Vintage 14K White Gold 1.20ct Emerald Filigree Crown Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite vintage ring is crafted in solid 14K white gold and showcases a vibrant square-cut
Vintage 1960s Solitaire Rings
Emerald
Vintage 14K White Gold 1.20ct Emerald Filigree Crown Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite vintage ring is crafted in solid 14K white gold and showcases a vibrant square-cut
Emerald
Cabochon Emerald and RBC Diamond Gold Crown Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Gold Crown Ring. Securely Hand set with
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】Aurora Bloom Emerald Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This Aurora Peacock Green Tahitian Pearl Ring is a breathtaking display of opulence and fine
Diamond, Black Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Diamond Baguette and Emerald Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
while celebrating the triumphs that define our existence. The Celestial Crown Tiara is the pinnacle of
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
25.81 Carat Colombian Emerald Studded with White Diamond Crown Statement Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
crown in the center using the special hand make technique from Hong Kong. Emeralds from Colombia possess
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Convertible Emerald & South Sea Pearl Statement Ring Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Gold, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions Ring Diameter Approx. 2.8 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
4.19 carat Natural Diamonds Cocktail Crown Ring with Showstopper Natural Emerald
Located in New York, NY
captivating cocktail ring, meticulously crafted to dazzle under every light. Nestled at its center is a
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Diamond Baguette and Emerald Ring LARGE
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
while celebrating the triumphs that define our existence. The Celestial Crown Tiara is the pinnacle of
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Starburst Emerald Halo Aurora South Sea Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Processed in Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions Ring Diameter
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Celestial Bloom Aurora South Sea Pearl Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Processed in Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions Ring Diameter
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$4,549Sale Price|20% Off
Crown Emerald Elegant White 18K Gold Ring for Her for Him
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White 18K Gold Ring *Same Model with another stones available Emerald 0,73 ct Weight 7,5 grams
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Imperial Crest Emerald & Aurora South Sea Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring showcases a perfectly round South Sea pearl, celebrated for its luminous aurora
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Emerald Baguette and Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
while celebrating the triumphs that define our existence. The Celestial Crown Tiara is the pinnacle of
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.20 Carat Heart-Cut, Zambian Emerald and Diamond Crown Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.20 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald and 0.68 Carats of Diamond Accents
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Emerald Baguette and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
while celebrating the triumphs that define our existence. The Celestial Crown Tiara is the pinnacle of
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Crown Radiance】Celestial Regalia Aurora South Sea Pearl Royal Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions Ring Diameter Approx. 2.2 cm Pearl Shaped
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Leopard Embrace Aurora South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Embodying elegance and power, this exquisite ring features a magnificent Aurora South Sea pearl
Diamond, Agate, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
【Vine Symphony】Convertible Verdant Crown Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring Pendant
Located in New York, NY
, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions Ring Diameter 2.3 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 13-14 mm Quality
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
Bonebakker Dutch Royal Crown Band Ring 18 Karat Gold with Gemstones
By Bonebakker
Located in Amsterdam, NL
18 karat yellow gold Bonebakker band ring set with sapphires, emeralds and a ruby. A unique ring
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$51,400Sale Price|33% Off
GIA Certified 6.19ct Colombia Emerald 2.47ct Natural Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The House of Top Crown Jewelry is proud to present a GIA-certified, magnificent 6.19-carat
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
14k Gold Tiara Ring with Natural Emerald and Diamonds!
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural emerald and diamonds. Tiara design ring. Crown ring with emerald
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$1,840Sale Price|38% Off
IGI Certified 9.74ct Not-treated Ruby and 0.44ct Diamonds 14k White Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
of enduring elegance and opulent beauty, crafted for you by Top Crown Jewelry. This ring is
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Crowned Flaming Heart Engagement Ring, Platinum 0.4 CT Emerald Gold Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
An amazingly preserved early 20th century Crowned Heart ring hand-crafted in 18k gold and platinum
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Guild Certified Colombia Intense Green Emerald Crown 18K Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Kowloon, HK
Guild Certified 0.95 CT Intense Green Emerald Crown 18K Gold Ring with Diamonds 1 Emerald - 0.95
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamonds Crown Ring Made in Italy Rose Gold with Box
Located in MIlan, IT
G Clarity VS And A Center Stone Pear Shape Emerald 1.25 Carats, Designed as A Crown, Very
Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold
Minimal Emerald Baguette Diamond Crown Ring w/ Hidden Heart in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Minimal Emerald Baguette Diamond Crown Ring w/ Hidden Heart in 18K Yellow Gold Gold: 18K Yellow
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Theo Fennell Emerald Diamond Opening Kissing Frog Cocktail Ring
By Theo Fennell
Located in London, GB
A spectacular 42.66ct sugarloaf Emerald crowns this Masterwork Opening Ring. Surrounded by a deep
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Retro 1930-1940s Dome Ring Emerald 1.46 Carat and Diamonds Platinum
Located in Valencia, Comunidad Valenciana
4.30 millimeters weight 1.46 carats crowns the ring. Emerald cut and prongs setting. Around curvilinear
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
13.83 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond Crown Head Turner Ring 18K
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A Colombian emerald weighing 13.83 carat is set with 1.00 carat of white diamond as its crown. The
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Crown Tiara Ring Emerald Diamond Vintage 10 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage crown ring, crafted in 10 karat yellow gold. Emeralds total an estimated
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning White Diamond On 4.28 Carat Emerald ''Like A Crown'' 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
his extraordinary ring is a true testament to unique craftsmanship, featuring a 0.47-carat
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Crowned 19th Century Old Mine Cushion 2.16ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A crowned 19th century diamond and emerald cluster ring. Set to center with a cushion shape old
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Ilias Lalaounis Yellow Gold Precious Gemstone Crown Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
emeralds for a tasteful appearance. Ring Size: 8.0 (56 1/2) Ring Top Dimensions: 28 x 20mm Band
Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tanzanite Cocktial Ring in 18 Karat Gold Nested in an Oval Crown of Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines classic with contemporary mounting and styles. Sleekly crafted in 18K white gold the...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 10.18ct Colombia Emerald and 1.09ct Natural Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your elegance with our Top Crown Jewelry Luxury collection platinum ring, where a majestic
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Diamonds, Emeralds, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
mounted with a central emerald surrounded by diamonds and an external crown of emeralds. This ring is
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
IGI Certified 2.71ct Colombia Emerald 2.76ct Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Immerse yourself in luxury of our Top Crown Jewelry new collection, with our 18K yellow gold ring
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified 2.89ct Natural Emeralds 0.87 Carat Natural Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Discover a dazzling emerald ring from Top Crown Jewelry's collection, expertly crafted in 18K white
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.62ct Colombia Emerald 0.58ct Natural Diamond Gold &Platinum Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Elevate your style with an extraordinary masterpiece from Top Crown Jewelry – a breath-taking 18K
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
IGI Certified 0.72ct Natural Tsavorite and 0.35ct Natural Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Unveil opulence with our Top Crown Jewelry House collection platinum ring—showcasing a regal
Diamond, Tsavorite, Platinum
IGI Certified 11.57 Carat Not-Treated Ruby 14k White Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This chic ring, from the house of Top Crown Jewelry collection, is a unique piece of jewelry. The
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rare DeLaneau Rose Gold, Diamond and Emerald Ring Watch 7.60 Carat IGR Certified
By Delaneau
Located in Mayfair, London, London
emeralds carved in the shape of leaves set within the diamonds and a single emerald on the crown. The ring
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Crown Emerald Ring w Diamonds 18k Custom Royal Crown Ring made for a Princess
Located in Austin, TX
! Naturally this royalty themed fine jewelry item combines the two! This diamond and emerald crown ring is
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
The Crown Emerald Green Vermeil Gold Cocktail Ring with Charms
By Ammanii
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
dazzling ring to signify the queen's crown. Hand crafted vermeil gold with hand cut statement high grade
Zircon, Vermeil
IGI Certified 0.80ct Colombian Emerald and 0.51ct Natural Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
platinum ring, boasting an intense bluish-green color Colombian emerald paired with a dazzling display of
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
8.9 Ct Zambian Emerald Art Deco Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
sophistication. Let this art deco emerald ring be the crowning jewel of your collection, a true testament to your
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
IGI Certified 11.77 Carat Not-Treated Ruby 14k Pink Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This chic ring, from the house of Top Crown Jewelry collection, is a unique piece of jewelry. The
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Crowned Heart Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A superb antique crowned heart ring dating from the late Victorian era. The heart-shaped emerald
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Dana Bronfman X Muzo Emerald Fairmined Gold Agra Crown Ring
By Dana Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
The Dana Bronfman X Muzo Emerald Fairmined Gold Agra Crown Ring is the result of a modern
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Pair of Zolotas Crown Rings
By Zolotas
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k yellow gold pair of crown rings set with rose cut diamonds,emeralds and rubies signed by the
Diamond, Emerald
Antique Edwardian French 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian French 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This gorgeous antique Edwardian old mine cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k yell...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.06 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous ring features a 2.06 carat old European cut diamond with a hint of warmth. Mounted within four double claw prongs and a triple ribbed band, this ring is elegant with a ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.10 Carat Spinel and Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Engagement Ring, No Heat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
A vibrant purple-pinkish red 4.16 carat cushion-cut natural untreated Spinel is the centerpiece of this ring. The vibrant gemstone is highlighted by two round brilliant cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified Fancy Blue Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring a very special center diamond Gia Certified as Natural 4.00 Ca...
Blue Diamond
Zuhair Murad Couture white silver gold beaded sequin mini wedding backless dress
By Zuhair Murad
Located in Milano, Lombardia
LOVE LALI VINTAGE An incredibly rare dress from Zuhair Murad Haute Couture Fall 2006 This really is a work of art, a tasseled flapper style mini dress. The dress is sheer mesh and i...
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the museum vault at Emilio Jewelry New York, One of the rarest and only diamonds of its size and color. Please inquire for details.
Blue Diamond
$790Sale Price / item|44% Off
Lily of the valley 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Lily of the Valley Ring. Flower Engagement Ring. Gold Lily Wedding Ring for Women. Birthday Flower Ring. Metal type: 14kt solid gold Weight 2.6 g depends from size Gemstones: Colo...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$280Sale Price|34% Off
L 18 in
New 2.63 Carat Heart Ruby & Diamond Cut Ruby 14k Y Gold PL Sterling Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
This necklace is just gorgeous and unique. It has a Heart-Shaped Ruby Cabochon Centerstone that measures 10 x 9 x 4 mm and it totals 2.63 carats. It is surrounded by 2 rows of diamo...
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
Worn in Sex and The City 2, Iconic John Galliano Christian Dior Newsprint Dress
By John Galliano for Christian Dior
Located in New York, NY
Being offered is the Iconic John Galliano for Christian Dior Autumn/Winter 2000-2001 Newsprint Dress WORN by Sarah Jessica Parker and lent by Vintage Luxury N.Y. for Sex and the Cit...
Natural Diamond Necklace & Earring Suite with 135.87 Ct Diamond in 18 KW Gold
Located in New York, NY
It is a masterpiece of jewelry craftsmanship—a necklace that exudes sheer opulence and elegance. This extraordinary creation boasts a captivating ensemble of pear-shaped and round b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Kunzite Halo Diamond Engagement Ring, 14K White Gold, 8.28 Carats
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Kunzite Halo Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring A lovely Engagement Ring Option or as an alternate to a Pink Diamond Ring! This simply stunning Kunzite Diamond Ring has a 7.78 Carat...
Kunzite, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Circa 1920 Natural Unenhanced Burmese Sapphire Diamond Platinum Necklace Tiara
Located in London, GB
Burmese sapphire and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty two cushion shape old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphires in open back claw settings, ranging from sma...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Choker Necklace
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A MASTERPIECE! 34.80 carats of certified Fine “Intense Green” Emeralds. 66.08 carats of white round, pear and marquise cut diamonds. Set in 18k white gold Fits 16-17 inch neck....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Crown Tiara Diamond Ring 14K White Gold FD 1.76 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This estate ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White gold in the shape of a crown or tiara. There are 66 round cut diamonds totaling 1.75 carat total weight for the ring. The diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late Georgian Aquamarine and Gold Parure
Located in London, GB
A late Georgian gold aquamarine parure of a necklace, a pair of drop earrings, a bodice brooch, a brooch, a hair ornament and a stick pin, the collar necklace with graduating oval-cu...
Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Diamond Baguette and Ruby Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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.
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