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
Elizabeth Garvin Black and White Diamond Oxidized Silver Gold One of a Kind Ring
By Elizabeth Garvin Fine
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Cyclone Ring handmade by jewelry artist Elizabeth Garvin featuring a spectacular natural 1.23 carat rose-cut black diamond shield and 0.097 total carats of round brilli...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silv...
Pomellato Victoria Black Jet and 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Ring
By Pomellato
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Our Shop carries International luxury brands and sometimes buys rests of Jewelry stocks at great deals and opportunities. The Victoria Black Jet Pomellato ring Retail Price is aroun...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Pomellato Victoria Black Jet and 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Ring
By Pomellato
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Our Shop carries International luxury brands and sometimes buys rests of Jewelry stocks at great deals and opportunities. The Victoria Black Jet Pomellato ring Retail Price is aroun...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.52 Carats Pear Diamond, Black Onyx & Pearl Art Deco Style Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and one of a kind, Art deco style, Diamonds, Black Onyx & Pearls Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Onyx, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
White Gold Black Rhodium 2.00 Carat Diamond 3.00 Carat Ruby Bypass Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
You don't have to be a heart lover to admire this ring! In 18 karat white gold and black rhodium, with approximately 2.00 carats of diamonds and approximately 3.00 carats of rubies,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Damiani Metropolitan 18 Karat Rose and Black Gold 1-Diamond Textured Band Ring
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
The Damiani “Metropolitan” band ring is made of 18K rose and black gold and boasts band thickness of 4 mm.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Damiani Metropolitan 18 Karat Rose and Black Gold 1 Diamond Textured Band Ring
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
The Damiani “Metropolitan” band ring is crafted from 18K rose and black gold, boasts band thickness of 5 mm, and weighs 4.8 grams.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Joke Quick Black Opal, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Burmese Jadeite Pave Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of a kind ring in 18K yellow gold 6,5 g & blackened sterling silver (The stones are set on silver to create a black background for the stones) Black Opal cabochons, Blue Sapphire...
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Jade, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Damiani Metropolitan 18 Karat Rose and Black Gold 1-Diamond Textured Band Ring
By Damiani
Located in Southampton, PA
The Damiani “Metropolitan” band ring is made of 18K rose and black gold and boasts band thickness of 4 mm.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Double Headed Swan Ring In Black Onyx With Diamonds Emeralds
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Maker Van Cleef & Arpels Period Circa 1970s Origin French Gemstones 32 x round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.82cts (enrgaved to inside of ring) 12 x round emeralds estimated to weig...
White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
Olive Green Rose-Cut Diamond Black Lightning Ridge Opal, Paraïba Tourmaline Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of a kind ring handmade in Belgium by jewellery artist Joke Quick, in 18K yellow gold 5,5 g & blackened sterling silver 1,9 g (The stones are set on silver to create a black back...
Opal, Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Dome Shaped Emerald Diamond Ring, Set in 18 Karat White Gold Black Rhodium
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Emeralds 8.70 carats Diamonds 0.29 carats 18kt White Gold 13.90 grams
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 1.42 Carat Diamond and Black/Pink Coral Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring is made of 18K yellow gold and decorated with black and pink coral and a total of 1.42 carats of diamonds.
Coral, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian Black Onyx, Diamond and White Gold Dress Ring, Circa 1970
Located in London, GB
A vintage Italian black onyx and diamond dress ring, set with a square, sugar-loaf shaped, cabochon-cut black onyx, surrounded by a channel of round brilliant-cut diamonds, in grain ...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black South Sea Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Black South Sea pearl diamond cocktail ring handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold. The ring features a 16.5mm black South Sea pearl and 48 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approxi...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century 3.56 Carat Diamond Magnolia Birds Gold Black Rhodium Cocktail Ring
By Vicente Gracia Art Jewellery
Located in Valencia, ES
21st Century 3.56 Carat Diamond Magnolia Birds Gold Black Rhodium Cocktail Ring 3.56 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Rhodium Cocktail Ring 3.56 Carat Diamond, 0.16 Carat Di...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Black Onyx and 1.14 Carat Diamond Band Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This gorgeous band is made in 18k yellow gold. It features onyx inlay accented by sparkling round diamonds. The center diamond weighs 0.90ct, and it is graded H in color and SI2 in c...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Joke Quick Black Opal Padparadscha Sapphire Fancy Pink and White Diamond Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Starstruck Ring handcrafted in Belgium by jewelry maker Joke Quick in high-polished 18k rose gold featuring a curved oval element in blackened sterling silver set with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pink Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Pi...
Black and White Enamel Snake Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Introducing our stunning Snake Ring, the epitome of luxury and sophistication. Crafted with the finest attention to detail, this unique ring boasts 0.46 carats of sparkling white rou...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Oval Cognac Color Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Halo Black Rhodium
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
18K Yellow Gold 1 Oval Shaped Cognac Color Diamond at 1.07 Carats, Clarity: SI - Measuring 7 x 5.8 mm Brilliant Round White Diamonds at 0.53 Carats- Color: H-I / Clarity: SI Alberto...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold/ White, Chocolate and Black Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k White Gold Diamonds: diamonds= 4.90cttw Color: G-H Clarity: SI1 Ring size: 6 ¾ (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing requests)...
18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brown Pear Diamond and Black Enamel Ring
By David Webb
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: David Webb Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 1 pear cut = 5.14ct Color: S-T Clarity: I2 GIA: 2211331975 Serial # LXXX Weight: 20.63 grams Dimensions: ring measures 20.65m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Andrew Clunn Black Enamel Mabe Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Andrew Clunn
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow gold and platinum and large Mabe maPearl and enamel ring with Diamonds by Andrew Clunn. There are 14 platinum set diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat. The Pea...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Sold|$4,750
Angelskin Coral and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An oval angelskin coral and black enamel ring with diamond accents, in 18k.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond Carved Black Labradorite 18 Karat Two-Tone Gold Face Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an elongated octagonal gold form centering a carved black labradorite cabochon Depicting a face with grooved detail and a swirled tuft of hair - bezel set in rose gold Se...
Diamond, Labradorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Yoko London South Sea Pearl Ring with Black and White Diamonds, in 18 Karat Gold
By Yoko London
Located in London, GB
This exceptional ring by Yoko London features a lustrous South Sea pearl surrounded by delicate orbits of black and white diamonds. Expertly crafted in 18 Karat white gold in our Lon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea ...
Pear Diamond Orange Black White Enamel Coiled Serpent Snake Ring Yellow Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
A contemporary diamond and polychrome enamel serpent snake cocktail or dress ring in 19.2 karat yellow gold, Portuguese, 2010s. This openwork ring is modelled as a snake coiling arou...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamond Aquamarine and Oval Kunzite White and Rose Gold and Black Rhodium Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The enticingly colorful gems give a stunningly vivacious appeal to this fabulous jewelry piece that will add a fashionable touch to any ensemble of yours. The ring is made of partial...
Aquamarine, Brown Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
19th Century 1.95 Carat Yellow Diamond Black Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Incredible antique bangle ring, it is closed set on its top with an antique marquise-cut diamond in fancy yellow. 2/3 of the moun...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cartier Diamond Black Screw Love Ring 0.74 Carat 18 Karat White Gold 0.74 Carat
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Details: Beautiful Cartier wedding band. Love collection. 18K White Gold Diamond LOVE Wedding Band Ring Size 4.50. This classic band is 18 karat white gold and features the iconic Ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$19,000
Elise Dray Diamond Gold Mechanical Dragon Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is mechanical and covers the entire finger. The ring is made of 18k white gold and set with white and black diamonds.
Black Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Studio Rêves Diamond Studded Black Band Ring in 18 Karat Gold and Titanium
By Studio Rêves
Located in Mumbai, Maharashtra
Gross Weight: 4.97 Grams Diamond Weight: 0.62 cts Ring Size: 7.5 US Currently Not Graded. IGI Certification can be done on request. Video of the product can be shared on request ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium, Titanium
De Grisogono Diamond and Orange Sapphire Ring
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A contemporary 18k yellow gold sapphire and diamond dress ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black Onyx, Mother of Pearl Inlay and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 60 round brilliant cut = 0.60cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Dimensions: ring top measures 27.55mm wide Ring Size: 7.5 (please al...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Preziosismi Obsidian Diamond Blackened Gold Ring
By Preziosismi
Located in Southampton, PA
This Preziosismi ring is alluring and modern. It is made of rhodium-treated 18K white gold and sports shanks which are sprinkled with black diamonds: the perfect accompaniment to the...
Black Diamond, Other, 18k Gold, Rhodium, White Gold
MARLI, NYC 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx & 0.35 Cttw Diamond Bypass Ring
By MARLI New York
Located in Troy, MI
Bypass engagement rings were popularized in the Victorian era. Characterized by bands that overlap and part, rather than forming one simple continuous line, they are sought after due...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Diamond Aurora 9-10 mm South Sea and Tahitian Double Pearls Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the timeless elegance of our 0.30 ct Diamond AAAA 9-10 mm Double Mix Pearls Ring in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
Crivelli Multi-Diamond Pave Gold Cocktail Ring
By Crivelli
Located in Southampton, PA
It is made of 18K white gold and is set with an ~6.40ct black and white diamond pave.
Black Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold 11.22 Carat Heart Shape Black Diamond Trilogy Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of a kind ring handmade in Belgium in 18K Rose gold 7.2 g. set with a Big and Bold Heart shape Black diamond centerstone 11.22 carat with a Love and heart Laser inscription; and ...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Black Rhodium 2.00 Carat Diamond 3.00 Carat Ruby Bypass Heart Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
You don't have to be a heart lover to admire this ring! In 18 karat white gold and black rhodium, with approximately 2.00 carats of diamonds and approximately 3.00 carats of rubies,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
GIA Asscher Cut White Diamond Eternity Band in 18K Yellow Gold & Black Rhodium
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Handmade in 18k yellow gold and black rhodium. Ring size 7.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Sold|$3,800
MOISEIKIN 18 Karat Gold Diamond Flower Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
It also can be combined with other Almond Blossom flower collection ring. 18K Gold Diamond Ring Gold 18 K,Weight 5.01 g,Size 16.5 (mm in diameter), 27 Diamond 0.315 ct 77 Diamond b...
Diamond, Ruby, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Mourning Ring, 18 Karat Gold, Black Enamel, Diamond and Pearl
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique Victorian era mourning ring. Crafted in 18kt yellow gold it has a beautiful fanned circular face set with rose cut diamond chips and a central creamy blue split ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
David Webb 18 Karat Gold Black Enamel Diamond Ruby Cocktail Snake Ring
By David Webb
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a remarkable cocktail ring designed by David Webb in 1970’s. A coiled snake with scales of black enamel and cabochon cut ruby eyes is accented with a total of ~0.30ct of roun...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Mediterranean Coral, Black Enamel and Diamonds on 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Crema, Cremona
An important cocktail ring in 18 karat white gold with hand-carved Mediterranean orange reddish coral, black enamel and diamonds. The coral species is Coralium rubrum: such species d...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Wellendorf Diamond Black Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Spinning Band Ring Size 8.5
By Wellendorff
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Beautifully crafted diamond and enamel spinner ring by German designer Wellendorf. The 18 karat yellow gold band features black enamel design interlocking with 42 round brilliant cut...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Black Stainless Steel ALOR Noir and Princess and Round Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Black Stainless Steel ALOR Noir with Princess and Round Diamond Gold Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Steel, Stainless Steel
Impressive Size 36.42 Carat Kunzite Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rhodium Black Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring features a 36.42 carat kunzite set into 18 karat rhodium black gold. Assented with 1.85 carat of white round diamonds. Each diamonds are handset and the entire ring is hand...
Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
1925s Art Deco Black Enamel Mabe Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold ring. A sublime Art Deco ring with a geometric, asymmetrical setting, adorned in the center with a bezel-set Mabé pearl. 4x3 rose-cut diamonds adorn the ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Black South Sea Pearl and Diamond Flower Design Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat white gold is a 12.50 mm Black South Sea Pearl surrounded by 6 petals of 174 round brilliant cut diamonds with a total diamond weight of 3.50 carats. G in color, VVS...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Designers Ruby Diamond Gold Teddy Bear Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Incredible detailed Teddy Bear 18k gold ring set with white diamonds, black diamonds and ruby eyes.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Bvlgari B.zero1 18 Karat Rose Gold and Black Ceramic Diamond Pave 4-Band Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
The Bvlgari “B.zero1” ring is made out of 18K rose gold and black ceramic and it is embellished with diamonds.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond, Lapis, Tigers Eye, and Black Onyx Spinner Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18k yellow gold Diamond: 33 round brilliant cut = .58cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring size: 4 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing requests...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Onyx, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Comète Diamond and Pearl White Gold Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is made of 18K white gold and it is embellished with black and white diamonds and with a black and a white pearl.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Black Onyx and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate Art Deco style 18K yellow gold and platinum black onyx and diamond navette ring.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Fei Liu Green Amethyst Green Garnet 18 Karat Diamond Black Gold Open Ring
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Description: Emulating femininity and glamour, the Whispering collection is full of colour and form. Inspired by the twisting, sculptural shape of the exotic Orchid flower. Whisperin...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rh...
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.