18k Solid White Gold Halo Diamond and Blue Sapphire Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue sapphire three-stone engagement ring with halo of diamonds set in 18k gold which perfectly goes with your personality.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Vintage Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
This Vintage Estate Engagement Wedding Ring is Set with a natural Colombian emerald, oval cut, medium green color, and very good clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.45ct Diamond Halo Solitaire Engagement Ring In Platinum
Located in London, GB
The main stone is a natural round diamond with an excellent cut grade and a G colour grade. The diamond is set in 18ct white gold with a band width of 2-2.5. 0.45ct Antique Diamond...
Diamond, Platinum
18k Solid White Gold Natural Diamond and Oval Deep Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Deep Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring Set in 18K Gold featuring natural sapphire of 1.09 carats and diamonds of 0.34 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine 1.68 Cts Tanzanite and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Solid Rose Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Genuine Tanzanite and Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural tanzanite of 1.68 carats and diamonds of 0.07 carats.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.83 Ct Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Band Ring in 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
2.83 Ct Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural blue sapphire of 2.83 carat and diamonds of 0.51 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat White Gold, Singular 3.2mm Brilliant-Cut Diamond, Size 8 Wedding Set
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Both bands are approximately 1.5mm in width with the second wedding band having an indent in it's form allowing it to fit perfectly against the engagement ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$609Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Round Diamond Square Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Style Name : Contemporary Ring type : engagement ring. Material : 14KT White Gold Gold Weight : 2.84 g Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 36...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$609Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Round Diamond Square Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Style Name : Contemporary Ring type : engagement ring. Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 2.84 g Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 3...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural 1ct Orange Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
1.02 Carat Oval Diamond Halo Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Oval diamond halo two tone engagement ring. This ring is set with a 1.02ct oval diamond center stone that is acccented by a halo of twelve full cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Angara Natural Round Blue Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Classic Round Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Opal, Gold
$19,802Sale Price|20% Off
Engagement Ring Emerald Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
The eagle head and master hallmarks attest to the superior quality of this ring, which is a true masterpiece of jewellery. This solitaire engagement ring is an ideal choice for a pro...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Round 1.12 ct Aquamarine and Diamond Engagement ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Round London Blue Topaz and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Angara Natural Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Angara Natural Round 1.4ct Peridot and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold
14k Solid Gold Matching Couples Rings His Her Brushed Wedding Band Couple Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Matching Couples Rings His Her Brushed Wedding Band Couple Ring. Total Carat Weight 0.24 & Under Base Metal Yellow Gold Band Style Bands without Stones His Band Width ...
Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Unisex Gold Engagement Ring, Vintage Design, Good Condition
By Tresor Collection
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Crafted in luminous 18K yellow gold, the Scarlet Ruby Radiance Ring from Tresor Collection’s Flora line pairs timeless romance with contemporary organic design. The ring showcases a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold 2-1/3 Carat Diamond Cluster Chevron Shaped Band Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, this two-tone diamond engagement and wedding ring set features 2.3 carat total weight of diamonds with a whopping 63 individual stones.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,900Sale Price|30% Off
14kt 1.03ct Natural Round Brilliant Diamond Wedding Set, GIA Certified, F VS2
By The Benchmark Collection
Located in San Diego, CA
Benchmark makes quality wedding rings in the United States. This wedding set is beautiful and timeless; very well-made.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Halo Ring 14K White Gold 1.14 TDW Engagement
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This amazing estate diamond halo engagement or wedding ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Synthetic Emerald Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
As an engagement ring, the Emerald green gemstone embodies the promise of a flourishing and ever-evolving relationship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Halo Diamond Platinum Marquise Turquoise Australian Opal Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Metal- 90% Platinum, 10% Iridium. Stones- Center Features an Oval Fiery Australian Opal Cabochon Cut 12 x 10 MM 2.20-2.50 Carats, Four Marquise Turquoise,...
Opal, Platinum
0.28 Carat Marquise Cut Natural Diamond Gypsy Engagement Ring
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A one-of-a-kind narrow gypsy ring crafted by Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California, featuring a 0.28 carat marquise cut natural diamond. The diamond is set flush in an 18K yel...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.30 Carats 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Its understated yet elegant design makes it the perfect choice for an engagement, a promise ring, or a token of affection for your beloved.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.30 Carats 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Its understated yet elegant design makes it the perfect choice for an engagement, a promise ring, or a token of affection for your beloved.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.26 Carats 18 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Its understated yet elegant design makes it the perfect choice for an engagement, a promise ring, or a token of affection for your beloved.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Handcraft Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Add a touch of timeless elegance to your jewelry collection with this exquisite eternity band, crafted in luxurious 18K white gold. The ring features a classic circular band design,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,200Sale Price|30% Off
Scott Kay Platinum 1.00 Carat Round Brilliant Center Stone Diamond Wedding Set
By Scott Kay
Located in San Diego, CA
Designer Scott Kay Platinum Wedding set with a 1.00ct Round Brilliant Center Stone Diamond Wedding Set.
Diamond, Platinum
Georgian Entwined Heart Ring Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Antique Engagement Ring 1820
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a magnificent entwined Heart and Bow Antique Georgian Wedding Engagement Ring with gorgeous pearls and sparkling antique Rose Cut Diamonds set in silver atop 18 Karat Gold...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$756Sale Price / item|40% Off
0.5 ct princess moissanite engagement ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
0.5 ct princess moissanite engagement ring in 14k gold. 14K Gold Double Shank Princess Solitaire Wedding Ring. 14k Gold Moissanite Half Eternity Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$801Sale Price / item|25% Off
1 ct Marquise moissanite engagement ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
Stacked Moissanite Ring. Bezel set moissanite ring. Double Band Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini Platinum White Diamonds Infinity Unisex Engagement Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Details : Rossella Ugolini Platinum wedding ring, with Diamond bezel setting Oval diamond ring for Unisex Engagement Ring the best Infinity symbol jewelry Made in Italy
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.5 ct Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Vintage 1.5 ct Round Moissanite Engagement 14k Gold Ring. Art Deco Moissanite wedding ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Curved Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, 0.16ct Diamond, India
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Refined Radiance. Vintage Glamour. A Ring of Timeless Elegance. Delicately crafted with nine bezel-set diamonds, this curved wedding band features a 3 mm round brilliant center diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.27 carats 18 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This minimalist white diamond ring embodies understated elegance with its simple cluster set design and accented shanks, making it an ideal choice for both everyday wear and thoughtf...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.27 carats 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This minimalist white diamond ring embodies understated elegance with its simple cluster set design and accented shanks, making it an ideal choice for both everyday wear and thoughtf...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
La Eternidad - N1 Australian Black Opal Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Ring 0.25 cts 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This minimalist Yellow diamond ring embodies understated elegance with its simple cluster set design and accented shanks, making it an ideal choice for both everyday wear and thought...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1930-40’s .58ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Full of sparkle and bling, the double banded shoulders with 10 diamonds on this ring gives a ton of flash! It would make a perfect engagement or wedding ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Natural 8.33ct Ruby Ring in 18K Gold, 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.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Angara Natural 1 ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold
Peridot Art Deco Style Filigree Engagement Ring in 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Hexagonal openwork framing defines this Peridot Engagement Ring, showcasing a round cut peridot set within a warm 9K yellow gold band.
Peridot, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
GIA Certified 9.40 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Provident
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Delicately handcrafted by the master artisans of Provident Jewelry in platinum, this exceptional ring showcases a magnificent GIA-certified elongated cushion cut diamond weighing an ...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Synthetic Ruby Colour Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
As an engagement ring or an Anniversary Ring the synthetic ruby red color serves as a powerful symbol of the couple's deep and passionate love for each other.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georgian Ruby Ring Rose Cut Diamond Halo 18 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Georgian - Victorian Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring with a gorgeous natural Ruby of stunning beauty surrounded by a halo of 10 sparkling antique Rose Cut Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$3,762Sale Price / item|20% Off
0.82 ct SI Clarity Marquise Diamond Ring 18k White Gold Engagement Band Ring
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Whether chosen as a unique engagement ring, anniversary gift, promise ring, or elegant addition to a fine jewelry collection, its versatile design complements any style.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.49 Carat Tiffany & Co Lucida Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
A 0.49 Carat Tiffany & Co Lucida diamond platinum engagement ring. From the Tiffany & Co ‘Lucida’ collection, this beautiful solitaire engagement ring is set with a 0.49 carat Luci...
Diamond, Platinum
$9,839Sale Price / set|20% Off
GIA Diamond 2 Carat Solitaire & Diamond Wrap Band Rose & White Gold Wedding Set
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The unique, bold engagement ring and wedding band set are a one of a kind design that has been crafted with precious metals and genuine, natural diamonds!
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$13,393Sale Price|30% Off
Wedding Band In 18-Carat White Gold Set With Diamonds Totaling 3.330-Carat
Located in Vannes, FR
This breathtaking 18-carat gold wedding band is a true gem of jewelry, adorned with diamonds all around. With a total of 22 oval-cut, G-color diamonds of SI clarity, this ring sparkl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.68 Ct Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring 18K White Gold Wedding Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Celebrate life's most meaningful moments with this elegant natural diamond eternity-style band, expertly handcrafted in luxurious 18K white gold. Featuring a row of brilliant round n...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
TJD 0.50 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14KT White Gold Solitaire Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Express your love for her in the most classic way with this solitaire engagement ring. Beautifully crafted by our inhouse experts in 14 karat white gold and embellished with 39 brill...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.01tcw 18K Colombian Emerald-Oval Cut & Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This ring is simply perfect and will match with any wedding band due to its style.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
TJD 1.20 Carat Natural Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite diamond wedding band is a symbol of enduring love and commitment. The ring is crafted from 14 karat gold in your choice of white, rose, or yellow, and features 43 roun...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 1.0 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
A sophisticated blend of classic beauty and modern design, this diamond wedding band is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold with a refined, radiant finish. The ring showcases 32 natural ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$693Sale Price / item|25% Off
East west Horizontal Baguette Cut Moissanite Engagement 14k gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
East west Horizontal Baguette Cut Moissanite Engagement 14k gold Ring. Channel Bezel Set Straight Baguette Cut Wedding Band. 4 Stone Bricks Baguette Cut Moissanite Wedding Band.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, 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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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.