18K White Gold Raw Aquamarine and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By Jorge Adeler
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Scattered along the setting, delicate Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds totaling 0.10 carats shimmer quietly, adding a subtle brilliance that contrasts beautifully with the gemstone’s nat...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $80 or Down 1 size for $60 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .70ct Cut: Round Bril...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Brilliant and Marquise Multi Diamond Large Cluster Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Size: 6.75 Total Weight: 6.8 Grams Diamond Count: 15 brilliant cut and 8 marquise cut Total Diamond Weight: 2.35 carats Diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond Solitaire Ring Set with Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
Located in London, GB
An elegant diamond ring for your engagement, set with 0.21ct E colour and SI2 clarity round brilliant cut diamond in a platinum setting.
Diamond, Platinum
$8,039Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.21ct Round Solitaire & Hidden Pave Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The textured band, inspired by vintage elegance, is adorned with additional round brilliant cut diamonds that enhance the ring's rich aesthetic and add to its prestige.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2.00ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Three-Sided Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Total Carat Weight: 2.0 Stone Type: Natural Certification: Yes Metal: 18k White Gold Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable) Primary Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Primary Color: E-F Primary Clarity: VS...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Handcrafted Ruby Ring with Brilliant Round Cut Diamond
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted Oval Ruby with brilliant round cut Diamond Ring Ruby - 2.51 CTS Brilliant round cut Diamond - 0.64 CTS 18 Karat Rose Gold - 7.45 Grams
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ring with tanzanite and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.28ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a central tanzanite of 0.78ct surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds of 0.28ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) detailed description: T...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
18 kt. White Gold Ring With 2.32 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt. White Gold Ring With 2.32 ct. Brilliant Cut Diamonds Can be bought with Matching Necklace/Pendant Item .
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Custom Platinum GIA Certified Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Center Diamond Carat Weight: 1.46CT Earth Mined Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VVS2 Certification: GIA - 5201468530 - Diamond i...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 6.1 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.75ct – F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75 (56) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.6 cm wide and 1.1 cm h...
Diamond, 18k Gold
White Gold Diamond Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .53ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .28ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.46ct 18k gold 2.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold ring with brilliant cut diamonds 0.46ct F/G SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25 (54) Detailed description top of the ring is 6.4 mm high and 4.3 mm wide ring size U.S....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.37ct Old European & Brilliant Cut H VS2 Diamond Platinum Edwardian Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: A timeless example of Edwardian craftsmanship, this exquisite platinum diamond ring showcases a harmonious blend of old-world elegance and refined brilliance.
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Brilliant Cut White Diamonds Engagement Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
18 Karat White Gold Brilliant Cut White Diamonds Engagement Design Ring Here there is an amazing ring handcrafted in 18 karats white gold and embellished with luminous white diamond...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Five-Row Baguette and Round Brilliant Diamond Bombé Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Greenwich, CT
A wide, domed bombé ring in high-polish 18k yellow gold set with five horizontal channels of diamonds across the face: two outer rows and two inner rows of channel-set round brillian...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond Halo Engagement Ring, 1.14ct Cushion Brilliant, 18K White Gold, Bezel Se
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A cushion brilliant diamond sits bezel-set at the center, its rounded corners and soft, pillow-like outline giving it a warmer look than a round brilliant while still throwing real f...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.01ct Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in lustrous platinum, this ring features a stunning round-cut central stone that sparkles brilliantly. The band is adorned with a series of smaller stones, intricately set al...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold, Brilliant Cut Diamond Single Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1990s A striking and timeless engagement ring, crafted in luxurious solid 18ct yellow gold and set with an estimated 0.35 ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
SUPERORO ring with amethyst, quartz and brilliant cut diamond 0.50ct 18k gold
By Superoro
Located in The Hague, ZH
Superoro - 18k rose gold ring set with amethyst and rose quartz, and a brilliant-cut diamond 0.50 ct G/H-VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of the ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold
Fine 14-karat white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamonds 0.65 ct.
Located in Chorzów, PL
This delicately shaped ring features a central brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.35 ct.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.63 Carat Brilliant cut Flower Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning, well-crafted engagement ring showcasing a 0.63-carat of brilliant-cut 21 diamonds..
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.49ct Fancy Brown Green Yellow Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This diamond ring is a masterpiece of elegance. Featuring a 1.39ct round brilliant cut diamond at its center, it captivates with its Fancy Brown Green Yellow hue and I1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 1.15 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. 1.15 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z157015 Listing Title: Tiffany & Co. 1.15 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring Condi...
Diamond, Platinum
5.1 Carat H VVS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Platinum ring featuring a 5.1 carat round brilliant natural diamond as the center stone.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.3 Carat Round Halo Ribbon Filigree Dome Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Surrounded by a halo of glittering round brilliant diamonds, this ring exudes elegance while holding true to timeless sophistication.
Diamond, White Gold
$103,840Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.73 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
Stunning diamond engagement ring in a classically elegant setting and featuring at its center a remarkable GIA Certified 4.73 carat round brilliant cut diamond of H color and VVS2 cl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2.81 Carat H VVS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Platinum ring featuring a 2.81 carat round brilliant natural diamond as the center stone.
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond 1 Ct. Solitaire Brilliant Ring Art Nouveau, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
The centerpiece of this ring is a breathtaking 1-carat old cut brilliant diamond, expertly crafted to accentuate its natural beauty and maximize its dazzling sparkle.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.81ct 14k gold 5.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.71 ct - H/I, F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 9.2 mm wide by 8....
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 1970s 14k Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Solitaire Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1970s diamond solitaire ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a wide polished band with a single round brilliant cut diamond set at the center.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.01 Carat I VS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Platinum ring featuring a 4.01 carat round brilliant natural diamond as the center stone.
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Art Deco Ring with 2.1ct Circular Brilliant Diamond 0.08ct Sapphire GIA
Located in New York, NY
Accompanying the main stone are six additional circular brilliant cut diamonds, totaling 0.18 carats, enhancing the ring's brilliance.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18kt White Gold Flower Ring with 3.13ct Brilliant Cut, 3.35ct Black Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18kt White Gold Flower Ring With 3.13ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds, 3.35ct Black Diamonds Brilliant cut diamonds: together 3.13ct Black diamonds: together 3.35ct Material:...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
Platinum Diamond Ring with Baguette and Brilliant Cut
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
Platinum 5mm ring with round brilliant cut and baguette cut diamonds 0.86cts total , handmade in Notting Hill, London by British jeweller Malcolm Betts.
Diamond, Platinum
Eternity ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.00ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold eternity ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 1.00ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.8 mm wide and 2....
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Brilliant Cut White Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat White Gold Brilliant Cut White Diamond Band Ring is all handmade in a unique look.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.36 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.36 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut Shape K-SI2 Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: 14 Karat White Gold Gemstone 1: 1.36 Carat Diamond Number of...
Diamond, 14k Gold
IGI diamond report Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.94ct 14k yellow gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with brilliant cut diamond up to 0.94ct - G, F/G - VVS2, VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.75 - EU. 18 (56) detailed description: The top of the ring is 8.3 mm wide...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum GIA 1.30 Carat Diamond Brilliant Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA Report#:5231213075 Weight: 1.30ct total weight...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 2 Carat Brilliant Wedding Ring. Eternity Diamond Band Platinum Size 6
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 2.00 Carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Setting: Prong Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternity Wedd...
Diamond, Platinum
RUCHI Brilliant-Cut Diamond Floral Statement Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Diamonds: 2.06ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
FRED Vintage Signet Ring, 18k Two-Tone Gold, Brilliant Diamonds, French Designer
By Fred
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
FRED – Vintage Signet-Style Ring in 18k Two-Tone Gold with Diamonds (Circa 1990) A stunning vintage designer ring by FRED, crafted in luxurious two-tone 18k white and yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold
$2,928Sale Price|20% Off
Michael Hill Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant engagement ring by Michael Hill features a stunning round brilliant cut diamond as its centerpiece, surrounded by a luminous halo of smaller accent diamonds.
Diamond
RUCHI Brilliant Diamond Yellow Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K Yellow Gold Diamonds: 3.64ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones. Width - is approximately 3.5cm/1.38inches.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$54,132Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 2 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover timeless elegance with this exquisite GIA Certified 2 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring from the iconic house of Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold, Brilliant Cut Diamond Single Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
This exquisite piece showcases a round brilliant-cut diamond, with a known weight of 0.25 carats, which sparkles beautifully at the centre.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rose Cut and Brilliant Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Weight: 10.3 grams Ring size: UK J, US 4.75, EU 49 Head measurement: 2.6cm x 2cm Specifications Metal: White metal, to be confirmed Type: Ring Style: Cluster Period: Vint...
Diamond
$552,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10.18 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 10.18 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Ring An extraordinary diamond ring showcasing a GIA Certified 10.18 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond of exceptional quali...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Modern ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.75ct 18k gold 5.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.65 ct – G – VS – ring size US 8 – EU 18 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 6.8 mm wide Ring size US ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pradera Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Natural Turquoise & Brilliant-Cut Diamond
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The vibrant blue turquoise is beautifully complemented by a delicate accent of brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a touch of timeless sparkle.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solitaire ring with brilliant cut diamond up to 0.50ct 18k gold 3.2 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k two-tone gold solitaire ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond approx. 0.50 ct – F/G – P1 – ring size US 5.25 - EU 16 (50) Detailed description: The top of the ring measures 5.9...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co 1.18 Carat Round Brilliant H IF Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany & Co Title: Tiffany & Co 1.18 Carat Round Brilliant H IF Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.18 Carat Diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,732Sale Price|20% Off
New Made 18k Gold Natural Heart Cut And Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is heart cut diamond 0.28 ct. Totally is side brilliant cut diamond 0.32 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 2ct Round Brilliant Wedding Ring. Eternity Diamond Band Platinum Sz 5.75
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 2.00 Carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Setting: Box-Prong Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: Eternity...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co 3.03 Carat Round Brilliant I VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany & Co Title: Tiffany & Co 3.03 Carat Round Brilliant I VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 3.03 Carat Diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
Circa 1920s Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Details Year: 1920s Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum & 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Diamond Details: Weight: 1.60ct total weight Cut: Old European brill...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$1,925Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco 18k Gold Tank Ring, 0.12ct Brilliant Cut Diamond, France
Located in Vannes, FR
Tank Ring yellow Gold 18 Carats shape of the 1940s/1950s, surmounted by a brilliant size diamond 0.12carats french size 52 1/2 USA size 6 1/4 british size M 7.1 grams solid gold 18 ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Cluster Ring. Size 6.5
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Immerse yourself in a world of refined opulence with this remarkable ring, expertly crafted in radiant 18k yellow gold and adorned with a constellation of 0.38cttw round brilliant-cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co 1.01 Carat Round Brilliant H VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Tiffany & Co Title: Tiffany & Co 1.01 Carat Round Brilliant H VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.01 Carat Diamond ...
Diamond, 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.”
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.