Locket Ring in Blue Enamel & 18K White Gold With 22 Diamonds & Oval Aquamarine
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Locket Ring in Blue Enamel & 18K White Gold with 22 Diamonds & Oval Aquamarine Limited Edition of 100 Reference: V1673/MB/13/00/101 Brand: VICTOR MAYER Collection: Peacock Descript...
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, Enamel
$75,000 / set
Set of 4 Diamond and Enamel Wide Band Rings
Located in New York, NY
Enamel and Diamond Wide Band Rings Each Ring consists of 220 Round Brilliant Diamonds weighing 2.44 Carats Set in 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victor Mayer Artemis Enamel Ring 18k White Gold/Yellow Gold 57 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Artemis Amber Colored Enamel Ring in White Gold/Yellow Gold with 57 Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Green Enamel & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Enamel Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 1840s 18K Gold Diamond, Pearl and Black Enamel Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique yellow gold, pearl, black enamel and diamond ring, comprising of one sparkling old mine cut diamond set in centre of a black enamelled panel, four larger pearls, two small...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Ring with enamel and brilliant and single cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with enamel and brilliant and single cut diamond up to 0.23ct/0.27ct F/G - VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.25 - EU. 17.5 (55) detailed description: the top of the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Old Mine Diamond Enamel Clover Flower Ring Antique Victorian 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
This is a very special antique Victorian - Edwardian Ring in the form of a Four Leaf Clover Flower in gorgeous white enamel with a central antique Old Mine Cut Diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Cocktail Ring- Mid-Century 0.75 CTW VVS Diamonds & Enameled in 18 kt Gold.
Located in Miami, FL
The focal point of the ring is a raised, sculptural face featuring a central double-row column of 14 elite-grade round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,696Sale Price|20% Off
Venice Collection: Round Shaped 18k Rose Gold Diamond Ring with White Enamel
By GADI ALTMAN
Located in רמת גן, IL
SKU# 4006106 A round shaped white enamel ring that exudes elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
18k Yellow Gold Green Enamel, Ruby and Macle Diamond Elongated Oval Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k yellow gold ring. This pretty ring features an elongated oval, green enamel center, decorated with a round faceted, pinkish red color ruby center, approximately 0.47 CTS, prong s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$2,160Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K Gold, Ceylon Yellow Sapphire, Black Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Yellow Sapphire & Black Enamel Cocktail Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel
Round Pink Guilloche Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with 57 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Pink Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with 57 Diamonds total 0.55 ct, G VS About Victor Mayer Sensual, exotic, urbane and confident, Victor Mayer continues a 130 y...
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
David Webb Diamond Black Enamel Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gap Ring
By David Webb
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a pierced geometric motif with central gap Accented by raised squared off platinum terminals Bead set with round brilliant cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.75 carat ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Ring 10k Rose Gold Sz 5 Blue Enamel Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian diamond & seed pearl blue enamel ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 10 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
$965Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.33 carat. The diamond is has G-H color vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.25 Box is not included. Please contact ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Enamel Band Ring With Center Diamond Made In 14k Rose Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:3.468g,D:0.12ct, Enam:0.10g,
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Diamond & Blue Enamel Art Deco Style Floral Flower Cluster White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Style Floral Cluster Ring in 14K White Gold captures the essence of a blossom in full bloom. Featuring a radiant emerald surrounded by dazzling diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
1.62 Carat White Diamond and Sapphire Enamel 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
1.62 Carat White Diamond And Sapphire Enamel 18K White Gold Ring will make you have a new fun look to add to your jewelry collection.
White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Set in 18K Gold, Blue Sapphires, Black Enamel & tapered Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Blue Sapphire & Black Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel
1.01ct Icy Gray Diamond White Enamel Halo Engagement Ring 14K Rose Gold R6596
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K rose gold ring set with a translucent icy gray diamond in the center, flanked by a rose gold edge, white enamel, then an outer halo of natural brilliant diamonds ♥ Unique...
Diamond, Rose Gold, Enamel
$1,404Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.46 carat. The diamond is has F-G color vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 6 Box is not included. Please conta...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Gold Red Enamel Evil Eye Ring with Diamond Dangle and Spikes R6545
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 14K Gold Red Enamel Evil Eye Ring with Diamond Dangle and Spikes ♥ The item measures 14mm in length (North South direction), 15.9mm in width (East West direction), and stand...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
$36,480Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Gold and Enamel Angel Skin Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
The David Webb 18k yellow gold and white enamel vintage cocktail ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that features a large angel skin coral cabochon cut in the middle, which is furth...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$2,952Sale Price|29% Off
French Antique 1.06 Carat Rose- Cut Diamond Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Set with 8 rose- cut diamonds on openwork, half of the ring band is engraved with geometric designs of navy blue enamel.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
18k Yellow Gold 1.30ctw Diamond w/ Black Enamel Domed Bombe Ring Size 5
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold w/ Black Enamel Weight: 20.82 Grams Ring Size: 5.0 (We CANNOT custom size this ring.)
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Chanel Diamond & Enamel Ring in 18kt White Gold 0.9 CTW
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Chanel Diamond & Enamel Ring in 18kt White Gold 0.9 CTW PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 113960 Listing Title: Vintage Chanel Diamond & Enamel Ring in 18kt White Gold 0.9 CTW Co...
White Gold, Enamel
Antique Ring Diamonds Red Enamel 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 US/ 7.7gr
Located in SE
Usually high - quality Diamond Rings with Enameled backgrounds always followed certain designs that allowed better protection of Enamel.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
$2,193Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Enamel Decorated Two Face Design Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.54 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs1-vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.25 We can make any size. Please c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
Angie Marie 18k Gold 13mm Tahitian Pearl Diamond Black Enamel Isis Goddess Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 18k Solid Yellow Gold Weight: 12.07 Grams Ring Size: 8.0 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
Vintage Abstract Ring Diamond Red Enamel Cultured Pearl Sz 6 Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish abstract diamond and cultured pearl cocktail ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Georgian Star Sapphire Diamond Guilloche Enamel 14K Gold Ring Circa 1830
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Georgian Period cabochon star sapphire, diamond, cobalt blue guilloche enamel 14K gold ring.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold
18 Karat Gold Channel Set Baguette Diamond French Enamel Contemporary Band Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
A classic 18 karat gold baguette diamond contemporary band has a black and white french enamel accentuating the channel set diamond baguettes.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$3,760Sale Price / item|20% Off
Unisex 18k White Gold Art deco Diamond Enamel Cocktail Ring for Wedding
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Unisex 18k White Gold Art deco Diamond Enamel Cocktail Ring for Wedding featuring natural diamonds of 0.83 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Emerald 0.45 ct Green Translucent Enamel Ring 18kt Yellow Gold with 8 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Faceted Solitaire Emerald and Emerald Green Enamel Ring, 18kt Yellow Gold with 8 Diamonds total 0,06ct VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Enamel
2.5 Carat Natural Fancy Color Diamond And Enamel Blue Mamba Designer 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
An intricate ring hand made in Hong Kong consisting of 2.5 carat of natural fancy color diamonds and Blue enamel is set in 18K gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Art Deco Style Sugar Loaf Aquamarine Gold Diamonds Black Enamel Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
28 Carat Sugar Loaf Aquamarine cab ( 16,5 mm. x 13 mm.x17 mm.) ,12 round full cut diamonds of 0,05 ct. each,for total diamonds weight of 0,6 carat.4.7 grams of 14 kt. white gold,blac...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
22 Karat Gold Rose-Cut Diamond Ring Handcrafted with White Enamel Work
Located in Jaipur, IN
22 Karat Yellow Gold Rose-cut Diamond Ring with White Enamel Work Handcrafted This ingenious Mughal era hand-made Polki diamond ring with white enamel is breath-taking.
Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & Yellow Gold Black Enamel Swirl Design Pave Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Embellished with applications of black enamel. Diamonds: Embellished with a pave setting composed by 48 calibrated round brilliant cut diamonds, 1.92 carats, E/F color, VS-1 clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Antique Ring Blue Ribbon 0.7ctw Diamonds Enamel 18K solid Gold ØUS6.5 /2.74gr
Located in SE
Cobalt Blue Enamel, Diamonds on 18K Yellow Gold. Reminds closely ' Bagues de Firmament ' or " Rings of the Heavens" as the diamonds represent celestial bodies in the deep blue night ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Alex Jona White Diamond Red Enamel 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band set with white diamonds total carat 0.09 and red enamel.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
$19,840Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel and Diamond Rock Crystal Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb Yellow Gold Large Rock Crystal Black Enamel Hammered Ring Large rock crystal diamond ring by David Webb in yellow gold with black enameling.
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Alex Jona White Diamond Black Enamel 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band set with white diamonds total carat 0.09 and black enamel.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Rose Gold
Alex Jona White Diamond White Enamel 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band set with white diamonds total carat 0.09 and white enamel.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Alex Jona White Diamond Pink Enamel 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band set with white diamonds total carat 0.09 and pink enamel.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Alex Jona White Diamond Blue Enamel 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat rose gold ring band set with white diamonds total carat 0.09 and blue enamel.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Tourmaline & Diamond Ring With Pink Enamel Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:3.950g,D:0.16ct, Tour:0.89ct,Enam:0.06g,
Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Masriera Art Nouveau Enameled Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with VS Diamonds
By Masriera
Located in Miami, FL
An art nouveau enameled ring designed by Masriera. Colorful piece, created in Barcelona Spain by the jewelry designer Gloria Masriera for Masriera.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
La Nouvelle Bague 18kt White Gold Fiori Ring with Red Enamel and Diamond
By Nouvelle Bague
Located in New York, NY
The flower shaped ring is set with a reddish enamel and a single bezel set round brilliant diamond.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Diamond Eclipse 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Eclipse 14K Gold Enamel Solitaire Ring is a striking piece featuring natural diamonds and vibrant enamel accents.
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Set in 18K white Gold, Ruby, Tourmaline, Black Enamel & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, Art Deco style, Ruby, Tourmaline & Black Enamel Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Ring with enamel and single cut diamonds up to 0.45ct 18k white gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring decorated with blue enamel and set with single cut diamonds. 0.45ct – F/G – VS/SI - ring size U.S. 7.5 – EU. 17.75(56) detailed description: The top of the ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Diamond Enamel Multi-color Band Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond, 8 round brilliant cut 1.3 mm .08ctw FG color/ VS1-2 clarity Ring Size 6.75 Rise Off Of Finger: 1.9 mm Width: 2.4 mm Weight: 2 dwts. / 3.1 grams Metal: "750" SK...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$32,320Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18 Karat Gold Black Enamel Jade Diamond and Ruby Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb ring, jade and ruby ring, designer cocktail ring, diamond and enamel ring, luxury statement jewelry, fine jewelry investment, vintage David Webb, 18K gold and platinum rin...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel, Gold
La Nouvelle Bague Diamond & Black Enamel 18 Carat Gold Wide Band Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Above and below the enamel bands, softly contoured rows of pavé set round brilliant cut diamonds, with an approximate total combined weight of 0.60ct, are set into the warm gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Columbian Emerald, Diamond & Enamel Flower Motif Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 Indulge in the exquisite elegance of this Colombian emerald and diamond cocktail ring, a masterpiece of timeless beauty and bold design.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
CARL DAU ring with blue enamel and brilliant cut diamond 18k gold and steel
Located in The Hague, ZH
CARL DAU – Steel ring with an 18k yellow gold top set with brilliant-cut diamonds up to 0.10 ct, decorated with blue enamel – F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 9.25 - EU 19.25(60) Detailed...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Steel
$1,958Sale Price|20% Off
Hidalgo 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Jacket with Red Enamel Insert Ring Set
By Hidalgo
Located in Houston, TX
With a red enamel insert ring.
Diamond, 18k 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.”
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.