Cartier, 3.00 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This absolutely stunning three stone diamond ring by Cartier features a 3.00 carat emerald cut
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier, 3.00 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This absolutely stunning three stone diamond ring by Cartier features a 3.00 carat emerald cut
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Mid-Century 5.40 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Engagement ring centers a prong set emerald cut diamond weighing 5.00 carats - D color with VS1
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Cartier 5.36 Carats Total Square Emerald Cut 3-Stone Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 This stunning Art Deco-era Cartier engagement ring features a striking 4.64 carat
Diamond, Platinum
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring in 18K Rose Gold Diamonds, Emeralds Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Panthère de Cartier Ring in 18K Rose Gold – Diamonds, Emeralds & Onyx – Size 54 / US 6.75
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 'Toi Et Moi' Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Pear-Shaped Emerald. Size - 5 French Assay Marks Signed - Cartier
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Emerald Cut Engagement Ring set in Platinum Band
Located in New York, NY
beautiful platinum band. This ring is accompanied by original Cartier paperwork and GIA certificate.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1980s Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless vintage creation from Cartier, this 1980s ring showcases refined luxury and bold design
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier diamond flanked solitaire ring, French.
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond flanked solitaire ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald cut diamond, H
Diamond, Gold
Cartier GIA Certified 10.29 Carat I VS2 Emerald Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Boston, MA
VS2 emerald cut diamond is custom set in a handcrafted Cartier platinum ring. The 10.29 carat emerald
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Double Panthere Lakarda 18k Gold and Diamond Ring. Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
39.0 ct. Ceylon No-Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Signed Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
grams Period: 1990-2000s A showstopping sapphire and diamond ring centered on an emerald-cut blue
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1.15 Carat F VS Diamond 0.06 Carat Emerald 18 Karat Rose Gold Panthere Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Title: 1.15 Carat F VS Diamond 0.06 Carat Emerald 18 Karat Rose Gold Panthere Ring Style: Panthere
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
CARTIER Art Deco Emerald Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
color and VS clarity. The ring is stamped "Cartier MTG" on the side of the shank and numbered 54-5 1923
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Unavailable
Cartier 11.92 Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Jacksonville, FL
CIRCA 2000 A lady's platinum (stamped Cartier) engagement ring prong-set with one (1) Emerald
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier ‘Paved Ballerine’ 1.51 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
French jeweller Cartier's 'Paved Ballerine' setting at the centre of this distinctive engagement ring
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 1.84 Carat E/VS1
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Cartier diamond engagement ring from the 1895 solitaire collection. The ring
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 3.82 Carats Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Halo Engagement Ring GIA
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut diamond weighing 2.07 carat - E color with VS2 clarity With a diamond
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 2.23 F VVS2 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier 2.23 F VVS2 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring GIA Report Number
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 2.23 F VVS2 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Baltimore, MD
Cartier 2.23 F VVS2 Emerald Cut Natural Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring GIA Report Number
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a outstanding emerald and diamond ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier Art Deco Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, 4.39 Carat
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier Art Deco emerald cut diamond platinum engagement ring, 4.39 carat. This stunning Art
Diamond, Platinum
Certified Cartier Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold emerald and diamond ring by Cartier. The ring comprises of a cushion cut emerald
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond 1895 Solitaire Engagement Ring 1.84 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Cartier diamond engagement ring from the 1895 solitaire collection. The ring
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Diamond 1895 Solitaire Engagement Ring 1.84 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold Cartier diamond engagement ring from the 1895 solitaire collection. The ring
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Platinum Emerald and Diamond Dress Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Platinum Emerald and Diamond Dress Ring Details: Set with an oval cabochon emerald of
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.14 Carat Emerald Cut Cartier Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
This elegant and stunning diamond solitaire ring hails from the Cartier collection. The piece has
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 18 Karat White Gold, 1.06 Emerald Cut Diamond and Emerald Ring GIA
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Cartier 18k White Gold, 1.06 Emerald Cut Diamond & Emerald Engagement Ring w/GIA Certificate
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Beautiful 2.59ct Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A beautiful completely untreated no oil emerald and diamond ring by Cartier 2006, centred with a
Emerald, Platinum
Cartier Cushion Cut Emerald Diamond Ring 2.26 Carat Certified
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold emerald and diamond ring by Cartier. The ring comprises of a cushion cut emerald
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful 2.59ct Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A beautiful completely untreated no oil emerald and diamond ring by Cartier 2006, centred with a
Emerald, Platinum
Cartier No Heat Ceylon Natural Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring, AGL Certified
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite Cartier engagment ring was inspired in a classic design and crafted in Luxurious
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 4.12ct E/VVS2 GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An extraordinary platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier. The ring is set to the centre with an
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 4.12 Carat E/VVS2 GIA Certifiec
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
RRP for this ring is £500,000. A stunning emerald cut diamond ring by Cartier in platinum. The
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA Certified 1.34 Carat D SI1 Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This signed solitaire from Cartier features a 1.34 carat Emerald cut diamond of D color and SI1
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier GIA 2.47 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Seamless elegance through design that is at once avant garde and respectful of the past. Cartier
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 4.12 Carat/E Color Center Stone GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A remarkable emerald cut diamond ring by Cartier. The ring is set to the centre with a 4.12ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Gold Ring 5.03 Carat GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An exquisite diamond ring by Cartier. The central 5.03ct emerald cut diamond is F in colour and VS2
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring 3.36 Carat F/VS1
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A phenomenal platinum diamond ring by Cartier. The ring is set to the centre with an emerald cut
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Ring 4.12ct E/VVS2 with Baguettes 7.08 tcw GIA Cert
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A remarkable emerald cut diamond ring by Cartier. The ring is set to the centre with a 4.12ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Paris 1960's Modern Cabochon Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Halo Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped emerald cabochon weighing approximately 2.02 carats Translucent medium
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Ballerine Diamond Ring 0.71 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning diamond engagement ring in platinum from the Ballerine collection by Cartier. The
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier Diamond and Sapphire Articulated Panther Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Diamond and Sapphire, Emerald and Onyx - Articulated Paws Panther Ring. Approximately
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Cert Cartier Platinum Diamond Solitaire 1895 Ring 1.53ct E/VS1
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A breathtaking platinum diamond ring by Cartier from the Solitaire 1895 collection. The ring
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Panthere Diamond Cocktail / Engagement Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A classic Cartier Panthère ring set in solid 18 carat yellow gold. The ring prominently features a
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Cartier Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Talk about sheer perfection! This elegant Cartier vintage, circa 1980's, emerald cut diamond
White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 2.2 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A vintage Cartier single stone ring featuring a stunningly well-proportioned and excellent cut
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Solitaire Emerald Cut Trinity Engagement Ring 1.03 Carat EVS2
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Retired Cartier Trinity Collection engagement ring. The ring is a size 7.5 (US), made of platinum
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Emerald ring with Diamond
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Cartier Material: Platinum 950 Condition: Pre-Owned Emerald: 2.50ctw Diamond: 0.40ctw
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier 2.03 Carat GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning engagement ring created by Cartier. Classic design, the whitest D color diamond - her
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Retro Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Cape May, NJ
set with diamonds and emeralds, this ring is the perfect way to celebrate that special bond. The pear
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Panthere 18k Gold Emerald Onyx Bypass Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
noses and emerald eyes. Ring is a size 6.5 (Eu 54) , width of the top 14mm. Marked: 750, Cartier, 54
Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold
Cartier No-Oil Emerald and Diamond Ring, Art Deco, ca. 1920s
By Cartier
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An exquisite emerald and diamond Art Deco ring in platinum by Cartier, France, ca. 1920s. The
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier 'Étincelle de Cartier' Rose Gold and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Cartier 'Étincelle de Cartier' ring crafted in 18 karat rose gold, set with an emerald
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 3.06 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Engagement` Ring
By Cartier
Located in Greenwich, CT
Diamond engagement ring, showcasing a fine colorless emerald-cut diamond weighing 3.06 carats (D
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER 7.20ct Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Lambertville, NJ
DETAILS TAPERED BAGUETTE DIAMONDS - 1.19ctw MEASUREMENTS RING SIZE - 6.25 MARKED/TESTED Cartier
Cartier 4.02 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Paris, IDF
A 950/000 platinum Cartier ring, centered with a 4.02 carats emerald cut diamond, F colour, VVS 1
White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Vintage Diamond, Emerald and Gold Eternity Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Vintage Diamond, Emerald & Gold Ring The ring features: - Nine diamonds classic brilliant
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Very Fine Cartier D Color Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A perfect engagement ring from the Alice Kwartler Collection of estate diamonds. This Cartier
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Emerald Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An 18k White Gold Ring with Emerald Center Stone and Pave Diamond Surroundings by Cartier. Made in
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Cartier Vintage Diamond, Emerald and Gold Full Circle Eternity Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier Vintage Diamond, Emerald & Gold Ring The ring features: - Nine diamonds classic brilliant
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
LOUIS VUITTON pink shawl
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Rubiera, RE
LOUIS VUITTON PARIS Pink monogram shawl 60% silk 40% wool 100% fox fur cm. 142 x cm. 142 Made in Italy Excellent condition ATTENTION: The shawl does not come with a CITES certif...
$3,104
H 25.99 in D 9.85 in L 17.33 in
LOUIS VUITTON Large Pegasus Model Rolling Suitcase in Damier Ebene Canvas
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Paris, FR
Louis Vuitton large Pegasus model rolling suitcase in damier Ebene canvas. It is very light. It contains a lot. In very good used condition (a snag on the right side). It has a to...
Tiffany & Co. 4.43 Carat GIA G SI1 Diamond Heart Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Discover the world of Tiffany & Co. with this Diamond Heart Necklace, featuring a breathtaking 4.43 carat heart-shaped GIA certified diamond with G color and SI1 clarity which offers...
Diamond, Platinum
CHRISTIAN DIOR Boutique c.1990s Haute Couture Numbered Black Silk Sequin Bustier
By Christian Dior
Located in Thiensville, WI
Christian Dior Boutique c.1990's haute couture numbered (16923) black silk sequin bustier. Strapless sweetheart neckline. Black sequin embellished waistline. Center back separating z...
Tom Ford for Gucci Silver Leather Backless Dress
By Gucci, Tom Ford
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful silver leather wrap dress by Tom Ford for Gucci . The bodice crosses in the front wrapping at the waist and closing with snaps. It has a fine grey leather belt matching ...
$12,920
H 10.5 in W 19 in L 6 in
Chanel Limited Edition Vintage Duffel Tote Black and White Leather Weekend Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Oversized Chanel quilted logo letters duffel bag leather travel tote. 1992 {VINTAGE 30 Years} White lamb "CHANEL" lettering stitched on both sides Quilted supple black lambskin Tw...
CHANEL black 91A TIERED VELVET & CHIFFON GOWN Dress 38 S
By Chanel
Located in Zürich, CH
This 100% authentic Chanel evening gown is crafted in black velvet and chiffon for a refined interplay of structure and lightness. It features a fitted velvet bodice accented with te...
John Galliano Rare Deco Inspired High Style Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa f/w 2008 John Galliano mauve silk charmeuse dress adorned with deco inspired faux pearl and crystal beadwork. Features kimono sleeves. Draped neckline held securely with sing...
$1,455Sale Price|40% Off
Size: 36.5
New Gucci 90th Anniversary Ad Runway Python Skakeskin Pump Heels Sz 36.5 $2425
By Gucci
Located in Conroe, TX
Gucci Brand New From Gucci's 90th anniversary Fall Runway show, Frida Giannini cited her influence was Anjelica Huston $2425 * Python Heels * Rare Ad Runway Heels * Size: 36.5 * Ye...
Cartier Panthere 1650 Blue MOP 18K White Gold Watch
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Cartier Panthere 1650 Ladies Watch. 27mm 18K white gold case. 18K white gold bezel with factory diamond sets. Blue Mother of Pearl dial with white gold hands and White gold Roman num...
White Gold
Hermès Customised Jige Elan PM Black
By Hermès
Located in London, GB
- Black / Blue - Box leather - Fold flap - Custom hand-painted rope and belts design - Signature “H” tab closure - Tonal stitching with contrast edging - Canvas interior - Stamp X Ci...
$1,687Sale Price|25% Off
Size: 39
New Fendi Karl Lagerfeld Ad Runway Fur and Suede Platform Boots Booties Sz 39
By Fendi
Located in Conroe, TX
Fendi Fur Boots by Karl Lagerfeld Brand New * Euro: 39 * Stunning Beaver Fur Lines the Front and the Inside of the Boots * Soft Taupe Nubuck Leather * Zips up the Back * 1.25" Front ...
F/W 2003 Yves Saint Laurent by Tom Ford Red Sheer Stretch Tank Midi Skirt Set
By Yves Saint Laurent Rive Gauche, Tom Ford for Yves Saint Laurent
Located in West Hollywood, CA
From Yves Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 2003 collection under Tom Ford, this two-piece set includes a sheer red stretch tank top with soft ruffle detailing and a matching asymmetrical ...
Vintage Yves Saint Laurent " Rive Gauche " Polka Dot Red & White Corset Bustier
By Yves Saint Laurent
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy vintage YSL Rive Gauche red & white polka dot bustier/corset top.built in waistband support. Fully lined, and easily transitions from day to night. In great condition. Never wo...
Thierry Mugler Couture Pink Flame Beaded Silk Gown
By Thierry Mugler Couture, Thierry Mugler
Located in Concord, NC
This early 2000’s vintage Thierry Mugler gown features a halter neckline with a plunging V-front. The dress transitions from vibrant fuchsia to deep red, with flame-like cutouts ador...
F/W 2014 Look # 27 New Versace Black Suede Over the Knee Boots 38 - 8
By Versace
Located in Montgomery, TX
VERSACE Fall/Winter 2014 Look # 27 Suede over the knee boots from Versace featuring a pointed toe, cut out details, a lace-up front fastening, a side zip fastening and a high ...
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories 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.