Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Features a stunning oval Ceylon sapphire at the center, surrounded by a halo of sparkling diamonds. The diamonds add brilliant twinkle and enhance the rich blue hue of the sapphire, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An oval Ceylon sapphire set in a sleek bezel, showcasing its rich blue hue. The center is flanked above and below by French-cut Ceylon sapphires, adding symmetry and depth. Sparkling...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brilliant round diamond at the center, flanked by vibrant French cut sapphires on the left and right. The design is further enhanced by additional diamonds, all framed in a bold ma...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Diamond and Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A dazzling marquise diamond takes center stage with captivating brilliance. Encircled by a halo of rich French-cut sapphires, the design creates a stunning contrast that highlights t...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Emerald and Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
The Diamond, Emerald, and Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring features a stunning round diamond at the center, beautifully encircled by vibrant emeralds. The design is further en...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Style Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This enchanting ring features a brilliant round diamond at the center, flanked by French cut emeralds shaped like graceful leaves. Each emerald leaf is accented at its center with a ...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
$1,540Sale Price / item|30% Off
Blue Topaz, Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Go
Located in Bangkok, TH
Crafted in yellow gold, this Blue Topaz Engagement Ring features an emerald-cut blue topaz complemented by sapphire and diamond accents in a refined Art Deco Engagement Ring design. ...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Tanzanite and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 14K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A two-tone gold vintage inspired Tanzanite and Diamond Engagement Ring. This gorgeous antique style elongated ring features charming blue tanzanite at approx. 1.10 carat and diamonds...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Filigree Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Art Deco–style ring is a striking celebration of timeless elegance and bold design. A captivating Ceylon sapphire sits at the center, glowing with rich, velvety blue brilliance....
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An oval Ceylon sapphire sits in a sleek bezel at the center, radiating deep, captivating blue. It is encircled by sparkling round diamonds, while French-cut sapphires and additional ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Ruby and Dimond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous Opal shines at the heart of this Art Deco–inspired ring, capturing light with every movement. Surrounding it, French-cut Rubies form a rich, vibrant middle layer, while sp...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Filigree Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A captivating blend of elegance and artistic charm. A brilliant round diamond takes center stage, encircled by French-cut blue sapphires that create a striking contrast. Inspired by ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Aquamarine Onyx and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A serene aquamarine shines at the center, surrounded by sparkling diamonds that enhance its luminous charm. Sleek onyx accents add striking contrast, lending the piece a sense of str...
Onyx, Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Floral Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A round blue sapphire at its center, symbolizing elegance and timeless beauty. Surrounding it are dazzling diamonds, gracefully arranged to form delicate flower petals. Additional sa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning yellow sapphire at the center, beautifully accented by diamonds set at the four corners, creating a striking geometric design. The vibrant yellow sapphire combined with th...
Yellow Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire Blue Topaz Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Captivating Art Deco–inspired ring showcasing a pink sapphire in an elegant Asscher cut at its center, exuding soft yet vibrant brilliance. Surrounding it, four square-cut blue topaz...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Style Engagement Ring in 18K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A captivating Ceylon sapphire at its center, radiating a deep, rich blue hue. Surrounded by a sparkling diamonds, the design adds a touch of vintage glamour and sophistication. The g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Pink Tourmaline Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Romantic and radiant, this Art Deco-style engagement ring is a celebration of bold elegance and timeless charm. At its heart, a luscious oval pink tourmaline glows in a sleek bezel s...
Diamond, Ruby, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Three stone Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brimming with vintage charm, this Art Deco three-stone ring dazzles from every angle. Three sparkling round diamonds take center stage, exuding timeless brilliance. French-cut rubies...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Opal Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Target Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous round opal, prong-set at the center to reveal its ethereal glow. It’s encircled by vivid French-cut emeralds, forming a rich green halo, while an outer diamond frame adds ...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ceylon Blue Sapphire with Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Go
Located in Bangkok, TH
The captivating oval Ceylon blue sapphire is elegantly set in a prong setting at the center, surrounded by a dazzling frame of diamonds. The step shoulder design, adorned with additi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Topaz Ruby and Diamond Art Deco Style Target Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A dazzling ode to Art Deco glamour, this ring features a narrow emerald-cut Blue Topaz glowing at its heart. Surrounding it, a vivid layer of French-cut rubies adds a bold, passionat...
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,537Sale Price|20% Off
18K Ring Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Cluster Ring by Pass Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18k Ring Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Cluster Ring By Pass Ring 18k solid Rose gold ring. Round diamonds illusion set extraordinary adorned by brilliant diamonds composite sett...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
$2,058Sale Price|20% Off
18k Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Round Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18K Ring White Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Round Ring 18K Solid White Gold halo Ring. Round shape intense color Zambian emerald, extraordinary gemstone ring ador...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold
$1,987Sale Price|20% Off
18k Ring 2 Tone Ring White & Yellow Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18k Ring 2 Tone Ring White & Yellow Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Rounds Ring 2 Tone Gold Fancy Ring Diamond Baguette Ring An 18K 2 tone, solid White / Yellow Gold...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,026Sale Price|20% Off
18k Ring Solid Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Oval Ring Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18k Ring Solid Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Oval Ring Gold Fancy Ring This 18K solid white Gold Emerald / Diamond contemporary ring. The fine Quality gold fini...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Rose Gold
$2,530Sale Price|20% Off
18k Ring Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Fancy Gold Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18k Ring Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Fancy Gold Diamond Ring A fashion Art Nouveau ring is fully paved with brilliant-cut diamonds set in stunning 18K Rose gold. Sculptural ar...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
$2,672Sale Price|20% Off
18k Ring 2 Tone Ring White & Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring 2 Tone Gold Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18k Ring 2 Tone Ring White & Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring 2 Tone Gold Ring A fashion Art Nouveau ring is fully paved with brilliant-cut diamonds set in stunning 18K solid gold, ...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
$2,464Sale Price|20% Off
18k Ring 2 Tone Ring White & Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Blue Sapphire Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18k Ring 2 Tone Ring White & Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Blue Sapphire Ring Blue Sapphire Cushion Ring 2 Tone Gold Ring 18k solid 2 tones, White/Rose gold halo ring. Rou...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Gold, Rose Gold
$1,556Sale Price|20% Off
14k Ring Solid Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Oval Ring Gold
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
14K Ring Solid Gold Ring Diamond Ring Emerald Ring Emerald Oval Ring Gold Fancy Ring This 14K solid Gold Emerald / Diamond contemporary ring. The fine Quality gold finishing wi...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$77Sale Price / item|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Turquoise Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Turquoise, Silver
$63Sale Price / item|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Citrine Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Citrine, Silver
Silver925 Natural Lemon Quartz Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, highlightin...
Quartz, Silver
$100 / item
Silver925 Natural Onyx Vintage Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, highlightin...
Onyx, Silver
Silver925 Natural Amethyst Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Amethyst, Silver
Silver925 Natural Amethyst Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Amethyst, Silver
$112Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Amethyst Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Amethyst, Silver
$1,622Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ring, Square Shaped Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This beautiful Diamond Handmade Ring in 18k Solid gold is featured with a natural diamond Handset by a master setter of Oshi Jewels. Consisting of 54 pieces of sparkly diamond with a...
Diamond, White Gold
$100 / item
Silver925 Natural Red Carnelian Vintage Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, highlightin...
Carnelian, Silver
$100 / item
Silver925 Natural Green Agate Vintage Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, highlightin...
Agate, Silver
Silver925 Natural Red Carnelian Vintage Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, highlightin...
Carnelian, Silver
Silver925 Natural Green Agate Vintage Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, highlightin...
Agate, Silver
$140 / item
Silver925 Natural Onyx Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Onyx, Silver
Silver925 Natural Amethyst Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Amethyst, Silver
$63Sale Price / item|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Lemon Quartz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Quartz, Silver
Silver925 Natural Blue Topaz Vintage Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, highlightin...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver
Silver925 Natural Blue Topaz Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Lemon Quartz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Quartz, Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Citrine Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Citrine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$63Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Citrine Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Citrine, Silver, Sterling Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Garnet Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silver925 Natural Citrine Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Citrine, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silver925 Natural Smoke Quartz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Quartz, Silver
Silver925 Emerald Cubic Zirconia Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Emerald, Silver
Silver925 Ruby Cubic Zirconia Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Zircon, Ruby, Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Ruby Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Ruby, Silver, Sterling Silver
$70Sale Price / item|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Citrine White Topaz Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Citrine, Topaz, Silver
$56Sale Price / item|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Emerald White Topaz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Emerald, Topaz, Silver
$70Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Natural Lemon Quartz Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Quartz, Silver, Sterling Silver
$126Sale Price|30% Off
Silver925 Garnet Cubic Zirconia Vintage Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style filigree ring is crafted from 925 sterling silver, featuring intricate openwork that captures timeless charm. Delicate lines create depth and graceful movement, hi...
Garnet, Silver, Sterling Silver
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.