Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval .40ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .28ct Cut: Oval Color: Green Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .12ctw Cut: Single Color: I - ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval 0.43ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .35c...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval 1.12ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Tanzanite & Diamond Ring - 14k Trillion 1.65ctw Bypass
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Tanzanite Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Carat(s): 1.40ct Cut:...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval 1.10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .77ct (weighed) Cut: ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval .14ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .13ct Cut: Oval Color: Pi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Amethyst & Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Round 1.27ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Amethyst Carat(s): 1.12ct Cut: Round Color: Purple Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .1...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Cultured Pearl & Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k .15ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 10 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Size: 7.1mm Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .15ctw Cut:...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval 2.40ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $30 or Down 1/2 a size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Amethyst Carat(s): 2.10ct Cut: Oval Color: Purple...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Bypass 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
An elegant 14 karat yellow gold bypass ring comprised of graceful open teardrops each terminating in two oval cut rubies trailing a row of three round brilliant white diamonds. Each ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold 1.0 Carat Diamond Bypass Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the "14K White Gold 1.0 Carat Diamond Bypass Band Ring", a masterpiece of fine jewelry crafted to add timeless elegance to your collection.
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold 2.00 Carat Diamond Bypass Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
This asymmetrically designed cocktail ring will be the most unique piece you have in your jewelry collection. Crafted in the finest 14k white gold, this ring has an overlapping band ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1ct Center Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fashioned in lustrous gold, the ring showcases three brilliant-cut diamonds, each securely set in prongs. The design features a graceful, swirling band that elegantly cradles the tri...
Diamond, 14k Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k White Gold & 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Triple-Row Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated 14k white gold ring features a modern bypass design that elegantly wraps around the finger.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Triple-Row Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This sophisticated 14k yellow gold ring features a modern bypass design that elegantly wraps around the finger.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 2.01ct Blue Star Sapphire Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a star sapphire set in a graceful bypass design.
Sapphire, 14k Gold
TJD 0.08 Carat Diamond Bypass Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Natural diamond pavé bypass ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, designed with a graceful open crossover silhouette.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Bypass Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
An elegant diamond band that sparkles with five rows of alternating round brilliant cut and baguette diamonds. The wide band is crafted in cool 14 karat white gold. It has a total di...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Double Heart Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This charming ring features a romantic double heart bypass design, crafted in polished 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Round Cut Diamond Multi-Star Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This whimsical 14K rose gold ring features a celestial-inspired bypass design adorned with four radiant stars of varying sizes.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Multi-Star Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This whimsical 14K white gold ring features a celestial-inspired bypass design adorned with four radiant stars of varying sizes.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Twisted Rope Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This delicate 14K white gold ring features a charming twisted rope-texture band that gives it a vintage-inspired yet modern feel.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Twisted Rope Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This delicate 14K yellow gold ring features a charming twisted rope-texture band that gives it a vintage-inspired yet modern feel.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Round Cut Diamond Bypass Ring, Modern Design
Located in Antwerp, BE
The ring features a sophisticated bypass design with four tapering, claw-like "talons" that curve elegantly around the finger.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Pearls Art Deco Two-Stone Bypass Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearls Style: Two-Stone Bypass Measurement...
Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k 1.01tcw Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14k gold, it features two brilliant round diamonds totaling 1.01 carats, gracefully curving toward one another in a bypass setting that symbolizes two paths becoming one.
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Pave Bypass Wrap Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The entire surface is meticulously pave-set with shimmering brilliant-cut diamonds, set against the warm glow of polished 14K yellow gold. This architectural piece offers a bold, wid...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.65ctw Diamond Flower Bypass Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 5.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.65ctw (0.20ctw centers, 0.45ctw accents) Cut - Round Brilliant Color - F - H Clarity - VS2 - SI2 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold W...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Make a bold, symbolic statement with this captivating Snake Bypass Ring. Expertly cast in warm 14K yellow gold, this piece features a fluid, serpentine design that gracefully coils a...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
0.40ctw Diamond Navette Bypass Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.25
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamonds, 9 stones round brilliant cut 2 - 3.5 mm approximately .40 total carats G-H color, SI2-I1 clarity Ring Size 6.25 Length: 16.2 mm Weight: 2.3 dwts. / 3.5 grams St...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Round Brilliant & Baguette 1.26ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $35 or Down 1/2 a size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .88ctw Cut: Round Brilliant & Bagu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,495 / item
Pear Shaped Blue Topaz Bypass Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Blue Topaz Stone Cut: Pear Material: 14k Yellow Gold Dimensions: 16MM x 9MM Weight: 6 grams Gemstones are Natural. Not enhanced, simulated or lab cr...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Goldstone & Cubic Zirconia Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise Cabochon
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Goldstone Cut: Marquise Cabochon Cubic Zirconias C...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Floral Emerald Diamond Bypass Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
The open design allows the two elements to face each other, creating a fluid and contemporary silhouette. Crafted in 14k solid gold, the slim band supports the elevated settings whil...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Watermelon Tourmaline Cocktail Solitaire Bypass Ring - 14k Carved
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Watermelon Tourmaline Cut: Carved Color: Pink & Gre...
Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
NEW Le Vian Diamond Ring - 14k White Gold Bypass 1.04ctw
By Le Vian
Located in Greensboro, NC
Le Vian Chocolatier 14k vanilla gold bypass ring with chocolate diamonds and vanilla diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond & Sapphire Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Sapphire Shape: Round Carat: 0.58 ct Color: Blue Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Marquise Carat: 0.42 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
From $1,539Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified Pear Diamond Open Cuff Bypass Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
HRD Certified Pear Diamond Open Cuff Bypass Ring 14K White Gold features two dazzling pear-shaped diamonds positioned on an open band.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise & Round 2.54ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $30 or Down 1/2 a size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,023 / item
14K White Gold 2.0 Carat Diamond Bypass Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
This asymmetrically designed cocktail ring will be the most unique piece you have in your jewelry collection. Crafted in the finest 14k white gold, this ring has an overlapping band ...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Heart Diamond Emerald Bypass Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Heart Carat: 0.46 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 0.88 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
14k Rose Gold 1.3ct Marquise Diamond Triple Floral Bypass Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
14k Rose Gold 1.3ct Marquise Diamond Triple Floral Bypass Ring features marquise cut diamonds making three flowers of different sizes with four marquise set making one flower.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Solid 14k White Gold 0.40ctw Diamond Bypass Engagement Promise Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - I1 Clarity - H Color - 0.18ct (approx.) (14) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Se...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .10ctw
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): .10ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald & Diamond Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Emerald Shape: Emerald Carat: 0.56 ct Color: Green Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Baguette Carat: 0.04 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Fancy Brown Diamond Halo Bypass Ring - 14k 14k Round .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Round...
Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Navette Shaped Ruby Cluster Bypass Style Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This lovely navette shaped bypass cluster ring is set with round faceted, pinkish red color rubies, prong set, approximately 1.39 TCW and decorated with a yello...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
SI/H Natural Diamonds Open Bypass Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
SI/H Natural Diamonds Open Bypass Ring 14K White Gold features emerald cut diamond set on one side of the ring and pear cut diamonds set on the other side of the ring making an open...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .45ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .45ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I - J...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Bypass Ring 14k Round Brilliant & Baguette .33ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .33ctw Cut: Round Brilliant & Baguett...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Halo Bypass Ring 14k Round .28ctw Flower
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .28ctw Cut: Round Brialliant (center)...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Floral Natural Diamond Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
Ideal for celebrations, gifting, or styling as a bold everyday ring. ★MATERIALS★ ♥ Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 0.66ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH ♥ Stone: Natural Diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Bypass Ring 14k Oval Cabochon .80ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Opal Carat(s): .70ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Natural Diamon...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Marquise Opal and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This ring is graceful, vintage-inspired opal design with a soft, feminine presence. The ring features a marquise-shaped opal as its centerpiece. The opal displays a beautiful play of...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Amethyst and Pave Diamond Bypass Crossover Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k white gold ring. This striking bypass style ring is set with two square cushion faceted, dark purple color amethysts, approximately 2.32 TCW, prong set, and decorated with offset...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .14ctw Promise
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .14ctw Cut: Round B...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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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.