J. E. Caldwell Antique diamond Platinum cluster ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond cluster ring by J.E.Caldwell. Set horizontally with three round old cut diamonds in open back rubover settings with a combined weight of 0.90 carats, further set with...
Diamond, Platinum
Star Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k Gold Certified Ruby
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A striking and substantial star ruby and diamond cluster ring centred on a large oval cabochon natural star ruby weighing approximately 8.50 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, 18k Gold
$10,960Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1 Carat Engagement Ring. Cushion Cut Diamond Cluster Ring Platinum I SI1
Located in New York, NY
Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1910 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.00-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Primary Stone Color: I Color Primary Stone Clarity: SI C...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Pavé Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k Yellow Gold 1.03ctw, Hideko
Located in Orlando, FL
18K Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Cluster Ring, Signed Hideko, Japan, Ribbed Shank, Size 6 Specifications Metal: 18K yellow gold (K18 hallmark stamped in shank) Maker: signed "Hideko," J...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Platinum Dome Cluster Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in London, GB
This intricate ruby and diamond cluster ring features an oval shaped ruby in a rub-over, open back setting weighing approximately 1.50 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Round Brilliant Diamond Stacked Cluster Dome Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5.75 Introducing our exquisite diamond dome cluster ring set in luxurious polished white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.10 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Pave Cluster Platinum Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum 900 set pave blue sapphire and diamond band ring. Offering a minimalist dome shape of brilliance in round cut natural gemstones. Details: Item Type: Dome Band Ring Metal: ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Cocktail Dome Band 18k Rnd 3.12ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 1/2 a size for $50 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 2.08ctw Cut: R...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald, Diamond and 18 Karat White Gold Bombé Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A modern emerald and diamond bombé style ring, with an emerald-cut emerald, weighing an estimated 2.40 carats, in a claw setting, surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds in pavé setting...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
1 Carat Ring. Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring Platinum I SI1
Located in New York, NY
Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1910 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Carat: Approx. 1.00-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Primary Stone Color: I Color Primary Stone Clarity: SI C...
Diamond
9.31 CTTW Mixed Color Sapphire, Amethyst, Garnet, Diamond Cluster Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Mix Colored Sapphire, Amethyst, Garnet, Diamond Cluster Ring. This dome ring features a mixture of colors and gemstones.
Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Cocktail Dome Band 14k Rd 1.80ctw Stripes Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.10ctw Cut: Rou...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mi Century Modern Diamond Two Color Gold Cluster Dome Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
By Coach House
Located in Montreal, QC
Striking Dome Diamond Cluster Ring, top prong set with twenty-one sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds, each weighing approx. 0.15ct, totaling approx. 3.15 ct; VS-SI1 clarity; G-H ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
14k Gold Multi Color Natural Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Open Shank Dome Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
This ring features a cluster of round brilliant cut white and brown diamonds, complemented by yellow sapphires.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Mens Diamond Ring 14K Gold Band Joe Rodeo Cluster 2.01 TDW
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Mens Diamond Ring 14K Gold Band Joe Rodeo Cluster 2.01 TDW This authentic Joe Rodeo Ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White gold and set with white and fiery diamonds. There are ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
25 Carat 18 Karat White Gold Round Cut Diamond Dome Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Prepare to dazzle with the opulent brilliance of this oversized dome ring, adorned with a million icy white diamonds totaling an impressive 25 carats. Crafted in classic 18K white go...
Diamond, White Gold
5 Carat Cluster Fancy Colored Diamond Dome Cigar Band Ring 14k White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This distinctive 14 karat white gold dome cigar ring features a harmonious multitude of bezel set round white diamonds, richly colored round brilliant fancy yellow and brown diamonds...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat White Gold Band Ring Featuring 63 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Of SI Clarity & H Color Totaling Approximately 1 Carat. Finger Size 8.25; Purchase Includes One Sizing Service...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.4 Carat SI/H Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
0.4 Carat SI/H Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold features round cut diamond set in the filigree settings of the ring and making a dome band ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fine Diamond Cluster Ring 0.89ct VVS1 E–G in 14K White Gold
Located in Berlin, BE
Diamond Cluster Ring – 14K White Gold An elegant diamond cluster ring crafted in solid 14K white gold, set with 15 brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.89 carats. The stones display ex...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 2.34 CTW Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Vintage Wire Spray Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a dome shaped form comprised of yellow gold wire with platinum appliqué Depicting a foliate motif burst featuring prong and bead diamonds throughout Consisting of old min...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.50ct Diamond Cluster (Round & Baguette) Retro Bombé Ring in 9K 375 Yellow Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This superb Cocktail Bombe style cluster ring is of timeless design, lavishly set with sparkling round & baguette cut diamonds with middle / centre section, geometrically & pav...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Round Diamond Domed Cluster Spiral Motif Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in luxurious 14 karat yellow gold, this ring features a mesmerizing spiral of round diamonds that cluster together, creating a captivating circular dome shape.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Bombé Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Bold and beautiful, this cocktail ring features a vibrant cabochon tourmaline measuring 13.8mm, rub-over set in the centre in an 18 carat yellow gold open back mount. The gorgeous pi...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Black Rhodium White Gold 1.5 Carat Total Diamond Cluster Ring Size 8
Located in Santa Monica, CA
14K Black Rhodium White Gold 1.5 Carat Total Diamond Cluster Ring Size 8 10.4 gram Little less than 3/4 inch on top I counted twice 150 pieces of .01 carat each mixed color Diamon...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Gold Old Cut Diamond Round Cluster Dome Ring, Circa 1940's
Located in London, GB
This handmade vintage domed ring is set with a 0.29ct old cut diamond in the center beautifully surrounded by 8 diamonds weighing approximately 0.78ct all pavé in a 18 carat white go...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Round Cut Diamond and Blue Sapphire Cluster Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This magnificent ring features a rounded cluster design filled with bright white stones that create a soft, sparkling surface. Scattered among them are vivid blue sapphires that add ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Diamond Pave Encrusted Band. Women or Men Diamond Dome Bombe Cluster band
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Size: 6 1/2 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Yellow Beautiful Diamond Pave Band. Dome shank. Beautiful collage of diamonds 2mm to 9mm...
Diamond
$2,559Sale Price|20% Off
Real 1.18 Ct SI/H Pear Cut Diamond Cluster Ring 18K White Gold Wedding Bridal
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Surrounding the central diamond are meticulously placed smaller diamonds, adding depth and dimension to the design. Each diamond is expertly set to enhance the overall radiance and b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$18,899Sale Price|30% Off
PANIM 18k White Gold Briolette Diamond Dome Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 18k White Gold Briolette Diamond Dome Ring This stunning ring is crafted in 18 Karat white gold and has briolette-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 18K Gold Green Chalcedony & 2.50ct Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A striking estate 1980s dome ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring a dazzling pavé arrangement of brilliant round diamonds accented by smooth green chalcedony inlay shoulde...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 8.24ct Diamond Dome Ring MF33-031226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Pav Diamonds with a total weight of 8.24 carats provide this luxury ring with endless sparkle. Set in 18K Yellow Gold, the domed setting adds drama to the overall design. A 7mm wide ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
20 Carat Rubellite and Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Warm hues of magenta rubellite are peppered with brilliant white diamonds atop a polished mounting of 18 karat rose gold. The ring boasts playfulness and mid-century-inspired charact...
Rubelite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.25ct Diamond Pave Dome Ring MF20-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Surface and structure in balanced form. This yellow gold ring features 1.25 carats of round diamonds, arranged in pav across the domed surface. Flat, polished prongs punctuate the la...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Cluster Cocktail Dome Band -14k Sq 3.28ctw Sz 6 1/2
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 2.88ctw Cut: Square Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .40ctw Cut: Round Brill...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Filigree Dome Diamond Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 9 diamonds including brilliant cut, old european cut and old mine cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~3.00 carats Diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.50 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Vintage 1.50 Carats total weight Diamonds Dome Ring. Size 8 18k White Gold Circa 1970's
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
5.44 Carat Natural Fancy Green Diamond 1.86 Carat White Diamond Dome Ring 18K
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
5.44 carat of natural fancy green diamond are accented by 1.86 carat of white shapes diamond in this beautiful cluster cocktail ring. The ring is made in 18 K gold. The details of t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
2.48ct Pink Lab Heart Diamond Halo Wide Dome Ring 14K White Gold Wedding Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K solid white gold ring. Fancy pink heart-cut lab diamond centre — single white round brilliant pave halo. Wide dome band: multi-row white round brilliant pavé, full width of shank...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified .94 Carat Sapphire Diamond Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond and sapphire cocktail ring. GIA certified center cabochon center sapphire with 56 full cut round diamonds in a 18k yellow gold cluster setting. CMT Type 1 natural Sapphire ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Marquise and Round Diamond Dome Band Ring — 2.29ctw
Located in Orlando, FL
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Marquise and Round Diamond Dome Band Ring — 2.29ctw Metal: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: Marquise and round brilliant-cut diamonds, 2.29 ctw (stamped), G color, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Nigaam 2.50 Cts. VS Diamond Pave Dome Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Size 7
Located in New York, NY
Experience the captivating allure of the "Radiant Bloom" ring, a masterpiece of 18K yellow gold craftsmanship. This exquisite ring features a breathtaking dome design, meticulously p...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$2,616Sale Price|20% Off
Real 1.8 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Diamond Dome Ring 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite ring is handset with 1.80 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request. FOLLOW SP...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
5.62 Carat Natural Fancy Yellow Sapphires Vivid Green Emeralds Cluster Ring*
Located in New York, NY
Natural Yellow Sapphires & emeralds diamonds cluster ring. Raised dome. Sapphires & Emeralds: 5.12ct Full cut brilliant ovals supreme Clean clarity Transparent and vib...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
10k Diamond Emerald Pave Encrusted Band. 10k Yellow Gold Diamond Emerald Dome
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Size: 6 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Yellow Beautiful Diamond and Emerald Pave Band. Zigzag bypass design. Condition: shows limit...
Yellow Gold
2.22ct Multi-Shape Natural Diamond Marquise Pear Cluster Dome Ring 14k Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Opulent, sculptural, and impossibly brilliant — this multi-shape natural diamond cluster dome ring is a genuine showstopper.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cluster diamond ring Yellow gold 14KT 0.50ct dome ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning dome ring with half a carat diamonds VS clarity and F-G color, the ring has a unique matt finish and looks absolutely luxurious when on finger! Size can be re-sized. WHAT ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Cluster 14 Karat White Gold Dome Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
Three sparkling rows of brilliant diamonds crown the contoured head of this impressively designed vintage ring that will surely be noticed. As it builds toward a raised center, large...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.45 Carat Diamond Pave Cluster Dome Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's High domed handmade, pierced and engraved diamond cluster cocktail ring. 1 round center diamond accented with 40 round pave set diamonds. 1 round diamond approx. total weigh...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
EGL Certified 2.85 Carat Diamond Dome Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Spectacular vintage 1960's raised domed diamond cluster cocktail ring. EGL certified .80cts center diamond with 43 bright round cut diamonds in a tiered 14k white gold cluster settin...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.75 Carat Diamond Open Work Dome Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade 1900's diamond dome cocktail ring. 17 old mine brilliant cut diamonds, set in a 14k yellow gold setting with open scroll work and cut out top. 17 old mine brilliant cut di...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Dome Ring - 18k Round Brilliant 2.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 2.50ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Fancy Yellow & F - G Clarity: SI2 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Pavé Diamond Ball Ring — Pavé Dome Cluster, Modern Classic
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
White gold pavé diamond ball ring with a faceted, domed cluster of brilliant-cut diamonds set across the crown.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multicolor Sapphire Pear Marquise Mix & Diamond Cluster 18K White Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vibrant 18K white gold dome cocktail ring features 19 mixed-shape natural sapphires in a stunning palette of pink, lavender, blue, and purple hues set in a free-form scatter cluster,...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Geometric Pentagon Diamond Pavé Cluster Sculptural Dome Band Ring 14K/18K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
A bold yet refined design, this ring brings together sculptural gold forms and precise geometry in a seamless, modern composition. Polished pentagon-inspired segments flow around the...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
Multicolor Rainbow Sapphires Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Statement Dome Cluster Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This captivating piece features a dynamic array of multicolored sapphires, each meticulously set to create a lively mosaic of color. The ring's surface is adorned with a harmonious b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Dome Band - 14k Rd 2.00ctw Stripe Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 2.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.
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