2.08 Carat Round Baguette Diamond 18k White Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Set full circle for uninterrupted sparkle from every angle, this band makes a striking statement whether worn alone, stacked with other rings, or paired as a wedding band alongside a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 1.74ct TW Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fabulous Mid Century diamond engagement ring set with a combined total weight of 1.74 carat.
Diamond, Platinum
18k White Gold 4.76ctw Natural Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold 4.76ctw Natural Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring Style: 18k White Gold Natural Emerald Cut Diamond Channel-Set Eternity Band Material: 18k White Gold Gemstone D...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 2.80ctw Cushion Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
At 2.80 carats total across eight stones, this half eternity band works equally well as a standalone fashion piece, a right-hand ring, or a bold wedding band pairing alongside a soli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 7 #25127
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 7 This elegant eternity band features 31 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K white gold. Perfect for stacking, pairing wit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 6 #25141
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring Size 6 This elegant eternity band features 40 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K white gold. Perfect for stacking, pairing wit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring In Platinum Antique.
Located in London, GB
This exquisite engagement/wedding ring set from Halo features a stunning 4.85ct Sapphire Ceylon Chunky Diamond Cluster in Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Wren 10K Yellow Gold Emerald & Diamond Band, Dainty Gold Ring, May Birthstone
Located in Greeneville, TN
P E R F E C T ∙ G I F T 🎁 Beautifully packaged in a luxury jewelry box, this yellow gold emerald ring is a meaningful gift for: ✔ May birthdays (Emerald is the official birthstone ...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Vintage Style Filigree 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The sapphire is imbued with a royal blue color with lots of sparkle. This ring would make a perfect right hand ring or wedding/engagement ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 13k White Gold 0.48tcw Diamond Enhancer Ring Guard
Located in New York, NY
A vintage 14K white gold diamond enhancer ring guard designed to add brilliance and dimension to a solitaire or engagement ring. This elegant guard features an array of sparkling rou...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage BH Signed 14k White Gold 0.91tcw Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully balanced Vintage BH Signed 14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, designed with timeless sparkle and elegant simplicity. Crafted in 14K white gold, this ring features a r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Heaven's Chamber Ring in 14K Gold & Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
A stackable classic wedding band, featuring oval natural diamonds, set in half bezels.
Diamond, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Mixed-Cut Diamond Starburst Statement Ring
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
This piece is well suited for a range of meaningful occasions, including weddings, anniversaries, engagements, birthdays, and personal milestones.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1.60 Ct Mozambique Ruby Engagement Band Ruby Diamond Ring 14K Gold Channel Set
Located in Jaipur, IN
Product Details Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Natural Mozambique Ruby Ruby Weight: Approximately 1.60 Carats Ruby Setting: Channel Set Accent Gemstones: Natural Diamonds Diamond W...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Forever Half Circle Diamond Platinum Band Ring .91 ct 3.5mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in University Place, WA
Worn alone, it makes a striking wedding or anniversary band; stacked with an engagement ring, it adds a generous frame of brilliance.
Diamond, Platinum
Blue Topaz Vintage Style Seven Stone Band 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Lovely vintage inspired gold wedding band. Charming prong setting, set with seven bright and lively sky blue topaz, total weight approximately 1.4 carat.
Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold US 5.25 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
A ring from late 19th - early 20th cent. featuring rose cut Diamonds arranged in navette - shaped pattern. Eye -shaped Crown measures 17.5 mm x 7 mm x 5 mm deep. All stones have ope...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Zambian Emerald 1.5ct & Natural Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This Zambian Emerald and Natural Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring in 18 karat white gold has proven itself one of the collection's most coveted pieces — and it is immediately clear why. Th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 3.67cts Emerald & 2.79cts Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
The warm glow of gold enhances the gemstone’s soft, ocean-like hue, making this ring a timeless piece — perfect for special occasions or as a unique engagement and wedding ring.
Disney Enchanted Maleficent 14K Gold 2CT Black & White Diamond Ring Sz 4.25
By Walt Disney
Located in Addison, TX
Details Brand: Enchanted Disney Fine Jewelry Collection: Disney Villains – Maleficent Metal: 14K White Gold with Rose Gold Accents Purity: 14K Ring Size: 4.25 Ring Weight: 4.1 Grams ...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Rainbow Sapphire Ring in 14K Yellow Gold, 1.86 Carats, India
Located in jaipur, IN
The warm glow of gold enhances the gemstone’s soft, ocean-like hue, making this ring a timeless piece — perfect for special occasions or as a unique engagement and wedding ring.
Sapphire, 14k Gold
Rainbow Sapphire Ring in 14K Yellow Gold, 0.62 Carats, India
Located in jaipur, IN
The warm glow of gold enhances the gemstone’s soft, ocean-like hue, making this ring a timeless piece — perfect for special occasions or as a unique engagement and wedding ring.
Sapphire, 14k Gold
$410Sale Price / item|35% Off
14k Gold 0.11 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring Band
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
One of our most popular rings is this stunning Diamond eternity ring. These eternity bands are ideal for engagement or anniversary rings. 13 diamonds totaling 0.11 carats are set in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$451Sale Price / item|35% Off
18k Gold 0.11 Carat Diamond Half Eternity Ring Band
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
One of our most popular rings is this stunning Diamond eternity ring. These eternity bands are ideal for engagement or anniversary rings. 13 diamonds totaling 0.11 carats are set in ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, 15k Gold
1.67 Carat Round Cut Sapphire and Diamond Ring and Wedding Band 14 Karat Gold
Located in Greensboro, NC
Begin the next chapter of your unique love story with this stunning bridal set! Consisting of an engagement ring and a matching guard-style enhancer wedding band, this 14k white gold...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ring Eternity Band Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
That’s why platinum engagement rings and platinum wedding bands have been popular ever since.
White Diamond, Platinum
$1,420 / item
Oval Opal Halo Diamond Ring in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This is a perfect October Birthstone Ring. It can be a Bridal Shower Gift, Ring Gift, Gift For Sister, Mother Daughter Gift, Bride To Be Gift, Bridesmaid Gift, BFF Gift, Best Friend ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Forever Platinum 9-Stone Half Circle Round Diamond Band Ring 2.2mm
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
The slim 2.2mm profile keeps the ring comfortable for everyday wear, whether worn as a wedding band or a standalone stacking piece.
Diamond, Platinum
14k Yellow Gold 0.90tcw Diamond 2.7mm Eternity Band Ring Size 6
Located in New York, NY
This classic eternity band is finely crafted in 14K yellow gold and set with sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds encircling the entire band. The design offers a refined and timele...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Designed with square cut emerald set with diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to wear it on your wedding or style it with any of your basic outfit to give it a glam.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rachel Koen 1.25Cttw Diamond Engagement Ring Set 14K White Gold Size 8
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful bridal ring set is a combination of an engagement ring and a matching wedding band.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Multi Color Emerald, Ruby & Blue Sapphire 3 Rings in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
The warm glow of gold enhances the gemstone’s soft, ocean-like hue, making this ring a timeless piece — perfect for special occasions or as a unique engagement and wedding ring.
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Rainbow Sapphire Ring in 18K Gold, 7-8 Carats, Bezel Set, India
Located in jaipur, IN
The warm glow of gold enhances the gemstone’s soft, ocean-like hue, making this ring a timeless piece — perfect for special occasions or as a unique engagement and wedding ring.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Oval Cut Natural Diamond Bridal Ring Set 0.72 Carat 18K White Gold Wedding Band
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Details:- Item Code: SER-210253A Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Gross Weight: 3.62 Grams Natural Diamond Weight: 0.72 Carats Diamond Clarity: SI Diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Classic 18k Solid White Gold Round Cut Tanzanite Diamond Halo Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Round Cut Tanzanite Diamond Halo Ring Set in 18K Gold featuring natural tanzanite of 1.4 carats and diamonds of 0.39 carats.
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
From $3,952 / item
Spectrum 18k White Gold Mixed-Cut Diamond Open-Bypass Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Whether styled as a unique, modern wedding band or as a standout statement ring, this piece offers a perfect fusion of architectural structure and timeless elegance.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,558Sale Price / item|20% Off
Spectrum 14k White Gold Mixed-Cut Diamond Open-Bypass Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Whether styled as a unique, modern wedding band or as a standout statement ring, this piece offers a perfect fusion of architectural structure and timeless elegance.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tender Echos Eternity Band Ring in 14K Gold & Diamonds by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
A stackable classic wedding band, featuring marquise natural diamonds, prong set.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$3,072Sale Price|20% Off
1.6Ct Purple Sapphire Ring with Natural Diamond Halo: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 8x6mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural purple sapphire glows at the heart of this oval ring, wrapped in a brilliant halo of diamonds and set in solid 14K white gold. Untreated and softly romantic, its rosy color...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring SI/H Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring SI/H Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Jewelry features octagon cut emerald set with diamond halo around making a wedding ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring SI/H Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry features octagon cut emerald set with diamond halo around making a wedding ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.36 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.36 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold features oval cut blue sapphire set in center with diamond halo around it making a wedding ring.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
3.36 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
3.36 Carat Oval Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold features oval cut blue sapphire set in center with diamond halo around it making a wedding ring.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
From $2,548 / item
Spectrum 18k White Gold Pear-Cut Diamond Open-Bypass Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Make a bold statement with the Spectrum Pear-Cut Diamond Open-Bypass Ring. This sophisticated piece features an open-bypass silhouette, meticulously set with rows of high-brilliance,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spectrum 18k White Gold Marquise-Cut Diamond Cluster Bypass Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Make a bold statement with the Spectrum Marquise-Cut Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring. This sophisticated piece features an open-bypass silhouette, meticulously set with rows of high-bril...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,450Sale Price / item|20% Off
Spectrum 14k White Gold Marquise-Cut Diamond Cluster Bypass Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Make a bold statement with the Spectrum Marquise-Cut Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring. This sophisticated piece features an open-bypass silhouette, meticulously set with rows of high-bril...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
From $4,784 / item
Spectrum 18k White Gold Pear-Cut Diamond Cluster Bypass Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Make a bold statement with the Spectrum Pear-Cut Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring. This sophisticated piece features an open-bypass silhouette, meticulously set with rows of high-brillian...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
TJD 2.0 Carat Pear, Round & Baguette Diamond 14KT White Gold Cocktail Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Make your most special and precious day shine with this cocktail ring. Beautifully crafted by our inhouse experts in 14 karat white gold and embellished with 159 brilliant cut round ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Oscar Heyman 2.45 carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
Discover the timeless elegance of the Oscar Heyman Vintage Platinum Ring. This ring showcases 35 step-cut natural emerald diamonds, totaling approximately 2.45 carats. Each diamond, ...
Diamond, Platinum
From $2,746 / item
Natural 1.78 Carat SI/H Diamond Cluster Ring 14K White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Natural 1.78 Carat SI/H Diamond Cluster Ring 14K White Gold Fine Jewelry features mixed cut diamonds set in the double band style and one larger marquise set in the center.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Hand Engraved 18K White Gold Diamond Australian Opal Engagement Ring Bridal Set
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Latest of my creations, Diamond 18K White Gold Opal Bridal Set. A Beautiful Opal Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring with Matching Wedding Band.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.67 Carat SI/H Diamond Cluster Halo Flower Cocktail Ring 10k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
0.67 Carat SI/H Diamond Cluster Halo Flower Cocktail Ring 10k White Gold features baguette cut diamond set in the center of the round cut diamond petals making a statement flower coc...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
Rachel Koen Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Set 14K Yellow Gold 1.05Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful two piece set: engagement ring and wedding band for the price of one.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rachel Koen Diamond Womens Engagement Ring Set Platinum 18K Yellow Gold 2.31Cttw
Located in New York, NY
This 2 piece engagement ring set is crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Spectrum 18k White Gold Marquise-Cut Diamond Split-Shank Ring
Located in Deira, Dubai
Discover a perfect synthesis of modern architectural design and timeless luxury with the Spectrum Marquise-Cut Diamond Split-Shank Ring. This piece features a captivating, central ma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spectrum 14k White Gold Marquise-Cut Diamond Split-Shank Ring
Located in Deira, Dubai
Discover a perfect blend of modern architecture and timeless elegance with the Spectrum Marquise-Cut Diamond Split-Shank Ring. This piece features a striking, central marquise-cut na...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond & Synthetic Sapphire Engraved 1 Carat Platinum Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Stunning Antique Art Deco diamond & synthetic sapphire engagement ring. The band is platinum. This is a gorgeous ring with lovely engraving around the shoulders of the band...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Solitaire Natural Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ -A timeless design, perfect as a wedding band, anniversary ring, or stackable essential.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectrum 18K White Gold 1.81-Carat Marquise-Cut Diamond Leafy Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
🎁 Perfect Gift For: Gift for Her, Gift for Mom, Anniversary Gift, Wedding Gift, Birthday Gift, Bridal Jewelry Great for occasions like Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Y...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Spectrum 14K White Gold 1.81-Carat Marquise-Cut Diamond Leafy Statement Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
🎁 Perfect Gift For: Gift for Her, Gift for Mom, Anniversary Gift, Wedding Gift, Birthday Gift, Bridal Jewelry Great for occasions like Mother’s Day, Christmas, Thanksgiving, New Y...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White 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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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.