Vintage 14K White Gold Pear Diamond Ballerina Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
So unique and gorgeous, and fantatic sparkle with this Vintage Ballerina Ring Engagement Ring! Crafted in 14K White Gold, the ring features a Natural Pear Cut Diamond center, approxi...
Diamond, White Gold
14 Karat Diamond Pear Shaped Engagement Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Lovely Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement ring set in 14K Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,000 / item
Pear & Round Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Yessayan
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pear & Round Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cts of Diamonds, G-H Color, VS-SI Clarity 6.7 Grams of 18K Yellow/White Gold Available in other color option: White gold No two pr...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,389Sale Price|35% Off
18k Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Pear Ring Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18K Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Pear Ring Gold Fancy Ring This 18K solid white Gold Emerald / Diamond estate ring.
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, White Gold
GIA 3.72 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.72 ct. K SI white diamond pear shape with good quality white diamond rounds.
Diamond, Platinum
White gold ring with pear-cut yellow diamond
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
18 karat white gold ring set with a 1.51ct-fancy yellow pear-cut diamond This ring with a 1.51 ct pear-cut fancy yellow diamond, surrounded by an entourage of white diamonds, is a u...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
1.80 Carat Pear and Marquise Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
8 White Pear Diamonds: 0.63 Carats 8 Marquise-cut Diamonds: 1.07 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, 4.80 Grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Shape Emerald and Diamond Ring Band
Located in Miami, FL
18k white gold diamond and emerald band. Features 18K white gold .45 carat total weight in emerald .73 carat total weight in diamonds Ring size 6, can be sized
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.84 Carat Pear and Round Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
2 White Round Diamonds: 0.29 Carats 10 White Pear Diamonds: 1.55 Carats Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, 4.70 Grams This item is available in White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Cut Ruby Teardrop and Diamond Bombé Dome Ring
Located in London, GB
A striking Retro Bold Dome / Bombé Cocktail Ring featuring a teardrop centre ruby. Gorgeous statement ring featuring a bold, architectural bombé dome silhouette.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 3.94 Ct GIA Green Sapphire and 0.96 Cttw Diamond Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
The split shank ring has 62 natural diamonds = 0.96 Cttw that come up and encompass the sapphire for a captivating look.
Diamond, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Pear Shape Diamond Eternity Ring 4.20 ct
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This timeless Platinum eternity band features 24 pear shape Diamonds weighing approximately 4.20 ct, H color, si clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
Ring 18kt Gold Two Stone Pear Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
The ring's bypass style symbolizes the intertwining of two souls, making it a meaningful and exquisite piece that beautifully represents love and connection. 18kt rose Gold Ring ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
14K White Gold Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14K white gold Center Diamond: 1 pear cut = 0.70ct Color: H Clarity: VS2 Diamonds: 62 round cut = 0.20cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Diamonds: 48 round cut = 0.20cttw Color: Bl...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold 13.46 Carat Smokey Quartz and 0.88 Cttw Diamond Fashion Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Crafted in rich 18 karat white gold this right hand ring showcases a substantial oval smokey quartz = 13.46 Cttw with 102 diamonds = 0.88 Cttw.
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.42 Cttw Bezel Set Diamond Stackable Eternity Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Ring is a size 6, but can be ordered in other sizes.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Cut Pear Ring
Located in Weston, MA
A stunning pear-shaped champagne diamond sits between glistening pave set white diamonds. Perfect on its own as a subtle statement piece or stacked. 18K yellow gold band featuring ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pear Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K White Gold Center Diamond: 3.08ct Pear Color: I Clarity: SI2 GIA: 1398990029 Diamonds: 113 round cut= 1.00ct Color: G Clarity: VS Ring Size: 6.5 (plea...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,942Sale Price|20% Off
Ring - 18 kt. White gold - 2.55ct. tw. Diamond (Natural coloured) - GWLab
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Ring size: 57 (EU) / 17 (IT) / 8 (US) Center Stone: ___________ Natural Diamond Cut: Pear Brilliant Carat: 2.00 cttw Color: Natural Coloured Clarity: VVS2 Side Stones: Natural D...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA 6.53 carat pear shape diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary engagement ring showcases a breathtaking 6.53 carat pear shape diamond, certified by GIA #5232906653, offering a striking combination of size, elegance, and brilli...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.75ct Pear Shaped Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring. Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful ring showcases a remarkable 2.75-carat pear-shaped diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Yellow.
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Black Enamel and Diamond Adjustable Ring Made in Italy
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
This contemporary enamel ring is hand-crafted in Italy for Campanelli & Pear.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14K White Gold 2.62ct Diamond Pear Ring MF09-051826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The 0.72 carats of accent diamonds frame the center stone in a way that highlights the asymmetry unique to the pear cut.In estate condition, this 14K White Gold 2.62 ct Diamond Pear ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,080Sale Price|20% Off
Pear Cut Diamond Rose Gold Pave Halo Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
engagement ring with some specific details. Here's a breakdown of the components: Center Stone: Natural Pear Brilliant Cut Diamond Weight: 0.70 carats Color: H-I Clarity: SI3 Halo ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Platinum 1.15tcw Old Mine Pear Diamond Floral Leaf Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in platinum and centered by a substantial 0.85ct old mine cut pear-shaped diamond within an ornate floral and leaf-inspired setting.
Diamond, Platinum
$341Sale Price / item|37% Off
Pear amethyst adjustable ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pear amethyst in 925 silver ring. Metal: 925 silver Weight: 2 g. depends from size.
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver
1.25 Carat Rose Cut Pear White Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning ring features a 1.25 Carat Rose Cut Pear Shape White Diamond with a Diamond Halo.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.2 Carat Pear Natural Emerald & Pear Diamond Bypass Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
An asymmetrical cocktail ring featuring a large pear-cut natural emerald balanced by a cascading floral spray of pear-cut natural diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Engagement Diamond Ring Platinum Wedding Pear cut .90 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ring Platinum Pear cut .90 TDW Engagement Diamond Teardrop Ring, Vintage Estate Platinum Ring, April Birthstone Elegant Ring.
Diamond, Platinum
$1,025Sale Price / item|40% Off
Pear Emerald and Diamonds 14k gold ring. Enamel gold ring. Floral ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
"Floral" ring with enamel green leaves with emerald, diamonds in 14k gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Enamel
$2,507 / item
14k gold ring with 2 pear-cut diamonds
By Lera Treyger
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Ma 7 is a serene and thoughtfully composed ring from a collection dedicated to the Japanese concept of ma—the delicate art of finding meaning in stillness, silence, and the spaces in...
Diamond, 14k Gold
3.77 Carat Natural Pear Shape Diamond Platinum Ring Baguette Classic*
Located in New York, NY
Pear Classic GIA Certified 3.77ct. Natural Pear cut diamond ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 4.02 ct Pear Diamond Soleste Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. 4.02 ct Pear Diamond Soleste Engagement Ring PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: Z156993 Listing Title: Tiffany & Co. 4.02 ct Pear Diamond Soleste Engagement Ring Condition D...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 8.50 carat pear cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1960s, this Mid Century platinum engagement ring showcases a GIA-certified 8.50-carat pear cut diamond, graded J color and SI1 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
18K Rose Gold Pear-Cut Morganite Halo Diamond Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Gemstones: Precious stones: Morganite Diamonds 3. Design & Style: cocktail halo ring 4. Cut & Shape: pear cut, Brilliant cut 5.
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat White Gold 0.53 Cttw Sapphire and 0.23 Cttw Diamond 3 Rowed Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Clean lines are what this ring is all about! 23 white diamonds are edged in 44 beautiful blue sapphires for a neat & tidy look.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shape Amethyst and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pear Shape Amethyst and Diamond Ring A yellow gold ring set with a pear-shaped diamond accented with round-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Amethyst
11.36 Carat D Flawless Pear Brilliant Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Platinum engagement ring featuring a 11.36 carat pear brilliant natural diamond as the center stone.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .54ct Natural Pear Shaped Diamond Ring 14kt*
Located in New York, NY
Pear Accent Prime GIA Certified .54ct. Pear shaped diamond ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shaped Emerald Ring. 0.40ct Emerald Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Natural Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 0.40 carats Center Emerald Cut: Pear Shape Secondary Stones: Baguette-cut diamonds, Secondary Weight: 0.45 ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Pear Shape Pink Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This divine pink sapphire and diamond ring makes for a perfect engagement ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
19.2K Gold Sapphire and Pear-Shaped Natural Diamond Ring
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Elegant vintage ring crafted in 800‰ (19.2K) yellow gold, weighing 4.7 grams, showcasing a sculptural ribbed design characteristic of refined late 20th-century jewelry.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Pear Shape Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Huge Pear Shape Amethyst Cocktail Ring 1 large amethyst set in 3 prong setting surrounded by 50 round cut diamonds approximately 3.86 cts set in 14k yellow gold.
Amethyst, 14k Gold
Vintage 1950s 6.38 Carat Pear-Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring features 2 accenting Tapered Baguette cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
$11,900Sale Price|29% Off
GRS Switzerland Pear Cut Ruby Three Stone Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Antinori Di Sanpietro GRS-Certified Pear Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold Embrace the splendor of Antinori Di Sanpietro's craftsmanship with this exquisite three-stone ru...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring with 2.21ct Pear-Shaped Emerald and Diamonds
Located in 台東区, JP
A striking platinum cocktail ring centered with a vivid pear-shaped emerald weighing approximately 2.21 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Platinum & Pear Cut 1.80 Ctw. Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine estate platinum & diamond engagement ring. In platinum. With a central prong-set 1.57± Ct pear cut diamond (Color: H, Clarity: SI1) flanked by 2 bezel-set .23± tapered b...
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.67 Cttw. Pave' Diamond 3 Row Wrap Around Fashion Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
This stylish royal 18 karat yellow gold wrap around spiral ring is further accented with fine 0.67 Cttw pave' set diamonds for an eye catching look! Fantastic fashion ring or contemp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K white gold Center Diamond: 1 pear cut = 0.90ct Color: I Clarity: SI2 Diamond: 50 round cut = 0.80cttw Color: G Clarity: SI2 Ring Size: 6.75 (please allow up to 2 additi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Dazzling 0.7ct Pear Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Embrace captivating elegance with this exquisite ring, showcasing a mesmerizing 0.7-carat pear brilliant diamond.
Diamond, White Gold
4 Carat Pear and Oval Diamond Bypass Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The ring showcases a striking arrangement of natural diamonds, featuring six elegant pear-cut diamonds and thirteen brilliant oval-cut diamonds, creating a mesmerizing sparkle across...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Diamond Bypass Ring, 2.04ct Pear & Oval Diamonds, 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Details • Item code: SER-210271C • Natural diamonds: 2.04 ct total • Diamond cuts: Pear and oval • Diamond clarity: SI; colour: H–I • Metal: 18K white gold • Gross weight: 3.25 g • S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Dress Ring – 18ct Yellow Gold, Pear Shape & Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Total Diamond Weight: 0.40ct Diamond Colour: G-H Diamond Clarity: VS Width of Band: 4.66mm Width of Head: 14.32mm Length of Head: 18.50mm Total Weight: 5.87g Ring Size: M TSMS10847 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,080,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 18 Carat Pear Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary and rare engagement ring featuring a magnificent natural pear-shaped brilliant-cut diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
5.94 Carat Pear Shape Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning cocktail ring showcases a beautiful 5.94 Carat Pear Shape Tanzanite with a Diamond Halo.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold 1.38 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold 0.81 TCW Certified $5,490 121439 Nothing says, “I Love you” more than Diamonds and Pearls This Diamond ring has been Certified, Inspecte...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1.20ctw Morganite & Diamond Pear Shape Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: morganite, 1 stone pear 9 x 6 mm approximately 1 carat diamonds, 21 stones round brilliant cut 1.2 mm approximately .20 total carats G-H color, VS2-SI1 clarity Ring Size 6 ...
Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,612Sale Price|35% Off
18k Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Blue Sapphire Ring Blue Sapphire Pear
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18K Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Tanzanite Pear Shape Ring This 18K solid white Gold Tanzanite / Diamond estate ring.
Tanzanite, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti 18K White Gold Pear Shaped Diamond Head Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Experience the elegance of Italian craftsmanship with our Bvlgari Diamond Ring, crafted in 1980. Made from 18K gold, this exquisite piece features a striking 0.54-carat pear-cut diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Citrine Diamond Ring - 18k Pear 2.49ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 10 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $50 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Citrine Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 2.25ct Cut: Pear C...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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.