1952 Ring Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 7.75US / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Retro Ring for every day with carved shoulders decorated with emerald cut lab made rosy Red Ruby 11 mm x 9 mm x 4.65 mm deep / circa 4 ct .
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Gold With 1.10 Cwt Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Gold With 0.60 Cwt Diamonds & Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.76 Ct Blue Sapphire Eternity Band 14K Solid Yellow Gold Bezel-Set Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
The Setting — Architectural Octagonal Bezels in Yellow Gold Each sapphire is individually housed in a polished yellow gold bezel with a distinctive octagonal profile — the corners of...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI-MILANO Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt White-Gold & 0.76 Cwt Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt White Gold & 0.76 Cwt Vivid Blue
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Genuine Ruby Pave Diamond Eternity Band 14k Yellow Gold Ring Fine Jewelry
Located in Jaipur, IN
In its alternating emerald-cut ruby and diamond pavé stations, its wide octagonal-link band architecture, and its three-way chromatic composition of vivid red, brilliant white, and w...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band 18Kt Blackened Gold With 0.84 Cwt Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Blackened Gold & 0.96 Cwt Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
GIA Certified White Diamond Orange Diamond 18K Gold Bridal Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Perfect for any outfit. - Centre Diamond, GIA Certified Pear-Shaped White Diamond 0.30 carat (color D, clarity VVS1, certificate GIA 6371733683) - Round Brilliant Cut Orange Diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI-MILANO Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 0.87 Ct Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Eternity Ring-Band In 18Kt Black Rhodium Gold & 1.30 Cwt Vivid Blue
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Blackened Gold With 0.66 Cwt in Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Black Gold With 1.47 Cwt Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt White Gold With 1.30 Cwt Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.01 Cwt Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Eternity Classic Ring-Band In 18Kt White Gold And 1.80 Cwt Vivid Blue
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Eternity Classic Ring Band In 18Kt White Gold With 1.25 Cwt Vivid Red
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,918Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Eternity Classic Ring Band In 18Kt White Gold With 1.76 Cwt Vivid Blue
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Eternity Classic Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.35 Cwt Vivid Red
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Bold Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1 Ct. Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Bold Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Rose Gold With 1.01 Cwt Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
2.25 Carat GIA Certified Fancy Orange Brown Diamond Burmese Red Spinel Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
This design detail provides an extra layer of security for the stone's most vulnerable points without compromising the elegance of the exposed look. 18K Rose gold 7,3 g.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Marquise Diamond Platinum Ring GIA 5.11-carat D VVS2 VCA
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
In terms of settings, the solitaire remains a classic, while halo settings and three-stone designs symbolize the past, present, and future of the couple.
Diamond, Platinum
1940 Swedish Ring natural 5ct Heliodor Beryl solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 /6gr
Located in SE
It is often difficult or impossible to get an accurate characteristics of the weight , color and nature of inclusions without removing the stones from the settings to be weighed and ...
Beryl, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 3ct Tourmaline 2ct Diamonds solid Green 14K Gold Silver Ø 8US / 7g
Located in SE
Carved band in solid 14ct Green Gold (tested) with crown in Silver featuring clusters with natural Green Tourmaline stone Ø 9 mm x 5 mm deep / ca. 3 ct. that looks pretty much like a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Silver
Kern Jewelry Set Gold Turquoise Cabochon Sapphire Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
These irregular settings lend lively energy to the design. The sense of balance of this set makes it easy to wear together or separately without being too matched.
Diamond, Turquoise, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Verdant Prism - Afgan Tourmaline set with Triangle Rosecut Diamonds in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Helpful Details for the Buyer Center Stone: 4.65Cts Radiant Afghan Tourmaline Intense verdant hue with exceptional saturation Radiant cut for maximum light movement Halo Diamonds: 8...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Rare Pastel Pink Color Topaz Emerald Cut Faceted Gemstone from Katlang for Ring
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Details: Faceted Topaz Color Pastel Pink Shade Weight 11.9 carats Dimension 17.5*10.3*6.9 mm Origin Katlang Pakistan Treatment None SKU-TBP80k Shape and Cut Rectangu...
Topaz
$1,998Sale Price|20% Off
CRIERI Classic Eternity Band 18Kt Blackened Gold & 1.50 Cwt Vivid Blue Sappires
Located in Miami, FL
This allows the precious metals and stones to comfortably stretch to the wearer's wrist without breaking.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
AGL Certified 4.20 Carat Colombian Emerald Minor Oil Loose Stone
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Loose Gemstone Stone Ready for: Custom Setting Setting Options: Ring, Pendant, or Earrings Gemstone Details: Gemstone: Natural Emerald Carat: 4.20...
Emerald
$491Sale Price|35% Off
Rich Green Tourmaline 7 Ct Emerald Cut Natural Loose Gemstone for Ring / Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
Rich Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstone for Ring, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar, Afghanistan!!
Tourmaline
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10.81 Carat Heart Shape Emerald Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
These diamonds add a crisp brilliance that enhances the depth of the emerald’s color without overpowering it. Crafted in a sophisticated setting, the ring balances bold presence wit...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Natural 5.85 Carats Teal Blue Tourmaline Emerald Cut Gemstone for Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
The tone is rich yet lively, with subtle internal textures that add character without compromising overall beauty. Use in Jewelry: • Center stone for engagement or cocktail ring ...
Tourmaline
3.5 cts Neon Blue Emerald Cut Tourmaline Gemstone for Jewellery 10 mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
The tone is rich yet lively, with subtle internal textures that add character without compromising overall beauty. Use in Jewelry: • Center stone for engagement or cocktail ring ...
Tourmaline
5.8 Carat Natural Teal Blue Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone for Jewelry
Located in Peshawar, PK
The tone is rich yet lively, with subtle internal textures that add character without compromising overall beauty. Use in Jewelry: • Center stone for engagement or cocktail ring ...
Tourmaline
Deep Royal Blue Color Afghan Lapis Lazuli Emerald Cut Gemstone For Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Description Gemstone Details: Faceted Lapis Lazuli Weight 6.0 carats Dimension 11.0*10.0*6.9 mm Origin Mine 4 sar-e-sang Badakhshan, Afghanistan Treatment None Color Royal Blue Shap...
Lapis Lazuli
$443Sale Price / set|39% Off
Reddish Pink Natural Rubellite Tourmaline Loose Gemstones 6.10 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Weighing a total of 6.10 carats, these emerald-cut stones are ideal for various jewelry settings, including rings, earrings, or pendants.
Tourmaline
Deep Royal Blue Color Emerald Cut Natural Lapis Lazuli for Pendant Jewellery
Located in Peshawar, PK
Description Gemstone Details: Faceted Lapis Lazuli Weight 10.70 carats Dimension 17.95 x 10.9 x 6.75 mm Origin Mine 4 sar-e-sang Badakhshan, Afghanistan Treatment None Color Royal B...
Lapis Lazuli, Other
$1,608Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist 14K Yellow Gold Emerald Pear Cut Curb Chain Bracelet 1.85Ct
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist 1.85 carat pear-cut emerald solitaire chain bracelet is crafted in 14K yellow gold.
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
5.15 Ct Natural Pear & Emerald-Cut Diamond Halo Necklace 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Each stone, whether pear or emerald-cut, sits inside its own ring of smaller round diamonds, which makes every individual diamond look larger than its actual size.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$385Sale Price / set|20% Off
Hot Pink & Bluish Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones 2.90 Ct Emerald Cut
Located in Peshawar, PK
Hot Pink & Bluish Green Natural Tourmaline Loose Gemstones for Ring, Bracelet, Necklace Pendant, or any other Jewelry Setting-Emerald Cut from Kunar, Afghanistan!!
Tourmaline
5 CTs Deep Royal Blue Color Lapis Lazuli Emerald Cut Gemstone for Jewellery 10mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Description Gemstone Details: Faceted Lapis Lazuli Weight 6.25 carats Dimension 10.8*9.7*6.8 mm Origin Mine 4 sar-e-sang Badakhshan, Afghanistan Treatment None Color Royal Blue Sha...
Lapis Lazuli
$209Sale Price|40% Off
Neon Bluish Green Two Tone Tourmaline 2.50 Ct Emerald Cut Natural Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Natural Neon Bluish Green Two Tone Tourmaline – Emerald Cut Loose Gemstone from Afghanistan – Perfect for Fine Jewelry Settings!!
Tourmaline
Graduated Diamond Drop Earrings with Pear and Emerald Cuts in 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Totaling 1.33 carats, the diamonds display SI clarity and high color, offering bright light return and excellent visual consistency. The step-cut emerald diamonds introduce crisp lin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 4.02 Ct Colombian Emerald Solitaire Floating 18K Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Spring ring closure. Details Item Type: Solitaire Pendant Necklace Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 5.58 grams (gross) Chain Width: 1mm Length: 18 inches Closure: Spring Ring GIA Repo...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$105,800Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 5 Carat Emerald Pendant Made-to-Order
Located in Chicago, IL
The second option is a minimalist approach, featuring a clean yellow gold claw setting that highlights the emerald's natural beauty without additional side stones, accented by a whit...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
1.26 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Halo 18K White Gold Pendant Necklace
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Emerald and Diamond Halo Pendant Necklace Metal: 18K Two-Tone White and Yellow Gold pendant; 14K White Gold chain Pendant Weight: 1.16 grams (witho...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Natural Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Necklace, 0.72cts Gift Her
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
A single emerald-cut Zambian emerald sits at the center of a rectangular halo, ringed by alternating baguette and round diamonds along all four sides.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Nordic Dangle Earrings 9.5 ctw Emerald solid 18K Gold /3.4gr
Located in SE
It is often difficult or impossible to get an accurate characteristics of the weight , color and nature of inclusions without removing the stones from the settings to be weighed and ...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Emeralds Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
It is often difficult or impossible to get an accurate characteristics of the weight , color and nature of inclusions without removing the stones from the settings to be weighed and ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Halo Pendant natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold/ 2.5 gr
Located in SE
The pendant measures 20 mm long including the hanger, medallion with stones is 15 mm x 10 mm x 5 mm deep. Emerald cut cabochon 6mm x 4mm x 3 mm deep/ ca.0.6 ct.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
11.96ct No Oil Colombian Emerald Diamond Italian Chandelier Earring Brooch Suite
Located in New York, NY
The juxtaposition of the two metals is therefore not merely decorative: it is integral to the construction and visual effect of the jewel. OPEN-BACKED EMERALD SETTINGS The principa...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
18K White Gold 34.27ct Natural Zambian Emerald Necklace, Bridal Shower Gift
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Every stone in this necklace is a matched pear-cut Zambian emerald, set point-down in a continuous run that circles the full length of the chain.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Emeralds Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
It is often difficult or impossible to get an accurate characteristics of the weight , color and nature of inclusions without removing the stones from the settings to be weighed and ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Earrings Diamond Sapphire Ruby Emerald Tourmaline Pearl 18K Gold/10.3gr
Located in SE
It is often difficult or impossible to get an accurate characteristics of the weight , color and nature of inclusions without removing the stones from the settings to be weighed and ...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
5 Cts Pixel Cut Deep Orange Color Citrine Gemstone for Jewellery 11 mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
Gemstone Type: Dark Orange Pixel Cut Citrine Weight: 5.30 carats Dimensions: 11.5 x 9.0 x 7.5 mm Origin: Uruguay Color: Rich dark orange with warm, sunset-inspired saturation Cut St...
Citrine
14k White Gold 5.21ctw GIA Certified Natural Green Emerald and Diamond Dangle
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The four-prong settings hold each emerald securely while keeping the profile open so the color faces up without obstruction.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage European stud Earrings Sapphire Emerald Ruby solid 18K Gold / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine Three Stones studs from ca. 1960s -1970s in solid 18K Yellow featuring old diamond cut natural Blue Sapphires, Green Emeralds, and Red Rubies Ø x 2.5 mm each / ca. 0.1...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Halo Pendant Emerald Diamond solid 14K Gold / 2.25gr
Located in SE
Natural Ø 3.5 mm / 0.2 ct Emerald stone accented with 12 rose cut Diamonds Ø 1.5 mm / 0.02ct each / ca. 0.24 total weight.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
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.