GIA 1.01 Carat Princess Square & Pear Triple Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** A true embodiment of luxury, this diamond ring features a stunning centerpiece of a princess I VS1 1.01 diamond, exuding an exceptional...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.01 Carat Round Three-Stone East-West Pear Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a unique raised prong setting that enhances the diamond's brilliance, while two pear-shaped diamonds on either side, prong set in an east-west orientation, add a to...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.76 Carat Round Three-Stone East-West Pear Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a unique raised prong setting that enhances the diamond's brilliance, while two pear-shaped diamonds on either side, prong set in an east-west orientation, add a to...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.06 Carat Round Three-Stone East-West Pear Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a unique raised prong setting that enhances the diamond's brilliance, while two pear-shaped diamonds on either side, prong set in an east-west orientation, add a to...
Diamond, Platinum
0.95 Carats Pear Shape Diamond Slice Rose Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Delicate and Fun Ring The ring is 14K Rose Gold The center stone is a Pear Shape Diamond Slice about 0.70 Carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
2 Carat GIA Certified Pear-Shaped Diamond Double Ring 18KT Gold Bespoke British
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
The principal ring features a stunning 2.00 carat natural pear-shaped diamond, independently certified by GIA (Gemological Institute of America).
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
GIA 3.02ct Pear Three-Stone Tapered Baguette 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Pear Carat: 3.02 Color: I Clarity: VS2 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: White Gold D...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.2ct Round & 1ct Pear Toi et Moi Diamond Ring -18K Gold
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A striking two-stone engagement ring, anniversary ring, or signature right-hand diamond ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Certified 2.02 Carat Pear Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pear Halo Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The ring has 0.65 carats G SI in white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.52ct Round Solitaire & Pear Three-Stone 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking arrangement of a central round diamond, weighing 1.52 , accompanied by two elegantly positioned pear-shap...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 0.9ct Round Solitaire & Pear Three-Stone 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking arrangement of a central round diamond, weighing 0.9 , accompanied by two elegantly positioned pear-shape...
Diamond, White Gold
$136,114Sale Price|60% Off
GIA 5 Carat Pear Three-Stone Tapered Baguette 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Pear Carat: 5.01 Color: I Clarity: SI1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: White Gold D...
Diamond, White Gold
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Pear Shape Diamond Ring
By Mehnaz Durrani
Located in Richmond, BC
Classic diamond ring. Sparkling, pear brilliant cut, natural 0.51 carat center diamond encased with four knife prongs, accented with round brilliant cut diamonds on the shoulder and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 2 carat total Round & Pear Toi et Moi Diamond Ring -18K Gold
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A striking two-stone engagement ring, anniversary ring, or signature right-hand diamond ring.
Diamond, Platinum
$6,561Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.21 Carat Oval & Pear Three-Stone 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Celebrate your most cherished moments with this stunning three-stone diamond ring, showcasing an awe-inspiring oval centerpiece of 1.21...
Diamond, White Gold
$5,585Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.93 Carat Oval & Pear Three-Stone 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Celebrate your most cherished moments with this stunning three-stone diamond ring, showcasing an awe-inspiring oval centerpiece of 0.93...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$12,008Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Oval & Pear Three-Stone 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Celebrate your most cherished moments with this stunning three-stone diamond ring, showcasing an awe-inspiring oval centerpiece of 1.5 ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Platinum and Diamond Eternity Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Make a statement with this noble platinum diamond eternity band! Classic ring with 39 RBC's = 0.49 Cttw G-VS in a size 6. This ring looks fantastic alone & just as beautiful stacked ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.7 Carat Princess Square & Pear Triple Halo 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A true embodiment of luxury, this diamond ring features a stunning centerpiece of a princess H VS1 0.7 diamond, exuding an exceptional level of brilliance and fire.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.01 Carat Princess Square & Pear Triple Halo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A true embodiment of luxury, this diamond ring features a stunning centerpiece of a princess G VS2 1.01 diamond, exuding an exceptional level of brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.2 Carat Princess Square & Pear Triple Halo 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A true embodiment of luxury, this diamond ring features a stunning centerpiece of a princess J VS1 1.2 diamond, exuding an exceptional level of brilliance and fire.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.21 Carat Princess Square & Pear Triple Halo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
A true embodiment of luxury, this diamond ring features a stunning centerpiece of a princess H VS1 1.21 diamond, exuding an exceptional level of brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold 1.64 Carat Pink Tourmaline Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Pretty in Pink! This lovely ring is made of rich 18 karat white gold centering around a lively pear shape pink tourmaline = 1.64 Ct, with a double halo of 24 fine round pink sapphire...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bespoke 3Carat Pear Diamond 18K Gold GIA F VVS Hasbani Engagement Solitaire Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This bespoke exquisite oval-shape diamond ring is a refined statement of luxury, meticulously handcrafted by Hasbani Diamonds London, renowned second-generation high-jewellery design...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
$2,680 / item
Seraphina Pear Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih, 34
Seraphina Pear Diamond Engagement Ring This item is made by order, please let us now your desired gold colored and ring size Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt •...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Certified 2.56 Carat Pear Violet Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Pear Halo Ring The ring is 14K White Gold The ring has 0.79 carats F VS in white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Diamond Pear Shape Sapphire Bypass Ring 1.95 CTTW 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Details: • Metal: 18K White Gold • Weight: 3.1 grams • Gemstones: 5 Pear-Shape Blue Sapphires totaling approximately 1.45 carats • Diamonds: 5 Marquise-Cut Diamonds totaling appr...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
CHAUMET Joséphine pear diamond ring
By Chaumet
Located in PARIS, FR
CHAUMET Joséphine ring in 18k white gold, set with brilliant-cut diamonds and a pear-shaped diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Emerald Sapphire Diamond Bypass Fashion Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
This is the ultimate right hand ring! Bypass rings have been around since the Victorian era. Characterized by bands that overlap and part they are sought after due to their distincti...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,408Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Pear Shape & Round Brilliant Three Row Ring 1.02 Carats 18KT White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold three row band ring featuring 32 round brilliants weighing 0.72 carats and one Pear shape diamond weighing 0.30 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shape 1.20 Carat Blue Topaz and Diamond Halo Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Blue Topaz Ring The ring is 18K White Gold There are 0.15 Carats In Diamonds G/H VS/SI The Blue Topaz is a Pear Shaped 1.20 Carats The top measures 6/16" x 1/2" The ring is ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$15,000
Two Pear Shape Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Two Pear Shape Diamond Ring 2 pear shape diamonds approximately 1.60 cts set in 18k yellow gold Ring Size: 4.5
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA 1.66 Carat Round Three-Stone East-West Pear 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a unique raised prong setting that enhances the diamond's brilliance, while two pear-shaped diamonds on either side, prong set in an east-west orientation, add a to...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Couture - 18 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx 0.33 Ct Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Architectural in design and as beautiful from the side as from the front, this stunning ring is made from rich 18 karat yellow gold. Central is an oval convex black onyx encrusted wi...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,770 / item
Seraphina Pear Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih, 34
This item is made by order, please let us now your desired gold colored and ring size Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • 0.60ct F-SI Natural Pear Cut Diamond • ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Fancy Yellow Pear Diamond Three-Stone Ring with Pear Diamond Accents
Located in New York, NY
Fancy Yellow Pear Diamond Three-Stone Ring with Pear Diamond Accents Description: This three-stone ring is crafted in solid platinum and features a large 2.98-carat pear-shaped yell...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.01 Carat Round Three-Stone East-West Pear 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a unique raised prong setting that enhances the diamond's brilliance, while two pear-shaped diamonds on either side, prong set in an east-west orientation, add a to...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Crane Ring with Coral Black Diamonds and White Diamonds
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Follow CAMPANELLI & PEAR storefront to stay updated on the latest collections and shop our exclusive pieces. 18KYG Coral Black Diamond = 0.34 Cttw White Diamond = 0.40 Cttw Size...
Coral, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Crane Ring with Coral, Black Diamonds and White Diamonds
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Follow CAMPANELLI & PEAR storefront to stay updated on the latest collections and shop our exclusive pieces. 18KWG Coral Black Diamond = 0.34 Cttw White Diamond = 0.40 Cttw Size...
Coral, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shape 0.62 Carats Blue Topaz and Diamond Twist Halo Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Blue Topaz Ring The ring is 18K White Gold There are 0.15 Carats In Diamonds G/H VS/SI The Blue Topaz is a Pear Shaped 0.62 Carats The top measures 6/16" x 1/4" The ring is ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mirrored Pear Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.20 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 7.1 Grams of 18K White Gold Ref. 152959
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.41Ct Pear Shape Natural Fancy Yellow-VS1 Ring
By The Diamond Source
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a simple and elegant ring featuring a 1.41Ct beautifully cut Pear Shape Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond that is also extremely clean at being a VS1 clarity.
Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Amethyst Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
This pretty ring is comfortable and a low profile with a lot of impact. Ring features a gorgeous amethyst center stone with a crossover openwork band set with diamonds. Ring size is...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Platinum Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: Platinum Center Diamond: 1 pear cut = 2.15ct Color: H Clarity: I1 Diamonds: 2 baguette cut = 0.36cttw Color: I Clarity: VS2 Ring Size: 5.5 (please allow up to 2 additional ...
Diamond, Platinum
Pear Shape Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
1 carat pear shape diamond is set in a handcrafted platinum mounting set with 2 white bright tapered baguette cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold 2.38 Cttw. Diamond Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Follow CAMPANELLI & PEAR storefront to stay updated on the latest collections and shop our exclusive pieces. 18KWG Diamonds = 2.38 Cttw Size 6.5 4.5mm wide
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
2000 ago rubies were discovered in India and the Sanskrit word for ruby is “ratnaraj” which roughly translates to “king of the gems.” This 18 karat yellow gold, royal red ruby ring w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Mosaic Pear Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.09ctw pear shape diamond, 0.27ctw marquise shape diamond, 0.16ctw baguette shape diamonds and 0.21ctw of round brilliant dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heavy, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond "Yunnie" Serpent Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Follow CAMPANELLI & PEAR storefront to stay updated on the latest collections and shop our exclusive pieces. 18KYG Diamonds = 0.15 Cttw VS, F-G 17.76-7.11mm
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Turquoise Enamel Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Serine as the sea, this lovely turquoise colored hard enamel ring is bold, bright and beautiful! Contemporary enamel ring is 18k yellow gold featuring a smooth enamel finish in turqu...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18 Karat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
The ancient Persians believed that the earth rested on a giant sapphire and its reflection colored the sky. Own your own piece of the sky with this stunning sapphire & diamond ring!...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Karat White Gold 0.66 Cttw. Diamond Small Butterfly Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Spring into beauty with this lovely small size butterfly diamond ring comprised of 2 marquise cut diamonds = 0.55 Cttw and 3 pear shape diamonds = 0.65 Cttw to make up the body & win...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shape Rose Cut Diamond Floral Cocktail Ring 1.18 Carats 18KT F-G VS1-2
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18 Karat white gold floral fashion ring featuring 6 Pear Shape Rose Cut Diamonds, flanked with Round Brilliants on the trim of the petal and band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shaped Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 14k White Gold Center Stone Details: Approx. 0.92ctw Pear Shaped Diamond. Diamond is H/I in color and SI in clarity Diamond Details: Approx. 0.60ctw of round cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shaped Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Australian Opal & Diamond Approx. Diamond Carat Weight: .25cttw Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Cut: Pear Shaped Weight: 3 grams
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethyst Diamond 18 Karat Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Make a stunning color statement with this 18k white gold dome ring. Ring features round light purple amethyst gemstones in a variety of sizes, accented with diamonds. Ring size is 6....
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond Eternity Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
One of the most popular requests we get is for this ring! Soft hued, 14 karat rose gold eternity band accented with 39 diamonds = 0.49 Cttw (G-H, SI) in a size 6. This ring looks fan...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Pear Shaped Diamonds Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Ring in 18kt pink gold set with round and pear shaped cut diamonds 1.54 cts Size 53
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA 1.21ct Round Solitaire & Pear Three-Stone 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking arrangement of a central round diamond, weighing 1.21 , ac...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Platinum Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: Platinum Center Diamond: 1 pear cut = 1.51ct Color : J Clarity : VS1 GIA: 2185730964 Diamond: 18 round brilliant cut = 0.18cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Size:...
Diamond, 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.