Round Opalescent Turquoise Enamel Ring in White Gold with 57 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Collection Opalescent Turquoise Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with 57 Diamonds (total 0.55 ct, G VS) in diamond bezel and on ring shank.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Gucci Link To Love White Gold & Black Enamel Ring with Diamond
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Gucci Link to Love Ring with Diamond Material 18K White Gold & Black Enamel Ring Size 5.25 Ring width 3.1mm Ring Weight 4.1 gr Diamond .02 Gender Unisex Condition New, never worn ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Rare 17th Century Late Renaissance Period Diamond Enamel Gold Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine, museum quality Late Renaissance period diamond, white and cobalt enamel gold snake ring 17th Century This beautiful ring is a remarkable example of Late Renaissance period jewe...
Diamond, Gold, Enamel
Round Electric Blue Guilloche Enamel Ring in White Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Electric Blue 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
Diamond & Black Enamel Art Deco Style Floral Flower White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The Diamond Enamel Vintage Style Floral Ring in 14K White Gold embodies the harmony of yin and yang, balancing timeless elegance with bold artistry.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Elegant Hand Crafted 18kt White Gold Ring with 1.55ct Diamonds & Enamel
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Elegant Hand Crafted 18kt white Gold Ring With Diamonds & Enamel Diamonds: Brilliant cut diamonds, together approx. 1.55ct Material: 18kt white gold Ring size: 51.9 EU / 6 US Tot...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
18 Carat White Gold Enamel and 1.52 Carats Diamond Flower Ring
By E Wolfe & Company
Located in London, GB
E Wolfe & Company 18 Carat White Gold Enamel and Diamond Flower Ring. The oval has been enamelled with navy blue vitreous enamel, a halo of diamonds has been set around it with scall...
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
9.88 Carat Tanzanite Diamond Enamel Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The vivid blue-violet gemstone is framed by a shimmering diamond halo, totaling 0.34 carats, and further highlighted by a sleek outline of black enamel that adds a modern edge to its...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
David Webb Vintage Rock Crystal, Diamond And Enamel Ring, Circa 1980
By David Webb
Located in London, GB
A vintage David Webb bombé style ring, comprised of a raised rock crystal centre, carved to create a horizontal, ribbed design, crossed with three columns of round brilliant-cut diam...
Diamond, Rock Crystal, Enamel, 14k Gold, Platinum
$1,842Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Enamel Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.04 ct. The diamond is has G color and vs clarity. Ring size is US 5.25 We can make any size. Please contact f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Blue Enamel, Diamond & Pearl Ring 14K Gold - c.1860
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian enamel gold ring made c.1860-1880. This ring exudes a regal and majestic air with its deep royal blue enamelling that co...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Ippolita Contemporary Diamond Mother-Of-Pearl Quartz Enamel 18K Lollipop Ring
By Ippolita
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a rose cut quartz over an inlaid mother-of-pearl Quartz is clear and mother-of-pearl with iridescent white Bezel set with a halo surround of bead set diamonds Round brillia...
Diamond, Pearl, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Kabana 14k Yellow Gold Enamel, Opal & Diamond Accented Ring In Stock
By Kabana
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Kabana Style: Diamond, Enamel, and Opal Fashion Ring Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Diamonds: There are approximately 0.05 carats of natural diamonds, there are 3 diamonds total Diam...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Diamond Teal Enamel 18K Gold Antique Swirling Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as domed form with a spiraling floral motif bead set with old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.54 carat total - quality consistent with cut and age Featuring swirl...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Black Enamel Heart Ring White Single Cut Diamonds Gold Plated Victorian Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Enamel Heart Ring White Single Cut Diamonds Victorian Style This Victorian revival ring is made in 14k gold-plated silver with black enamel and single-cut white diamonds.
White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Masriera Contemporary Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Platinum Frog Water Lily Ring
By Masriera
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a yellow gold band ring rendered as a frog holding a water lily flower on pad in the water Water consists of plique-a-jour teal colored enamel with painted enamel frog, l...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Vintage 1960s 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Black Enameled Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1960's 14kt yellow gold diamond and black enameled ring with a center round diamond weighing approximately .23ct (I color, SI2 clarity) with a surrounding of 3 levels of 12 b...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Alexis New York Silver Gold Enamel Diamond Ruby Snake Wrap Ring
By Alexis NY
Located in New York, NY
Impressive snake wrap ring, crafted by Alexis NY, set in 18k gold over sterling silver, adorned with vibrant enamel, 0.32ctw G/VS diamonds and 0.20ctw rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite Cabochon, White Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Rubellite & Enamel Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Yellow Gold Amethyst Diamond Halo Blue Enamel Work Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14K Yellow Gold w/ Blue Enamel Work Weight: 10.72 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Marquise Enamel Blue Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Sunburst Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and hand set with .75 carats blue sapphire and .30 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized t...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Emerald & Diamond Enamel Vintage Inspired Antique Style Floral Halo Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The Emerald Diamond Enamel Vintage-Style Floral Halo Ring in 18K White Gold is a masterpiece of elegance and individuality.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, Rubellite Cabochon, Blue Enamel & Diamonds Cocktail Dome Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Rubellite & Blue Enamel Cocktail Dome Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, 0.50 carats, natural Diamonds & Blue Enamel Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Diamonds & Blue Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
1.16 Carats Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Gold Enamel Heart Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and set with 1.16 carats emerald, .51 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or s...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 15k Yellow Gold 0.54ctw Diamond & Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 15k Yellow Gold - Black Enamel Weight: 2.39 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (Fitted on a finger, please contact us priory to purchase for sizing inquiries) Ring Width: 6.93mm (0...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian Enamel, Pearl, and Diamond Flower Ring of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking 14k gold bouton ring (circa 1870-1880), centered with a silver flower accented with an old mine cut diamond and rose cut diamonds, surrounded by a garland of half pearl le...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
$627Sale Price|20% Off
Marquise Shaped Pave Diamond Ring With Red Enamel & Diamonds In 14k Rose Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14K:3.26g, Diamond:0.300ct, ,, Enamel:0.04g
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Gilberto Cassola & C. Red Enamel 0.80 Carats Diamond Gold Ring
By Gilberto Cassola
Located in New York, NY
The ring is 18K rose gold. The ring has 0.80ct F VS Diamonds. The ring is a size 7.5, not sizable. The ring measures on top 1.25" x 14/16". The ring weighs 22.8 grams. Serial #9560.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, Enamel
Opal & Diamond Art Deco Style Black Enamel Halo White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This stunning piece features a captivating opal at its center, beautifully enhanced by a halo of shimmering diamonds and an elegant enamel embellishment that accentuates the ring’s v...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
English Early Victorian Gold, Blue Enamel, and Rose-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique early Victorian gold, diamond, and enamel ring featuring a rose-cut diamond center in a tapering gold mount decorated with a blue enamel foliate pattern, in 15k gold.
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Antique 19th Century Old Mine Diamond Black Enamel Ring Silver Gold Victorian
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique 19th Century Old Mine-Cut Diamond and Black Enamel Ring in Silver and Gold.
Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel
Handcraft Enamel 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
18 karat yellow and white gold cocktail ring. Handmade by our artisans assembled with enamel and diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Victorian 1.25 carat old mine cut diamond 14k yellow gold enamel ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating Victorian diamond ring is a beautiful antique jewel from the 1870’s, full of romance, history, and old-world craftsmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Diamond & Blue & White Enamel Polo Cap Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and enamel ring in yellow gold, comprising one old cut diamond and eighteen rose cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, and adorned with blue and white enamel,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
C1980 18K Blue Enamel Band Ring w Raised Gold Galloping Horses & Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Striking gold equestrian band ring of raised gold galloping horses interspersed between small round diamonds on a blue enamel band with an 18K gold interior.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Black Colorless Diamond White Enamel Organic Cocktail Ring 18K Rose Gold Italian
Located in Lisbon, PT
Black Diamond, Colorless Diamond and Enamel Organic Cocktail Ring in 18K Rose Gold, Italy.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
La Nouvelle Bague 18kt White Gold Enamel and Diamond Fiori Ring
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
The ring is designed with grey enamel and a.05 carat round brilliant diamond in the corner.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Oval Sapphire Dark Red Enamel Ring with Diamonds
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k Rose Gold Center Stone Details: Approx. 0.95ctw Oval shaped sapphire. Adjacent Diamond Details: 32 stones, Approx. 0.18ctw of round cut diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 3.29 carat, Tanzanite, Orange Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tanzanite & Orange Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Flower Ring with Blue Enamel and Diamonds
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Flower Ring with Blue Enamel and Diamonds - The ring contains 1 round brilliant diamond in each of the 6 blue enamel flowers with a total approximate weight o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Floral Flower Enamel Halo Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Indulge in the allure of vintage elegance with this Diamond Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Floral Enamel Halo Ring in 18K White Gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Antique 0.90 Carat Diamond and Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous diamond solitaire ring taken from the Victorian period.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Gold Natural Diamond, Blue Topaz & Enamel Statement Ring by Hidalgo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ring features a vivid blue topaz at the center, measuring approximately 10.5 x 7.5 mm, surrounded by 20 natural colorless diamonds.
Blue Topaz, Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$14,160Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Black Bombe and White Diamond Enamel Platinum Gold Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The bombe ring features full-cut diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.50 carat, set in platinum, atop an 18k gold ring having black and white enamel accents, marked Webb.
White Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, Aquamarine, Green Enamel & Diamonds Art Deco Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Green Enamel Engagement Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, 4.61 carat Aquamarine, Turquoise Enamel & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Aquamarine & Enamel Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Diamond Enamel 14 Carat Gold Buckle Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Striking lilac enamel ring in a buckle design and delicately decorated with diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold
David Webb Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Zebra Signature Ring
By David Webb
Located in Great Neck, NY
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Signature Zebra Ring 1.00ct Diamonds This iconic David Webb Zebra ring is a powerful example of the house’s sculptural animal jewelry, execu...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Pla...
Vintage Retro Diamond Green Enamel 18K Gold Channeled Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
his regal design will captivate everyone! This Vintage 1950's ring, Features textured Green Enameling accents, accented by a channeled pattern throughout of round brilliant cut diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage 18KT Gold Black Enamel Ruby & Diamond Dome Ring, Circa 1950–1970
Located in Braintree, GB
The design is characteristic of mid-20th-century statement jewellery, combining sculptural form with vibrant gemstone detailing. Dimensions Ring size: UK N US SIZE: 7 Weight 23.65 ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18K Gold Early Victorian Diamond Trilogy Ring with Blue Enamel Details
Located in Venice, CA
This 18k gold early Victorian ring features three Old Mind Cut diamonds encased in blue enamel square details.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cocktail Ring, Amethyst, Purple Vitreous Enamel, 18K Yellow Gold, 4 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow Gold and White Gold, Vitreous Enamel, 4 Diamonds, Amethyst This cocktail ring unites 18k yellow and white gold with a vivid amethyst framed by...
Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Faberge 18 Karat Gold Diamond Black Brown Enamel X Band Ring
By Modern Fabergé
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
The piece features round brilliant cut diamonds. It is adorned with dark brown and black enamel.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
0.61Ct Baguette Diamond Black Enamel Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This dazzling Baguette Diamond Black Enamel Ring is a remarkable fusion of vintage flair and contemporary elegance.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Diamond Star Ring 9K Gold Blue Enamel Cabochon - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning antique Victorian diamond star and blue enamel ring made c.1890.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K white Gold, Morganite, Red Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Morganite & Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, White 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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.