Black Enamel Heart Ring Black Diamond Gold Plated Silver Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Enamel Heart Ring Black Diamond Gold Plated Silver Victorian Style Designer: J Dauphin A 14k gold plated sterling silver ring featuring a central puffy heart finished in han...
Black Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
$7,500 / item
Bee Diamond Enamel Hand Painted 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning bee ring is crafted from 14-karat yellow gold. It is set with 4.83 carats bakelite & .68 carats of sparkling diamonds. See matching earrings. The ring is a size ...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
$7,500 / item
Enamel Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Honey Bee Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This honey bee ring is crafted from 18-karat yellow gold. It is set with .19 carats rubies & .25 carats of sparkling diamonds. See other honey bee matching pieces. The ring is a siz...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique solitaire ring, the head is square in shape and adorned with claws down from a rose-cut diamond on a black enamel background.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Gold, Diamond, Seed Pearl, and Blue Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
A true antique Georgian period (late 18th century) 10 karat yellow gold, diamond, seed pearl, and blue enamel mourning ring.The central urn motif set with one pear shaped old mine cu...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Enamel
14 Karat Yellow Gold Black Enamel and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14K yellow gold Diamond: 51 round brilliant cut = 0.36cttw Color: G / H Clarity: VS2-SI2 Dimensions: ring top measures 15mm wide Ring Size: 8 (pleas...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Italian Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Adjustable Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Ring is 18k yellow gold featuring a smooth enamel finish in orange and accented with 14 pave set diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Bumble Bee Enamel Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This bumble bee ring has been crafted from 14-karat yellow gold. It is set with .35 carats emerald & .31 carats pave diamonds. See other matching piece that compliments with Bee Col...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
$20,720Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Diamond And Red Enamel Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
This striking David Webb dome ring is crafted from platinum and 18K yellow gold, featuring a bold red enamel surface adorned with meticulously placed gold stars.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,960Sale Price|20% Off
Turquoise Color Enamel Snake Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This stunning snake ring features 0.5 carat of white round diamonds, the body is covered with turquoise color enamel.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Antique Two Tone Gold 0.22ctw Diamond White Enamel Buckle Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 18K Solid Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Accents & White Enamel Work Weight: 7.25 Grams Ring Size: 8.0 (We CANNOT custom size this ring) Ring Width: 8.7mm (0.34")(top of rin...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, Zambian Emerald, Black Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Emerald & Black Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Heart Ring Black Diamond Black Enamel Gold Plated Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Diamond Heart Angel Wing Ring with Black Enamel in 14k Gold Plated Silver Designer: J Dauphin The Black Diamond Heart Ring by J Dauphin is a sculptural open band ring handcra...
Black Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Old European Diamond Ring Blue Enamel 14K White Gold .75 carat
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The blue enamel is in mint condition. The top of the ring measures 13mm top to bottom.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Georgian 18k Gold Pearl, Diamond & Enamel Triple Row Ring, Circa 1830
Located in Altrincham, GB
The centre row is a strip of dreamy natural pearls, and the rows at either side consist of alternating pearls and chunky old cut diamonds. Each of the stones rest in gold settings, l...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
$1,831Sale Price|20% Off
Antique blue enamel star ring, Diamond and pearl, 18k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
You cannot help but be enchanted by this exquisite antique Victorian star ring. Crafted in rich 18ct gold it features a stunning duck egg blue enamel cabochon, star set with creamy ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
0.5 Ct Diamond Solitaire Enamel Ring Blue Vitreous 18k White Gold 9 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer 0.5 Ct Diamond Solitaire Enamel Ring Blue Vitreous 18k White Gold 9 Diamonds total 0.56 ct About Victor Mayer VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophist...
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Antique 14ct White Gold, Edwardian Diamond & Guilloche Enamel Fancy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 14ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Introducing an exquisite Edwardian fancy double halo cluster ring, a true testament to the elegance and craftsmanship of th...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
$6,480Sale Price|20% Off
11.26 Carats, Natural Zambian Emerald, Black Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Emerald & Black Enamel Cocktail / Engagement Ring set in 18K Gold & Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Cobalt Blue Enamel and Diamond Conversion Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Victorian Blue Enamel & Diamond Ring in 14k Gold (Converted from a Brooch, c. 1870–1890) Rich with history and luminous color, this striking ring was thoughtfully converted from...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
Light Blue Enamel Ring Diamond Stars Gold Plated Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J Dauphin Light Blue Enamel Orb Ring Diamond Star Gold Twisted Band A sculptural Victorian celestial statement ring handcrafted in 14k gold plated sterling silver featuring a spheri...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold ...
Victorian Revival Pearl Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a 9.5 mm split pearl - white body color with strong iridescence Flush set with a halo surround flush set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.80 carat to...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel
Vintage Yellow Gold 2.28ctw Peridot & Diamond Black Enamel Work Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
We can custom size this ring.) Ring Width: 17.7mm (0.69")(top of the ring, north to south), 15.8mm (0.62")(east to south, diamond to diamond), 2.6mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Yellow Gold 0.90ctw Round Diamond Black Enamel Marquise Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
The ring is inlaid with a fine line of black enamel and its original patina has been preserved.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$11,840Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Enamel Diamond Snake Serpent Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A striking creation by David Webb, this lifelike serpent ring coils elegantly around the finger, showcasing a bold pattern of white enamel accented with brilliant diamonds and ruby e...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Panther Diamond Enamel Ring 14K Gold Silver Lion Leopard Cartier Style
Located in New York, NY
This is a wonderful Diamond and Enamel Panther, Lion, or Leopard ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Silver.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Venice Collection: White & Gold Diamond Ring Designed with Black Enamel
By GADI ALTMAN
Located in רמת גן, IL
SKU# 4006114 18k white and rose gold diamond ring designed with black enamel. the ring has a bold and striking contrast that draws the eye in.
Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique Gold & Silver, Victorian Rose Diamond Enamel Poison Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Enamel Poison Ring 9ct Gold & Silver Circa 1900 A striking and rare example of late Victorian ingenuity and ornamentation, this circa 1900 poison ring features...
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Silver, Enamel
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Yellow Gold Green Enamel Black & White Diamonds Evil Eye Ring
Located in New York, NY
Check out this stunning 14k yellow gold ring that features a gorgeous emerald green stone, beautifully enhanced by intricate green enamel work and sparkling black and white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
The Barbette Ring 1 Carat Diamond and Black Enamel Cigar Band
By LÖF
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A statement cigar band ring comprising of three separate bands joined together with a black enameled square.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$1,320Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau 14K Gold Double Pearl Diamond Enamel Ring, France 1920
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This art nouveau ring is pretty special as it has two beautiful pearls in an enamel tulip setting.
Diamond, Pearl, Enamel
$2,440Sale Price|20% Off
Architectural Octagonal Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold and Enamel
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Product Specifications Feature Details Product Category Ring Metal Type 18KT Rose Gold Metal Weight 6.73g Diamond Total Weight 0.45ct Accent Material White & Purple Enamel Design...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Antique Enamel pearl diamond Gold memorial ring
Located in London, GB
Antique diamond and pearl 'urn' memorial ring. Set with ten round rose cut diamonds in silver cutdown settings with an approximate combined weight of 0.10 carats, decorating an intri...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine Heart Ring in 18k Gold with Pavé Diamonds and Enamel
By IO Collective
Located in Beaverton, OR
A one-of-a-kind aquamarine heart ring set in 18k gold with pavé diamonds, designed around a natural heart-shaped aquamarine measuring approximately 10.00 × 9.55 mm.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Nouveau 3.40ct Amethyst Ring, 18K Gold, Enamel & Diamonds, Europe
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Art Nouveau Amethyst Ring with Enamel & Diamonds Art Nouveau jewelry is instantly recognizable by its embrace of natural forms and its focus on expert techniques, particularly exquis...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
$1,256Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamond Enamel Ring Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:2.64g,D:1.51ct,SI:6.63g Enam:0.23g, Size: 24X18X32MM
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Enamel & Diamond Vintage Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
We pay tax and shipping expenses. This enchanting ring showcases a beautiful floral-inspired design, centered around shimmering round diamonds surrounded by vivid sky-blue enamel.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victor Mayer Soirée Lilac Enamel Ring 18k Rose Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Soirée Lilac Enamel Ring in Rose Gold with Diamonds Ring Soirée, 18k RG, vitreous enamel, 68 diamonds total 0.63 ct, G VS brilliant cut, amethyst Reference: V1037/LI/11...
Diamond, Enamel, Rose Gold
From $3,108 / item
Solitaire Pink Tourmaline Ring 18k Yellow Gold Pink Enamel 8 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Solitaire Pink Tourmaline Ring 18k Yellow Gold Pink Translucent Enamel 8 Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,196Sale Price|20% Off
Every Day Diamond Enamel Band Yellow 14k Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Yellow Gold 14K Ring Diamond 12-0,17 ct Enamel Size 7 Weight 7,74 grams It is our honor to create fine jewelry, and it’s for that reason that we choose to only work with high-qu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Enamel, Sapphires, Rubies, Emerald, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure composed by two ribbons with enamel and, between of them, an emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel
Victorian Ring Silver 18k Gold Enamel Diamond Antique Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous Victorian ring, made of silver and 18k gold, features enamel and diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Set in 18K white Gold, Tanzanite, Turquoise Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold, Enamel & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
1878 Ring 0.5ct Diamond Enamel solid 18K Ø US5.5 / 2.26gr
Located in SE
A Ring with engraved and enameled shoulders, central Silver cluster featuring heart rose cut Diamond 5.5 mm x 4.4 mm / ca. 0.5 ct. color ca.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Beetle Ring in Green Enameling 18Kt Gold Granulated and Diamond Shoulders
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Beetle Ring in 18 carat yellow gold, with granulation technique diamonds and enamel in green color.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamond & Black Enamel Ring in 14k Yellow Gold - GIA 2235645
Located in Bloomington, MN
Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamond & Black Enamel Ring in 14k Yellow Gold - GIA 2235645505 This distinctive ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a cushion-shaped yellowish g...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,404Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Black Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.27 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. The box is not...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Heart Angel Wing Ring Diamond Black Enamel 14k Gold-Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: J Dauphin Materials: 14k Gold-Plated .925 Sterling Silver (Solid gold available upon request) Gemstones: Natural White Diamonds Finish: Hand-painted Black Enamel Design...
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Round Silver Grey Guilloche Enamel Ring 18k White Gold 57 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Silver Grey 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
14K Gold Burma Sapphire Diamond Enamel Cocktail Ring with AGL Report
Located in Queens, NY
14K Gold Burma Sapphire Diamond Enamel Ring, AGL Report #1139225, dated 26 March 2024, indicating the prong set oval mixed cut blue sapphire is or Burma origin with no evidence of an...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, Tourmaline Cabochon, White Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Tourmaline Cabochon is 4.73 carats. The Diamond...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Enamel
18k Natural Large Pink Pearl Ring Solid Gold Diamonds and Green Enamel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Enamel Pearl Ring 18K Yellow Gold 21 Grams Large Natural Pink Fresh Water Pearl Beautiful Bronze-Pink Color Pearl Size 14 MM - with very good Luster Brilliant Green Enamel on ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Tinted Yellow Diamond 14K White Gold Enamel Ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco 14 karat (14K) white gold ring with geometric black enamel lines surrounding a tinted yellow Old European Cut diamond estimated to weigh 0.45 carats with V colour and VS ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold Marquise Signet Ring – Vintage Stars, Flowers, Enamel, Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
This wonderful small ring is decorated with a textured side, small hand engraved stars, blue enamel, little flowers and two lovely single cut diamonds in the centre.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$1,424Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamond Enamel Ring Made In 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:2.24g,D:1.73ct,SI:6.4g Enam:0.18g, Size: 25X17X31MM
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Light Blue Enamel Ring Diamond Stars - Gold Plated Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Light Blue Enamel Ring Diamond Stars - Gold Plated Silver - Orb Ring – Victorian Twisted Band Size Us 7 Designer: J Dauphin The Diamond Star Orb Ring blends Victorian celestial sy...
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k...
$3,600Sale Price|20% Off
Haggai 3.61 Oval Citrine Diamond Chocolate Brown Enamel Cocktail Ring
By Haggai
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made in chocolate brown enamel and 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.
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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.