18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 0.5ct Brilliant Cut, Italy Circa 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central diamond of 0.5 carats and small brilliant diamonds on the stem / Italy 1950-1960s Ring size US 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
COCKTAIL ring with pearl, baguette and brilliant cut diamonds 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold and 850 platinum ring set with a pearl and baguette- and marquise-cut diamonds total approx. 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 8 - EU 18 (57) Detailed description: The ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Solitaire Round Brilliant Transition Cut Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 1 brilliant transition cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.70 carats Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: SI2 Ring Size:...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany and Co 1.10 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 1.10 Carat Round Brilliant Shape G-VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.1 Carat Diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co 0.60 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 0.60 Carat Round Brilliant G-VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 0.6 Carat Diamond Numb...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co 1.58 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 1.58 Carat Round Brilliant G-VVS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.58 Carat Diamond Num...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co 1.27 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 1.27 Carat Round Brilliant Shape G-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.27 Carat Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co 1.26 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 1.26 Carat Round Brilliant F-VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.26 Carat Diamond Num...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co 0.77 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 0.77 Carat Round Brilliant Shape G-VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 0.77 Carat Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co 1.25 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 1.25 Carat Round Brilliant Shape G-VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.25 Carat Diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
Contemporary 14K White Gold Ring with 0.80ct Brilliant Diamonds, New
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Diamonds: Naturally Shiny Weight: 0.80 carat Shape: Brilliant cut Colour: high white (F-G) Clarity: SI-P Quality: Very nice Jewel: Ring Weight: 7 gram Hallmark: 14 karat Ring size...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
White Gold Design Ring with White and Black Brilliant Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
A 14K white gold design ring with white and black brilliant diamonds is a striking and contemporary piece of jewelry that blends the elegance of white gold with the contrast of black...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
White Gold Design Ring with White and Black Brilliant Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Diamonds: Naturally Shiny Weight: 1.50 carat Shape: Brilliant cut Colour: high white (F-G) and black (enhanced) Clarity: VS Quality: Very nice Jewel: Ring Weight: 11.4 gram Hallma...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Rose Gold Design Ring with White and Black Brilliant Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Diamonds: Naturally Shiny Weight: 0.80 carat Shape: Brilliant cut Colour: high white (F-G) and black (enhanced) Clarity: SI-P Quality: Very nice Jewel: Ring Weight: 6.5 gram Hallm...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
Two-Stone Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Crossover Ring, circa 1984
Located in London, GB
Dating to 1984, this Victorian inspired twist ring features two round brilliant diamonds. They each weigh 0.15 carat and have been securely claw set within their 18 carat white gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany and Co 0.80 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 0.80 Carat Round Brilliant Shape D-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 0.8 Carat Diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany and Co 3.10 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany and Co Title: Tiffany and Co 3.10 Carat Round Brilliant I-VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 3.1 Carat Diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds 0.25ct 2.9 grams 18k bicolour gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolour gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct - F/G - VS/Si - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 4.5 mm wide weight...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
White Gold Trinity Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Crafted from lustrous white gold, this ring is made up of three interwoven bands, each adorned with brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.22 Carat Round Brilliant F-IF Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: Vintage 2.22 Carat Round Brilliant F-IF Diamond Platinum Halo Ring Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 2.22 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: F Clarity: IF Shape: R...
Diamond, Platinum
1.94 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut H VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.94 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut H VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.94 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Reerslev, Denmark. 14 kt white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamonds.
Located in bronshoj, DK
Reerslev, Denmark. 14 kt white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamonds. Geometric white gold ring set with seven brilliant-cut diamonds arranged in a floral cluster.
Diamond, White Gold
Platinum Engagement Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamond 0.50ct G-vs1
Located in Radolfzell am Bodensee, BW
Platinum Engagement Ring - handmade in the platinum manufactory of Henrich & Denzel in pure perfection. The purity of nature, exquisite materials and a contemporary formal idiom ar...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.51 Carat Round Brilliant D VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.51 Carat Round Brilliant D VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.51 Carat Diamond Number ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 3.41 Carat Round Brilliant H VVS2 Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 3.41 Carat Round Brilliant H VVS2 Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring Style: Wedding Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 3.41 Carat Diamond Number of Sto...
Diamond, Platinum
18 kt. White Gold Ring 2.28 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 18 kt. White Gold Ring 2.06 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds Material: 18 kt. white gold Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds together 2.06 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Triple Diamond Band Ring Brilliant and Princess Cut Diamonds 18K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 28 diamonds total, 26 brilliant cut and 2 princess cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.60 carats Princess Cut Diamond Me...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18 kt White Gold Square Top Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Lisboa, PT
The square top section features a raised, beaded frame that houses a central cluster of 9 brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing a combined total of 0.21 ct.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
18k white gold eternity ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.80ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold eternity ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.80ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 – EU. 17.75(56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.9 mm wide and...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.15ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.15ct - ring size U.S. 6 – EU 16.5(52) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 6.5 mm high Ring size U.S....
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
suchan Yellow Gold Ribbed Band Ring with Brilliant-Cut Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
• Metal: Yellow Gold • Total Gold Weight: 15.5 grams • Diamonds: Brilliant-cut diamonds, total weight approx. 100 carats • Design: Wide ribbed band with integrated diamond detai...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage EGL 1.51 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage platinum ring from the 1990s features a 1.51 carat round brilliant cut diamond, graded H color and VS1 clarity (EGL #2724389338; certificate not on hand).
Diamond, Platinum
Gorgeous 1.20ct. Marquise Brilliant Pave Diamond Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Product Details: Metal: 18K White Gold Main stone: 4pcs. 1.20ct marquise brilliant natural diamonds, E-F colour, VS1-VS2 clarity, Cut: Very Good - Good Side stones: 4pcs. .50c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum 0.75ct Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Platinum 0.75ct Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Style: Platinum Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Material: Platinum Center Diamond: Round Brillian...
Diamond, Platinum
ART NOUVEAU Solitaire ring with brilliant cut diamond 0.40ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold solitaire ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond 0.40 ct - N/O - VS/SI - ring size US 7.5 - EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.0 mm wide.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
Occupied with - 2 x 4.3 mm brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.60 carats in total color L/M clarity VS/SI ring is in excellent condition.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
The Leo Diamond Semi Eternity Band Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The Leo Diamond is renowned for its patented cutting technique that produces more facets than a traditional round brilliant, resulting in a level of light performance and fire that i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Brilliant 18K Gold Wave Diamond Band Ring
Located in Ridgefield, CT
Experience timeless elegance with this 18K gold wave ring, a perfect blend of sophistication and modern design. The asymmetrical ring features two sleek bands that gracefully curve t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Wedding Ring Brilliant Diamonds 0.88 Carat White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Wedding Ring Discover this Brilliants Diamonds 0.88 Carat White Gold Ring.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Pave and Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Pave and Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Description: This 18K white gold ring features a striking diamond centerpiece framed within an architectural panel design inspired by ge...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.48 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.48-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle.
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.45 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.45-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Round Brilliant Diamond Band Ring 14K White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k White Gold Total Diamond Count: 15 diamonds total Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~0.60 carats Center Brilliant Cut Diamond Measurements: ~4.7 mm x 4...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond ring in 14-karat white gold with numerous brilliant-cut diamonds
Located in bronshoj, DK
A diamond ring in 14-karat white gold with numerous brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.80 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring 1.25ct Round Brilliant
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14k Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, 1.25ct Round Brilliant 14k yellow gold diamond ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Quarter Carat Brilliant Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Diamond Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .25cttw Diamond Clarity: SI2 Diamond Color: G Diamond Cut: Round Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Size: 6 Diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Cocktail Ring with 3.50ct Brilliant, Triangle, Baguette Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a triangle, baguette, and brilliant-cut diamonds up to 3.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 5.75 - EU 16.25 (51) Detailed description: The top of the r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.22ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring, 14K Yellow & White Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The center stone is held in a raised white gold prong setting that stands apart from the warm yellow gold shank below it; a common and effective way to keep a diamond looking its bri...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Cocktail Ring with 1.95ct Rose & Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with rose and brilliant cut diamond up to 1.95ct – F/G, N/O - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 – EU 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is in a rectangular ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co 1.38 CTW Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.38 carats - G color with VS2 clarity Set via six prongs in a classic solitaire mounting Completed by a knife edge shank Inscribed w...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds 0.40ct 4.8 grams 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct - F/G - VS/Si - ring size US 8.5 - EU 18.5 (58) detailed description: The top of the ring is 3.6 mm wide weight: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.5 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This estate ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 0.5-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Platinum GIA Certified 8.02ct Diamond Marquise Brilliant Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Platinum GIA Certified 8.02ct Diamond Marquise Brilliant Ring Style: Diamond Marquise Brilliant Ring Material: Platinum Diamond Details: This ring features GIA Certified Brilliant M...
Diamond, Platinum
White Gold Diamond Ring with Two Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, approx. 1.10 ct & 1.20
Located in Berlin, BE
Elegant ring crafted in white gold, weighing 4.8 grams. Set with two brilliant-cut diamonds, approximately 1.10 ct and 1.20 ct, offering classic sparkle and balanced design.
Diamond, White Gold
1.02ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring in 18k Rose Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite diamond ring is a true masterpiece! The elegant design features 1.02ct of round brilliant cut diamonds, certified at E-F, VS1-VS2 qualities.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.60ct - 4.1 grams - 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold entourage ring set with brilliant cut diamonds up to . 1.60ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 8 - EU. 18.25 (57) detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.5 cm w...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: LeVian Material: 14K rose gold Center Diamond: 1 round brilliant cut = 0.78ct Color : F Clarity : SI1 Diamond: 58 round brilliant cut = 0.30cttw Color : F/G Clarity : SI1 ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. 0.22ct Brilliant cut Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. 0.22ct Brilliant cut Diamond 18ct Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring Product Details Brand: Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.93ct 14k gold 4.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold cluster ring set with a central brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.43 ct, surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.50 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57...
Diamond, 14k Gold
0.50ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite ring features bright, white larger round diamonds, each encircled by individual halos.
Diamond, 14k 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.”
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.