Gemstone Butterfly Harmony Ring - 18K Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 18K rose gold ring showcases the harmonious union of 20 round rubies (RR) with a total carat weight (TCW) of 0.20, 91 pink sapphires (PS) with a TCW of 1.01, 8 round d...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond and Black Mother of Pearl Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with onyx and diamonds. The ring weighs 9.4 grams, boasting band thickness of 4 mm and top height of 4 mm, whi...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Cerchi Diamond White Gold and Black Rhodium Hinged Shield Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
Created for the exceptional “Astrale” collection by Bvlgari, this fabulous statement piece boasts an incredibly offbeat design that is beautifully topped off with lustrous diamonds. ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
18ct White Gold Black Onyx Ring Set With 3 Diamonds, 0.85ct
Located in London, GB
A stunning 18ct white gold ring featuring a smooth black onyx centerpiece, elegantly complemented by three sparkling diamonds totaling 0.85ct. A bold and sophisticated design perfe...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】15mm Peacock Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Halo Ring in 18K White
Located in New York, NY
A bloom of celestial elegance — At the heart of this majestic ring lies a 15–16mm Tahitian pearl, exhibiting a rare peacock green hue with mirror-like orient and nearly flawless surf...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
10.68 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed Solitaire Cocktail Engagement Ring, set with a securely nestled 10.68 Carat Black Opal surrounded by Brilliant-cut Diamonds, weighing ap...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mediterranean Red Coral 2.20 Carat White and Black Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 2.20 Carats of White and Brown Diamonds. This Ring has a Big Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy) Red Coral. Size ITA: 13 USA: 6.5 We'r...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Black Opal 0.90 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cabochon black opal measuring 9.5 x 6.5 x 3.4 mm, excellent play-of-color displaying greens blues, violet, yellow, orange and red With a round brilliant cut diamon...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Mother-of-Pearl Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
An exotic splash of oceanic mystique completes this ring design from Van Cleef & Arpels. The band rises in 18K Yellow Gold, gaining a bold expanse in its ascent.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fei Liu Purple Amethyst Diamond 18 Karat Black Gold Fashion Ring
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Set in black rhodium plate on 18ct white gold. - Ring head size (LxW): 9mm x 9mm - Weight: 4gm - Available ring sizes: K (UK) / 5.25 (US), M (UK) / 6.25 (US) Fei Liu Fine Jewellery...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium, Gold
White Black Diamond Flexible Bezel Eternity Band Luxury 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Multi Color Dalmatian Eternity Patterns Ring Jewels inspired by the colourful Art Deco movement. Lively designs and colorful Interpretations in a triple row eternity band structure....
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Art Deco style ring crafted in 18K white gold. Circa 1950. It features rectangle cut onyx and round cut diamonds. Weight: 10.21g Size: 21.5 (US 12) IMPORTANT: please a...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco style Turquoise, Emerald, Black Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very beautiful and unique, Art Deco style, Emerald, Turquoise & Black Enamel Cocktail Ring set in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Sold|$11,200
Gypsy Setting Black Enamel in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Gypsy setting became popular in the late 1880's, marked by the mounting created flush with the top of the bezel set Diamond. This ring is rare with black enamel baked onto 18k Yellow...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Australian Black Opal, Sapphire and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Two round brilliant cut diamonds (.05 cts/tw) further enhance the ring. This ring is an excellent example of fine craftsmanship.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.35 Carats, Natural Zambian Emerald, Diamonds & Black Enamel Cocktail/Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Emerald & Black Enamel Cocktail/ Dome Ring set in 18K Gold & Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Amazing Rainbow Color Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Amazing Rainbow Color Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping! Free Gift Bag or Box with every order! Opal—the qu...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.62 Carat Diamond Ring in Gold and Black Enamel
Located in New York, NY
The ring is made in 18K white gold and black enamel.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Syna Yellow Gold Black and White Enamel Ring with Champagne Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black enamel White enamel Diamonds 0.07 carat approx. Ring size US 6.5, Can be made in other ring sizes on special order
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cabochon Black Onyx and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat yellow gold is a Cabochon Black Onyx with 36 round brilliant cut diamonds, with a total weight of 3.00 carats. The diamonds areG color, and the Clarity is SI. Ring...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Art Deco style, natural Zambian Emerald, Black Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, art deco style, Emerald & Black Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Round Brilliant Black Diamond Stackable Band
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 1.25ctw of round brilliant diamonds. Ring Size: 6 Ring Measurements: 0.83″ x 0.10″ x 0.83″ Total Weight: 1.9g (1.2dwt) Additio...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sunita Nahata Diamond 0.34ct. Band Ring in 18KWG with Black Onyx.
By Sunita Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Designer diamond and black onyx band ring in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Superior Gem Lightning Ridge Black Opal White Diamond Yellow Gold Ring, 2025
By Susan Sadler
Located in Dallas, TX
The Universe Within - Discovered in the renowned Mulga Mine in Lightning Ridge, Australia, this exceptionally fine 5.12 carat solid black crystal opal showcases an extraordinary comb...
Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold...
Fine Black Opal + Paraiba Tourmaline + White Diamond Starstruck Ring, Joke Quick
By Joke Quick
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a kind Starstruck Ring handmade in Belgium by jewelry artist Joke Quick in matte-finished 18k yellow gold and blackened sterling silver featuring six exceptional Australian li...
Multi-gemstone, Opal, Tourmaline, Diamond, White Diamond, Black Opal, Pa...
18 Karat Yellow Gold 20 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Modern Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Black Opal Carat Weight: 20 Carats Accent Stone: Baguette and Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Carat Weight: 2 Carats Color:...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.15 Carat Black Sapphire 1.6 Carat Diamond Ring and 1.44 Carat Wedding
Located in GB
Wimbledon-Furniture Wimbledon-Furniture is delighted to offer for sale this absolutely lovely Canturi Australia Black Sapphire & Diamond engagement ring TCW 4.75 and Cubism eternity...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Io Si Diamond and Coral White Gold and Black Rhodium Bypass Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This Io Si ring is made out of partially black rhodium-plated 18K white gold and diamonds and corals that total 0.73 and 2.71 carats respectively.
Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
19th Century Diamond Black Enamel 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, owl hallmark. This magnificent antique Napoleon III solitaire is set in bright rose gold, enameled on either side of the ring with 3 black enamel fillets....
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel, Rose Gold
0.26 Carat White Diamond and Black Enamel 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k white gold White Diamonds: three round brilliant cut = 0.26 carat total weight Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 7 Weight: 5.10 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Starr & Frost Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring (Approx. 0.60-Carats), Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage ring by Black Starr & Frost showcases a striking marquise-cut diamond center, weighing approximately 0.60-carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$714 / item
Fei Liu Citrine and Diamond 18 Karat Black Gold Stacking Ring
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Designed to be worn alone or stacked together in perfect harmony, these rings offer limitless possibilities for expressing your individuality. Create your own underwater-inspired mas...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Antique Early Victorian Black Enamel and Old Cut Diamond Mourning Ring
Located in London, GB
A one of a kind antique early Victorian black enamel and diamond mourning ring set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Coral Set with Black/White Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Made in Italy
Located in Troy, MI
Designed just for pure PLEASURE and incredibly CHARMING! ANCORA is a dynamic reality, proud of its long experience in the field of jewellery creation. Absolutely stunning 18 karat ye...
Coral, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$3,900
Emerald Diamond Gold Figural Leopard Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
18K White Gold Diamond & Emerald Figural Leopard / Jaguar Ring.
Black Diamond, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Natural Black Opal Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Statement
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage natural black opal & diamond cocktail ring, crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$10,500
Palmiero Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Palmiero
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is made of 18K yellow gold and boasts numerous orb-shaped accents completely paved with precious stones.
Black Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yello...
Sold|$9,850
Diamond and Spinel Skull Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
Scintillating diamonds dazzle in this entrancing and edgy skull ring.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Spinel, Diamond, 18k Gold, ...
Sold|$19,500
Diamond and Spinel Skeletal Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A cheeky skull sticks out his diamond-encrusted tongue in this beautifully macabre ring.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Palladium
Certified 9.80 Carat Carved Emerald, Diamond and Black Onyx Unisex Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
This ring is made using 10 grams of solid 18K White gold, 1.30 carat White Diamonds and Black Onyx.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
22.00 x 14.00mm Black Opal Triplet and Single Cut Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
This is a an amazingly colorful cocktail ring! The 20.00 x 14.00mm Black Opal triplet is bezel set, surrounded by a single row of bezel set single cut Diamonds weighing 0.78 carats ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,900
Fancy Colored Diamond Gold Dome Ring Band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A pleasing ring featuring 5.01 carats of champagne color diamonds speckled with 1.18 carats of black diamonds and 0.49 carats of colorless diamonds.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
3 Carat Diamond Parrot Statement Ring with Emeralds and Black Onyx
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
3 Carat Diamond Parrot Statement Ring with Emeralds and Black Onyx This amazing show-stopper, the ring is a statement for any occasion! The diamonds are pave set and have a weight ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruchi New York Australian Blue Opal, Black Agate and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Black Velvet Collection Rich Australian blue Opal with black Agate and Diamond halo. Set in 18K white gold. US size 6.5. Blue Opal: 2.01ct total weight. Black Agate:5.88ct total ...
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$3,100
Tahitian Cultured Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Lucerne, CH
This ring in 18k white gold features a light grey Tahitian cultured pearl of 12.0 mm diameter. The pearl is encircled by 184 delicately set brilliant-cut diamonds. Total diamond weig...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
Carrera y Carrera Black Onyx Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set oval cabochon black onyx measuring approximately 12.5 mm x 21.5 mm Within a diamond surround containing .40 carats total of eye clean pave set diamonds Presen...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Sold|$2,000
Round Diamond "Love" Pave Wide Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamonds are black, G/H in color and VS in clarity Ring Size: 7.75 Ring Measurements: 0.95″ x 0.30″ x 0.95″ Total Weight: 7.2g (4.7dwt) SKU: R5022
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$7,500
Arthur King Colored Diamond Gold Ring
By Arthur King
Located in Cincinnati, OH
A good looking gold and colored diamond ring by Arthur King. The 18k yellow gold freeform band with white, golden and cognac Round diamonds. A handsome and wearable ring. King, a sel...
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$14,500
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Pearl Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring boasts gorgeous 18K yellow gold shanks accented with a pave of 1.64ct of diamonds and black onyx.
Black Pearl, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Diamond Clover Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
"Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Vintage Alhambra Black Onyx Diamond Clover Ring.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century Black Opals Pear Cut Diamonds Gold Ring The Thousand and One Night
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century Black Opals Pear Cut Diamonds Gold Ring Inspired in Jose Segrelles Work Ring in 18 K yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cultured Black Pearl Diamond Heart Ring Estate 18 Karat Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
The ring is in excellent condition. Style: Cocktail Condition: Excellent Main Stone: Cultured Black Pearl Main Stone Size: 7.25mm Second Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: 0.15ctw esti...
Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Wendy Yue Sculptural Ring in 18kt Gold 28.92 Ctw Black Opal Diamonds & Tsavorite
By Wendy Yue
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Wendy Yue. Fabulous one of a kind piece, created in Hong Kong by the jewelry sculptor Wendy Yue. This gorgeous cocktail ring is an unique piece crafted i...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Black Opal, White Diamond, Gol...
French Modern Diamond Black Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This yellow gold ring features 3 rectangles of shaded gray-black enamel on the top, punctuated by two lines of 5 modern brilliant-c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
David Webb Platinum & Gold Single Round Diamond Bezel Set Black Enamel Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Extraordinary black enamel 18 Karat yellow gold and round cut diamond ring, ca 1980. 18k yellow gold, the wide polished gold band mounted with a round brilliant-cut diamond weighing ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
18 Karat White Gold Black Opal, Paraiba Tourmaline, and Diamond Ring
By Nazarelle
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made with 18 karat white gold and features a 4.95ct long natural black opal (GIA certified: 6177239503) with a mixture of colors like blue, green, purple, and orange. Th...
Opal, Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
6 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum on Yellow Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Dark Black and Diamond Cocktail Ring. The center securely set with a 6 Carat Black Opal surrounded by Diamonds approx. 1.10tcw.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.”
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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.