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Candlelight Diamonds

X Punk Knot Diamond Ring
X Punk Knot Diamond Ring

X Punk Knot Diamond Ring

Located in Stockholm, SE

During an intimate anniversary dinner, fingers trace its intricate twists, the diamonds flickering with candlelight that dances across linen and silver.

Category

2010s Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French Long Drop 18ct Gold Rose Cut Diamond Earrings, 19th Century
French Long Drop 18ct Gold Rose Cut Diamond Earrings, 19th Century

French Long Drop 18ct Gold Rose Cut Diamond Earrings, 19th Century

Located in London, England

The effect is grand and exquisite, and the rose cut stones have a subtlety that is often not found in later brilliant cut diamonds. By candlelight they are simply divine. Additional...

Category

Antique 19th Century French Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14K Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
14K Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

14K Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

Located in Venice, CA

These bulky proportions were developed by cutters so that the diamonds would sparkle under candlelight. Old mine cut diamonds are cut by eye and hand and often have uneven facets an...

Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian 2.50 carat diamond yellow gold silver stud earrings
Victorian 2.50 carat diamond yellow gold silver stud earrings

Victorian 2.50 carat diamond yellow gold silver stud earrings

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Crafted in 9k yellow gold and silver with 18k gold backs, the earrings reflect traditional period techniques in which silver settings were used to enhance the brilliance of diamonds ...

Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Deco 3.50 carat diamond engagement ring, circa 1930.
Art Deco 3.50 carat diamond engagement ring, circa 1930.

Art Deco 3.50 carat diamond engagement ring, circa 1930.

Located in London, GB

Cut by hand under gaslight or candlelight, these diamonds have a uniquely beautifully sparkle, best witnessed in any natural light setting.

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 18KT Gold Agate Cameo & Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Victorian 18KT Gold Agate Cameo & Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet

Victorian 18KT Gold Agate Cameo & Rose Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet

Located in Braintree, GB

The oval cameo is framed by a halo of rose cut diamonds set in silver-topped gold, a traditional technique used to enhance diamond brilliance by candlelight.

Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Bangles

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

2.50ct Diamond (x 50) Cubism Half-Eternal "en Tremblant" Bangle in 18K Gold
2.50ct Diamond (x 50) Cubism Half-Eternal "en Tremblant" Bangle in 18K Gold

2.50ct Diamond (x 50) Cubism Half-Eternal "en Tremblant" Bangle in 18K Gold

Located in MELBOURNE, AU

Jewels crafted in this style were especially effective at capturing and reflecting the sparkling glow of candlelight. Baguette cut diamonds are channel-set in double row (one on a...

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Cut Steel Brooch
Antique Cut Steel Brooch

Antique Cut Steel Brooch

Located in Baltimore, MD

It became popular as an alternative to diamond jewelry. Surely for evening social occasions, by candlelight, it looked like rose diamonds.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Base Metal

Recent Sales

Antique Gold Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Bangle 14K Diamond Cluster Bracelet
Antique Gold Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Bangle 14K Diamond Cluster Bracelet

Antique Gold Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Bangle 14K Diamond Cluster Bracelet

Located in London, GB

It features 33 rose-cut diamonds, carefully set in closed-back foiled settings, a technique designed to enhance their natural brilliance under candlelight.

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

5.16 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Signature Sophistication
5.16 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

5.16 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

Located in Mumbai, IN

The emphasis on purity of material and proportion gives the jewel a composed, gallery-worthy presence that still feels effortless on the hand. Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

8.35 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Signature Sophistication
8.35 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

8.35 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds and gemstones keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

5.02 Carat Round Brilliant Statement  Signature Sophistication Diamond Ring
5.02 Carat Round Brilliant Statement  Signature Sophistication Diamond Ring

5.02 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Signature Sophistication Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

12.08 Carat Round Brilliant Statement  Unparalleled Brilliance Diamond Ring
12.08 Carat Round Brilliant Statement  Unparalleled Brilliance Diamond Ring

12.08 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Unparalleled Brilliance Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Citrine, and Gold Chandelier Earrings
South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Citrine, and Gold Chandelier Earrings

South Sea Pearl, Diamond, Citrine, and Gold Chandelier Earrings

By White Orchid Studio

Located in Athens, GA

Creatives, leaders, and nonconformists love combining gems in unexpected ways, like citrines, south sea pearls and diamonds. "Dancing by Candlelight" earrings are perfect for import...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Chandelier Earrings

Materials

Citrine, Brown Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

3-Carat H VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring  A Timeless Statement GIA
3-Carat H VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring  A Timeless Statement GIA

3-Carat H VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring A Timeless Statement GIA

Located in Mumbai, IN

Whether bathed in natural sunlight or evening candlelight, this diamond radiates with a captivating glow, turning every gesture into a moment of luminous beauty.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

10 Carat Marquise Statement Brilliant White VS Diamond Ring
10 Carat Marquise Statement Brilliant White VS Diamond Ring

10 Carat Marquise Statement Brilliant White VS Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Fancy Green diamond Ring, fancy pink and fancy yellow
Fancy Green diamond Ring, fancy pink and fancy yellow

Fancy Green diamond Ring, fancy pink and fancy yellow

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

20.21 Carat Emerald Halo Diamond Ring 18K Gold Unparalleled Brilliance
20.21 Carat Emerald Halo Diamond Ring 18K Gold Unparalleled Brilliance

20.21 Carat Emerald Halo Diamond Ring 18K Gold Unparalleled Brilliance

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds and gemstones keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

3 Carat Emerald Halo Diamond Ring 18K Gold Effortless Elegance
3 Carat Emerald Halo Diamond Ring 18K Gold Effortless Elegance

3 Carat Emerald Halo Diamond Ring 18K Gold Effortless Elegance

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds and gemstones keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

4-Carat G VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring  A Timeless Statement GIA
4-Carat G VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring  A Timeless Statement GIA

4-Carat G VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring A Timeless Statement GIA

Located in Mumbai, IN

Whether bathed in natural sunlight or evening candlelight, this diamond radiates with a captivating glow, turning every gesture into a moment of luminous beauty.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

3-Carat H VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring  A Timeless Statement GIA
3-Carat H VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring  A Timeless Statement GIA

3-Carat H VS Round Brilliant Diamond Ring A Timeless Statement GIA

Located in Mumbai, IN

Whether bathed in natural sunlight or evening candlelight, this diamond radiates with a captivating glow, turning every gesture into a moment of luminous beauty.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Empire Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

4.09 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Brilliant White Diamond Ring
4.09 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Brilliant White Diamond Ring

4.09 Carat Round Brilliant Statement Brilliant White Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.07 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Everyday Royalty Signature
3.07 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Everyday Royalty Signature

3.07 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K Gold Everyday Royalty Signature

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds and gemstones keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

5.61 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18K Gold Timeless Brilliance
5.61 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18K Gold Timeless Brilliance

5.61 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18K Gold Timeless Brilliance

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

4.5 Carat Princess Statement  Modern Nobility Modern Classic Diamond Ring
4.5 Carat Princess Statement  Modern Nobility Modern Classic Diamond Ring

4.5 Carat Princess Statement Modern Nobility Modern Classic Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Solitaire Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

5.24 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant 18K Gold Signature Sophistication
5.24 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

5.24 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Brilliant 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

6.28 Carat Asscher Diamond Ring Brilliant 18K Gold Signature Sophistication
6.28 Carat Asscher Diamond Ring Brilliant 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

6.28 Carat Asscher Diamond Ring Brilliant 18K Gold Signature Sophistication

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

4.11 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Effortless Elegance
4.11 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Effortless Elegance

4.11 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Effortless Elegance

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds and gemstones keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.75 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Elegant Sparkle
1.75 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Elegant Sparkle

1.75 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Elegant Sparkle

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds and gemstones keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

10 Carat Emerald-cut Statement SI  Unparalleled Brilliance Diamond Ring
10 Carat Emerald-cut Statement SI  Unparalleled Brilliance Diamond Ring

10 Carat Emerald-cut Statement SI Unparalleled Brilliance Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds and gemstones keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.5 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White  Elegant Sparkle Diamond Ring
1.5 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White  Elegant Sparkle Diamond Ring

1.5 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White Elegant Sparkle Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Solitaire Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

5.5 Carat Round Brilliant Band Signature Sophistication Eternity Diamond Ring
5.5 Carat Round Brilliant Band Signature Sophistication Eternity Diamond Ring

5.5 Carat Round Brilliant Band Signature Sophistication Eternity Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

3.85 Carat Round Brilliant Band  Effortless Elegance Eternity Diamond Ring
3.85 Carat Round Brilliant Band  Effortless Elegance Eternity Diamond Ring

3.85 Carat Round Brilliant Band Effortless Elegance Eternity Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

2.8 Carat Oval Statement   A Classic Statement Heirloom Diamond Ring
2.8 Carat Oval Statement   A Classic Statement Heirloom Diamond Ring

2.8 Carat Oval Statement A Classic Statement Heirloom Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Solitaire Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.25 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White  Everyday Royalty Diamond Ring
2.25 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White  Everyday Royalty Diamond Ring

2.25 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White Everyday Royalty Diamond Ring

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.5 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 14K Gold Modern Nobility
2.5 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 14K Gold Modern Nobility

2.5 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 14K Gold Modern Nobility

Located in Mumbai, IN

Diamond Cut, Colour & Clarity Under spotlights, candlelight or soft daylight, the diamonds keep a composed, intelligent sparkle – you see refined brilliance, clean windows of lig...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

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Candlelight Diamonds For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of candlelight diamonds for sale on 1stDibs. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and platinum, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 222 vintage editions and 49 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 21st Century. The designs in our inventory of candlelight diamonds bearing Victorian or Georgian hallmarks are very popular. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Steven Fox Jewelry, Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection and Spectra Fine Jewelry are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Browse our collection of 177 diamond versions today to add the perfect touch to your look. Today, if you’re looking for rose cut candlelight diamonds and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old mine cut and old european cut alternatives. Most of our candlelight diamonds for sale are for women, but there are 70 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Candlelight Diamonds?

Prices for candlelight diamonds can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $260 and can go as high as $216,000, while candlelight diamonds, on average, fetch $4,893.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.