Bulgari Burma Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
The bypass ring showcases a stunning 5.18-carat oval Burmese ruby.
20th Century Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Bulgari Burma Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
The bypass ring showcases a stunning 5.18-carat oval Burmese ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold 0.76 carat Ruby & 1.06 carat Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold bypass ring with one round old cut diamond weighing 1.06 carats (J color, VS clarity) and one emerald cut ruby weighing 0.76 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Gold - 0.33 Carats (Serpent ring)
Located in Firenze, FI
An elegant Italian bypass ring crafted in solid 18K gold, weighing approximately 12 grams.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold bypass ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage sapphire and diamond bypass ring is a timeless 1980’s design, featuring 10 carré cut sapphires weighing approximately 1.00 carat in total.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Ruby Floral Bypass Ring with Diamonds Accents
Located in Miami, FL
A charming vintage floral bypass ring crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, set with richly hued natural rubies arranged in two blooming flower clusters.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Oval Ruby and Accented Diamond Bypass Ring
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
At its heart an oval ruby accented with Diamond Bypass Ring 15 round diamonds approx. 0.15 carats, and one oval ruby approx 0.60cts Metal: Solid Platinum 100% Natural Ruby Cut: Oval ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum
14K Two-Tone Princess Cut Diamond Bypass Ring, 1.00 CTW
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Crafted in 14K two-toned gold, this contemporary bypass ring showcases 16 princess-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage bypass ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features 0.66 carat total weight of sapphires accented by 2.25 carat total weight of diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
10K Two-Toned Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
A unique gold and diamond bypass ring. This ring is made with 31 round and 52 baguette-cut diamonds in a channel setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Gold
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring by WM Greenwood & Sons
Located in Denver, CO
Two luminous natural white pearls measuring 4.7-4.8mm sit at the center of this Edwardian-period bypass ring surrounded by twenty Old Mine-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 ca...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold Star Bypass Ring Cocktail Ring Black Diamond White Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond White Diamond Gold Bypass Ring Statement Cocktail Ring Designer: J DAUPHIN The Ribbed Bypass Ring is an architectural cocktail ring handcrafted in gold-plated brass, ...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
10K White Gold 1.20ct Diamond Butterfly Bypass Ring MF16-050526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Butterfly motifs make a statement at each end of this simple, elegant bypass ring. The whimsical design is light, airy, and shines to life thanks to sparkling Diamonds with a total w...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
10K Two-Toned Gold 1.0 Carat Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
A unique gold and diamond bypass ring. This ring is made with 31 round and 52 baguette-cut diamonds in a channel setting.
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage bypass ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcasing two vivid pear-shaped rubies with a combined weight of approximately 1.45 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Yellow White Heart Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring 18K Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring 18K Gold Modern and sophisticated Toi et Moi bypass ring crafted in solid 18K gold, featuring a striking combination of natural...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
18k Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Sapphire Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold Pear-Shaped Sapphire Bypass Ring Description: This bypass-style ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a central 0.87-carat pear-shaped sapphire with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,199Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald Gemstone & Princess Cut Diamond 14-Karat Bypass Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold Natural Emerald & Princess Cut Diamond Bypass Ring Style: Emerald Gemstone & Princess Cut Diamond Bypass Ring Material: 14k White Gold Gemstone Details: There...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1.75 Carat Pink & Yellow Marquise Diamond Platinum & 18K Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Miami, FL
1.75 Carat Fancy Pink and Yellow Marquise Cut and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond in Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Bypass Ring. Details: Item Type: Multi Stone Bypass Ring Metal: Platin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Ye...
18K Yellow Gold 2.28ct Diamond Bypass Ring ALR-20093-Y
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This bypass ring is simple, elegant, and ideal for everyday wear.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Diamond Bypass Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Van Cleef & Arpels 18k gold and diamond bypass ring. The ring’s design features two pointed ends that meet in an open curve.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elegant 18K Yellow Gold Twin Pearl & Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant 18K yellow gold bypass ring featuring two luminous cultured pearls measuring 8.6mm and 8.25mm.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage ruby diamond 18k white gold bypass ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant vintage ruby and diamond bypass ring is a beautifully sculptural design from the 2000’s, centered by an oval cut ruby weighing approximately 0.90 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$439,992Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow & White Diamond Bypass Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent and substantial bypass ring features two impressive pear-shaped diamonds as its centerpiece, totaling over 7 carats in weight.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,080Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring in 18k White Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite and authentic Bvlgari bypass ring showcases the Roman maison's renowned dedication to bold elegance and architectural fluidity.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Oval Cabochon Star Sapphire and Baguette Diamond Bypass Ring in Platinum
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Oval cabochon star sapphire and baguette diamond twin bypass ring in platinum. This ring features two oval cabochon star sapphires totaling approximately 27.00 carats.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
Round Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Round Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bypass Ring Description: This charming antique-style ring is crafted in solid 14k gold and features a classic Toi et Moi (You and Me) bypass d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald
Uranium Glass Marquise Bypass Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Uranium Glass Marquise Bypass Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a marquise-cut uranium glass stone weighing approximately 1.00 carat.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold With Diamonds Bypass Ring circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning 14k gold bypass ring from the circa 1970s features an elegant design accentuated by sparkling diamonds, embodying the timeless glamour of vintage jewelry.
1.27 CTW Round Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Classic collection Bypass Ring
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Overview: The Classic Collection’s bypass ring features 1.27 carats of round diamonds set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.25 CTW Round Diamonds 18K White Gold Classic collection Bypass Ring
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Overview: The Classic Collection’s bypass ring features 1.25 carats of round diamonds set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 2.70ct Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Ceylon Sapphire Bypass Ring, featuring a striking design with a vivid blue Ceylon sapphire paired against a sparkling diamond in an elegant bypass style.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold 0.45ct Sapphires and 0.30ct Round Brilliant Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 0.45ct Sapphires and 0.30ct Round Brilliant Diamond in a Bypass Ring Style: Bypass Ring Material: 14k White Gold Diamond Details: This ring features 0.45 carat total ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Australian Lightning Ridge Oval Opal 18 Karat White Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This exquisite bypass ring features two captivating oval Opals weighing 1.37 carat total weight, elegantly complemented by princess cut diamonds totaling 0.37 carat total weight.
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Initial "R" Open Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Personalize your look with a dash of modern asymmetry with this striking initial "R" bypass ring. Expertly crafted in 14K yellow gold, this contemporary piece features an elegant ope...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Bypass Ring. The classic Bvlgari snake theme from the modern Astrea line, this 18k white gold bypass ring wraps beautifully a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Two-Tone Bypass Ring .25 carat Diamonds Euroshank
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
14k gold multi-stone diamond bypass ring, crafted in a two-tone rose and white gold combination.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold 0.16ct Diamond and Pearl Bypass Ring MF04-062625
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A graceful vintage French bypass ring in 18K white gold, featuring two 7mm cultured pearls sweeping past one another along an engraved shank set with single-cut diamonds totaling 0.1...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,987Sale Price / item|21% Off
Diamond Bypass Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold ladies diamond by pass ring, containing 31 round full cut diamonds; color "G", clarity VS and weight 1.35cts. ring is size 7 and can be sized to fit.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$3,800Sale Price|20% Off
1.28Cctt Fancy Yellow Brown Bypass Ring 18k Two Tone Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Modern natural yellow brown diamond bypass ring. 1.28 carats total diamond weight. 2 cushion diamonds, 0.84 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...
14K White Gold Natural Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous bypass ring is made in 14k white gold and showcases natural blue sapphires and diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,700Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 1.13ct Diamond Butterfly Bypass Ring 18k Two Tone
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern leaf motif bypass ring, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 178 round diamonds, 1.13 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,900Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 0.81ct Diamond Leaf Bypass Ring 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern leaf motif bypass ring, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 100 round and baguette cut diamonds, 0.81 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Italian 3.50 carat pink sapphire 18k yellow gold bypass ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Italian pink sapphire bypass ring is a bold and beautifully colorful jewel from the 1980’s, crafted in rich 18k yellow gold with a graceful, sculptural silhouette.
Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century 18k Gold Sapphire and Ruby Bypass Ring
Located in Ocala, FL
A striking ruby and sapphire bypass ring crafted in 18-karat gold, featuring a bold two-stone composition with vibrant contrasting color.
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Bypass Ring in 10k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Bypass Ring in 10k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 10k yellow gold and features two prong-set pink tourmalines in a bypass-style design.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1984 18K Gold Blue and Yellow Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in BILBAO, ES
An elegant and distinctive bypass ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, featuring a harmonious pairing of pear-shaped blue and yellow sapphires in sleek bezel settings.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage White Gold 1.1ct Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bold and elegant, this vintage bypass ring showcases a vivid oval-cut ruby at its center, glowing with rich pinkish-red color.
Diamond, Ruby, White 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
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 1.40ct Heart Diamond Bypass Ring 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern natural heart diamond bypass ring, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 8 heart shape diamonds, 1.40 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Bypass Ring with Diamond & Ruby Accent Stones
Located in Miami, FL
A sculptural vintage bypass ring crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, styled in a fluid, sweeping form that wraps gracefully around the finger.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bulgari 18K White Gold Oval and Round Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite Bulgari 18K white gold bypass ring featuring a graceful combination of oval and round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 0.86 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dual Color 18k Gold Tubogas Stretch Bypass Ring with Diamonds R5059
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Dual Color 18K Gold Tubogas Stretch Bypass Ring with Diamonds ♥ Size 7 in stock, stretchable to size 8 ♥ Other sizes are available as made-to-order items.
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Double Stone, Ruby and Sapphire Bypass Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exceptional bypass ring is masterfully crafted in 18K white gold and designed to highlight two of the world’s most coveted gemstones.
Ruby, Sapphire
RARE Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Vivid Red Ruby & Diamond 18k White Gold Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Bvlgari Astrea Oval Cut Vivid Red Ruby 18k White Gold Bypass Ring. The classic Bvlgari snake theme from the modern Astrea line, this 18k white gold bypass ring wraps be...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.84 Carat Square Emerald & Round Diamond 18K Gold Toi et Moi Bypass Ring
Located in Miami, FL
1.84 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald & Round Diamond Crown Basket Setting 18K Gold Toi et Moi Bypass Ring. Details: Item Type: Toi et Moi Bypass Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 2.73 g...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Vintage 18K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring - VHK#1018
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Vintage 18K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring - VHK#1018 Item Details: Year: 1980s Ring Size: 3.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Tapered Baguette Diamond Ballerina Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Ruby and Tapered Baguette Diamond Ballerina Bypass Ring Description: This magnificent cocktail ring is crafted in radiant 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectra Fine Jewelry 5.92 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Bypass Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This striking Diamond Bypass Ring showcases 26 natural emerald-cut diamonds totaling approximately 5.92 carats (each diamond is approximately 0.23 carat).
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2mm Solid 14k Gold Bypass Ring Minimalist Jewelry
Located in Chicago, IL
2mm Solid 14k Solid Gold Bypass Ring Minimalist Ring Jewelry Gold Jewelry Gift Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unuse...
Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1.77 Carat Total Weight Lightning Ridge Opal 18k Yellow Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This unique bypass ring features 1.77 carat total weight in two Lightning Ridge oval opals set in 18 karat yellow gold.
Opal, 18k 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.”
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