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1970 Vintage Ring 18 K Yellow Gold Diamonds Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Kurz Switzerla
By A. Kurz
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Solid and one of a kind ring in 18 K yellow Gold by the swiss company A. Kurz set with a greenish
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kunzite Diamonds White 18K Gold Ring, 1970
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Kunzite & Diamonds ring, set in white 18 Karats Gold. Created in the 1970es yet the design and
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold

17.5 mm Pearl South Sea Diamonds 18 K Yellow Gold Flower Ring, 1970
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
South Sea Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Floral Ring, 1970 Massive 17.5 mm South Sea Pearl
Category

Late 20th Century Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Yellow Gold

18 K Yellow Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring with Diamonds Angel Skin Coral
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Stylish 18 K yellow Gold Vintage Ring featuring an angel skin Coral Cabochon estimated
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s 18 k gold and emerald cut diamond and sapphire toi et moi ring
Located in London, GB
emerald cuts. The diamond is F-G color and VVS clarity. Set in 18 k gold the ring is Italian made dating
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K white gold - Circa 1970
Located in BORDEAUX, FR
Cocktail ring in 18k white gold decorated with a central brilliant-cut diamond of 0.90 carat set
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modernist 1970 Brazil AK Atelier Cocktail Ring 18k Gold Tourmaline & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
wearable art, created in Brazil back in the early 1970's. This sculptural bold cocktail ring was crafted
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Tourmaline, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Diamond ring circa 1970
Located in Uccle, BE
Unique Diamond cocktail ring circa 1970. The body of the ring is made of white gold 18 Karat and
Category

Late 20th Century European Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage 3.62Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Eternity Ring Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.62 carat princess cut diamond and 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Jade diamond ring in 18k white gold, green jadeite 1970's
Located in PARIS, FR
Diamond jade ring in 18 karat white gold. Ring centered on a 4-carat jade jadeite cabochon
Category

Vintage 1970s European Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, White Gold

ALAIN ROURE 1970 Escalator Geometric Ring 18K White Gold With 2.60 Ctw Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
France by Alain Roure, back in the 1970. The amazing ring has been designed with an unusual escalator
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970's SouthSea Pearl and Diamond Ring signed Van Cleef & Arpels 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
One 14mm South Sea pearl "Ballerina" ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, circa 1970. The ring is adorned
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring center marquise approximately 2.05 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, Circa 1970.
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond flanked solitaire ring. Centrally set with an octagonal emerald-cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970's Yellow Ceylon 7.80 Carats Sapphire Diamond Onyx 18k Heart Cocktail ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage 1980's wide GIA certified Sri Lankan Yellow Sapphire & Diamond ring is the perfect
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Onyx, Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond Crossover Ring, French, circa 1970
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Cartier diamond crossover ring. Set with two drop shape brilliant cut diamonds, one D colour, VVS2
Category

Vintage 1970s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Saphire and Diamonds 18k White Gold Cocktail Halo Cluster Ring, Around 1970
Located in Vienna, AT
Classic flower-shaped sapphire and brilliant-cut diamonds ring with a centered facetted oval
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K, Tsavorite and Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
18K yellow and white gold vintage ring centering a vibrant green natural Tsavorite. This stone is
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Platinum Snake Ring, Circa 1970
Located in London, GB
A vintage diamond platinum snake ring, circa 1970 This charming snake ring, coils twice around the
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Yellow gold and diamond ring, circa 1970
Located in Lisboa, PT
Yellow gold and diamonds cocktail ring, designed in a tridimensional round capsule shape, with
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Turquoise, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, France , Circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
and diamond set ring. The ring is multi-prong set with 1-0.40ct., 1-0.33ct., 2-0.25cts., 1-0.18ct., 2
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

1970's 18ct Malachite Diamond Ring possibly English
Located in Toronto, ON
1970's 18ct Malachite Diamond Ring, possibly English. Custom hand made abstract form set with a
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Malachite, 18k Gold

18k White Gold Pave Diamond Pinky Ring
Located in Lake Worth, FL
Vintage 18K Gold Pave Signet Diamond Ring This 18k white gold pave diamond ring weighs
Category

Vintage 1970s Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Gold 18K Ring 1970S
Located in Geneva, CH
Diamond on yellow and white gold 18K Ring. Swiss marks. Circa 1970. Size: 6.5 Total weight: 13.10
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

0.84 carat ruby diamond cluster ring in 18k white gold from 1970's
Located in PARIS, FR
Ruby and diamond ring in 18 karat white gold, centered with an oval-cut ruby of 0.84 carat in a
Category

Vintage 1970s European Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Vintage aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring. Set with a rectangular step-cut natural aquamarine in
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Mauboussin diamond flanked engagement ring, French, circa 1970
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Mauboussin diamond flanked solitaire ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald cut diamond in a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.38ctw Tanzanite Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k White Gold, Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
This gorgeous 5.38ctw Tanzanite Diamond Cocktail Ring is the perfect addition to your special day
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.12 Carat Ruby and 1.33 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Dress Ring Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.12 carat ruby and 1.33 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Burmese GIA 2.53ctw Natural Red RUBY Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring 1970
Located in New York, NY
Vintage GIA 2.53ctw Natural Burma Red RUBY Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring, 1970s Experience the
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany & Co Schlumberger 18K Gold Diamond Ring
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Absolutely stunning Tiffany & Co Schlumberger diamond engagement ring circa 1970! A pristine and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k yellow gold ring features an approximately 0.50-carat round brilliant cut deep
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Ring, Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.36 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, Italian, circa 1970
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with one octagonal old cut natural
Category

Vintage 1970s European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier 18k Onyx Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier 1970s 18k fun looking Onyx Diamond Ring, 16.4 g, apron size 6, marked Cartier 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

22ctw Pink Tourmaline Diamond Cabochon Cocktail Ring, 18k YG, Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - pink tourmaline, 1 stone - oval cabochon - 18 x 14 x 10.6 mm - approximately 20.5 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970 18 Karat White Gold Multicolored Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. white gold ring with 11.51 ct. of multicolored diamonds. The diamond's cuts are round, oval
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970's 18K Yellow Gold Oval Turquoise and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 1970's ring crafted in 18k yellow gold set with dome oval turquoise gem. 26 diamonds on
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold

Sterle of Paris Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Sterle of Paris diamond cocktail ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back
Category

Vintage 1970s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ring 1.25 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Bold zig-zag diamond motif containing 26 round brilliants weighing 1.25 carats, crafted in 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique and Vintage Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 18 karat yellow gold dress ring set with 0.40 ct of antique diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s English Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Australian Opal Sparkling Cocktail Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Elevate your jewelry collection with our exquisite Sparkling Australian Opal Diamond Ring. Crafted
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage and Contemporary 0.22Ct Diamond 18k White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage 0.22 carat diamond solitaire engagement ring crafted in contemporary 18 karat white
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef & Arpels Ring Coral Diamond 18k Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Van Cleef & Arpels ring crafted in 18k gold and coral, accented with diamonds. The coral, shaped
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Vintage Ceylon sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with one oval old cut natural
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Yellow Ceylon sapphire and diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1970.
Located in London, GB
Yellow Ceylon sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a oval brilliant cut natural
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This stunning vintage ring from the 1970s is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an elegant
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.19 Carat Sapphire and 0.42 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.19 carat sapphire and 0.42 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tourmaline Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Tourmaline Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Ring. Featuring two oval cut tourmalines
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

18k Yellow Gold Peach Moonstone and Diamond Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This bold and sophisticated 18K yellow gold ring from the 1970s showcases a magnificent peach
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Buccellati diamond 18k yellow and white gold ring
By Buccellati
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Buccellati ring from the 1970s is exquisitely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Burmese Sapphire and Diamond bombé cluster ring, French, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Burmese Sapphire and Diamond cluster ring. Centrally set with a cushion shape old cut natural
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Retro Diamond Pyramid 18k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in MIAMI, FL
the ring are all white in color and display Vvs clarity. The ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.70ctw Diamond Leaf Motif Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 21 stones - full cut round - 2.3 - 3.4 mm - approximately 1.70 total carats - F
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Dome Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting a Vintage 1970's Diamond Onyx 18K Gold Dome Statement Ring forged in 18K Yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Enamel

An 18k Gold and Diamond Mellerio Tartelette Ring
By Mellerio
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold tartelette ring set with sixteen brilliant cut diamonds different sizes
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Yellow Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring, 18K White Gold, Ring Size 6.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stamps: 18K JABEL Ring Sizings & Modifications: *Please reach out before your purchase for pricing and
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Italian 18k gold, enamel and diamond cocktail ring
Located in London, GB
This stunning 1970s 18k gold ring is designed as a latticework of diamonds and enamel. The ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Wolfers Frères 2.5 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Wolfers Frères Colombian emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with an octagonal emerald-cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
18K Yellow Gold ring with center round south sea pearl approximately 14x13.5 mm surrounded by 14
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

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Diamond Ring 18k 1970 For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact diamond ring 18k 1970 you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 2721 vintage or 4 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a diamond ring 18k 1970 may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing diamond ring 18k 1970 — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and David Webb each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and brilliant cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a diamond ring 18k 1970, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Diamond Ring 18k 1970?

On average, a diamond ring 18k 1970 at 1stDibs sells for $4,203, while they’re typically $340 on the low end and $495,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.

Questions About Diamond Ring 18k 1970
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The mark 18K on a ring stands for 18-karat gold. 18-karat signifies that the ring is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, zinc or nickel. The additional metals strengthen the ring, making it more durable. Shop a range of expertly vetted 18-karat jewelry on 1stDibs.