14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Cabochon Solitaire With Diamond Accents Ring
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Cabochon Solitaire With Diamond Accents Ring Size 8.5. 2 diamonds with 0.25 total diamond weight. 1 round ruby 9 grams total weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
"Columns" Ring in Hammered 14K Yellow Gold with 36ct Hessonite Garnet Cabochon
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
A big, natural dark oxblood red garnet cabochon is set in an original ring design by Eytan Brandes, featuring classical "columns" that reach up to the center mounting.
Garnet, Hessonite, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K gold ring with a 2.54tcw natural sugarloaf cabochon cut emerald and diamond
Located in Jupiter, FL
Indulge in unparalleled glamour with our exquisite emerald and diamond cocktail ring, featuring a captivating Sugarloaf-cut emerald bezel-set at its center, commanding attention with...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Oval Cabochon Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamond Halo Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Opal and Diamonds Opal Count: 1 Opal Cut: Oval Cabochon Opal Total Carat Weight: 3.15 carats Opal Color: White Diamond Cut: Round Diamond Total...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.56 Carat Cabochon Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds in 14K Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon ruby diamond cocktail ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Certified Vintage Caged Line Ring Shank with Oval Cabochon Lavender Type A Jade
Located in Miami, FL
The jade is set in a beautiful 18k gold open gap line ring shank and is surrounded by a round diamond halo, adding extra sparkle and shine.
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 1.75 carats with Blue Sapphire 0.44 carat and Diamond 0.52 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.6 cm Length: 3.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 7.13 gra...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Myanmar Imperial Green Jade Cabochon Ring in 18K White Gold with Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
The beautiful imperial green jade cabochon is set in 18K white gold and diamonds. Mother Nature's stunning, intense green color makes this ring unique and attractive.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Oval Cabochon Rubellite and .65 Carat Diamonds
By Marlene Stowe
Located in New York, NY
The centerpiece of this ring is the large oval rubelite stone. The 18 karat yellow gold setting is a combination of a matte and shiny finish. Ten round brilliant diamonds 0.65 carats...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$11,894Sale Price|24% Off
No Heat Cabochon Ruby G.I.A. Set in Plat Ring with Marquise Diamonds
Located in Tampa, FL
No Heat Cabochon Ruby G.I.A. Set in Plat Ring with Marquise Diamonds Ruby: Weight - Approximately 3.39 Carats Measurements - 8.10 x 8.18 x 4.75 Shape - Cabochon Treatment - No Gem...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cabochon Ruby with Emerald, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 6.61 carats with Emerald 0.57 carat, Blue Sapphire 2.16 carats and Diamond 0.05 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.3 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 52 T...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.30 ct Black Opal Cabochon Ring with Pear Diamond Accents in 18K White Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
The ring weighs 3.84 grams. Finger size: 54 – resizing offered.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold
Medium GUM DROP Ring with Cabochon Chalcedony and Iolite and Diamonds
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
Christina Addison Bespoke Medium 18kt white gold GUM DROP™ ring with Chalcedony Cabochon (approximately ~5 cts), iolite (approximately ~4 cts each), and 4 diamonds weighing ~ 0.42 ct...
Iolite, Chalcedony, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby with Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Ruby 6.75 carats with Blue Sapphire 5.34 carats and Diamond 0.81 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 9.22 g...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond and Cabochon Blue Sapphire Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 5.71 carats with Diamond 0.38 carat and Cabochon Blue Sapphire 1.22 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 2.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,904Sale Price|20% Off
Yellow Sapphire with Diamond and Cabochon Ruby Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Yellow Sapphire 3.15 carats with Diamond 0.44 carat and Cabochon Ruby 0.25 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 11.05 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Cabochon Blue Sapphire with Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Blue Sapphire 7.14 carats with Ruby 2.20 carats and Diamond 0.69 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.4 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 1...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique toi et moi ring with diamonds and cabochon-cut sapphire, early 20th cent
Located in Chorzów, PL
Old gold ring of the "Toi et Moi" type with a diamond and a sapphire, girdled with a ribbon of diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond and Cabochon Blue Sapphire Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 1.49 carats with Blue Sapphire 1.96 carats, Diamond 0.11 carat and Cabochon Blue Sapphire 0.15 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.9 cm Length: 1....
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Platinum Jadeite Jade Ring with Diamonds
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8221 Platinum Ladies Jadeite Jade Ring with 2.01ct Diamonds. Center stone set in a white gold metal ring.
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
8.36 Carat Cabochon Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamond Halo in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It comes with an appraisal card, verifying its authenticity and current value. Ring size: 4.5 Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 17.40 grams Natural Diamonds: .40 ctw Diamond cut: ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.35 Carat Old European Cut Diamond with Cabochon Sapphire Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
1.35 Carat Old European Cut Diamond with Cabochon Sapphire Ring in 18 Karat Gold This exceptional old mutual/European cut diamond solitaire and tube-cut vertigo blue sapphire ring i...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Platinum Ladies Jadeite Jade Ring with Diamonds
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8224 Platinum Ladies Jadeite Jade Ring with 4.49ct Jade and 1.45ct Diamonds. Center stone with a client stated weight of 4.49 carats set in a white metal ring.
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Platinum Ladies Jadeite Jade Ring with Diamonds
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8223 Platinum Ladies Jadeite Jade Ring with 8.15ct Jade and 1.65ct Diamonds. Center stone with a client stated weight of 8.15 carats set in a white metal ring.
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Platinum Ladies Jadeite Jade Ring with Diamonds
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8226 Platinum Ladies Jadeite Jade Ring with 3.83ct Jade and 2.78ct Diamonds. Center stone with a client stated weight of 3.83 carats set in a white metal ring.
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Smoky Topaz Cabochon Ring
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold Cabochon Ring with Smoky Topaz and Diamonds - Also Available with Other Stone Options
Topaz, 18k Gold
Imperial Green Jadeite Jade Ring with Diamonds
Located in LA, CA
Item #8097 GIA Certified 18K Imperial Green Jadeite Jade Ring with Diamonds Center stone set in a white metal ring with eight (8) near colorless round rose cuts and numerous near c...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Oval ruby ring. Vintage Inspired Ring with Ruby Metal: 14k solid gold Total weight: 4.45 g depends from size Ruby: oval cabochon cut, - 1 ct, semi-transparent, red color Diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Cut: Oval cabochon Weight:...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$1,040Sale Price|35% Off
18 Karat Gold Amethyst Ring with Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A gorgeous and Chic Amethyst ring set in 18k white gold . The amethyst is a special Trillion cut Cabochon with a beautiful colour and is Eye clean .
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal, Ruby and Diamonds, Turtle Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal, ruby and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Weight: 1.10 ct appr...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
18kt white Gold Halo Ring with Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This stunning halo ring is crafted in 18kt white gold and features a rich natural oval cabochon blue sapphire with approximately 3.00 carats total weight at the center.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt white Gold Cocktail Ring with Quartz & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This striking cocktail ring is crafted in 18kt white gold and set with a luminous natural cabochon quartz weighing approximately 19.0 carats at the center.
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
10CT Oval-Shaped Emerald Cocktail Ring with 0.40CT Diamonds
By Eze Jewelry
Located in Bucharest, Romania
A truly breathtaking 10-carat high-quality oval-shaped emerald cocktail ring, featuring an exquisite deep green hue with vivid saturation and clarity. The emerald’s stunning color an...
Diamond, Emerald
White Gold Ring with Pearl, Turquoise, and Diamonds
Located in Warszawa, PL
Its gentle luster lends the ring a refined, romantic presence. Surrounding the pearl are natural turquoise gemstones in oval cabochon cuts, with a total weight of approximately 8.00...
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, White Gold
Icy Jadeite Jade Marquis Cabochon and Halo Diamond Ring, Certified Untreated
By Luxe Pieces
Located in San Francisco, CA
This is an all natural, untreated icy jadeite jade marquis cabochon ring surrounded with round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.69 carats.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, Vintage Inspired Ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Round ruby ring Metal: 14k solid gold Total weight 2.60 g depends from size Gemstones: Round cabochon cut ruby, 0.45 ct., transparent with inclusions, red color Diamonds 10x0.01-0...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Gold Cluster Ring with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold cluster ring bezel set oval cabochon cut emerald (1.54 carat, Colombian minor) with ten old cut diamonds surround (circa 1.5 carat), American, circa 1910.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Bvlgari Elisia Ring with Blue Topaz and Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with a Cabochon Blue Topaz weighing approximately 2.50 carats, and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.75 carats. Size 5
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
4.64 Ct. Unheated Sapphire Ring with Diamonds, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
A 4.64 ct. Unheated Sapphire Ring with Diamonds made in Platinum. The ring size is US 6.25 and the total weight is 10 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Opals
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural rubies, diamonds and opals. October birthstone ring.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 k gold ring with ruby and diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 karat gold ring with genuine ruby and diamonds. 14 karat gold Total weight: 4.45 g. depends from size Gemstones (all are tested by professional gemmologist): Genuine ruby: 1.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Dramatic Victorian Almandine Garnet Ring with Diamonds, 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A dramatic and richly sculptural ring centered with a massive 40.80ct almandine garnet cabochon, framed by a sparkling halo of 32 rose cut diamonds, and finished with a distinctive 1...
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Sapphire, Pearl and Diamond
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ring with sapphire, pearl and diamond. September birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.50 g. depends from size Central stones: Natural sapphire Weight - approx 1.00 ct ...
Sapphire, Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Cocktail 18kt white Gold Ring with Onyx & Diamonds 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Aventura, FL
At the center of this magnificent ring lies a captivating cabochon onyx. The smooth, polished surface of the onyx showcases its deep black hue, adding an air of mystery and elegance ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K white gold ring set with jadeite and diamonds
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
Gold ring set with jadeite and diamonds 18K white gold Center Stone: Cut Shape: Cabochon Material: Jadeite in a milky blue hue with partial transparency.
Diamond, Jade, White Gold
Tanzanite with White Diamond Ring in 18k gold
Located in New York, NY
Crafted to perfection, this striking ring features a beautifully domed Tanzanite (21.20cts.) at its center, radiating a deep, captivating blue hue. The rich color of the Tanzanite ma...
White Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Ring with Black Opal & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This gorgeous contemporary ring showcases the mesmerizing beauty of natural black opal, meticulously crafted in rich 18kt yellow gold and featuring a captivating 6.05-carat cabochon ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow gold ring with diamonds and Flower carved emerald
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Contact us about this ring, or if you would like to have your own personal ring made with bold gemstones.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 18k Gold Zambian Emerald Ring with Diamonds, 15ct
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Impressive big size Cabochon Zambian Emerald and Diamonds ring, a truly unique piece of jewelry that is sure to turn heads and make a statement.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Sapphire, Chrome Diopside and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural sapphire, chrome diopside and diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
Orchid flower 14k Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Wild orchid 14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby Ring With Diamonds 2.01 Carats 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural Ruby = 1.76 Carat 16 Diamonds = 0.25 Carats Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7* US *It can be resized...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$961Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Elephant Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold Elephant ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds. This mesmerizing ring features two intricately sculpted elephants that come together to hold the glimmering c...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold
$1,923Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal and Diamonds Ring in 14k Gold. Gold Ring with Opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal and diamonds ring in 14k gold. Genuine opal ring. Gold ring with opal Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 2.4 g (depends from size) Main stone - opal, black with color play, o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold
$699Sale Price / item|25% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby, Rose Sapphires, Tourmaline and Diamonds Cherry Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby, rose sapphires, tourmaline and diamonds.
Tourmaline, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
$4,800 / item
Drop Emerald 18k Gold Ring with Diamonds
By NIBIRU Collection
Located in Miami, FL
This is a 15 grams solid gold 18k ring, with a center drop shape colombian emerald cabuchon cut, and two 1 point diamonds in each side, this ring is a remake of the master piece in a...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 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.”
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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.