$2,000 / item
Antique Sapphire, Diamond Lovers Knot Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
This beautiful ring features a small round cabochon sapphire at its center, surrounded by ten small round diamonds, and designed in a knot shape.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bowtie Knot Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Bowtie Knot Ring This stunning Diamond Bowtie Knot Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Chrochet Knot Diamond Ring 1970s Vintage Cartier Ring.
By Cartier
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An 18k yellow gold Cartier Chrochet Ring pavé set with brilliant cut diamonds. The Ring is hallmarked French for 18k and makers mark with the famous master goldsmith Eduard Blondeau...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Bella Knot – 1.24ct Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Bn Green Star
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Key Details Ring Name: The Bella Knot Center Stone: Natural Colombian Emerald Emerald Weight: 1.24 cts Emerald Shape: Oval Cut Total Diamond Weight: 1.586 cts Diamond Type: Mixed-Cu...
Diamond, Emerald
Tiffany & Co. Tiffany Knot Double Row Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Excellent) - Professionally polished to appear brand new Weight: 11.1 grams Band Width: 2.5mm (single) Ring Size: L (52) Knot Dimensions: 12mm x 7mm Total Diamond We...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1917 18K Lover's Knot Ring with Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique 18K and diamond-studded lover's knot ring with clear hallmarks for Chester, 1917.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$17,500Sale Price / item|30% Off
1.60ct Round Diamond Ring in Platinum with Pave Diamond Knots
Located in Brisbane, AU
Our `Forget Me Knot´ ring. Featuring a 1.6ct round brilliant cut diamond, poised between sharp eagle style talons and embraced by platinum, diamond encrusted knots on either side of...
Diamond, Platinum
Sterling Silver 1.0 Cttw Diamond Celtic Knot Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Perfect for special occasions or as a captivating gift, this ring promises to be a cherished addition to any collection
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
Ribbed Knot 0.85ct Diamond Ring, 18K Gold, Circa 1960s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A single line of diamonds traces one edge of the knot, following its curve rather than sitting in a fixed setting, so the sparkle reads as integrated into the gold's movement rather ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Charles Krypell Ruby & Diamond Signature Knot Ring 18K Gold
By Charles Krypell
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Charles Krypell Crossover Ring 55 Brilliant Round Diamonds 33 Beautiful Round Rubies Size is 7.75 and Can be Sized One Size Smaller The Top is 12mm Wide 10 grams 18kt Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$26,600Sale Price|30% Off
3.02ct Antique Emerald cut Diamond Reef Knot ring in a Sculptural Reef Knot
Located in Brisbane, AU
Making a bold yet refined statement, the Reef Knot Diamond Ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold, centered around a striking antique emerald-cut diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mariner Sailor Slip Knot .30ct Natural Diamonds Ring 14kt*
Located in New York, NY
Mariner Sailor Chain Link / Knot Slip Ring. .30ct. Natural round cut brilliant diamonds Si-1 clarity I color. 14kt yellow gold. 4.1 Grams Overall ring: 10.6mm diameter Depth: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,120Sale Price / item|35% Off
Baby Knot Ring with 6ct Tanzanite and Diamonds
Located in Brisbane, AU
A 6ct royal cushion cut Tanzanite, embraced by powerful-platinum ropes, converging to two knots & diamond encrusted setting underneath the stellar stone. Custom filigree underneath. ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Modern Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Each end of the knot is decorated with five brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
$28,000 / item
6ct Ceylon Sapphire Forget Me Knot Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane, AU
Custom made to order* Set with diamonds down the band. Available in 18ct rose/white or yellow gold or platinum. Please contact our designer to start the process of selecting your ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18K White Gold Black & White Diamond Infinity Knot Ring- 6.75
Located in New York, NY
Bold and contemporary, this striking 18K white gold ring features an elegant intertwined knot design that symbolizes unity.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Knot Ring with Diamonds Pave Style
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant vintage ring is crafted in warm 14K yellow gold and features an eye-catching intertwined swirl design symbolizing unity and everlasting connection. The gracefully loopin...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1950s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Knot Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Elegant antique ring set in a multi-sided knot, with an antique cushion-cut diamond in the center on platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
1950s Retro Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Lovely retro ring, its setting is made up of a concave knot motif on the top and centered with a modern brilliant- cut diamond set in a closed setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RUCHI Fancy Diamond Black Rhodium Cocktail Knot Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K blackened gold. US 7 size. Fancy Diamond: 3.75ct total weight.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Iconic Ohliguer Knot Ring in 18ct White Gold Aquamarine Knot Ring
Located in Brisbane, AU
Crafted in 18ct white gold, the Knot Ring centres a luminous aquamarine accented by brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Knot Band - 10k Single Cut Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Cut: Single Stone Note: (1) small Style: Band Theme: Knot Measurements Face Height (north t...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Diamond Ring. Leaf Setting Diamond with accents. Diamond Bow Love Knot ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1960s Materials: Platinum Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Silver Adjustable Style: Edwardian Beautiful Diamond Ring. Wonderful Leaf Flower design...
Forget Me Knot Emerald Cut Diamond 0.80ct ring with knots in 18ct Gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
Glamorously bold and unabashedly seductive. This showstopper ring features a glorious bezel set emerald cut diamond, embraced by fine golden ropes. •Available in 18ct Yellow, White ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,550Sale Price / item|24% Off
6ct Cushion Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Reef Knot Ring
Located in Brisbane, AU
6ct Cushion Cut Aquamarine Reef Knot Style setting Set with a double band of F/GSI diamonds 18ct white gold / yellow or rose to your desire Unisex style 4 claw set NSEW Cla...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
.80 Carat Natural Round Diamonds Regency Knot Ring 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Regency Deco Wire Wrap Knot Ring .80ct. Natural diamonds ring G-color Vs-2 clarity Very good Cuts / Full cut Brilliants 18kt yellow gold Ring size: 6 (Complimentary resizing a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bella Knot 1.24ct Colombian Emerald & 1.586ct Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By Bn Green Star
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Key Details Ring Name: The Bella Knot Center Stone: Natural Colombian Emerald Emerald Weight: 1.24 cts Emerald Shape: Oval Cut Total Diamond Weight: 1.586 cts Diamond Type: Mixed-Cu...
Diamond, Emerald
French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Very original tank ring, it is formed of a knot positioned vertically whose center is set with brilliant-cut diamonds as well as each end of the knot.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
French 1940s Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Retro Knot Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Retro ring, its mounting forms an important knot decorated in the center of an intermediate brilliant- cut diamond retained with platinum claws.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold Diamond Double Row Knot Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Rose Gold Diamond Double Row Knot Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 156492 Listing Title: Tiffany & Co.
Rose Gold
18K Gold Rose-Cut Bow Knot Ring with Natural Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A masterpiece of nature-inspired luxury, this striking 18K gold ring features a sculptural bow knot design with an exquisite 0.42ct rose-cut natural diamond as its focal point.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Knot Ring with Round White Diamonds Size 7
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and Timeless. Set with Round White Diamonds Accented by a Graceful Knot Design. 18K White Gold Size - 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara 14K Solid Gold Diamond Infinity Knot Solitaire Ring, 0.47ct
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Symbolizing endless love and commitment, this solitaire ring features the iconic infinity knot design. It is set in 14k white gold and embellished with a brillia...
Diamond, Gold
18K White Gold Knot Hollow Band Ring with Natural Diamonds
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A masterpiece of nature-inspired luxury, this intricately crafted 18K white gold band ring features a symbolic knot and hollow pattern, adorned with 0.60ct of brilliant natural diamo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.30ctw Pave Diamond Heart Knot Ring 14k White Gold Size 7
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.30ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - G - H Clarity - SI1 - I1 Metal: 14k White Gold Weight: 4.2 Grams Stamps: 14kt Face H...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold Pavé Round Diamond Chunky Statement Cocktail Knot Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bold and luxurious, this 18K yellow gold ring showcases a stunning array of round white diamonds, totaling 4.50 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
John Hardy Sterling Silver Diamond Braided Knot Ring Size 6.25 #23610
By John Hardy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
John Hardy Sterling Silver Diamond Braided Knot Ring - This stunning John Hardy sterling silver ring features a classic chain design intertwined with a sparkling diamond pave knot m...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
14k Yellow Gold 1.25ctw Round & Baguette Fiery Diamond Swirl Knot Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (34) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant & Baguette Cut - Prong Set -Nice Fiery White Brilliant Diamonds - 1.25ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Wei...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Second-Hand Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Knot Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Each end of the knot is decorated with 3 links set with 4 diamonds, the center link being raised and giving relief to the ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
$10,700Sale Price|20% Off
Crivelli 18 Kt White Gold Full Pavé Modern Knot Diamond Ring
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt SOLID WHITE GOLD MODERN KNOT RING FULL PAVé DIAMONDS MATERIAL: 18kt white gold WEIGHT: 22.5 grams / 0.795 oz / 14.45dwt SIZE: 54 DIAMONDS: brilliant cut diamonds, together...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Love Knot Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat white gold love knot ring featuring 49 prong set white diamonds having an approximate total weight of 0,31 carats, F col...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold Diamond Infinity Sign Gold Knot Dainty Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Diamond Infinity Sign Ring Gold Knot Ring Dainty Diamond Ring Light weight can be worn everyday Additional information: Base Metal: Yellow Gold, 14k Main Stone: Diamo...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany Style 18k Gold Diamond Love Knot Ring circa 1960s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite Tiffany Style 18k Gold Diamond Love Knot Ring from the circa 1960s exemplifies timeless elegance and craftsmanship.
Double Knot Ring in 18ct White Gold with Diamonds by OHLIGUER
Located in Brisbane, AU
Double knot ring with diamonds set either side of knots * full set double knot also available* • 18ct white, rose gold or yellow gold • Ethically sourced gold and diamonds • Set wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Tri-Gold Afarin Knot Statement Ring 6.40 ct Diamonds Size 6.25
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Three-Gold Knot Ring by Afarin Features 6.40 carats of diamonds in braid-knot design Width of Plaque = Appx 22 mm Wide Width of Band at Reverse = 8 mm Size 6.25 Total Mass =...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
7.84 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Tri Color Knot Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 14-karat gold. It is hand set with 7.84 carats champagne and white glittering diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smal...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl and Diamond Knotted Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A luminous pearl rises from an ornate knotted gold setting, giving this vintage 18k yellow gold ring a bold and dimensional presence.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Encrusted Blue Sapphire and Diamond Infinity Knot Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Encrusted with beautiful blue sapphires and brilliant diamonds, this exquisite 14k solid gold everlasting love knot ring will dazzle you.
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
14k White Gold 0.45ctw Diamond 4 Row Milgrain Etched Knot Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (64) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.45ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14K White Gold Weight: 7.1 Grams Rin...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1.0 Ctw Diamond Knot Channel Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Natural, earth mined diamonds cut into round and baguette shapes are set into channels forming a knot across the top of the ring.
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
$5,944Sale Price|20% Off
French Knot Ring 5 Diamonds 1.8 Karat White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
This combination of diamonds creates a striking visual effect and enhances this 1.8-carat diamond ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Kt Solid White Gold Knot Ring, 5.7 Ct. Black & White Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT SOLID WHITE GOLD KNOT RING WHITE & BLACK DIAMONDS MATERIAL: 18kt white gold WEIGHT: 27,8 grams SEIZE: 56 1/2 EU 7 3/4 US ( can be resized for free) DIAMONDS: White Br 2....
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Rose Gold Plated Sterling Silver 1/6 Cttw Diamond Knot Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the intertwining elegance of our exquisitely crafted ring, where 14K rose gold plating over .925 sterling silver forms a seamless bond with the radiance of natural diamonds.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
Yellow Gold Channel Set Sapphire Ruby Emerald & Diamond Domed Knot Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Natural Genuine 17 Rubies, 19 Emeralds & 8 Sapphires - Square Step Cut - Channel Set - Vivid Red, Green & Blue Colors - 1.50ctw (approx.) (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k Gold Trillion Sapphire w/ Baguette Diamond Ribbed Knot Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Trillion Cut - Bezel Set - Deep Blue Color - 6mm - 0.75ct (approx.) (8) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette Cut - Channel Set - Nice Bril...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vera Wang Love 1.06ctw Diamond Knot Sapphire Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
By Vera Wang
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamond - Carats - 0.32ct Cut - Round Brilliant Color - I - J Clarity - SI2 - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.18ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Emerald Ruby Knot Band Ring Unique Multi Gemstone Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Stunning estate band ring crafted in 18K white gold, featuring a unique knot design adorned with sparkling diamonds, emeralds, and rubies.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 0.70 Carat Intense Green Diamond Intertwined Knot Fashion Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful 0.70 carat radiant cut diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Intense Green color and VS1 clarity, set on 18K rose gold. Accented by round brilliant cut yellow and pink diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Ct 3.89 Knot Ring Cluster Band Cocktail
Located in Cattolica, IT
Solid 18 Kt yellow gold cocktail ring weighing gr.19.70. A very fine knot shaped braid embellished with diamonds weighing in total ct 3.89.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Platinum & 18k Gold Cabochon Black Opal w/ Diamond Open Interlocking Knot Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Blue Color on Black Background - 10x8mm - 2.2ct (exact) (21) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut -...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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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