$11,257Sale Price|20% Off
Sybarite Crown Cluster Ring in White Gold with White Diamonds
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Part of our Little Treasures collection, the Sybarite Crown Cluster Ring injects an everyday staple with a touch of regality.
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold
Natural Diamond Cross Chevron Ring 14k Gold Stackable Crown Wedding Ring Tiara
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Diamond Cross Chevron Ring 14k Gold Stackable Crown Wedding Ring Tiara Additional information: Base Metal: Natural Diamond, 14K Yellow Gold Main Stone: Diamond Main Stone Sh...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Blooming Aurora Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This piece embodies the essence of Crown Radiance—where bold presence meets intricate craftsmanship.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Transformable Akoya Pearl, Sapphire & Diamond Stackable Ring Set
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This ring is more than jewelry — it is a crown that embodies radiance, transformation, and prestige.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
Royal Crown Australian Opal & Diamond Ring, 14K Yellow Gold Engagement
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Royal Crown Design Australian Solid Opal & Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
8 CT Natural Pear Diamond Eternity Band Platinum Crown Ring
Located in Westport, CT
The ring is designed in a crown motif. Ring size 6.50 US.
Diamond, Platinum
Two-Tone Diamond Crown Band
Located in New York, NY
Two-Tone Diamond Crown Band A bold, structured band crafted in rich yellow gold with a striking white gold center row, showcasing a sequence of round diamonds framed by angular diam...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】White South Sea Pearl Dual Diamond Halo Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
From the Crown Radiance collection, this radiant jewel celebrates harmony between light and brilliance.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Double Chevron Diamond and 14k Solid Gold Tiara Crown Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Double Chevron Diamond Ring 14k Solid Gold Tiara Crown Ring Bridal Wedding Ring Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Condition: New with tags: A brand-new, unus...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Transformable Akoya Pearl, Sapphire & Diamond Stackable Ring Set
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
An artistic composition of motion and elegance, this triple-ring set features a fluid interplay of pear-cut sapphire, baby Akoya pearls, and cascading pavé diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Aquamarine, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Floral Arc Aurora South Sea Pearl & Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A sweeping arc of brilliant-cut diamonds blooms around an exceptional 11mm South Sea pearl, forming a sculptural composition where radiance and elegance meet. The pearl, selected for...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Amour Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Amour Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 1.65 mm.
Diamond, 14k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Sunburst Halo Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A majestic 13-14 mm Golden South Sea pearl radiates from the heart of this elaborate sunburst halo, framed with masterful engravings and diamond accents in a Buccellati-inspired styl...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
14k White Gold 2.44ct I SI1 Crown of Light Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a dazzling Crown of Light diamond design totaling approximately 3.05 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Diamond Baguette and Ruby Ring LARGE
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Ruby Baguette and Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Emerald Baguette and Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dazzling Crown Ring with Diamonds in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Introducing the epitome of elegance and whimsy: our exquisite Tiara Crown Ring. Designed with meticulous detail from luxurious 18K white gold and adorned with 40 brilliant cut diam...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Maori Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Maori Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 12.9 mm.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Crown Natural Diamond Statement Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
Crafted in 14k solid gold, this crown-inspired ring features an intricate arrangement of natural diamonds in a wide band silhouette.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Diamond Baguette and Emerald Ring LARGE
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Orbital Grace Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the grandeur of royalty with this stunning Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring. At its center lies a breathtaking South Sea pearl, exuding a luminous and captivating glow. The pearl ...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Weave Aurora South Sea Pearl & Diamond Lattice Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite statement ring features a breathtaking 13-14mm Aurora South Sea pearl, known for its radiant luster and flawless surface. Encircled by 0.80 carats of brilliant-cut dia...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
26.31ct GIA Natural Red Spessartite Garnet Diamonds Raised Crown Ring 18KT*
Located in New York, NY
Raised Spessartite Crown GIA 23.91ct. Natural Red Spessartite & 2.40ct. diamonds ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】The Radiant Ring – Aurora South Sea Pearl & Diamond
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Experience timeless sophistication with this exquisite Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring. At its heart lies a lustrous, perfectly round South Sea pearl, radiating a mesmerizing aurora-like...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Aurora Bloom South Sea Pearl Diamond Filigree Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A true celebration of elegance and craftsmanship, this ring features a luminous South Sea pearl cradled in an intricate filigree setting. The airy, floral-inspired design is encruste...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$2,828Sale Price / set|20% Off
1.15 Ct Natural Pear Diamond Crown Bridal Ring Set, White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Specifications * Item Code: SER-211492 * Category: Fine Jewelry * Jewelry Type: Ring * Style: Pear Diamond Crown Bridal Set * Metal: 18K White Gold * Gold Weight: 3.81 Grams * Gross...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Leopard Embrace Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Embodying elegance and power, this exquisite ring features a magnificent Aurora South Sea pearl, known for its enchanting overtones and unparalleled luster. Set atop a meticulously c...
Diamond, Agate, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Gems Are Forever Crown Diamond Eternity Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By Gems Are Forever
Located in beverly hills, CA
Designed and created in house at Gems Are Forever, Inc in Beverly Hills, this royal inspired eternity ring is subtle and sophisticated to wear singly, back to back with your other st...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Crown Natural Diamond Statement Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This ring features pear-shaped diamond clusters in a cascading layout across a ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Gold 0.22 Ctw Crown Cluster Natural Diamond Ring SI GH
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 0.22 CT Crown Cluster Diamond Ring features a stunning arrangement of natural diamonds, meticulously set to form a crown-inspired design.
Diamond, 14k Gold
25.81 Carat Colombian Emerald Studded with White Diamond Crown Statement Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A gigantic 25.81 carat Colombian emerald is delicately set with 0.49 carat of white diamond as a crown in the center using the special hand make technique from Hong Kong. Emeralds fr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 14K White Gold 0.67ct High Crown Old Euro Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique diamond ring is finely crafted in 14K white gold with a distinctive high crown setting that highlights its vintage charm.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sylva & Cie Diamond Rose Gold Crown Eternity Ring 14k Thorn Tiara Stacking Ring
By Sylva & Cie
Located in North Attleboro, MA
This striking Sylva & Cie crown eternity ring pairs sculptural design with the house’s signature darkened gold finish.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Louis Vuitton 18K White Gold Diamond Blason Crown Ring 1.2 Carat
By Louis Vuitton
Located in Chicago, IL
The crown is paved with approximately 1.2 carats of natural round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
French, 20th Century, Diamond Pearl 18 Karat Rose Gold Crown Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Surprising antique ring, its mounting is formed of a setting in the form of openwork crown and decorated on its top of a pearly pink cultured pearl, shouldered on both sides of 2 ant...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.58ctw Eternity Diamond Crown Ring 14k White Gold Size 4.25 Stackable
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds 0.58ctw- Total Carats - Round Brilliant Cut - Round Brilliant Color - G - I Clarity - VS2 - SI1 Metal: 14k White Gold Weight: 3.5 Grams Sta...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold V-Shaped Double Row Crown Ring & Natural Diamonds(Resizable)
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elegant & Regal Design – This exquisite 18K gold ring features a striking V-shaped double-row design inspired by a royal crown, symbolizing sophistication and timeless beauty.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Kt Yellow Gold Brilliant Cut 1.2 Ct. Diamonds Crown Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
BEAUTIFUL YELLOW GOLDEN CROWN RING WITH DIAMONDS. MATERIAL: 18 kt yellow gold WEIGHT: 9.6 grams / 0,340 oz / 6.25 dwt SIZE: eur 55 / us 7 ( can be resized for fee) DIAMOND: bril...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Crown Shaped Tourmaline & Diamond Ring Made In 14k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:3.458g,D:0.47ct, Tour:1.18ct, US-7
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Petal-Edge Diamond South Sea Pearl Convertible Ring Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A refined interpretation of regality and grace, this convertible ring-pendant design from the Crown Radiance collection centers around a spectacular 14–15mm AAAA South Sea pearl — ra...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$3,187Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Estate Natural Diamond Decorated Crown Design Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Estate Natural Diamond Decorated Crown Design Ring In very good condition.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Dainty Diamond Filigree Band 14k Solid Gold Diamond Crown Wedding Band Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Dainty Diamond Filigree Band 14k Solid Gold Diamond Crown Wedding Band Gold Ring Base Metal Yellow Gold, 14k Certification BIS Hallmark, IGI Main Stone Color White Diamond Weight 0.0...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Convertible Sapphire Diamond Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
More than an adornment, this masterpiece is transformable — shifting gracefully between a statement ring and a pendant. It offers both versatility and prestige, embodying the sculptu...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Sapphire, White Gold
7-Diamond 14k Solid Yellow Gold Vintage Crown Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
7-Diamond 14k Solid Yellow Gold Vintage Crown Cocktail Ring is a stunning statement piece that exudes timeless elegance and regal charm.
【Crown Radiance】Cluster Rose Akoya Pearl & Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the elegance of light and motion, this luxurious Japanese Akoya pearl ring embodies timeless sophistication. The design features a stunning cluster of AAA-quality Akoya p...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Regal Halo Diamond South Sea Pearl Convertible Ring Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A crowning statement of elegance and versatility, this regal piece showcases a luminous 13–14mm AAAA South Sea pearl with an exquisite mirror-like luster and near-flawless surface.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Oval Crown Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The natural opal measures 15mm x 11mm (estimated at 6.50 carats), accented with three estimated 0.15 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】Double Akoya Pearl Ring with Diamonds in 18K Gold
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A chic reinterpretation of timeless pearl jewelry. This elegant Japanese ring features two AAA Akoya pearls (8–8.5 mm) with perfect round shapes, very thick nacre, and a radiant high...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Regal Lotus 14–15mm South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent 14–15 mm Golden South Sea pearl, radiant with deep golden luster, rests upon a lotus-like crown of diamonds and engraved gold. The sculptural dome form embodies regal b...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Black Onyx and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring, Crown Motif, Circa 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At one edge, a crown-shaped cluster of fifteen round brilliant diamonds, H color and totaling 0.75 carats, fans upward from the onyx in a stepped, tiered arrangement — a small but co...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】Baby Akoya Pearl & Diamond Lattice Ring in 18k Gold
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
From the Sculpted Geometry collection, this bold yet refined ring showcases the interplay of architecture and nature. Featuring a cluster of 3–4.5mm Baby Akoya pearls, each perfectly...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Convertible South Sea Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring/Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
A rare statement piece from the Crown Radiance collection, this design features a luminous, AAAA-grade South Sea pearl at its heart, embraced by an intricate double halo of white and...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Amour Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Amour Crown Ring in 14K Gold & Black Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 1.65 mm.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Oval Crown Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The natural opal measures 15mm x 11mm (estimated at 6.50 carats), accented with three estimated 0.15 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,841Sale Price|20% Off
Sybarite Crown Ring in White Gold with White Diamonds (Zig Zag)
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Add a touch of Sybarite spirit to your everyday essentials. A classic silhouette is reimagined here with expert craftsmanship and whimsical design, injecting a touch of regal symboli...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Celestial Cluster Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Step into the world of opulence with this exquisite Aurora Baby Akoya Pearl Ring. Crafted from lustrous Japanese Baby Akoya pearls, each delicately handpicked for their radiant glow ...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Emerald Baguette and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,869Sale Price|30% Off
Sybarite Crown Ring in Yellow Gold with White Diamonds (Zig Zag)
By Sybarite Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Add a touch of Sybarite spirit to your everyday essentials. A classic silhouette is reimagined here with expert craftsmanship and whimsical design, injecting a touch of regal symboli...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rosé Gold Crown Ring Colored Brilliants 0.72 Carat
By CF goldundsilberschmiede
Located in Loßburg, DE
A very sculptural crown ring was created using CAD design. The 11.2 mm wide band has small openings that lend the ring a sense of lightness.
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.