GIA Certified 1.66 Carat Round Halo Ribbon Filigree Dome Platinum 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, Platinum
Brilliant Diamond Bridal Ring Set in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Brilliant Diamond Bridal Ring Set in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this bridal ring set features a 0.60 carat round center diamond accented by round diamonds totaling 1....
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.86 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut G-I2 Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.86 Carat Circular Brilliant Cut G-I2 Diamond Platinum Art Deco Ring Style: Art Deco Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.23 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: G Clarity: I2 S...
Diamond, Platinum
RETRO ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.25ct 18k gold 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bi-colour gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totalling approx. 0.25 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 8 4 EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring measures ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Oval Cut Aquamarine and Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 14K White Gold Gemstone: Oval Cut Aquamarine Brilliant Cut Diamonds Ring Size: 6
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,992Sale Price|20% Off
18KT Yellow Gold Natural Diamonds 1.11 Carat Brilliant Cut Eternity Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Whether worn as a symbol of eternal love or as a statement of refined elegance, this Brilliant Cut Diamond Eternity Ring is a true embodiment of timeless beauty.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.7 Carat Princess Triple Halo Chain Link Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The exquisite craftsmanship is highlighted by its unique design, featuring a square-shaped halo adorned with open chain link accents that are gracefully accented by an array of small...
Diamond, Platinum
Retro 1.45 Ct G VVS Brilliant Cut Diamond Daisy 18 Kt Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Superb Retro ring Hand crafted mount accurately made of solid 18 KT white gold, 1945 ca – Daisy shape with gorgeous under-gallery work, overwhelmed by a selection of 9 bright white ...
Diamond
Cocktail ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.14ct 10k gold 4.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
10k white gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.30 ct - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 2.2 cm wide Weight: 4.7 grams Ri...
Diamond, 10k Gold
TJD 0.15 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond 14Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Fashion Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
The ring is crafted from 14-karat gold in your choice of white, rose, or yellow, and features round brilliant 24 diamonds, prong set, H-I color I2 clarity and a high polish finish co...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 0.50 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond 14Karat Rose Gold Bypass Fashion Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
The ring is crafted from 14-karat gold in your choice of white, rose, or yellow, and features round brilliant 17 diamonds, prong set, H-I color I2 clarity and a high polish finish co...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
CARL F. BUCHERER ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.40ct 18k gold
By Carl F. Bucherer
Located in The Hague, ZH
BUCHERER - 18k bicolor gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.40ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 7.5 – EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide an...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Band ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.60ct 18k gold 7.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond total 0.60ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 – EU. 17.5(55) Detailed description the top of the ring is 4.8 mm wide and 3.1 mm hi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14k White Gold 1.3ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 1.3ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring Style: 14k White Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring with Split Shank Material: 14k White Gold Gemsto...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Preloved 18ct Yellow Gold, 3 Stone Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring, Trilogy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
3 Stone Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped This stunning diamond three-stone ring set with modern brilliant cut diamonds, the ring has an approximate total diamond weight of 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 0.75 Carat Brilliant Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Solitaire Wedding Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
These ring is crafted in 14KT white gold, and studded with 29 brilliant cut natural diamonds in prong setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.5ct Round Half Bezel Hidden Halo Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The center stone is elegantly set in a tension half-bezel that is artfully complemented by a hidden halo of smaller round brilliant cut diamonds, enhancing the ring's overall sparkle...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
CITIOR ring with emerald and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
CITIOR - 18k yellow gold ring set with emerald to. 0.40ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to. 0.30ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 9 - EU. 19(59) detailed description: the top of th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
4.04CTW GIA Certified Diamond Ring Crafted with Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Webster, NY
Jaw dropping 4.04CTW Certified Round Brilliant Cut Diamond ring crafted in classic 14k White Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 2.05 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This cocktail ring, an early-twentieth-century antique design, centers on a 2.05-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$4,100Sale Price|20% Off
18K Rose Gold Artisan Ring with 0.550ct Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, France
Located in Vannes, FR
Adorned with brilliant-cut diamonds in F/G color, totaling 0.550 carats, it sparkles with a thousand fires.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.61 Carat Brilliant Cut Fancy Brown Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in NEW YORK, NY
This classic Brilliant Cut Fancy Brown Diamond is 0.61 Carat. Brown Diamond as its center and is surrounded by 12 Round Cut Diamonds in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,404Sale Price|20% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Baguette Cut And Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 3.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.56 ct. The diamond is has F-G color vvs1-vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.25 We can make any size. The box is not ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Ring with 1.71 Carat Light Brown Brilliant-Cut Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A timeless solitaire-style ring crafted in 14K white gold, centering a brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.71 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 7.20ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring, 18k Gold
Located in Tucker, GA
This custom-made Antique style engagement ring has a rare 7.20 Carat diamond with a Round Brilliant cut, VS2 quality, and a rare color grade of U-V.
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA 1.81ct Round Pave Infinity Symbol Solitaire 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The exquisite craftsmanship shines through in the entwined infinity symbol design of the band, intricately adorned with a delicate array of small round brilliant cut diamonds, enhanc...
Diamond, White Gold
RIVIERA ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.88ct 14k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring set with brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.88ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 – EU. 17.25(54) Detailed description the top of the ring is 3.7 mm wide and 2.8...
Diamond, 14k Gold
18k White Gold 3.65ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Pavé Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold 3.65ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Pavé Ring Material:18k White Gold Style: 18k White Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring Diamond Details: Approximately 3.65...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Platinum Akoya Pearl & Diamond Ring - Round Brilliant .34ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $80 or Down 1 size for $60 Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information Akoya Pearl Color: White Size: 9.2mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .34ctw ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage 3.00 carat round brilliant cut diamond 18k white gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking vintage cluster ring showcases a brilliant 0.90 carat round brilliant cut diamond at its center, displaying bright F-G color and crisp VS clarity.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.09 Carat Brilliant cut Flower Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning well-crafted engagement ring showcasing a 1.09-carat of briiliant cut 45 diamonds.. Set in a polished 18K White Gold mounting. Handcrafted in our New York City workshop. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Cut Sapphires and Brilliant Cut Diamonds Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Oval Cut Sapphires and Brilliant Cut Diamonds Cluster Ring Description: A graceful 18K white gold ring showcasing two deep blue oval sapphires surrounded by a sparkling halo of roun...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 3.00ctw Natural Diamond Circular Brilliant Halo Ring GIA Report 14K/15K
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
The ring features one large circular brilliant-cut natural diamond framed by a black enamel bezel-style surround and a halo of smaller round brilliant cut diamonds in fishtail settin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Natural Brilliant Diamond Fringe Statement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Delicate movement and exceptional brilliance come together in this distinctive diamond ring, expertly crafted in 18K yellow gold. Featuring an elegant arrangement of natural diamonds...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
0.70 Carat Round Brilliant Ring. Diamond French Ruby Halo Engagement Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This striking engagement ring centers a lively 0.70-carat round brilliant cut diamond graded I color and VS2 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.20ct Eternity Brilliant Cut Diamonds White Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
(total) • Colour: I / J • Clarity: VS/SI Condition: Very Good Hallmarks: French – Eagle’s head Comments: This lovely eternity ring is fully made in 18kt white gold. It is set wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.62 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This statement ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 2.62-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Soliraire Ring with brilliant cut diamond up to 0.35ct 14k gold 3.0 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold solitaire ring with brilliant-cut diamond 0.35 ct F VS - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) Detailed description top of the ring is 5.3 mm high and 6.7 mm wide ring ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
GIA 3.01 Carat Oval Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning engagement ring contains a GIA graded 3.01 carat oval brilliant cut diamond with F color and VS2 clarity and measuring 11.38 x 8.05 x 5.04 mm.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ring with Tahitian pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.20ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolour gold ring with Tahitian pearl and brilliant-cut diamond 0.20 ct F/G VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7 - EU. 17.25 (54) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.2 cm wide a...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Vivid Diamonds 3.12 Carat Diamond Eternity Band
By Vivid Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Exquisite Vivid Diamonds eternity band crafted by hand in Platinum, showcasing 17 stunning round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 3.12 carats total, D-F color, VS-SI clarity. Each di...
Diamond, Platinum
Ring with baroque pearl and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring with baroque pearl and brilliant-cut diamond 0.30 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 6 - EU. 16.5 (52) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.7 cm wide b...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring - Size: US 5 1/4
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Product Details Brand: Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
2 Carat Princess Cut Rectangular Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant 1.99 ct "Prince Cut" Rectangular Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum Crafted in luxurious platinum, this stunning engagement ring showcases a dazzling 1.51 ct Natu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.45 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Emerald Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This cocktail ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 1.45-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold
$43,940Sale Price|20% Off
3.79 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
This ring from our contemporary estate collection centers on a 3.79-carat diamond in a round brilliant cut for lively, classic sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Design RIng with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.35ct 18k gold 5.6 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k bicolor gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 0.35 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 1.0 cm wide and 4.5 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
TJD 0.50 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
A sweet symbol of your everlasting romance, expertly crafted in 14 Karat white gold and shines with 13 brilliant cut diamond in prong setting. The total weight of diamonds 0.50 carat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Diamond Fashion Ring, 0.73ct Brilliant Cut, Hong Kong
Located in Macau, MO
A diamond ring, composed of brilliant-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.73 carats, mounted in 18 Karat rose gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
3.02 Carat Cushion Brilliant Diamond GIA Certified in Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
3.02 Carat Cushion Brilliant Diamond GIA Certified in Platinum Diamond Ring A timeless statement of elegance, this exquisite platinum ring showcases a GIA-certified 3.02 carat cushi...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18k White Gold Art Deco Ring Modified Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
Located in Addison, TX
The beautiful 18 karat white gold Art Deco style ring featuring a modified round brilliant cut Diamond set in four split prongs.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 2.16ct 18k white gold 8.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with a brilliant-cut diamond up to 2.16 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 7 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 3.0 cm wide.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Grace Platinum Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Grace Platinum Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, featuring an authentic 0.86-carat diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
18kt White Gold Wave Ring Swoops with 4.4 Ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18kt White Gold Wave Ring swoops With 4.4 Ct Brilliant Cut Diamonds , E/F VVS Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds together 4.40ct Material: 18kt white gold Ring size: 56....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring - Size: US 5 1/4
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
"Tiffany & Co. Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Product Details Brand: Tiffany & Co.
Diamond, Platinum
18 Kt Solitaire Round Brilliant & Baguette Cut Diamond Engagement Ring , 3.35 Ct
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt White Gold Solitaire Diamond Ring with 3.35 Carats. Size : 55 EU / 7 1/4 US ( can be resized for free) Weight : 8.9 Gram Diamonds : Center Brilliant Cut Diamond 0,8 Ct E/F V...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cocktail Ring with amethyst with brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.56ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k rose gold ring set with amethyst (total approx. 4.00 ct) and brilliant-cut diamonds (total approx. 0.56 ct) - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 6.5 - EU 17 (53) Detailed description: ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
14K 585 White Gold Natural Brilliant Diamond Semi Mount Ring Size 7
Located in New York, NY
14K White Gold Natural Diamond Ring Metal Type: 14K White Gold Total Item Weight: 4.1 Grams Ring Size: 7 (Resizable) Dimensions: Length: 10.0 mm X Width: 9.5 mm X Height: 6.0 mm 1: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.36 Carat Natural Round Brilliant Fancy Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Laser drilled. Ring Material: 18k Yellow gold Ring Details: Tacori mounting that has 1.28ctw of round cut Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,336Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Dome Ring with 54 Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, France
Located in Vannes, FR
Let yourself be charmed by the radiance and glamour of this magnificent 18-carat gold Dome Ring, adorned with 54 brilliant-cut diamonds. Carefully crafted in compliance with 1st Dibs...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, 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.