bezel. The shoulders are finished with diamond-set pavé panels, adding s...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Brown Fancy Color Diamond Halo Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This halo ring features a round brown fancy color natural diamond center, encir...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Go...
Vintage 0.41 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage European 0.41 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold ladies cocktail ring: part of our vintage jewelry and jewelry collections. This fine vintage band ring of European o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marco Bicego, 18K Yellow Gold and Diamond Jaipur Ring
By Marco Bicego
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous ring by Italian designer Marco Bicego and from their Jaipur Collection, contains a a cluster of round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.06 carat total, el...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Old Cut 1.02 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Ruby Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Beautiful ring with an amazing old European cut diamond weighing 1.02 ct. The frame is in platinum and is studded with rubies. The center stone was cut by hand during the 1920s and 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Dinh Van Cube White Gold Ring with Natural Diamond
By Jean Dinh Van
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Dinh Van size 52 The Dinh Van Cube Ring in 18-karat white gold is a sleek and modern creation that embodies the minimalist elegance for which the iconic French jeweler is known. At ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
NALLY Intense Fancy Yellow Color GIA Certified Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Nally Jewels Intense Fancy Yellow GIA certified Diamond Ring Diamond, Gold and Platinum Mounting. This ring has 18 step cut diamonds weighing a total of 1.87 tcw all bezel set in pl...
Diamond, Platinum
9K Yellow Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant round ruby, set securely in a classic bezel setting. Surrounding the ruby are sparkling diamonds, arranged to mimic the soft curves of flower petals. The contrast between t...
Ruby, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Checkerboard Citrine Twist Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
A lustrous cushion cut citrine is heightened with four bezel set brilliant cut diamonds on each corner. An 18k yellow gold band is oblique as the finishing touch. The weight of the c...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,004Sale Price|20% Off
Ring in 950 Platinum with Hexaconal Step Cut Diamond
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Ring in 950/Platinum (7 gram), set with with 1x Diamond (L/VS2, hexaconal, step cut, 1,07ct) with the blackened bezel top. This modern gem has a very sleek, elegant silhouette with ...
Diamond, Platinum
Rare Post-Medieval Diamond and Enamel Ring, circa 1550-1650
Located in London, GB
Rare Post-Medieval Diamond and Enamel Ring. Set with a square table cut diamond in a closed back bezel setting, to an exceptional solitaire design featuring intricate enamel detailin...
Diamond, Enamel
Antique Art Deco Filigree Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Prong-set with a 0.56ct round transitional brilliant cut diamond (color: H-I, clarity: SI) at its center and flanked by 6 bezel-set transitional round brillaint cut diamonds ((color:...
Diamond, Platinum
Emerald Blue Sapphire Diamond Aquamarine Stacking Rings, Petra Class 2024
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Stacking Ring Set hand-fabricated by jewelry maker Petra Class featuring gorgeous bezel-set diamond, emerald, sapphire, and aquamarine gemstones (listed below: top to b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Brown Diamond, Emera...
Effy 14k Yellow Gold Cushion Cut Amethyst & Diamond Ring, Circa 2010
By Effy
Located in Sewickley, PA
Crafted in 14k yellow gold this ring features a cushion cut amethyst set in a smooth bezel setting that frames the stone cleanly while enhancing its rich violet hue. The cushion shap...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Diamond Ring Side Tear Drop 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Berkeley, CA
This stunning and classic diamond ring is set in 18K yellow gold and the diamond size is approx. 0.62 carats. The side setting of the tear drop diamond is elegant and artistic as it ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.54tcw 14K Sugarloaf Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring - Rare Design
Located in Jupiter, FL
Indulge in unparalleled glamour with our exquisite emerald and diamond cocktail ring, featuring a captivating Sugarloaf-cut emerald bezel-set at its center, commanding attention with...
Diamond
David Yurman Silver Cushion Checkerboard Blue Topaz w/ Diamond Halo Albion Ring
By David Yurman
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Blue Topaz - Cushion Checkerboard Cut - Bezel Set - Blue Color - 11mm (approx.) (33) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Ni...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique Art Deco White Gold Old Diamond w/ Trillion French Cut Sapphire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - Faint Yellow Diamond - VS2 Clarity - 0.38ct (approx.) (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut - Pave Se...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Ring, 5.50ct Emerald & 1.20ct Diamond, Circa 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This intricate Art Deco platinum ring, dating back to the 1930s, centers a breathtaking 5.50-carat emerald cut emerald, prong and bezel set, with a GIA Report confirming its Colombia...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brilliant diamond at its center, securely set in a sleek bezel setting for a clean, elegant look. Surrounding the diamond, rich blue sapphires add depth, color, and a regal vintage...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$2,456Sale Price|49% Off
Platinum Eternity Ring with Green Jade and 1.50 Carat Diamonds
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Green Jade, Eternity Platinum Diamond Ring. Jade is cabochon shaped measuring 9.85 mm x 8.67 mm and set on an exquisite eternity diamond setting. The color is consistent deep color...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Green Enamel by Korloff
By Korloff
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This exquisite Yellow Gold Ring by Korloff is a perfect blend of luxury and elegance, showcasing the renowned craftsmanship of the French jewelry house. Made from 18-karat yellow gol...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold 1.22 Carat Diamond Art-Deco Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 1.22 Carat Diamond Art-Deco Style Ring Keep it simple, keep it classic. Flaunt your style quotient with this timeless and classic, diamond round-cut ring. This opulent...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
White Gold Oval Diamond & Baguette Side-Stone Ring, US Size 8
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A striking modern-classic, this ring centers on a brilliant oval-cut diamond (0.50 ct, G color, VS clarity) set in lustrous 18K white gold. Its sleek bezel setting enhances the stone...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
New Platinum 2.45ctw GIA Emerald Cut Tsavorite & Baguette Diamond Accents Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Tsavorite - Elongated Emerald Step Cut - Prong Set - Top Green Color **See Certification Details Below** - 2.03ct (exact - certified) (4) Natural G...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Platinum
Art Deco Style 1.30 Carat Diamond Eternity Ring in 18k Gold & Silver
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
The uneven fancy cut flat Rose diamond solitaire set in bezel setting. Details of the piece: Diamond: 1.57 carats Gold : 1.15 gm Silver : 5.89 gm Note: The ring can be made in a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Cushion Halo Natural Diamond Ring Proposal in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This ring features a round natural diamond set in a cushion-shaped double halo ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.5 /2.3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Ca. 1900s - 1930s , hallmarked 765. Openwork Crown : 9.3 mm x 8.5mm x 4.3mm deep. Bezel set natural Blue ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
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.
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If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.