Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion snake ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rubies and diamonds on the head and tail.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$284Sale Price / item|50% Off
Snake ring with Amethyst
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Snake ring with Amethyst. Amethyst in 925 silver ring.
Amethyst, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Silver
Vintage 0.13ct Diamond and 14ct Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 0.13 carat diamond and 14 carat yellow gold snake ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion snake ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with coral on the head and tail and, between of them, diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Emerald Diamond Pink Sapphire Tanzanite J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Emerald Diamond Pink Sapphire Tanzanite J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The “Poison Ivy” ring is a J Dauphin signature piece handcrafted in solid 925 sterling silver.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
Vintage 2.00 carat diamond 18k yellow gold snake ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Head raised and tail flicked, this snake winds around the hand in an open, curling bypass, its head set with a marquise cut diamond of approximately 1.00 carat in a fancy yellow brow...
Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Snake Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
This snake ring is fun and fanciful. It has a 0.05 carat rose cut diamond in the head that has a beautiful sparkle offset by the matte finish of the yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Diamond Ruby Snake Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, GB
A diamond and ruby snake ring in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Coiled Snake Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18k yellow gold Diamond: 36 round brilliant= 0.54cttw Color: H Clarity: SI3-I1 Ring Size: 5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests) Weight: 6.57...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond & Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Snake Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This vintage snake ring coils in three sinuous rows of 14 karat yellow gold, its head set with a sparkling round brilliant diamond and flanked by two vibrant emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Snake Wrap Ring with Diamonds & Emeralds
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
18K yellow gold snake wrap ring with pave set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.47 carat total and two round faceted emeralds weighing 0.06 carat total.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tsavorite, Diamonds, 18 Karat Black Gold Snake Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion snake ring in 18 kt black gold studded with tsavorite on the body, two diamonds as eyes and on the tail.
Diamond, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Victorian Snake Diamond Ring
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Material: 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Natural Diamond 0.42cttw OEC Weight: 6.1 grams Size: 7 Period: Victorian, circa 1880s R-78
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fashion snake ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with sapphires as eyes and a sapphire on the head.
Sapphire, Diamond, Coral, White Gold, 14k Gold
Brown Diamond & Ruby Ring Snake 18K Gold For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Brown Diamond & Ruby Ring This exquisite 18K white gold ring showcases a stunning arrangement of natural brown and white diamonds, beautifully accented by vibrant rubies. The warm t...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,100 / item
Snake Blue Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This snake ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Snake Ring Diamond White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds features two snakes intertwining in an 18 carat white gold design.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$488Sale Price / item|20% Off
Stunning 14k White Gold Detailed Snake Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning 14k White Gold Detailed Snake Diamond Ruby Ring This stunning snake ring weights 2.27 grams is crafted from high-quality solid 14k white gold, featuring intricate details t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Serpent Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Double Cocktail
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Serpent Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Double Cocktail Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring, Eternal Renewal, is handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass, two serpent heads framing...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Brass, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 1...
White Diamond Ruby 18K White Gold Snake Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.10x1.90x2.20cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "41 White Diamonds 0.34 CT 2 Ruby 0.03 CT 18KW 2.96 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Diamond Ruby 18K White Gold Snake Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.10x2.50x2.30cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "44 White Diamonds 0.32 CT 2 Ruby 0.02 CT 18KW 3.87 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Diamond Ruby 18K White Gold Snake Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.10x2.45x2.25cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "30 White Diamonds 0.27 CT 4 Ruby 0.04 CT 18KW 2.98 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Diamond Pave & Ruby 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.10x2.50x2.00cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "51 White Diamonds 0.39 CT 2 Ruby 0.02 CT 18KW 3.27 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Diamond White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds features a snake design in 18 carat white gold.
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 14ct White Gold, 1980s Diamond & Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Snake Ring 14ct Gold Stamped Circa 1980s This striking 1980s snake ring is expertly crafted from 14ct white gold, showcasing a mesmerising design that captures the essenc...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring White Gold Diamond Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The snake ring with diamonds features a sophisticated design with 2.03 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/G-VVS, color, clarity and cut).
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring with Diamond
Located in Arnhem, NL
A vintage ring crafted from 14 karat yellow gold. The ring is snake-shaped, and the head is set with a small octagonal-cut diamond.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Ole Lynggaard snake ring pave diamonds and green tourmaline
By Ole Lynggaard
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Charlotte and her father Ole Lynggaard designed this green tourmaline and diamond ring which is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold and set with 220 diamonds totalling 0.82 carat TW.VS.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Diamond Double Head Snake Ring Serpent J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Double Head Snake Ring 14K Gold-Plated Brass Serpent J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN J DAUPHIN’s “The Life Is But a Dream” ring is a sculptural open-band serpent desig...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Rossella Ugolini Emeralds Diamonds Gold Snake Hammered Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 0.02 carats White Diamonds 0.03 carats Emeralds 18 Yellow Gold Snake and 24kt Gold Plated Sterling Silver Hammered Band Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, 18k Gold
1.35ct Diamond Snake 14k Yellow Gold Nature Life Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
1.35ct Diamond Snake 14k yellow gold ring Bright hand picked Diamonds, G/H color and VS clarity, of fine cut, made in 14k Yellow gold to help the slim design have more robustness.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 22K Gold Diamond Ruby and Silver Snake Ring
Located in Venice, CA
The gauge of the snake’s body measures 3.25 mm thick. The ring weighs 13.6 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold, Silver
Fancy Diamond Ruby & White Diamond 18K Rose Gold Snake Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 0.70x2.10x2.30cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "4 White Diamonds 0.01 CT 32 Fancy Diamonds 0.51 CT 2 Ruby 0.03 CT 18KR 3.63 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Ge...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Snake Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An exceptional antique European 0.28 carat sapphire and 0.10 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold snake ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Snake Ring Black Diamond Emerald Eyes Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Black Diamond Emerald Eyes Gold Plated Silver Designer J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring is handcrafted in sterling silver with a 14K gold finish, set with black diamonds and eme...
Black Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$1,616Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamonds Snake Shaped Ring With Ruby Eyes
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
D:2.61ct RUBY:0.05Cts Size: 20X16MM
Diamond, Ruby
Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Snake Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
Textured 14k Gold Snake Ring with an 18k Gold and Emerald Head with Diamond Eyes.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 0.54ct Diamond Yellow Gold Snake Cocktail Ring, 1931 England
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive, unusual antique George V, English 0.54 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold snake ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire, Diamond and 9 Carat Gold Snake Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The stunning snake design of this ring is fantastic and has so much detail.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
14KT White Gold Pear and Round Diamond Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in 14K white gold, this captivating snake bypass ring features a sleek serpent motif accented with sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Pear and Round Diamond Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this captivating snake bypass ring features a sleek serpent motif accented with sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 13k Yellow Gold Diamond Snake and Shooting Star Ring
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural snake encircles an elongated oval plaque in this antique 13k yellow gold ring, framing a diamond-accented shooting star.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Fantastic snake ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with diamonds and sapphires on one head and diamonds and rubies on the other head.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,520 / item
0.76 Carat Snake Shape Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious 18K Yellow Gold, this snake-shaped diamond ring embodies elegance, power, and timeless sophistication.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
C1880 Victorian Three Headed Stacking Snake Ring w Diamond Eyes
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rare and unusual three headed snake ring with 3 derpy heads languidly resting on one another.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 18K Gold, Ruby and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
This late Victorian 18K gold double snake ring, set with a diamond and a ruby, was created in England in 1892.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Snake Swirl Band Ring Emerald Eyes
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Material: 14K White Gold Stones: Brilliant Round Diamonds - 1 carat total Accent Stones: 2 Natural Emeralds (Snake Eyes) Ring Size: 7 (sizing available for an additional charge) ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Heavy 4.50 CT Diamond 18K White Gold Wide Snake Ring
Located in Westport, CT
A magnificent 18K white gold wide snake ring. Crafted in solid 18K white gold, featuring a striking, thick, and heavy profile with an 18mm wide face.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Snake Ring Opal White Diamond 14K Gold adjustable J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Snake Ring Opal White Diamond 14K Gold adjustable Designer: J DAUPHIN The Snake Ring is handcrafted in solid 14K gold and features a sculptural serpent set with an opal on its head...
White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Tsavorite Snake Ring for Her
By Joelle Fine Jewelry
Located in Great neck, NY
This Stunning and Charismatic Snake ring is crafted of 14K Gold and features approximately 0.35 ct. of Diamonds and 4 Tsavorites approximately 0.06 ct.
Diamond, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold
Cartier Paris Snake Ring Diamond & Emerald eyes 18K Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier Paris Snake Ring Diamond & Emerald eyes 18K Yellow Gold This incredibly rare vintage Cartier ring is designed as a coiled serpent in 18K yellow gold, with a heavily tex...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds Tanzanite Rose Gold and Silver Snake Fashion Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Snake fashion ring in 9K rose gold and silver structure mounted with diamonds and in the center of the snake's head there is an amazing tanzanite.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Vintage Platinum Snake Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds, Circa 2000s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage snake ring is a captivating jewel from the 2000’s, crafted in platinum with a beautifully detailed arrangement of diamonds and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Handcrafted 18k Gold 1.90c Brown & Black Diamond Snake Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Details: Rossella Ugolini 18 Karat Burnished White Gold 1,90 Karat Brown & Black Diamonds Snake Cocktail Design Ring
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold 0.10ctw Diamond and Emerald Snake Wrap Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold 0.10ctw Diamond and Emerald Snake Wrap Ring Style: 14k Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Snake Wrap Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.10ctw of R...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Rossella Ugolini Sapphires White Diamonds Gold Snake Hammered Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 0.02 carats White Diamonds 0.03 carats Sapphires 18 Yellow Snake and 24kt Gold Plated Sterling Silver Hammered Band Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver...
Ruby Fancy Diamond Garnet & White Diamond 18K Rose Gold Snake Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.00x2.20x2.50cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "4 White Diamonds 0.05 CT 35 Fancy Diamonds 0.25 CT 2 Green Garnet 0.09 CT 49 Ruby 0.82 CT 18KR 4.01 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamonds, Garnets, Rose Gold and Silver Gold Snake Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
A particular snake-shaped ring in 9kt rose gold and silver structure, studded with garnets on the body, two diamonds as eyes and diamonds on the tail.
Diamond, Garnet, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$2,750 / item
Meghna Jewels Snake Black Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This snake ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and set with .34 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The snake's body is intricately detailed with a shimmering row of pavé-set diamonds, leading to a striking head adorned with two vibrant pink ruby "eyes" and a brilliant diamond crown.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White 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.