Gellner Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Gellner, Germany. This stylish ring from Gellner is contemporary style and everyday cool.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,850
Black Jade, Diamond and Ruby Band Ring
Located in Darnestown, MD
In addition, he has written all of the materials included: Natural Black Jade; Ruby Diamond Ring and 18k White Gold".
Diamond, Ruby, Black Jade, 18k Gold
Sold|$12,000
Black Stellated Star Diamond Gold Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This one-of-a-kind ruthenium-plated, 18K white gold stellated star ring is an embodiment of monumental power and strength. This piece was designed to evoke personal power and protect...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Gold and Fancy Black Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Tuxedo black diamonds accent the top of this band that can be worn alone or also looks fantastic stacked! Black goes with everything which makes this ring versatile. 18 karat white g...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$7,500
Pearl Diamond and Black Enamel RIng
Located in New York, NY
Pearl Diamond and Black Enamel RIng A ring featuring a pearl measuring approximately 11 mm. Surrounded is a swirl design of baguette cut diamonds approximately 3.09 carats accented ...
Diamond, Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold
Quartz Gemstone Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
This ring in white gold has an quartz cabochon cut and along the side there are a total of 0.49 ct of black diamonds. This ring was designed in my workshop in Verona, Italy. All the...
Black Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold
Sold|$9,940
Ferrucci Amethyst Diamond Black Gold Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Ferrucci unique 3.50 carats round brilliant cut natural Amethyst, set in a black 18k gold ring designed and hand made in New York City by master jeweler Francesco Ferrucci, showcasin...
Amethyst, White Diamond, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Leopard Print Pave Diamond Ring, 0.86 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k yellow gold ring. This stunning ring is an oval, pave diamond set top, set with a field of pale and dark yellow diamonds, punctuated with round black faceted diamonds to give a l...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Piero Milano Black and White Diamond Knot Ring
By PIERO MILANO
Located in San Francisco, CA
Eye-catching and fun, this 18k black and white diamond gold ring by Italian jeweler Piero Milano will be your new favorite!
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,950
Bernard Passman Black Coral Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel, IN
This beautiful Bernard Passman design features the signature black coral along with approximately 1.00 carats of princess cut diamonds. This ring wears nicely with a 9.8mm width top...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Black Opal Padparadscha Sapphire Diamond Mosaic Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
Handmade the traditional way, no casting or printing envolved. Ring in 18K Rose Gold 6 g & blackened sterling silver 1,5 g (The stones are set on silver to create a black backgro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Padparadscha Sapphir...
Sold|$13,500
Large Scale Black Enamel Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
A massive ring in 18K yellow gold, measuring 1 inch long, and 1 1/4 inches wide. With a classical look, this ring features 1.35ct of E/F color and VVS2/VS1 clarity diamonds, set in p...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Jona Heart Black Diamond White Diamond 18 Karat Gold Halo Ring
By Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold halo ring set with heart rose cut black diamond weighing 1.65 carats, enhanced by 0.13 carats of white diamonds, F c...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Black Gold-Washed Diamond Love Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This 18k black gold-washed "Love" ring is adorned with handwritten lettering that's illuminated by 0.10 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Michael Kneebone Sapphire Black and White Diamond Dome Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
A colorless, round cabochon sapphire is set in a handmade 18k yellow and white gold ring decorated with black and white brilliant cut diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Black Star Sapphire with Diamond and Black Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Star Sapphire 10.49 carats with Diamond 0.45 carat and Black Diamond 0.88 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.8 cm Length: 2.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Wei...
Black Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rose Gold Black Opal & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
18K Rose Gold Black Opal & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Metal: 18k rose gold Diamonds: .44 CTW (d 0.443 marked in shank) Top: 16.1 x 19.5mm Size: 7 (US) Band: 2mm Weight: 6.35 grams
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Black Diamonds, 18 Karat Rose Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
SHIPPING POLICY: No additional costs will be added to this order. Shipping costs will be totally covered by the seller (customs duties included). Eternity ring in 18 karat rose go...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$21,500
DAVID WEBB Black Enamel Diamond Dome Ring
By David Webb
Located in Houston, TX
DAVID WEBB 18KT yellow gold, platinum, diamond, and black enamel dome ring. Total Diamonds are approx. 3.35 carats. Size - 7.5 Signed - WEBB 18KT Plat
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Luca Carati Black Onyx Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold 0.79Cttw Size 6.5
By Luca Carati
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful cocktail ring features a large natural marquise shape Black Onyx in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
13.34 Carat Emerald and Black Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
A unique 13.34 carat Zambian Emerald cocktail ring, with Black Diamonds set on the band - this ring is made in 18K Gold, which is black rhodium polished.
Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Ruchi New York Paraiba Tourmaline and Black Diamond Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Exclusive Collection Unique three tier multi shape Paraiba tourmaline and black Diamond statement ring set in 18k black rhodium gold.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Michael Kneebone Rutilated Quartz Black Diamond Hammered Gold Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
A dramatic copper colored, 53.77 carat rutilated quartz (needles of titanium dioxide trapped within clear quartz, origin: Brazil) is flanked by eight, brilliant cut black diamonds al...
Black Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold
Spectra Fine Jewelry, Ruby Black Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Inner part of the ring is set with rubies with a rolling ball embellished with black diamonds.
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$11,685
A Black Opal And Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
An opal and diamond cluster ring, the solid cabochon black opal claw-set within a single-cut diamond border, millegrain-set in platinum and yellow gold. The oval cabochon-cut opal w...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
H & H 1.60 Carat Black Diamond Ten Prong Band Ring
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
Imagine fifteen rose cut black diamonds encircling her finger. 1.60 carat of rose cut black diamonds are ten-prong set in this handmade 18 karat white palladium band ring (F/G/VS). G...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Palladium
3.91ct Natura Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold - Black Friday
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
3.91ct Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 18K Yellow Gold – Handmade Contemporary Design This one-of-a-kind three-stone ring is masterfully handcrafted in solid 18K yellow gold...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Damiani Belle Epoque Ruby Black Diamond gold band ring
By Damiani
Located in Chevy Chase, MD
A gorgeous Damiani black diamond and ruby ring in 18K white gold, with black rhodium.
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Sold|$14,500
David Webb Gold, Black Enamel and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
The sizing spring inside is signed WEBB PLAT 18K. Presently the ring is size 6 1/4, but the sizing spring allows it to come down in size if necessary.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$7,500
Black Jade Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Black jade diamond and gold cocktail ring. DETAILS: Carved black jade diamond and yellow gold cocktail ring circa 1980. DIAMOND: one round brilliant-cut weighing approximately 1.13 ...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Crivelli 18K Rose & White Gold Diamond Rotating Sphere Band Ring
By Crivelli
Located in New York, NY
This rotating sphere diamond ring is possibly from their moderately priced line of unique pieces crafted in gold with small diamond accents.
Black Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Black and White Dome Diamond Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold Black and White Diamond Ring Diamonds: 5.00 Carats of Black and White Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Chopard Black and White Diamond 'Happy Diamonds' Cocktail Ring in Gold
By Chopard
Located in London, England
A unique vintage Chopard black and white diamond ‘Happy Diamonds’ ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.11 Carat Black Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous Yellow Gold Black Diamond Bridal Ring has a center Square Cut Black Diamond that weighs 1.47 Carats and has 16 White Round Cut Diamonds weighing 0.64 Carats (Clarity: V...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Enamel Gold and Diamond Ring Large Scale
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Made of 18k Yellow Gold, this striking black enamel and diamond ring makes a strong statement.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,500
Black South Sea Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Bold 18k Estate 1970s Black Pearl Ruby Diamond Ring Fabulous 18k Rose gold 1970s Handmade Black South Sea Pearl Ruby and Diamond Ring, featuring a beautiful black pearl, measuring a...
Ruby, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Ruchi New York Black Diamond and Emerald Cluster, Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Green Lagoon Collection Black Diamond center stone ring with Emeralds surrounding set in 18K black rhodium gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Garavelli 18 Karat White Gold Black Diamonds Coil Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
18KT White Gold Black Diamonds COIL GARAVELLI RING For the first time on First Dib the famous Coil Garavelli Collection, one row new white gold ring with black diamonds. Coil insid...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby, Black Diamond with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 6.74 carats, Black Diamond 2.13 carats with Diamond 0.59 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 54 "Since we first opened doors in ...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black Diamonds Garavelli Band Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
18KT White Gold Black Diamonds GARAVELLI Band Ring , black diamonds scattered on a hand hammered surface in white gold that has been blackened for an extraordinary dramatic effect. ...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Boucheron Macaron Black and White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Boucheron
Located in New York City, NY
Whimsical black and white diamond, 18K white Gold cocktail ring from the "Macaron" collection by Boucheron.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Pomellato Pave Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Pomellato
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This popular diamond ring by Pomellato features 1.00 carat of black diamonds set in a pave fashion. The ring is crafted in 18 karat rose gold, and is currently size 6. The ring can b...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pave Diamond Black Onyx Wide Cocktail Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This stylish ring of bold and opulent design is crafted in 18 karat white gold and weighs approximately 15.5 grams. Designed as a gracefully concave, wide plaque, with asymmetric jux...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Rutilated Quartz Tsavorite Black Enamel and Diamond Ring
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
A unique combination of a 28.01ct oval rutilated quartz set in black enamel with tsavorite garnets and diamonds. The bold volume of the ring combined with the impressive size of the...
White Diamond, Quartz, Tsavorite, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
From Van Cleef & Arpels, a back onyx and diamond ring. ♦ Designer / Hallmarks: Van Cleef & Arpels ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ Gem stone: 30 Diamonds = 1.50 carats F-VS1 ♦ Design Era: C...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Sold|$22,450
Cartier Black Onyx Diamond Panthere 5-Row Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
An authentic Cartier ring featuring the famous Panther design in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Sold|$4,089
Black Opal Single-Stone and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
with circular-cut diamond line sides.Opal weight 1.78cts.Estimated total diamond weight 0.10ct Ring size 6 1/4. 2.4gms.
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal & Diamond Ring from England Certified Untreated Australian
Located in Northampton, MA
A spectacular certified untreated Australian black opal is the dazzling centerpiece of this English Mid-century ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Angel Skin Coral Black Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
All framed in black onyx. Trimmed and set in a handmade 18k yellow gold ring.
Coral, Onyx, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Chanel Black Ceramic Diamond Ultra Wide Band Ring
By Chanel
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Chanel black ceramic and diamond wide band ring from the Ultra Collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
NWT $1, 950 Rare Important 18KT Black Diamond Heart Yellow Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare 18KT Gold Rare Fancy Yellow Diamond Black Diamond Ring. Beautifully comprised of Finely Set Gorgeous Yellow Diamond Heart Shaped Diamond ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
The Victorian era brought snake jewellery into the limelight after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a ring in the image of a snake featuring an emerald-set head. The Que...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond & Black Onyx Ring, Set In 18ct White Gold
Located in London, GB
This elegant 18ct white gold ring showcases the stunning contrast of sparkling diamonds and sleek black onyx.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alex Jona Black Diamond Heart White Diamond 18 Karat Gold Halo Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold halo ring set with rose cut heart black diamond weighing 1.65 carats, enhanced by 0.13 carats of white diamonds...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
4.92 Carat Rose Cut Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning cocktail ring features a beautiful 4.92 Carat Pear Shape Rose Cut Black Diamond with a Diamond Halo.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fine Jewelry Sleek Black Diamond Serpent 18 Karat White Gold Statement Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
The Victorian era brought snake jewellery into the limelight after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a ring in the image of a snake featuring an emerald-set head. The Que...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
2.11 Carat Black Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bridal Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous Yellow Gold Black Diamond Bridal Ring has a center Square Cut Black Diamond that weighs 1.47 Carats and has 16 White Round Cut Diamonds weighing 0.64 Carats (Clarity: V...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 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.”
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.