Black Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Adorable Australian Black Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold Ruby & Black Diamond Ladybug Ring
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Ruby & Black Diamond Ladybug Ring 29 Black Diamonds - 0.54 CT 15 Diamonds - 0.29 CT 7 Green Garnets - 0.38 CT 122 Rubies - 2.00 CT 18K Rose Gold - 12.38 GM The 18...
Black Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold With Statement Black Diamond Center
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
Metal: 18K White Gold Center-Stone: Diamond - 6.62 Carats Shape: Round Color: Black Additional Diamonds - 1.78 Carats
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Marquise Diamond and Black Diamond and Orange Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this 18k White Marquise Diamond and Black Diamond and Orange Stone Cocktail Ring.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Ring 18k Gold with Natural Black Diamonds
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pave-set natural black diamonds surround the bezel around the sides of the ring in a striking combination of dramatic colors, sizes, textures and exquisite details.
Black Diamond, Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal Diamond Ring. 18k Yelow Gold Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Cocktail Ring with Black and White Diamonds, 0.80ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with black and white brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.80ct - ring size US 7.5 - EU 18 (56) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide ring size...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1980s Platinum 18k Gold Black Jade & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamonds: Round Brilliant-Cut (~3.30 ct total, Pavé Set) (G-H color, VS clarity) Gemstone: Black Jade (Inlay Set) Ring Size: US 6.25 To...
Diamond, Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum
6.31tcw 18K Natural Black Opal & Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a ravishing, Australian black opal and diamond right hand ring. This piece is as chic as it is beautiful.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
Rare Faceted Black Pearl, Black Opal, Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning estate cocktail ring centering a 13.4mm rare faceted silvery black freshwater cultured pearl, accented by black opals and diamonds. 20th Century Faceted pearls were first cr...
Diamond, Opal, Black Pearl, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Pink Tourmaline & Black Diamonds Butterfly Sweet 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.20x2.10x2.30cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "69 Black Diamonds 0.68 CT 43 White Diamonds 0.25 CT 1 Tourmaline 0.99 CT 18KW 5.43 GM (WNTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diam...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Spider Ring in 18K White Gold, White & Black Diamonds, Halloween Special
Located in Honolulu, HI
Beautiful white and black diamond spider ring in 18K white gold. This ring is beautifully crafted with magnificent details.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black and White Diamond Wide Band Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 65 white brilliant cut, 78 black diamonds Total Diamond Carat Weight: 0.399 carats white diamonds and 0.70 carats black =...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Band Ring with Black Diamonds and White Diamonds made in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A simple yet elegant ring with black diamonds to add a unique style to your everyday look. Black Diamonds- 0.13 cts White Diamond - 0.09 cts HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemst...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring features a lustrous Tahitian pearl set in a sleek, minimalist band. The pearl showcases a captivating array of iridescent hues, ranging from soft grays to subtle p...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
$5,166Sale Price|50% Off
Stunning 18k Black and White Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring US 7.5
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, DE
In an ode to the timeless beauty of the rare black diamond, this stunning 3 ct ring embodies a classic eternity setting that further accentuates the stone's passionate character.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Handcrafted 18k Gold 1.90c Brown & Black Diamond Snake Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18 Karat Burnished White Gold 1,90 Karat Brown & Black Diamonds Snake Cocktail Design Ring. Dimensions: height 1,18 inches (cm 3) x width 1,1 inches (2 cm). Availab...
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black and White Pearl Bypass 18K Cocktail Ring with Black and White Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.25 A true masterpiece of contrast and elegance, this bypass ring beautifully pairs a luminous freshwater pearl with a striking Tahitian pearl, symbolizing balance and s...
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Black Pearl, Gold, 18k Gol...
Statement 18k Black Gold Ring with Tahitian Pearl, Emeralds and Black Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Designer 12.5mm Pearl, Black Diamonds & Green Emeralds Ballerina Black Gold Ring This ring is a unique and wearable Piece of art. The center south sea Pearl measures 12.5mm and surro...
Black Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Six-Row Black and White Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Bloomington, MN
18K White Gold Six-Row Black and White Diamond Crossover Ring This striking six-row crossover ring is crafted in 18K white gold and set with round diamonds in a bold mix of near-col...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,368Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern Crossover Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold With Black & White Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Make a bold statement with this modern criss-cross ring, crafted in luxurious 18K white gold. Featuring an elegant design of intersecting bands, this ring is adorned with a striking ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pave Diamond Coral Ring 18K Gold Black Rodium
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This magnificent ring features a large, smooth coral centerpiece weighing 6.98 grams, enveloped in a luxurious embrace of sparkling white diamonds totaling 0.85 carats and natts diam...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Band Ring with Black Diamonds and White Diamonds made in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A simple yet elegant ring with black diamonds to add a unique style to your everyday look. Black Diamonds- 0.14 cts White Diamond - 0.05 cts HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemst...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
17.5mm South Sea Pearl Black & White Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Accentuating the pearl are black rose-cut diamonds and round white diamonds, totaling 3.77 carats, adding a bold contrast to the design.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Black and White Diamond Dome Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 20 white and 29 black Diamond Carat Weight: 0.40(white) + 0.58 (black) = 0.98 carats Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Charles Krypell 18k Gold Black Onyx and Diamonds Ring
By Charles Krypell
Located in New York, NY
CHARLES KRYPELL 18K GOLD BLACK ONYX & DIAMONDS -Metal: 18k Yellow Gold -Size: 7 -Material: Black Onyx & Diamonds -Diamonds: VS-F 0.80ct -Thickness: 13.1mm -Shank: 4.4mm -Weight: 16....
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Demeglio White & Black Diamond 18k White Gold Stretch Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Mesmerize your outfit with an exquisite masterpiece from Roberto Demeglio. This timeless design crafted with precision embodies the elegance and luxury of Italian design. Jewelry Con...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Coin 18k White Gold Black Rose Diamond Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This artistic ring worked in black enamel in its petals. It is surrounded at its petals borders with 96 grain diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s French 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Black Jade Panther Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This spectacular French ring from the 1950s is a exceptional, featuring a prowling panther brought to life with dazzling diamonds, piercing green emerald eyes, and a striking black j...
Diamond, Emerald, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Giovanni Ferraris Colorless Black Diamonds Italian 18K White Gold Bombé Ring
By Giovanni Ferraris
Located in Lisbon, PT
Giovanni Ferraris, Bombé Cocktail Ring, contemporary, 18K white gold, pavé-set with colorless and black diamonds, Italy.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.37 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An exquisite Australian black opal weighing 1.37 carats takes center stage in this lovely ring band.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Diamond Pavé Cocktail Dome Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Elegant yet effortlessly wearable, this Black Diamond Pavé Ring adds a touch of modern chic to everyday style.
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This cocktail ring features approximately 0.50 carats of black and white diamonds set in 18K white gold.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
18K White Gold Dome Cocktail Ring with 5.50ct Black & White Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The top of the ring is beautifully adorned with rows of semi-circular patterns set with sparkling round black and white pavé-set diamonds, creating a striking contrast and brilliant ...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Sphinx Black Diamond Ring by Oltremare Gioielli, Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Details Metal: Solid 18k Gold (Yellow, Rose, or White). Gemstone: 100% Natural Black Diamond (0.08 ct).
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
$4,179Sale Price|20% Off
Classical Black Diamond White Gold 18K Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 143-RND57-2,05 ct Size 6.5 USA Weight 4,57 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a...
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
0.80ctw Black Diamond Eternity Ring 18k Rose Gold Size 5.5 Stackable Band
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.80ctw Cut - Round Color - Treated Black Please note there are surface reaching inclusions and fractures Metal: 18k Rose G...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Black Diamond Glacier Ring by Barbara Heinrich
By Barbara Heinrich
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Elevate your jewelry collection with the Glacier Ring, a breathtaking piece featuring a striking black rose cut diamond (0.51 ct) surrounded by surface-set diamonds (0.07 cttw) in ra...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eostre Ruby and Black Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Melbourne, AU
Ruby and black diamond ring in 18k white gold. The main ruby is secured by 4 white gold claws and the band of the ring is made up of 3 individual pave bands.
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$712Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Black Diamond & Diamonds Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Black Diamond & Natural Diamonds Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Black Diamond 1.20 Carat Natural Gray Diamonds 0.50 Carat This...
Black Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Australian Black Opal & Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stylish Australian Black Opal & Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's Modern Black Jade and Diamond Ring - 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
(Actual color of jade may slightly vary depending on screen calibration, lighting or camera settings. Please see image of ring on hand for more accurate color.) Item Specifications:...
Diamond, Jade, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Black Diamond & Gray Diamonds Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Black Diamond & Natural Diamonds Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Black Diamond 1.00 Carat Natural Gray Diamonds 0.50 Car...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$672Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Black Diamond & Diamonds Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Black Diamond & Natural Diamonds Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Black Diamond 1.00 Carat Natural Gray Diamonds 0.50 Carat This...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 18k Yellow Gold Black Onyx & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique black onyx and 1.06 carat diamond (total), 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collecti...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Star Sapphire 6.52 carats with Diamond 0.40 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 8.58 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Black & White Diamond Pavé Swirl Wave Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Striking and modern, this 18K white gold statement ring is a true masterpiece.
Black Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Snowflake Design Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Snowflake Design Australian Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$7,920Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Yellow And White Gold Ring Diamonds Black Onyx
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with the distinguished sophistication of this 18k yellow gold signet ring, a masterpiece of craftsmanship and elegance.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Stephen Webster 18k White Gold Black Diamonds & Green Quartz Ring
By Stephen Webster
Located in North Miami Beach, FL
Green Quartz Black Diamonds: 0.60ctw Ring Size: 7 Model number: WR0922 SKU: SW01198 Retail price: $4,950.00
Black Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Demeglio Black Diamond AURA 18k White Gold Overlay Stretch Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The interior stretch cord is a stainless steel cord inside the ceramic part allowing the ring to stretch for easy on-off. The detailed pave-setting enhances the black diamonds sparkle.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.02 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of vintage jewellery/estate jewelry. Opal Quality Colour Black Cut Cabochon Content 2.02 car...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Black and Pink Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
We also have an 18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent and an 18K Gold Blue and Turquoise Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent also available in our shop.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
de GRISOGONO 11.27ct Black Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
By de GRISOGONO
Located in New York, NY
A chic cocktail ring set with round black diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 11.27 carats, crafted in 18k white gold.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.19ct Black Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold, Hong Kong
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant ring with brilliant cut Black diamonds styled in an 18K white gold band.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Yellow Sapphire with Diamond and Black Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Yellow Sapphire 2.52 carats with Diamond 1.21 carats and Black Diamond 2.67 carats Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 3.1 cm Length: 3.1 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 20....
Diamond, Black Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
11.80Grams Black Opal & Diamonds Ring, Set in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite black opal ring measures around 24x15MM and is an impressive 16.96CT in weight.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.