18 Karat Baguette and Round Diamond Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
18 Karat Baguette and Round Diamond Cabochon Sapphire Ring Sophisticated and full of class! 18k yellow gold ring 6.6 grams all handset This is a beautiful cabochon sapphire three sto...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Gold Yellow Band & White Gold Daisy Petal design 0.20 carat Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Chic Vintage Circa 1970s 18ct 750 Gold Yellow Band & White Gold Daisy Petal design 0.20 carat Diamond Ring The petals are handcrafted from white gold with milgraine edging th...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French 3.96 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The marquise shaped setting is embellished with three feature modern brilliant round cut individu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive diamond eternity ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970s 0.93 Carat Oval Cut Ruby & 1.06 Carat Diamond Flowers Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Oval cut Ruby weighing 0.93 carat, accented by 4 Marquise cut Diamonds arranged in a flower motif on each side, weighing a total of 1.06 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1970s 3.05 Carat Emerald Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This emerald and diamond cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.25 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This 18k white gold eternity ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s Pearl and Sapphire Diamond and White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Diamonds Gray Pearl 18 kt White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant cluster ring mounted in 18 K white gold adorned by leaves details studded by white diamonds and enrich with a glossy gray pearl in the center Diamonds 1.40 ct Gray Pearl 3 ...
White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Crossover Moi et Toi Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This elegant ring features two diamonds each measuring 40pts. The diamond shoulders total 7pts each side. This ring is modelled in 18 carat white gold and is a crossover design, also...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Diamond & Emerald Accents
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Made of 18k white and yellow gold, the 2.50 carat cabochon sapphire sits atop an artful cluster of faceted emeralds, golden orbs and brilliant diamonds peppered about the landscape. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds, 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold, Vintage Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Vintage ring in 18k white and yellow gold structure totally studded with beautiful high quality diamonds. The origin of this ring goes back to the 1970s, it was totally handmade by I...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Diamond and White Enamel Ring by Andrew Clunn
By Andrew Clunn
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire Diamond and White Enamel Ring by Andrew Clunn Pear Shape sapphire weight approx 4.02 ct Diamonds weigh approx 1.93 total Center gem set panel is removable and may become a...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Cartier Wedding Band. Round Diamond Half Eternity Band 18k White Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Era: Circa 1970 Material: 18k White Gold and 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.25 Signed: Cartier Numbered: Cartier This stunning vintage Cartier band showcases the maison’s distinctive ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant retrò ring in 18 kt yellow and white gold structure mounted with diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect conditions. Diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 1970s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive small sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.95ct Burma Ruby And Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1970 ca. Top size: 17 x 15 mm Ring size: 7 ¼ Weight: 6,28 gr The ring, dating back to the 1970s and featuring an 18k yellow gold and platinum setting, features a splendid o...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1970s, this classic cluster ring has a total weight of 0.60 carat. The round brilliant diamonds are estimated as G in colour and VS in clarity. They sparkle within thei...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Certified Burma Ruby No Heat Diamond Filigree Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
The engraved band make this ring unique. "Mario Buccellati style". Circa 1970 CONDITION: Pre Owned - Excellent METAL: 18k Gold STONES: Unheated Ruby ct 1.06; Brilliant cut Diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 18kt White Gold Ring with 1.12ct White & 2.26ct Cognac Diamonds
Located in Firenze, IT
Retro 18 Kt White Gold White & Cognac Diamonds Ring Size : 54 EU / 7 US MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold DIAMONDS: white brilliant cut diamonds ( together 1.12 Cts ) + cognac diamonds (...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,092Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby A charming vintage ring crafted in 18kt yellow gold and fully hallmarked with English assay marks. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1.51 Carat Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.51 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunning, f...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1970s 45.09 Carat Aquamarine Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
21.82 Carat Amethyst and 1.59 Carat Diamonds Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This large and impressive vintage amethyst and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Hydrothermal Ceylon Sapphire, Diamonds, Sapphires, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central hydrothermal ceylon sapphire and, for all the ring, diamonds and little sapphires. This ring was totally handmade ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring is a dazzling statement piece that exudes sophistication and luxury. Crafted from 18kt white gold, this cocktail...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 0.65ct Diamond Snake Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A 0.65 carat pear cut diamond takes centre stage in this vintage snake ring. Surrounding the central diamond and adorning the curving snake-like band, a total of 0.80 carat in additi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 25 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Natural Colombian Emerald, weighing approximately 25 carats, set in a custom hand crafted 18 karat white gold mounting. Triple prong set at each corner secure this center...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Blue Sapphire Round Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
2.75 ct Total Weight Round Cut Diamond & Blue Sapphire Band / Ring 18K Yellow Gold. The ring weighs 9.5 grams, size 9, there are 9 Natural Custom Cut Baguette Sapphires
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 1.60 Carat Sapphire & 1.05 Carat Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Diamond Cluster Gold Nugget Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
A beautiful custom made diamond nugget ring from the 70's. This ring has 3 carat weight of brilliant white diamonds and is set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is a size 6 Total gram wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold
White Diamonds 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Vintage Bow Ring
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant vintage ring crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold with 3 white brilliant cut diamonds, circa 0.20 ctw. Size of the upper part of the ring is 23x16 mm / 0.905x0.629 inche...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Majestic Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Majestic Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring This stunning Natural Cabochon Sapphire Cocktail Ring features a captivating 9.71-carat cabochon sapphire as its centerpiece, ce...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.42 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive 1970s sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.25 Carat Sapphire and 1.15 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive vintage sapphire and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Pearl and Diamond 18ct White Gold Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Crafted in 18 carat white gold, this vintage ring features a captivating design, combining the elegance of pearls with the brilliance of diamonds. Two cultured pearls adorn this eleg...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Paul Binder Hyper Modern Moonstone & Diamond Ring
By Paul Binder
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Paul Binder, Zurich, Switzerland. A rare ring by one of the most celebrated goldsmith of the seventies and the eighties. This Swiss Modern ring featering an 11.0...
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 1.20 Natural Sapphire 1.0 G VVS Diamond Cluster ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Timeless Blue Sapphire This simply gorgeous Sapphire & Diamond ring dates mid-century, 70’s approx Beautifully hand made, heavy mount of solid 18 KT gold, timeless, classy, clust...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Green Tourmaline Flower Ring with Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This beautiful flower ring is made with 18 karat gold, 3 carat total weight of green tourmaline and .40 carat diamond center stone. Total weight in grams is 10.85. This ring is a si...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
David Webb Gold and Diamonds Ring
By David Webb
Located in Darnestown, MD
David Webb 18 karat gold ring with 12 diamonds set in platinum. Hammered surfaces on top and sides with smooth finish front and back. Size 6 1/4 but can be sized up or down. Can be w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Diamond and Onyx Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
♦ Designer / Hallmarks: Van Cleef & Arpels ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ Gem stone: 20 Diamonds = .60 carats F VS1 ♦ Width 8mm ♦ Design Era: Contemporary ♦ Circa 1999 ♦ Size 6, ♦ Weight 7...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Vintage Men’s Swirl Ring with GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Diamond in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This striking vintage men’s ring centers on a GIA certified 1.03 carat round brilliant cut diamond, graded as natural and near-colorless, offering exceptional presence and brilliance...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Spessartine Garnet Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center piece of this beautifully designed and masterfully handcrafted 1970s ring is a gem vivid orange Spessartine Garnet weighing 5.86 carats. This gem would also be classified ...
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BVLGARI Roma Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 4.18 Cwt In Diamonds & Coral
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring designed by Bvlgari. This is a beautiful and rare cocktail ring created in Roma Italy by the jewelry house of Bvlgari , back in the late 1970's. This colorful cocktail...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1970s Italian Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is composed of 18kt yellow gold and features a stunning array of pave diamonds, set in an oval shaped design. Italian 1970s. Size 6. In excellent condition. Please feel fr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Ruby and White Diamonds - Micheletto
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Description: A beautifully crafted 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a captivating ruby and dazzling white diamonds. This elegant piece showcases a harmonious blend of vibrant colo...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Ruby and White Diamonds - Micheletto
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Description: A stunning 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a vivid ruby and sparkling white diamonds. This exquisite piece combines the warmth of yellow gold with the vibrant red of...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tahitian Pearls and 1.00 Carat Diamonds Cluster Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Tahitian Pearls & Diamonds Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Gold. The ring features 9.7mm pearls on each. Approx carat diamonds weight VS/SI clarity 1.00 carat consisting of 80 stones. The ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 2.60 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
A lustrous 2.60 carat Emerald features central to this vintage cluster ring. The emerald cut stone has been firmly set in place with 18 carat yellow gold claws. The surrounding halo ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Aquamarine, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with petals in 18 kt rose gold with a central aquamarine and, laterally and at the end of the ring, diamonds. This ring was totally...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
HRD Certified Yellow Gold Flower Set Ring and Earrings with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ring size 57 , Top diameter 1.9cm , Top height : 0.5cm Earrings : diameter : 1.7cm This HRD Certified Yellow Gold Flower Set Ring and Earrings are exquisite pieces of jewelry that e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Onyx Checkerboard Ring, Circa 1975
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A gold, diamond, and onyx ring designed in a checkered motif, in 18k and platinum. Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris. #C5107XS Signed Van Cleef & Arpels, Paris, numbered #C5107XS, t...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Turquoise Ring Two Tone Gold and Diamonds 18 Karat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Turquoise Diamond Ring 18K Two Tones of Golds - Yellow and White Gold approx weight 18.2gr Center Stone is Round Dome like shape Egyptian Natural Blue Turquoise Size approx 1...
Diamond, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rudolf Trudel 18 Carat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
By Trudel
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A small 18 carat gold ring set with a facetted oval natural ruby (app. 1.27 carat, unheated Burma) surrounded by brilliant cut diamonds set in white gold (app. 0.22 carat), signed: T...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18-karat gold ring with emerald and diamonds
Located in Chorzów, PL
Vintage 18-karat gold ring with emerald and diamonds This 1970s-style ring is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold (0.750 fineness). A ring with a central oval natural emerald weighin...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.18 Carat Ruby and 1.38 Carat Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.18 carat ruby and 1.38 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections This stu...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georg Hornemann Diamond and Gold Ring
By Georg Hornemann
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, by Georg Hornemann, Germany. Hornemann pieces are modernist German jewelry at its stylish best. Brilliantly cross-pollenating art, superb craftsmanship, and aesthetic ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.70 Carats Cabochon Ethiopian White Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous 1970s cocktail ring, featuring a 3.70 carats cabochon Ethiopian white opal, set on a unique freeform setting. Accented by round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.72 carat ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Retro 10.61 CT Unheated Ceylon Sapphire 2.60 Ct Diamonds 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This quite unique retro ring is 1970 circa, Italian origin. Hand crafted as a solitaire set with a large centre stone in a raised rub mount with rich sides of Diamonds on sides makin...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage 1970s era ring is set in hand-engraved 18 carat yellow gold with an enticing combination rubies and diamonds. A deep red, faceted, oval-shaped ruby set at the ring’s cen...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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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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.