David Morris Diamond Rose Cut ring white gold
By David Morris
Located in London, England
David Morris 18kt white gold Rose Cut ring is adorned with diamonds for extra brightness.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Morris Pavé Set Diamond Half Eternity Ring
By David Morris
Located in London, GB
Featuring from the David Morris collection, this half eternity ring is pave set with dazzling diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
David Morris 0.57ct F VS1 Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
By David Morris
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous four-claw solitaire diamond ring by designer David Morris is simply timeless.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
David Morris 2.01 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By David Morris
Located in London, GB
This is an outstanding diamond engagement ring from world renowned British luxury jewellery designer, David Morris.
Diamond, Platinum
$10,615Sale Price|20% Off
David Morris Pavé Diamond Cross Over Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in London, GB
An 18 karat white gold pavé set round brilliant cut diamond crossover ring by David Morris. This ring is designed as a cross-over, pavé half set with round brilliant cut diamonds f...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Morris Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring 1.40 Carat H/VS1 GIA Certified
By David Morris
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k yellow gold diamond ring by David Morris. The ring features a round brilliant cut diamond in the centre with a weight of 1.40ct, H colour and VS1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
David Morris Platinum Emerald Cut Engagement Solitaire Ring 1.73ct D/VS2 GIA
By David Morris
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning platinum emerald cut diamond ring by David Morris. The ring comprises of an emerald cut diamond in a four claw setting with a weight of 1.73ct, is D colour and is VS2 clar...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,618Sale Price|39% Off
David Morris 18 Karat White Gold Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Signature Band
By David Morris
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
This Ring by David Morris is from their Signature collection and features 84 round brilliant cut Diamonds of 1.50ct total colour G/H, clarity VS, made in 18k White Gold.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring G SI 18k White Gold 18 Diamonds
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Ring G SI 18K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Eternity Band 3.45CT G-H SI 18...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring G SI 18K White Gold 18 Diamonds
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Ring G SI 18K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Eternity Band 3.45CT G-H SI 18...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Morris & David 0.75 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Morris & David 0.75 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Diamond Ring Set 0.75CT G-H SI 14K White Go...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Yellow Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.40CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold Bur...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.40CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Burni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.25 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.25 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Ring G SI 14K Rose Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 1.25CT G-H SI 14K Rose Gold, Pave & Bezel style, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1.25 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.25 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Ring G SI 14K Yellow Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 1.25CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold, Pave & Bezel style, 3.70 grams 1/4 i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.70 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.71 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Round Cut Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Sapphire 1.71CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.45 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.45 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Round Cut Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Emerald 1.45CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3.0...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bezel Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Ct Natural Round Cut Bezel Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 1.00CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.40CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Burni...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Yellow Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.40CT G-H SI 14K Yellow Gold Bur...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.05 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
2.05 Carat Natural Diamond and Oval Cut Sapphire Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Sapphire 2.05CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3....
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.70 Carat Natural Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.70 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Oval Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Ruby 1.70CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3.10 grams ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Round Cut Ruby Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Ruby 1.65CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3 grams ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Ring Band 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Round Cut Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Sapphires 1.40CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.25 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.25 Ct Natural Round Cut Diamond Ring G SI 14K Rose Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 1.25CT G-H SI 14K Rose Gold, Pave & Bezel style, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1.45 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.45 Carat Natural Diamond and Emerald Round Cut Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Emerald 1.45CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3.0...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.70 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.71 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Round Cut Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Sapphire 1.71CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond 3 Flowers Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
0.76 Carat Natural Diamond 3 Flowers Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.76CT G-H SI 14K White G...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.00 Carat Natural Diamond Bezel Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.00 Ct Natural Round Cut Bezel Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way 1.00CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Ring Band 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Princess Cut Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Sapphires 0.75CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Channel styl...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.70 Carat Natural Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.70 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Oval Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Ruby 1.70CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3.10 grams ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.05 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
2.05 Carat Natural Diamond and Oval Cut Sapphire Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Sapphire 2.05CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3....
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Round Cut Ruby Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Ruby 1.65CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 3 grams ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Ring Band 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
1.40 Carat Natural Diamond and Sapphire Round Cut Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Sapphires 1.40CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond 3 Flowers Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
0.76 Carat Natural Diamond 3 Flowers Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.76CT G-H SI 14K White G...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold 5 Stones
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
0.50 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K Rose Gold 5 stones 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.50CT G-H SI 14K Rose Go...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Morris & David 1.75 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.75CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 10 grams 9/16 inch in width Size 7 1 Diamond - 0.75ct, 121 Diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Morris & David 1.75 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.75CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 10 grams 9/16 inch in width Size 7 1 Diamond - 0.75ct, 121 Diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Morris & David 1.75 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.75CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 10 grams 9/16 inch in width Size 7 1 Diamond - 0.75ct, 121 Diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Morris & David 0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.60CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Pave style, 5...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Morris & David 0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring G SI 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring G SI 14K Rose Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.60CT G-H SI 14K Rose Gold, Pave style, 5.7...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Morris & David 0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Cocktail Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.60CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Pave style, 5...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Morris & David 0.34 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Ring Band G-H SI 14K W Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.34CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, prong style, 5.50 grams 6 mm in width Size 7 (small shank for sizing) 25 Di...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Morris & David 0.34 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Ring Band G-H SI 14K W Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.34CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, prong style, 5.50 grams 6 mm in width Size 7 (small shank for sizing) 25 Di...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
David Morris 18 Karat Yellow Gold White Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Bombé Ring
By David Morris
Located in London, GB
His Jewels featured time and time again in films, even James Bond ‘Diamonds are forever’ features David Morris, followed by The man with the golden gun, Tomorrow never dies and The w...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,269
Morris & David 14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.25 Metal: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 14k Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 7.25
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$805
Morris & David 14 Karat White Gold 0.17 Carat Diamond Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.17 Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14k Style: Cocktail Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 7.5
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$3,300
Morris & David 14 Karat White Gold 0.80 Carat Diamond Ribbed Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.80 Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14k Style: Cocktail Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 7
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,289
Morris & David 14 Karat Rose Gold 0.75 Carat Diamond Pave Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.75 Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 14k Style: Cocktail Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 7
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,709
Morris & David 14 Karat White Gold 0.42 Carat Diamond Lips Ring
Located in New York, NY
Morris & David Metal Purity: 14k Style: Cocktail Main Stone Shape: Round Metal: White Gold Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.42 Ring Size: 7
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,950
Morris & David 14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond Pave Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Ring Size: 6.75 Style: Cocktail Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.50 Metal: Yellow Gold Main Stone Shape: Round Metal Purity: 14k
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,800
Morris & David 14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond Pave Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Ring Size: 7 Style: Cocktail Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.50 Metal: Yellow Gold Main Stone Shape: Round Metal Purity: 14k
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$1,410
Morris & David 14 Karat White Gold 0.26 Carat Diamond Pave Infinity Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.26 Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14k Style: Fashion Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 7
Diamond
Unavailable|$2,550
Morris & David 14 Karat Yellow Gold 0.75 Carat Diamond Open Overlap Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.75 Metal: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 14k Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 7.5
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$5,899
Morris & David 14 Karat White Gold 2.03 Carat Diamond Pave Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Metal Purity: 14k Style: Cocktail Total Carat Weight (TCW): 2.03 Metal: White Gold Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 6.5
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$4,509
Morris & David 18 Karat White Gold 0.69 Carat Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.69 Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Style: Cocktail Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 8
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$2,550
Morris & David 14 Karat White Gold 0.57 Carat Diamond Open Overlap Ring
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Morris & David Total Carat Weight (TCW): 0.75 Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 14k Style: Cocktail Main Stone Shape: Round Ring Size: 7.5
Diamond, 14k 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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
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.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
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.