0.61 Carat White Diamond White Gold Red Enamel Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
122 White Diamonds: 0.61 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 15.95 Grams
2010s Fashion Rings
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
0.61 Carat White Diamond White Gold Red Enamel Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
122 White Diamonds: 0.61 Carats Metal: 18K White Gold, 15.95 Grams
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Victorian rose cut diamond 18k yellow gold enamel engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Romantic, colorful, and full of history, it is perfect for someone seeking an antique engagement ring with an old cut center diamond, elegant enamel work, and one-of-a-kind character.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14K Yellow Gold Enamel Striped Diamond Ring, 0.36ct, Size 5.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The combination of polished yellow gold, contrasting enamel, and sparkling diamonds creates a versatile design suitable for both everyday wear and special occasions, making this ring...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Georgian Diamond Black Enamel Locket Mourning 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
An antique Georgian period Diamond and Black enamel mourning ring in 18 Kt yellow gold, set with an old cut Diamond in a border of black enamel, the engraved shoulders decorated with...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
18K Gold Black and Pink Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
We also have an 18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent and an 18K Gold Blue and Turquoise Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent also available in our shop.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Custom Initial Enamel Lapis Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast from 18-karat gold, these beautiful enamel ring is hand set with .10 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Keiko Ikeda Platinum 18K Gold Ruby Diamond Enamel Band Ring
Located in 台東区, JP
A contemporary designer ring by Japanese jewelry artist Keiko Ikeda, crafted in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold with vibrant enamel detailing.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
18 Karat White Gold Black Enamel Swirl Diamond Pave Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning ring features a bombé design, pavé-set with brilliant white diamonds and accented with bold, curving black enamel patterns.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
White Gold Black Enamel and Diamond Large Scale Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Made of 18K white gold with black enamel accents and set with 16 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing an approximate total of 1.00CT of overall G Color and VS1 Clarity.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Enamel Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and set with .55 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
26.13 carats Aquamarine, Blue Enamel, Pearls & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Aquamarine, Blue Enamel & Pearls Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & Diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Italian diamond enamel 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Italian ring from the 1980s is crafted in rich 18k yellow gold and subtly accented with eighteen single cut diamonds, adding just a touch of sparkle. The diamonds, total...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Enamel and Green Tourmaline Diamond Cocktail Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive contemporary enamel, 3.04 carat green tourmaline and 0.90 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewellery and estate jewel...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Modern Blue Basse Taille Enamel, Diamond and Gold Butterfly Ring
By Moira
Located in London, GB
A Moira butterfly ring, with dark blue basse taille enamel wings, set with a total of 0.39 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds in the edges and centres of the wings, head and abdo...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
1980s David Webb 18k gold, enamel and diamond cocktail ring
By David Webb
Located in London, GB
This hefty 1980s David Webb dome ring is made of 18k gold and enamel and adorned with a geometric design in round cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
19th Century Diamonds Black Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond-Shaped Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Black enamel lines separate the diamonds. Height : 11 mm approximately, width : 10.8 mm approximately, thickness : 4.5 mm approximately, width of the ring at the base : 2 mm approxi...
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
18K Gold Blue and Turquoise Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
We also have an 18K Gold Black and Pink Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent and an 18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent also available in our shop.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Enamel Diamond and Yellow Gold Butterfly Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat yellow gold.. In the form of a butterfly in flight, the wings are of lightly sparkling enamel changing from yellow at the centre to pink then blue at the edges.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Celestial Star Black Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14k Gold & Blue Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celestial Star Black Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring Light Blue Enamel Designer: J DAUPHIN Description: The Cocktail Ring is handcrafted in 14k gold plated brass with a thicker gold pla...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Black Enamel Sphere Diamond Star Ring Gold Celestial Statement J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Enamel Sphere Diamond Star Ring Gold Celestial Statement J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN Sculptural statement ring featuring a black enamel sphere engraved with raised gold st...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Masriera Art Nouveau Mermaid Enamel Ring, 18K Gold, Diamonds, Spain
By Masriera
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This mermaid in done in basse tailla fired enamel and has wings it is special. This ring is called the MUSE.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Diamond and Enamel Victorian Gold Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Antique Victorian Diamond Enamel Gold Cocktail Ring. Securely Hand set with Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.20tcw Accented by Black Enamel.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Gilberto Cassola & C. Blue Enamel and Diamond Gold Ring
By Gilberto Cassola
Located in New York, NY
The ring is 18K white gold. The ring has 0.84 Carat F VS Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold, Enamel
Rubies, Diamonds, Enamel, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion retrò ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with two rubies as eyes,diamonds on the head and enamel on the body.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$970Sale Price / item|44% Off
Autumn ring: peridot and enamel
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold "Floral" ring with enamel autumn color leaves with natural peridot, diamonds.
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Enamel
Enamel Diamonds Emerald Yellow Gold 14 Karat Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Gold Blue Enamel Old-Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Massive Victorian Ring Blue Enamel Old-cut Diamonds. Produced around 1900, in the United Kingdom.
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Oval Woven Diamond Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
The center is an oval plane of brightness, courtesy of pave set round brilliant cut diamonds. Black enamel surrounds the jewels, its contrast making the diamonds seem still lighter. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$27,960Sale Price|20% Off
DAVID WEBB White Enameled Geometric Cocktail Ring With VVS Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Materials: Yellow gold, platinum, white enamel and white diamonds. Weight: 23.5 Grams, (15.07 Dwt).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel, 18k Gold
Aquamarine Red Enamel Diamond 14 Karat Gold Spiral Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat rose gold and set with .36 carats Aquamarine, .25 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to lar...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
Vintage Mid-Century Royal Blue Enamel & Diamond Bombè Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Hallmarked 14k on one side and Condition: Very good (minor nibble on 1 enamel leaf) Era: Mid Century Year: 1970s Metal: 14 Karat yellow gold, along with purity, registration # & hal...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Falcher Fusager Magick 18K Gold Diamond Enamel Onyx Statement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 18 karat yellow gold Magick ring by Falcher Fusager pairs sculptural onyx framing with a jewel toned cloisonné enamel design, centering a stylized plume motif rendered in pinkis...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1.06 Carat Diamond Sapphire Enamel Platinum Midcentury Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's Diamond and sapphire red enamel engagement ring. Round old European center diamond in a hand engraved platinum setting with pave set full cut diamonds, custom cut genuine sapp...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Enamel, Platinum
$1,732Sale Price|20% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Enamel Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Total weight is 0.70 ct diamond. The diamond is has vvs-vs clarity and G-H color. Ring size is US 6.3 We can make any size. Box i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
Circa 1950s 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Enamel Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1950s Item Details: Ring Size: 10 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14k yellow gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6 grams Diamond Details: .80ct total weight, antique transitional cut, ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
Ring size 6.5 A brand new, contemporary piece made by master enameler.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
5.30tcw 18K Colombian Emerald & Green Diamond Enamel Men's Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A men's Colombian emerald & green diamond statement ring in 14K gold. This ring features a 4.45-carat Asscher cut emerald in its center.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique "Ring of Heavens" or "Bague au Firmament", blue enamel and diamond ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique "Ring of Heavens" or Bague au Firmament blue enamel and diamond ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
1960s Blue Enamel Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18k yellow gold dome ring designed as a knot of rich blue enamel and twisted golden rope with a dome of diamonds nestled at the center.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Designer Effy Diamond Enamel Heart Ring 14kt Yellow Gold 0.28ctw NWT
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This designer Effy heart ring is crafted in 14kt yellow gold and features a vibrant red enamel heart accented with sparkling natural diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Round Turquoise Guilloche Enamel Ring in White Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Turquoise Guilloche Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with 57 Diamonds (total 0.55 ct, G VS) in diamond bezel and on ring shank.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Lugano 4.00ct Antique Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold with Enamel
By Lugano
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking statement ring showcases a magnificent 4.00-carat antique modified octagonal brilliant-cut diamond, boasting J color and VS2 clarity as verified by an accompanying GIA ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed Boivin
Located in Riverdale, NY
Lovely Art Deco Mabe Pearl, Enamel and Diamond Ring, Attributed to Rene Boivin from the 1920's.
Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Enamel
$3,472Sale Price|20% Off
Haggai 14K White Gold Diamond Blue Topaz Enamel Ring
By Haggai
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made in blue enamel and 14K white gold. With a princess cut 11.56 carat blue topaz and 0.50 carat round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, 14k Gold, Enamel, White Gold
Syna Yellow Gold Small Reversible Evil Enamel Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18kyg Reversible evil eye ring Azure blue, turquoise blue & white enamel Diamonds 0.10 ct approx Swivel mechanism to turn the evil eye versions Ring size US 6.5 Limited ed...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Emerald Cocktail Ring Black Enamel Diamond Shooting Star Gold Celestial Dome
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Emerald Cocktail Ring Black Enamel Diamond Shooting Star Gold Celestial Dome Ring Designer: J DAUPHIN Emerald cocktail ring in 14k gold plated brass with black enamel by J Dauphin,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Victorian Antique-Style Diamond Pearl Enamel Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hand-painted black enamel decorated the top of the ring with stars on the ribbon folds as well as filigree design around the outer perimeter of the ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,200Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.25 ct. The diamond is has G color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 6.75 We can make any size. The box is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Maurice Fine Jewelry - Mosaic Style Diamond Ring and Black Enamel
By Maurice Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite modern ring showcases a stunning mosaic-style design, crafted from 18k white gold. The centerpiece of the ring features a mesmerizing display of white baguette diamond...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Swallow Ring with Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This antique Diamond Enamel Swallow started life as a brooch, which I converted to a ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
18k Yellow Gold Green Blue Enamel Alligator Ring with Diamonds
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k yellow gold ring. This stunning ring is a figural alligator, set with a green and greenish blue color field of enamel, and set down the back with graduated round faceted diamonds...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Imperial Faberge Russian Ring Diamonds Enamel Presentation Perchin 56 Gold, 1890
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
Imperial Russian Diamond & Enamel Ring by Michael Perchin for Fabergé.
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Emma Chapman 18k Gold Diamond Enamel Flower Ring, Artisan Design
By Emma Chapman
Located in Frome, Somerset
This is a one-of-a-kind 18k yellow gold diamond enamel flower ring. We have used the ancient art of enamel in this ring and created a beautiful rose, which is flanked by a full cut d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
$16,000Sale Price / item|20% Off
GIA 1ct Antique Marquise Cut Diamond Ring with Black enamel
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Maze Ring A statement maze motif cocktail ring set with 1ct natural antique marquise diamond handcrafted in 18k recycled solid gold with black enamel around the marquise.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Italian Enamel Diamond Three Color Gold Multi-Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
The bar has 0.08Ct in Diamonds G VS & Enamel. The ring is MADE IN ITALY.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, En...
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Gold Enamel Cocktail Ring with Diamonds, Size 6
By David Webb
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Rejoice small fingered people this ring is for you. This is a Diamond white Enamel ring with sides filed with Diamonds.
Diamond, Enamel
Delicate Precious Diamond Enamel Yellow Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 14 K Diamond 18-RND-0,08-I/I1A Enamel 189-0,6ct Weight 7.63 grams Size 19.5 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based j...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Estate Victorian Revival Amethyst Diamond and Enamel Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate Victorian Revival Amethyst Diamond and Enamel Cocktail Ring. This gorgeous Victorian revival amethyst and diamond cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring Size 9.5
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K yellow gold wide diamond and enamel band ring featuring approximately 1.00 carat total weight of round brilliant-cut diamonds graded G-H color and VS clarity.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
Red Enamel Snake Ring Diamond in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Resizing is available US Size 7 18 Karat Rose Gold Crysophrase 0.15 carat Diamonds 0.65 carat Red Enamel
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
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.