GIA 2.01ct Oval Bezel Set Multi-Stone Milgrain 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone of oval cut, weighing 2.01 and exhibiting a magnificent E with SI1.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 0.9ct Oval Vintage Bezel Openwork Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** A remarkable oval diamond ring that fuses vintage glamour with modern artistry.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.00ct Oval Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning oval diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI2 center stone weighing 1.00ct, radiating exceptional brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.7 Carat Milgrain Oval Bezel Geometric Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, featuring a breathtaking center stone of oval J SI2 weighing 1.7. Craf...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 0.82ct Oval Vintage Bezel Openwork Cathedral White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** A remarkable oval diamond ring that fuses vintage glamour with modern artistry.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 2.01ct Oval Vintage Bezel Openwork Cathedral Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A remarkable oval diamond ring that fuses vintage glamour with modern artistry.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Bezel Set Oval Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A timeless expression of understated elegance, this 14KT yellow gold ring features a flush oval diamond in a smooth bezel setting. With its softly domed band and minimalist silhouett...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.70ct Oval Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning oval diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI2 center stone weighing 1.70ct , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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
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
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
0.86cttw Bezel Set Oval Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate everlasting love with this enchanting eternity band ring. Crafted in high polished 18K yellow gold. Showcasing 6 bezel set oval cut dazzling diamonds weighing 0.86 carat.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.85cttw Bezel Set Oval Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring 18k Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate everlasting love with this enchanting eternity band ring. Crafted in high polished 18K rose gold. Showcasing 6 bezel set oval cut dazzling diamonds weighing 0.85 carat.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Oval Shape Diamond Bezel Set Open Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Natural Oval & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bezel Set Open Ring Product: Natural Diamond Bezel Set Diamond Open Ring Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details:...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 18K White Gold Natural Oval Sapphire & Diamond Bezel Set Wrap Around Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
GIA 18K White Gold Natural Oval Sapphire & Diamond Bezel Set Wrap Around Ring Ring Material: 18k White Gold Gemstone Details/ Dimensions: The main stone is a GIA Certified, Natural...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$2,808Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bezel Set Oval Shape Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Ruby Cocktail ring in 18K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality. Designed with oval cut ruby in center and...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Four Oval Diamond Row Ring, East West Bezel Set in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K yellow gold East West style fashion ring with four oval bezel set diamonds weighing 0.99 carat total.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Oval Shape Emerald & Diamond Bezel Set Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Natural Emerald & Natural Diamond in a Bezel Setting Ring Style: Natural emerald & diamond in a bezel setting Material: 14k Yellow Gold Gemstone/Diamond Details: ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
925 Sterling Silver Bezel Set Oval Emerald & Diamond Pavé Band Ring by Silvorra
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.47 carat emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver, featuring a vibrant oval cut emerald measuring approximately 4 x 5 mm at the center. Accented by s...
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver
0.50 carat oval Diamond tapered half bezel Solitaire ring
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement with this chunky half-bezel band set with an east-west, oval-shaped diamond Product Details: Center oval diamond (6X4mm ) 0.50ct total weight GHSI quality (natur...
Diamond, 14k Gold
5.66tcw 18K Natural Dark Green Oval Cut Emerald & Diamond Accent Bezel Set Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
The center stone is skillfully bezel set with brilliant round diamonds accenting both sides of the shank.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural 1.00 Carat Oval Cut Diamond 5 Stone Bezel Set Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Natural 1.00 Carat Oval Cut Diamond 5 Stone Bezel Set Ring Product : Natural Diamond 5 Stone Bezel set Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: There are ap...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18K White Gold Oval Blue Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Channel and Bezel Set Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage unisex ring boasts a natural oval-cut Blue Sapphire, mounted in a half-bezel setting, paired with additional tension set baguette and round-cut white diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Bezel Set 2.80 Carat Oval Cut Emerald & Diamond Ribbed Textured 18K Gold Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural emerald and diamond ring, featuring a magnificent 2.80-carat oval cut emerald, accompanied by 0.38 CTTW round cut diamond side stones, all beautifully set in a wavy textured ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Oval Natural Emerald & Diamond Bezel-Set Ring For Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This ring features a 0.4 carat oval emerald and diamond, set in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.85cttw Bezel Set Oval Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring 18k White Gold Size 6.5
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate everlasting love with this enchanting eternity band ring. Crafted in high polished 18K white gold. Showcasing 6 bezel set oval cut dazzling diamonds weighing 0.85 carat.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.85cttw Bezel Set Oval Cut Diamonds Eternity Band Ring 18k White Gold Size 6.5
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate everlasting love with this enchanting eternity band ring. Crafted in high polished 18K white gold. Showcasing 6 bezel set oval cut dazzling diamonds weighing 0.85 carat.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dainty Oval Cut Emerald & Diamond East-West Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Bezel Set
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This dainty ring features a 0.5 carat oval-cut emerald set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$798Sale Price|20% Off
14k White Gold Oval Sapphire & Bezel Diamond Petite Promise Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Oval Cut - Prog Set - Medium Blue Color - 6.2 x 4.3mm (approx.) - 0.55ctw (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Be...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold 1.05tcw Oval Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring, Antique Bezel Set Design
Located in Jupiter, FL
Evoke the timeless allure of a bygone era with our Antique-Styled Colombian Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring. The centerpiece boasts a stunning one-carat oval cut emerald from Co...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18K Rose Gold Oval Cut Natural Ruby and Bezel Set Diamond Ribbed Stackable Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
18K rose gold Ruby and Diamond ring. Set with natural gemstones and glistening 18k solid gold.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Platinum 1.07ctw Bezel Oval Pink Sapphire & Round Pave Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - Clean Bright Pink - 0.96ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set- Nice Brilli...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Bezel Set Oval Cut Green Tourmaline and Baguette Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 8 A captivating statement of color and clarity, this green tourmaline and diamond ring pairs bold design with classic elegance. The centerpiece is an oval-cut green tourm...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.50 Carats Oval Cabochon Sapphire & Diamond Bezel-Set Three-Stone Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
Accented by two old European cut diamonds weighing 0.80 carat total. Each stone is set on an integrated bezel setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Vintage Style Bezel-Set Oval Opal Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Bezel Set Oval Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 8 This refined ring features a vivid oval-cut Paraiba tourmaline, glowing in a rich bluish green hue that is both exotic and captivating. Set in polished 18 karat yellow ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,798Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Oval Bezel Sapphire Pave Diamond Covered Milgrain Platter Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent and very well made cocktail ring is crafted in solid platinum, and features a large oval platter design that is completely covered with incredible pave work and set ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
9.56 Carat Oval Ruby Ring with Hidden Diamond Halo in 14K White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A striking and sophisticated statement ring featuring a vivid 9.56 carat oval-cut ruby, set in luxurious 14K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural East-West Bezel-Set Oval Opal and Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold East-West Oval Pink Tourmaline Bezel Diamond Ring
By Thomas Laine LLC
Located in New York City, NY
Description A bright pink oval tourmaline is set horizontally in a sleek 14k white gold bezel, giving this ring a distinctly modern, east–west silhouette.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari 18K White Gold Oval Fancy Yellow Diamond Tapered Baguette Bezel Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This luxurious Bvlgari ring features a prominent oval-cut fancy yellow diamond securely bezel-set into a smooth, architectural white metal band, brilliantly flanked by a single taper...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bezel Set Oval Blue Topaz and Double Diamond Halo Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7 A stunning blend of brilliance and sophistication, this exquisite ring features a vibrant oval-cut blue topaz at its center, radiating with captivating hues of oceanic ...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.02 Carat Oval Formal Garden Leaf Trellis 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a captivating diamond ring that artfully intertwines modern and retro design elements, this piece features a stunning centerpiece of a oval diamond weighing ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$3,188Sale Price|20% Off
Large Modernist 18k Gold Oval Bezel Tourmaline & Diamond Polished Geometric Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a beautiful modernist ring crafted in solid 18k yellow gold. This large ring features an oval cabochon cut tourmaline neatly bezel set in open work and displays a very f...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,588Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum 2.29ctw Oval Bezel Boulder Opal w/ Diamond Cluster Accents Modern Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Boulder Opal - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - Black Color w/ Green, Orange & Blue Play of Color - 10.8x7mm - 2.17ct (exact) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - R...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2.24ct Oval Cut Diamond Bezel Set Eternity Band in 18K White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Each stone is bezel-set, creating a chic and stylish design. This band is perfect for enhancing your unique style or complementing your engagement ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,198Sale Price|20% Off
Estate Platinum GIA Oval Ceylon Bezel Sapphire Pave Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning sapphire and diamond ring is crafted in solid platinum and features a beautiful, GIA certified, natural genuine sapphire neatly bezel set at the center of a raised diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Judith Ripka White Gold 1.80ctw Bezel Oval Sapphire Round Diamond Matte Ring
By Judith Ripka
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - Royal Blue Color - 6.4x5.2mm - 0.90ct (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - G/H ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Bezel Set Oval Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Bezel Set Oval Diamond 14K White Gold Band Ring is a stunning piece crafted in 14K white gold.
14k Gold, White Gold
10k Lapis Lazuli Ring. Oval Cabochon Lapis bezel set into bezel setting. unique
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Size: 5 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Rose gold About this item 10k Rose gold with bezel set Lapis Lazuli Cabochon. ...
$3,688Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Solid Yellow Gold Bezel Set Oval Cut Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald and diamond three stone ring in 18K gold which perfectly goes with your personality. Three stone rings come with deeper meaning, traditionally symbolizing friendship and love...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and 5-Stone Bezel Set Oval Cut Diamond Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14K Yellow Gold Diamond: 5 Oval cut = 0.96cttw Color: G-H Clarity: SI1 Ring size: 6.5 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing requests) Weight: 2.6 grams
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 14K Oval Half Bezel Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring European Shank 2.42ct
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An estate gemstone ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, featuring a European-style shank and centered by a half–bezel set oval-cut natural sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10k Lapis Lazuli Ring. Oval Cabochon Lapis bezel set into bezel setting. unique
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1950s Size: 3 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Blue Band color: Gold About this item 10k yellow gold with prong set Lapis Lazuli Cabochon. Conditi...
2ct Oval fancy yellow diamond ring oval diamond ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Unique diamond ring with 2 carats oval center. natural fancy yellow diamond in 18KT yellow gold bezel setting!
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Oval Bezel Prasiolite Quartz & Pave Diamond Twisted Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This breathtaking cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features a gorgeous oval cut prasiolite quartz neatly bezel set at the center.
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,798Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 1.48ctw Oval Sapphire Bezel Pave Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Deep Rich Blue Color - 6.7x5.2mm - 1.0ctw (approx.) (26) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 24 Round Brilliant & 2 O...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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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