Shreve, Crump & Low GIA Certified 5.90 Carat K VS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This diamond ring is offer by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 5.90 carat GIA certified K VS2 round brilliant cut triple excellent diamond measuring 11.44-11.55 X 7.2 mm is custom set in a...
Diamond, Platinum
Shreve, Crump & Low GIA Certified 8.04 Carat F S12 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This 8.04 carat GIA certified F SI2 round brilliant cut diamond measuring 12.78 - 12.83 x 7.91mm is custom set in a handcrafted Shreve, Crump & Low platinum ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Shreve, Crump & Low GIA Certified 5.60 Carat J SI1 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This elegant and classic diamond ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 5.60 carat GIA certified J SI1 round brilliant cut diamond measuring 11.60 x 11.67 x 6.88mm is custom se...
Diamond, Platinum
Shreve, Crump & Low GIA Certified 4.26 Carat H SI1 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This elegant and classic diamond ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 4.26 carat GIA certified H S1 round brilliant cut diamond measuring 10.47 x 10.53 x 6.30 mm is custom se...
Diamond, Platinum
Triple X Kiss Ring 1.00 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, GB
The round brilliant cut diamonds, micro claw set in a line setting on each of the X rings, shimmer and sparkle together, creating a dazzling and elegant display.
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Shreve, Crump & Low GIA Certified 5.12 Carat E SI1 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This elegant and classic diamond ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 5.12 carat GIA certified E SI1 round brilliant cut diamond measuring 11.05 x 11.08 x 6.84 mm is custom s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Shreve, Crump & Low GIA Certified 3.23 Carat E VVS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This elegant and classic diamond ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 3.23 carat GIA Certified E VVS2 round brillinat cut diamond measuring 9.42 - 9.46 x 5.88 mm is custom se...
Diamond, Platinum
2.00 Ct Light Gray Diamond and 1.38 Ct Brilliant Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Warszawa, PL
Gray diamond ring, 2.00 carats, brilliant-cut diamond ring, 1.38 carats, 14K yellow gold, vintage collection.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.90 Carats D VVS1 Round Brilliant Diamonds Ring in 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant ring features a GIA Certified 1.50 carat Round Brilliant Cut diamond, graded D color and VVS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and outstanding purity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat .73 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring and Venetian Prime Deco H/VS*
Located in New York, NY
Louis XV Deco at its best Gorgeous intricate detail .73ct. round diamond Full cut, brilliant round 5.7mm diameter H-color Vs-2 clarity 9.4 grams 18kt. white and yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Shreve, Crump & Low GIA Certified 3.99 Carat J SI2 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This elegant and classic diamond ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 3.99 carat GIA Certified J SI1 round brilliant cut diamond measuring 10.17 - 10.20 x 6.25 mm is custom s...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat E VVS1 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18K Two-Tone Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant ring features a GIA Certified 1.00 carat Round Brilliant Cut diamond, graded E color and VVS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and precision.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat D VVS1 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18K Two-Tone Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This refined solitaire ring features a GIA Certified 1.50 carat Round Brilliant Cut diamond, graded D color and VVS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and precision.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 1.25 Carat E VVS1 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant ring features a GIA Certified 1.25 carat Round Brilliant Cut diamond, graded E color and VVS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and symmetry.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat D IF Type IIa Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18K Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This refined ring features a GIA Certified 1.00 carat Round Brilliant Cut diamond, graded D color, Internally Flawless (IF) clarity, and classified as Type IIa, representing one of t...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat D VVS1 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This refined solitaire ring features a GIA Certified 1.50 carat Round Brilliant Cut diamond, graded D color and VVS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional brilliance and precision.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,824Sale Price|24% Off
Platinum 950 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring, .48cttw, F/VS Ideal-Cut, 12.1 gr, 6
By Rock N Gold Creations
Located in San Diego, CA
This exquisite 950 platinum ring features six round brilliant diamonds with a total weight of .48 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
$2,872Sale Price|20% Off
2.00 Carat SI/H Round Pear Brilliant Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite ring is handset with 2.00 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request. FOLLOW SP...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
$3,503Sale Price|20% Off
2.00 Carat SI/H Round Pear Brilliant Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite ring is handset with 2.00 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request. FOLLOW SP...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.00 Carat F/VS1 Old Mine Brilliant Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
By Rich Jewels
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This elegant ring features a GIA Certified 2.00 carat Old Mine Brilliant diamond, graded F color and VS1 clarity, selected for its exceptional character and timeless beauty.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gia 2.41ct F/vs Cushion Brilliant Diamond Baguette Platinum Ring
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
1.01ct. Cushion brilliant diamond ring Report: 514776914 (please see certificate scan in photo menu) F-color, Vs-2 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
Gia 2.41ct F/vs Cushion Brilliant Diamond Baguette Platinum Ring*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
1.01ct. Cushion brilliant diamond ring Report: 514776914 (please see certificate scan in photo menu) F-color, Vs-2 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
1.01 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Salt and Pepper Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Style: Solitaire Engagement Ring Metal: 14K White Gold Size / Measurements: 6.5, sizable TCW: 1.01 Carats Diamond: Round Brilliant Cut Color & Clarity:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Round Brilliant Diamond Curved Wedding Band
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 14k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.50ctw of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring 1.40 Carat 18 Karat Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Style: Double Row Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Size / Measurements: 6.75, sizable TCW: 1.40 Carats Main Diamond: 1.00 Carat Round ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 1.00 Carat H SI2 EGL Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Style: Solitaire Metal: 14K White Gold Size / Measurements: Ring Size 6 TCW: 1.00 Carat Main Diamond: Round Brilliant Cut Color & Clarity: H Color...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K 585 White Gold Natural Brilliant Diamond Semi Mount Ring Size 7
Located in New York, NY
14K Natural Brilliant Diamond Ring Metal Type: 14k White Gold Total Item Weight: 2.9 Grams Ring Size: 7 (Resizable) Dimensions: Length 8.3mm X Width 7.8mm X Height 8.0mm 1: Primary ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.17 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring 14 Karat IGI Certified
Located in San Diego, CA
Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Style: Floating Diamond Milgrain Setting Metal: 14K White Gold Size / Measurements: 7, sizable TCW: 1.17 Carats Total Approximate Main Diamond: 0.37 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.00 carat Oval Shaped Diamond in Round Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in La Jolla, CA
Oval Brilliant Diamond Ring in Platinum Oval Brilliant Diamond Ring features an Oval Brilliant cut Diamond center surrounded by a halo of Round Brilliant Diamonds set in a Platinum ...
Diamond, Platinum
14k White gold 0.93ctw Baguette Cut accented by 1.01ctw Round Brilliant Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White gold 0.93ctw Baguette Cut accented by 1.01ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Material: 14K White Gold Diamond Details: This ring features approximately 0.93 carats total wei...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Cut Tanzanite & Round Brilliant Diamond 14-Karat Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold Emerald Cut Tanzanite & Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Style: Emerald Cut Tanzanite & Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring Material: 14k White Gold Gemstone Details: There...
Tanzanite, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
.57ct Natural Fancy Orange Brown Diamond Vintage Gilt Ring 14 Karat *v
Located in New York, NY
Natural Fancy Orange brown round brilliant diamond ring. Vs-2 clarity and full cut. 14kt. yellow gold Top deck: 7.2 mm wide Depth: 5.9mm 1.7 grams Excellent well made mounting ...
Brown Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
2.01 Carat GIA Cushion Cut Diamond Ring Platinum*
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified: 1.01ct. Cushion Cut Brilliant diamond ring Report: 2145777278 I-color Si-1 clarity Side diamonds: French pave artsy details, 1.00ct.
Diamond, Platinum
1.63 Carat Natural Princess Cut Diamond Ring 14 Karat Trilliants*
Located in New York, NY
Princess & Trillants 1.17ct. Natural Princess brilliant diamond Ring Side (2) Trilliants: .46ct.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
24.03 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
The most exceptional diamond piece designed by Diana M. This Magnificent cushion cut brilliant diamond ring is the Highlight of the Diana M.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Issac Nussbaum GIA Certified Round Cut Diamond Ring
By Issac Nussbaum
Located in New York, NY
Issac Nussbaum GIA CERTIFIED Round Cut Diamond Ring Set In Platinum, and Impressive round brilliant diamond ring, with a carat weight of 6.01.
Diamond, Platinum
Alfieri & St John Invisibly Set Sapphire and Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in New York, NY
Alfieri & ST John 18 karat yellow and white gold triple band crossover ring is composed of 2.44 carats of invisibly set baguette cut sapphires and .57 carats of round brilliant diamo...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Gold, Emerald, and Diamond Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
A 14 karat gold, square cut emerald, and round brilliant diamond ring. This cocktail ring centers a significant 3.75 carat square cut emerald, the center stone surrounded by a highly...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,995Sale Price|66% Off
Jewel Of Ocean Diamonds Sculpted Cocktail Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Jewel Of Ocean Diamonds Sculpted Cocktail Ring 14K Yellow Gold Featuring 0.11 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Size: 8.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Marks: 14K Total Item Weight (...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.09 Carat Oval Brilliant H-VS2 Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified 1.09 carat Oval Brilliant Diamond Ring in Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring features a 1.09 Carat Oval Brilliant Diamond center accented by 0.31 Carats of side Diamonds...
Diamond, Platinum
.60 Carat Natural Yellow Green Brown Diamond Vintage Gilt Ring Platinum*
Located in New York, NY
Natural Fancy Yellow Green Brown Cushion brilliant diamond ring. Vs-2 clarity and full cut.
Brown Diamond, Platinum
EGL US 1.11 Carat G/SI2 Round Brilliant Diamond 18 Karat Pave Set Ring and Band
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Diamond specs: Center stone: 1.11 Ct EGL US Certified G/SI2 Round Brilliant natural diamond Center dimensions 6.40 mm x 6.34 mm x 4.21 mm Side stones on Engagement Ring: 0.23 total c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.61 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum in Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Center Diamond is K in color and VS1 in clarity GIA Cert #: 2225515840 Mounting Details: Approx. 0.50ctw of Round Brilliant Diamonds Ring Size: 8 Additional Details: This item comes ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage GIA Certified Natural Fancy Orange Brown Color Diamond Ring 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Natural Fancy Orange brown round brilliant diamond ring. Report: 5191783056 14kt. yellow gold Top deck: 13.5 mm wide Depth: 8.8mm 10 grams Excellent well made mounting thick...
Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified .73ct & 1.50ct round diamond baguette ring excellent cut f/vvs1*
Located in New York, NY
GIA .73ct. Round, brilliant diamond ring Report: 2165625821 (please see certificate scan in photo menu) F-color, vvs-1 clarity.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.02ct & 1.10ct round diamond baguette princess ring e/vs2 18kt*
Located in New York, NY
GIA 1.02ct. Round, brilliant diamond ring Report: 2171095429 (please see certificate scan in photo menu) E-color, vs-2 clarity. 6.54 x 6.61 x 3.80mm Side diamonds: 1.10ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold 0.88ctw Natural Round Brilliant Diamond with Stars Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 0.88ctw Natural Round Brilliant Diamond with Stars Ring Material: 14K White Gold Diamond Details: This ring features a center stone of 0.88ctw Round Brilliant Diamond...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Three Stone Diamond Halo 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Over forty diamonds light up this brilliant three stone fourteen karat 14K white gold engagement ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified .70ct & 1.00ct round diamond ring & Matching band 18kt*
Located in New York, NY
GIA .70ct. Round, brilliant diamond ring Report: 2165625822 (please see certificate scan in photo menu) J-color, vs-2 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold 0.33ctw Round Brilliant Diamonds in a Butterfly Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 0.33ctw Round Brilliant Diamonds in a Butterfly Ring Style: Butterfly Ring Material: 14k White Gold Diamond Details: This ring features approximately 0.33 carats tot...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
18k Yellow Gold 1.08ct Three-Stone Oval Diamond and 0.35ct Round Diamonds Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold 1.08ct Three-Stone Oval Diamond and 0.35ct Round Brilliant Diamonds Ring Style:Three-Stone Oval Diamond Material: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 1.08...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
5.42 Carat Cushion Cut Green Zircon Ring with 0.52 Carat Total Diamond Halo
Located in Houston, TX
18K white gold large cushion shape halo ring set with one 5.42 Carat total weight cushion cut green zircon ring with 0.52 carats total weight of split prong-set round brilliant diamo...
Diamond, Zircon, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.40 Carat Round Diamond Ring and Matching Band Platinum H/VS*
Located in New York, NY
GIA .80ct. Round, brilliant diamond ring & matching band. Report: 2175920838 (please see certificate scan in photo menu) H-color, vs-2 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
18k Yellow Gold 0.68ct Three-Stone Emerald Cut Surrounded by 0.56ct Diamond Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold 0.68ct Three-Stone Emerald Cut Surrounded by 0.56ct Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Style: Three-Stone Emerald Cut Material: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: Approxima...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 0.74 Carat Cushion Halo Round Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this brilliant diamond ring radiates sophistication and charm, featuring a stunning center stone of round E VS...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.22 Carat Cushion Halo Round Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this brilliant diamond ring radiates sophistication and charm, featuring a stunning center stone of round I SI...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.02 Ct Yellow Cushion Diamond in a Pave Set 18K Engagement Ring with Halo
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
#sayitwithyellow . Diamond specs: Center stone: 2.02 Ct GIA Certified W-X/SI1 Cushion Modified Brilliant Center dimensions 7.17mm x 6.59mm x 4.72mm Side stones: 0.46 total carat wei...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k 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.