Meghna Jewels 18K Gold & Silver Black Diamond Dome Ring, 4.08ct
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold & sterling silver. Handcrafted with 4.08 carats glimmering black diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be r...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Black Diamonds Eternity Stacker Ring in 18k White Gold by Nancy Phillips
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
We are in love with the powerful look of this natural black diamond ring. Specifications: - 32 individual round-cut natural black diamonds - 18k White Gold - Size: 5.75 - Never sold...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rossella Ugolini Modern 18K Gold Garnet Black Diamonds Cocktail Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
This exquisite cocktail ring boasts a square-cut Garnet, elegantly cradled on a flat 18K gold bezel, flanked by two elements in relief adorned with brilliant-cut black diamonds, crea...
Black Diamond, Garnet, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,413Sale Price|30% Off
Sybarite Classic Band Ring in 18K Blackened Gold with Black Diamonds
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Life is a precious thing, and with Sybarite every day is a celebration. 18K Blackened Gold ring set with 0.91 Carat of round cut black diamonds.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
0.41ct Black Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold, Hong Kong
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 Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Oval Woven Diamond Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
The center is an oval plane of brightness, courtesy of pave set round brilliant cut diamonds. Black enamel surrounds the jewels, its contrast making the diamonds seem still lighter. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Classic Black Sapphire and Black Diamond Cigar Band 7 Ring in 18K Gold Settings
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Black Sapphire 3.0 carats and Black Diamond 0.55carat Ring in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 2.0 cm Inspired by the spirit of "Rock & Roll", a key moment in music when t...
Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Piero Milano White & Black Diamond Crossover Ring 18k Rose Gold 1.04cttw
By PIERO MILANO
Located in New York, NY
18k Rose Gold white and black diamond crossover ring by Piero Milano.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Gucci "Chiodo" 18k White Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
This Gucci "Chiodo" ring showcases the house's signature bold design, crafted in luxurious 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold rutilated quartz and Black & White Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Pradera Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold rutilated quartz and Black & White Diamonds Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Horse Stallion Pony Diamond Pave & Ruby 18K Rose White Gold Black Diamond Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.00x2.80x3.10cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "84 Brown Diamonds 0.86 CT 36 Black Diamonds 0.35 CT 2 Ruby 0.10 CT 18KR 9.00 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & G...
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$10,240Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Tsavorite, Black Onyx, Crystal & Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
➡️GEMSTONE DETAILS: ❋ Gemstone: Tsavorite, Black Onyx, Crystal ❋ Gemstone Weight: 2.83 Cts, 8.99 Cts, 6.55 Cts ❋ Gemstone Size: 16.3X6.4 mm, Mix ❋ Gemstone Shape: Marquise, Mix ❋ Gem...
Crystal, Diamond, Onyx, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Captivating 2.37ct Black and White Diamond Rhombus Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Condition: Pre-owned Metal: 18K White Gold Main stone: 58 stones Natural Diamonds Main stone carat weight: 0.87ct Shape: Round brilliant Color grade: H-I Clarity grade: VS-SI Sid...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Star Sapphire 4.0 carats with Diamond 0.30 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.18 grams "We first opened doors in...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Star Sapphire 4.43 carats with Diamond 0.49 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.59 grams "We first opened doors i...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold
Ruby with Black Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.85 carats with Black Diamond 0.50 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 0.8 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 7.43 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rossella Ugolini 0.60c Sapphire Black Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 0.60c Sapphire Black Diamonds 18k Yellow Gold Band handcrafted Ring.
Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Aquamarine, Black Onyx, Malachite & Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This bold and luxurious ring is a true statement piece, showcasing a striking cushion-cut aq...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Malachite, Onyx, 18k Gold
Oval Shape Blue Sapphire Black Diamond 18K Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RIng 18K White Gold Diamond 64-RD-0,19 ct Blue Sapphire 52-0,62 ct Blue Sapphire 26-6,63 ct SIze US 7 Weight 14,66 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
12.75mm South Sea Black Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring Marquise Baguette 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
12.75mm South Sea Black Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring Marquise Baguette 18K Gold Center Stone: South Sea Black Pearl, 12.75mm Diamonds Weight: .90 Carats *Marquise (0.37 Carats), Bagu...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sculptural Italian Black Agate & Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An original graphic ring with undeniable presence. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this Italian modernist design pairs a deep, inky black agate form with crisp diamond accents for a strik...
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Korloff Diamond Ring Black Lacquer 18K Yellow Gold 1992
By Korloff
Located in BILBAO, ES
A sophisticated and collectible piece, combining French design heritage with timeless elegance and a distinctive modern edge. - Materials: 18K Yellow Gold, Black Lacquer - Stone: D...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,182Sale Price|20% Off
Fireworks - Australian Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,180Sale Price|20% Off
Stylish Australian Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stylish Australian Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Black White Diamond Pave & Antelope Deer 18K Rose Gold Statement Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This striking statement ring showcases a sleek 0.05 carat black diamond, exuding a deep, mysterious allure.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,558Sale Price|20% Off
Black Opal and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Black Opal and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold Australian Opal Wedding Band.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$10,670Sale Price|20% Off
Australian Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Certificated 2.26ct Play of Color Australian Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s 18k Gold Natural Black And White Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Import Taxes USA — No Hidden Fees!💎 Vintage 1980s 18k Gold Natural Black And White Diamond Decorated Ring In very good condition.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Dalmatian Puppy White & Black Diamonds 18K White Gold Dog Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.09x1.81x2.98cm Color: 18K White Gold 31 Black Diamonds 0.51 CT 72 White Diamonds 1.20 CT 2 Ruby 0.04 CT 18KW 9.12 GM 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Jewelry Ou...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 9.0ct White and Black Diamond Ring MF03-050526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A breathtaking 8.0 carat Black Diamond center stone serves as a stunning focal point, while white Diamond accents totaling 1.0 carats further elevate the design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Pave Black Diamond and Emerald Pear Cocktail Ring
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
18 Karat Gold 18K 13.50 g 4 ct Black Diamond 1.5 ct Drop Cut Emerald
Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.70 carat black and white diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bold and glamorous, this vintage cocktail ring from the 1980s dazzles with a captivating interplay of black and white brilliance.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Phoenix Veil - Certificated Black Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Guild Gemstone Certification Exquisite Australian Black Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Maria Garcia Cassetti 18k gold Black Rhodium Band Ring, 0.32ct Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
Maria Garcia Cassetti 18k black rhodium-plated band ring with enamel and brilliant cut diamond up to. 0.32ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5(52) detailed description: t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Australian Black Opal 3.15 Carats Diamond Halo Ring in 18k White Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This dramatic 18k white gold ring features a vibrant, multicolor black opal from the Mintabie Mine in Australia.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Ring with Black Diamond Center and Mixed Fancy Pear-Cut Diamonds
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
Introducing this striking Fancy Mixed Color Diamond Ring—an eye-catching piece that blends bold color with elegant craftsmanship. At the center is a vibrant cluster of round rose ta...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Black Colorless Diamond White Enamel Organic Cocktail Ring 18K Rose Gold Italian
Located in Lisbon, PT
Black Diamond, Colorless Diamond and Enamel Organic Cocktail Ring in 18K Rose Gold, Italy.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
18k White Gold Spike Black & White Round Upside Down Diamond Cocktail Bombé Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This modern 18K white gold dome ring showcases a bold design with 2.0 carats of round-cut black diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold band is detailed with a rhythmic patten of white and black enamel, accented by a bezel set diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$4,532Sale Price|20% Off
Black Diamond Band Elegant Rose 18K Gold Ring for Her for Him
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Rose 18K Gold Ring *Same Model with another stones and gold available Black Diamond 0,26 ct Weight 12 grams This collection was created inspired by the wonderful and controversia...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Semi Black Opal and Diamond Ring of 18k White Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This captivating 1990s statement ring celebrates the natural beauty of a semi-black opal, its play-of-color dancing in shades of vivid blues and greens.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Noir Aurora Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring in 18K Black Gold
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Tahitian Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Material Tahitian Pearl, 18k Gold and Natural Diamonds Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 14-15 mm Quality:...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Impressive Black White Diamond White Gold 18K Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RING 18K White Gold BD 0.68 Cts/12 Pcs Diamond 0.11 Cts/32 Pcs HT 0.37 Cts/2 Pcs
Black Diamond, White Gold
1.70ct Black Opal Sapphire Tsavorite & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, US
One-of-a-kind cocktail ring featuring a 1.70 carat Black Opal from the renowned region of Lightning Ridge in Australia.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gold
$12,400Sale Price|20% Off
Stephen Webster Butterfly 12 CT Amethyst Black Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
By Stephen Webster
Located in Westport, CT
An extraordinary Stephen Webster, Fly By Night, 18K white gold amethyst and black diamond cocktail ring.
Amethyst, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$960Sale Price|40% Off
Lagos Meridian 18K Gold Diamond Black Ceramic Ring 0.23ct Size 7
By Lagos
Located in West Hempstead, NY
Designer: Lagos Meridian 18K yellow gold Black ceramic detailing 0.23ctw natural GH SI round diamonds Ring size 7 3 grams Excellent pre-loved condition A sophisticated designer ring ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Bow-Tie Ring with Natural Black and White Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K White Gold Bow-Tie Ring with Natural Black and White Diamonds Elevate your jewelry collection with this exquisite 18K white gold bow-tie ring, featuring a striking combination o...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Black Onyx and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 18K yellow gold and stamped "750," this impressive piece combines the boldness of black onyx with the luxurious allure of diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
0.85ctw Black Diamond Eternity Band 18k Rose Gold Stackable Wedding Ring Sz 5.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Metal: 18k Rose Gold Weight: 2 Grams Stamps: 18k Garos Rise Above Finger: 2 mm Band / Shank Width: 2.4 mm This ring is a size 5 1/2.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Gold Black and Yellow Pave Diamond Leopard Print Ring, 1.09 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k yellow gold ring. This fabulous mod ring is contemporary round disc top ring, pave set with round faceted black diamond "spots", 0.57 TCW set into a field of yellow faceted diamo...
Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Paraiba & Diamonds Barocca Ring in 18K White and Black Gold
By Dilys'
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Accompanied by 4 Old Cut White Diamonds and 76 Round Collection Grade White Diamonds, this show-stopping is set in 18k White Gold which intensifies the brilliance of this piece.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
LITO DNA Ring 18K Gold Black Rose Cut Diamond Ring Approx 1.50CT Size 5.5
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Title: LITO DNA Ring 18K Gold Black Rose Cut Diamond 3.69g Size 5.5 Estate Description This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pretty Black White Diamond White Gold 18k Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RING 18K White Gold BD 0.53 Cts/14 Pcs PE 0.50 Cts/6 Pcs
Black Diamond, White Gold
Contrast Yellow Sapphire and Black Diamond Pavé Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our captivating Contrast Yellow Sapphire and Black Diamond Pavé Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. This meticulously crafted piece is a true statement of style and sophistication, ...
Black Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Black Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Black Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Stunning Semi Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Stunning Semi Black Opal Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,508Sale Price / item|20% Off
Statement Black White Diamond Wide Band Ring in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Statement Black White Diamond Wide Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 1.58 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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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