Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Diamonds 4.02 ct Rubies 3.42 ct Total Weight 9.10 gr RF +GRUEE RK.AUCEG102 Italian Size 17 Usa Size 8 French Size 57 For any inquiries, contact the seller through the message center.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 2.3 Carat in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Baguette Diamonds Vintage
Located in Paris, FR
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Ring and Diamonds vintage ring Gadrooned yellow gold ring holding a Ruby of 2.30 Carats set with 4 double claws supported by a Baguette Diamond on either side of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat White Gold Ruby And Diamond Cocktail Ring 7 piece round rubies 0.33 total diamond weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Freeform Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby And Diamond Free Form Ring 0.15 Total diamond weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 5.06ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 4.76c...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage EFFY Designer Marquise Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
By Effy
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage EFFY Designer Marquise Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring. Hand set with 3.00tcw Marquise Cut Red Rubies and .08tcw Diamonds on shank.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.76 Carats Ruby Ring with White Diamond Halo
Located in London, GB
Ring Size: UK -P, US - 8 4.76 Carats Ruby
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.04 Carat Cushion Unheated Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
With a size of 8, this remarkable ring is not only a symbol of beauty but also of rarity, given the unheated nature of the ruby, which adds to its allure and value.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold 1.08ct Diamond and 1.76ct Ruby Ring
Located in Broomall, PA
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Diamonds and Rubies - Diamonds Carat Weight: 1.08 carats - Rubies Carat Weight: 1.76 carats Center Ruby: 1.08 carats Weight: 6.8 grams Size: US 6.5...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Victorian Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.98 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Mid Century Ruby and Diamond Ring by Chaumet
By Chaumet
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Ring size - 56/P/8 Marked - 'CHAUMET RM' along with a rubbed French mark, acid tested for 18 karat yellow gold and platinum Total diamond weight - 1.85 carat Total weight of piece...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14K White Gold Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Located in Queens, NY
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, featuring one bezel set oval cabochon ruby weighing approx. 3.40 carats, further adorned with 36 pave set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Princess Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Vibrant ruby and diamond harem ring crafted out of 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brown Diamond and Ruby Rose Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade English 1940 Retro style light rose gold color ring set with r bright blood red rubies and a genuine natural European brown diamond in a Platinum setting.
Brown Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Platinum Alternating Channel Ruby & Diamond Engraved Milgrain Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (8) Natural Genuine Rubies - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Set - Rich Vivid Red Color - 0.24ctw (approx.) (7) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Se...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies Yellow gold ring with round cut diamonds and twelve marquise cut rubies around.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 0.88 carat Dimensions 5.8mm (length) x 5.73mm (width) x 2.69mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) VS2 C...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 17.55 Carat Star Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural GIA Certified 17.55 carat star oval ruby ring. GIA certified oval ruby center gemstone in a classic gypsy style 18k yellow gold setting. 1 oval red MI star ruby displaying...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro 14k Gold Diamond and Ruby Buckle Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Total diamond weight is .8 of a carat. The eleven rubies are natural (they have minor visible inclusions when looked at under a loop), table cut, and measure 2mm each.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Antique 1930s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Unisex Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Origin Thailand/Cambodia Cut Pear faceted Content 0.83 carats Dimensions 6.39mm (length) x 5.34mm (width) x 2.54mm (depth) Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clar...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Customize Ruby Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Necklace and Earrings Available) Diamond 1-RND-0,03-G/VS2A Diamond 8-RND-0,7-G/VS2A Ruby 8-0,09ct Pink Sapphire 19-0,23ct Weight 2.41 grams Size 16...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Two Tone Ring
Located in Delray Beach, FL
The under-gallery exhibits finely detailed openwork design. 17x11mm Ring Size: 8 US
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Diamonds 0.51 ct Rubies 1.94 ct Coral 2.20 gr - 16 mm x 12 mm Total Weght 12.10 gr RF +HUUH RK.AHCC80 Italian Size 17 Usa Size 8 French Size 57 For any inquiries,please contact th...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
2.40Cts Ruby & 2.15Cts Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Red Ruby diamond cocktail ring. Showcasing high brilliance, this ring is centered by a beautiful prong set oval cut purplish red Ruby that weighs 2.15 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Gold Rope Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Measuring approx. 1.2” L x .8” W x .8” H. Ring Size 8, we offer ring re-sizing.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Tutti Frutti Ruby, Emerald, Sapphire, Diamond Ring, 18K
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The ring size is US 8. The total weight of the ring is 6.49 grams.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Diamond & Ruby Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
(approx. total weight) Ring size: US 3 8 available Center Gemstones Type: Diamond Shape: Round Average Color: H Average Clarity: SI Size: 3 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Oval .22ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .21ct Cut: Oval Color: Pinkish Re...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 K white Gold Band Pave Ring Ruby Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Designed for those who appreciate subtle luxury. Same Ring available with Emeralds. The Ring size is currently a swiss 56/16( american Ring size 8) but can be customized to a certain...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 1.30ct Ruby & 0.80ct Diamond Dome Ring, Italy 1930s-40s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Platinum ring with 3 rubies for a total of 1.30 carats and old cut diamonds for a total of 0.80 carats / Made in Italy 1930s-1940s Ring size US 8
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 14k White Gold 1 Carat Ruby & Diamond Cockail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Rig Details Material: 14K White Gold Era: Retro 1960-180 Head Width: 13.5mm Head Height: 6.5mm Shank Width 2.2mm Weight: 4.8 Grams Finger Size: 6 1/2 Sizable pon Request Accented by...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,268 / item
0.83ct Emerald Ruby & Diamond 14K Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Emerald Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Eternity Ring beautifully blends the vibrancy of emeralds and rubies with the brilliance of natural diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Pl...
Ruby Diamond Cocktail Cluster Statement Ring 1ct Yellow Gold July Birthstone
Located in Dearborn, MI
Ruby Diamond Cocktail Cluster Statement Ring 1ct Yellow Gold Features a Genuine Natural Mined .05ct Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Ruby is the July Birthstone Classic Clus...
Diamond, Ruby
Vintage 22K Gold Diamond Ruby and Silver Snake Ring
Located in Venice, CA
Ring size 8. Resizable by a jeweler twisting the spiral open or shut more.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Silver
5.51 Carats Ruby Cabochon Ring with a Diamond Halo
Located in London, GB
Accentuating its rich tones is the halo around it, consisting of round brilliant white diamonds set in rich yellow gold. Ring Size: UK - P, US - 8 5.51 Carats Cabochon Ruby - 11.3 x...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Mauboussin Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, French, circa 1940
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Marked yellow gold, numbered '0543', French, circa 1940, accompanied by official signed certificate of authenticity from Mauboussin Paris. UK ring size Q US ring size 8 Please note ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Certified 5.01ct Natural Oval Ruby & Diamond Ring, 14k Rose Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Total diamond weight is 1.86 carats. Ring size is 8. Ring top measures .55 inch across and .65 inch down.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Channel Set Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Ruby: 10 round cut = 1.10cttw Diamond: 1 pear cut = 0.47cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Diamonds: 8 round cut = 0.92cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond & Ruby Enamel Art Deco Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
(approx. total weight) Size: US 3 8 available Center Gemstones Type: Ruby Shape: Round Size: 4.5 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Platinum 1.79ctw Marquise & Oval Bright Ruby and Baguette Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (9) Natural Genuine Rubies - 8 Marquise w/ 1 Oval Cut - Prong Set - BRIGHT Pinkish Red Color - 1.47ctw (exact) (12) Natural Genuine Diamond - Baguette Cut - Channel Se...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 2.73ct Ruby and 0.18ct Diamond Platinum Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive example of gemstone rings. Ruby Quality Cut Oval Faceted Content 2.73 carats Dimensions 8.37...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Round mixed Content 0.68 carat Dimensions 5.41mm x 2.54mm Diamond Quality Color (average grades) G Clarity (average grades) VS2 Cut Transitional modern ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Halo Flower Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 7.5 (resizing available for a fee) Total Weight: 3.5 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 8 re...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Moonstone Ruby Diamond and Enameled 14K Gold Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This Victorian ring is like a layered cake, with moonstone, diamonds, rubies, and stunning cobalt blue enamel.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
Handcraft Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Rose cut diamonds weight 0.14 karat Ruby weight 0.23 karat Ring total weight 2.60 grams Ring size ITA 16.80 - US 8 (all rings are can be resized)
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage 18k gold ring with ruby and diamonds, France 1970s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
The ring is also set with 31 8/8-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.46 ct.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
C1820 18K Diamond Cluster Ring with a Ruby Center
Located in Baltimore, MD
The closed back is pierced with 2 open hand cut squares, an unusual detail on the part of the goldsmith. The ring has 8 diamonds oriented around a center ruby with three additional ...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, 18k Gold
$2,660Sale Price|30% Off
Art Deco Inspired Ruby and Diamond Retro Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamond; clarity: SI2-3 diamond; color: G-H metal:14k gold type:ring weight:7.2 GR size: 7.5 US
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,773Sale Price|20% Off
New Handmade 18K Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is ruby 0.10 ct. Ring size is US 8 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 1.70Ct Thai Ruby and 1.68Ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring 1975
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning example of ruby jewellery. Ruby Quality Origin Thailand (Siam) Cut Cushion Content 1.70 carats D...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Nouveau Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Art Nouveau ring, it is formed of 2 patterns in the shape of leaf carried out in green gold which surround a central round ruby set with claws, 2 antique brilliant- cut diamonds are ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby and 2.13 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this marquise shape ruby ring with diamonds. Ruby Quality Origin Myanmar (Burma) Cut Cushion/Round Faceted Con...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Boat Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Ring Beautiful Boat Shaped Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1894 UK Size Q & US Size 8 1/2 Can be resized for a small additional fee All of our items are e...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Invisible set Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Bypass Bombay Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 2000 18k Yellow Gold Bombay Bypass ring, the top measures 7/8 inch wide X 5/8 inch, invisibly set with very fine color stepped cut Rubies totaling 3 carats and round brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1978 0.40ct Ruby & 0.60ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Natural Cut Round Content (total) 0.40 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P 1 Cut Modern brilliant round Content (total) 0.60...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Round 0.59ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 2 1/2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Rou...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,145Sale Price|20% Off
Handcrafted White Brilliant Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold "Snake" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has 0.04 Carats of Modern Round Cut Rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Oval Step Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Unique white oval step cut diamond and ruby diamond ring in platinum. The details are as follows : Oval diamond weight : 1.35 carat ( JK color and VS 1 clarity ) Small diamond weig...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,858Sale Price|20% Off
Contemporary 20th Century Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
This contemporary ring from the 20th century is crafted in 18K gold and features Diamonds, a ruby, and a pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Halo Ring - 18k Marquise 1.50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.18ct Cut: Marquise ...
Diamond, Ruby, 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.