Victorian 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1900
Located in London, GB
This Victorian cluster ring features hallmarks dating to 1900. At its's centre sits an old cut ruby, claw set within gold and surrounded by a cluster of old cut diamonds. The ruby is...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,680Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Engagement Ring. Antique Ruby and Diamond 6 Stone 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 9 US, Resizable Color: J Color Overall Clarity: SI1-SI2 Overall Metal: Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Old European Cut, Round Cut Style: Victorian Th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Fred, Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1960
By Fred
Located in London, GB
Fred, ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set with twenty three round old cut natural unenhanced rubies in open back grain settings with an approximate combined weight of 4.50 carats, fur...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian period, this wonderful daisy cluster features a central ruby surrounded by a cluster old cut diamonds. The vibrant natural ruby is an old cut stone weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco style 1.42 carat diamond ruby platinum cluster swirl ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dramatic interpretation of Art Deco glamour, this captivating platinum cluster ring centers on a commanding 1.42 carat old European cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian 0.80ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A deep red ruby takes centre stage in this Victorian cluster ring. The old cut ruby is 0.80 carat and surrounded by a ring of sparkling diamonds. The old cut diamonds total 0.70 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco 1930s 1.50 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 1.50 carats, G color, VS clarity, accented by Old European cut Diamonds and French cut Rubies. Circ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian era, this hand made ring is made up of two rubies and three diamonds. The centre old cut diamond weighs 0.35 carat, with the two diamonds at either end w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly exceptional ring that dates back to the Art Deco era. The ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold and platinum and features four perfectly matched old cut diamonds t...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Ruby Platinum and Gold Plaque Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco platinum and 14 karat ring with diamonds and rubies. The ring is designed in a classic platinum-on-gold plaque motif, with the 3 larger diamonds architecturally framed by...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Vintage 1940’s 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Bombe Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1940’s Fabulous, vintage Bombe shaped ring. Set with natural rubies & brilliant cut diamonds. Mounted on a yellow gold, split band....
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18KT and Platinum Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Lynchburg, VA
This ring is a part of our estate collection. It was purchased from a jeweler in Chartes, France. It features a yellow gold shank with a platinum head. The center stone is a round ru...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
C1820 18K Diamond Cluster Ring with a Ruby Center
Located in Baltimore, MD
Impressive silver set Georgian diamond cluster ring mounted in an 18K ornamental gold band and dating to 1820. The closed back is pierced with 2 open hand cut squares, an unusual det...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.30ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Edwardian trilogy ring features a vibrant red ruby at its centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds. The ruby is a 0.30 carat, old cut stone. The two diamonds are ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum Ring with 3 ct. Vivid Red Ruby & 3.26 ct. Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent Platinum Ring with Vivid Red Ruby &3.26 ct. Diamonds. Ruby looks lik 4.5 to 5 Ct ! Ruby: Natural Brilliant / Step Cut, Cushion shape, Vivid Red , Siam Ruby of 3 ct. Com...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby Diamond 18 karat Gold Three Eternity Rings
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A gorgeous set of three stackable full alliance ruby and diamond eternity rings. The center ring is a 14 karat gold eternity ring set with a row of calibrated rubies and the other tw...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring In Platinum, GIA Certified.
Located in New York, NY
This captivating ring centers on a vibrant, natural unheated Burmese ruby of exceptional color and clarity weighing approximately 1.50 carats , the octagonal step cut ruby radiates a...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Natural Unenhanced Marquise Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Antique marquise ruby and diamond ring. Vertically set to the centre with two round old cut diamonds in slightly raised open back rubover millegrain platinum settings, with a combine...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Artisan 18k Gold Ring with Diamonds, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires
Located in Antwerp, BE
3 Rings ,Diamonds, Emeralds, Ruby's, Sapphires. Amazing Colors and Quality Diamonds : 2.4 Ct Sapphires : 0.58 Ct Emeralds : 0.55 Ct Rubys : 0.57Ct Total Weight : 10.6 Gram
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$1,228Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Sapphire Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.13 ct. The diamond is has G-H color vvs-vs clarity. Totally is Sapphire and Ruby 0.30 carat. Ring size is US ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Peter Suchy .52 Carat Diamond Ruby Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond and sapphire engagement ring. EGL certified Old European round center diamond with a halo of calibre custom cut rubies in a platinum setting, with two diamonds on each side o...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.62 Ct Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, 1960 ca
Located in Napoli, IT
Marvelous mid century Diamond Ruby ring, 1960 ca. Hand crafted mount of solid 18 KT gold Platinum topped Elegant timeless design with center Ruby flanked by group of Diamonds between...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby Sapphire Diamond Victorian Gold Textured Signet Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian handmade late 1800's to early 1900’s signet style pinkie ring with textured top set with one round ruby, round diamond and a round sapphire, in a 14k yellow gold setting. ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Sparkling pink rubies and white diamonds make up this five stone ring. The centre ruby weighs 0.40 carat, whilst the two on either end each weigh 0.10 carat. They are natural stones,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Ring 8.75US / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Classic German cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and two natural Rubies.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.60ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian era, this unique target style ring features a stunning display of old cut diamonds and baguette cut rubies. At its centre sits a trio of diamonds sat ver...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1.35ct Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond & Ruby Stone Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 1.35ct Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: N 1/2
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified No Heat Burma Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
The ring is Victorian, circa 1890. It presents an old cut oval ruby with very good crystal accompanied by GIA report #2193963124, stating the ruby is 1.42 carats, Burma origin, with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A vibrant ruby proudly stands out in this platinum trilogy ring. The stunning ruby has a carat weight of 0.50 and is a round cut stone. Contrasting either side are a pair of sparklin...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18 Kt Yellow Gold Ruby & Tapered Baguette Cut Diamonds Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
YELLOW GOLDEN RING WITH RUBY, TAPERED BAGUETTE & BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS MATERIAL: 18 kt yellow gold WEIGHT: 5.3 grams / 0.185 oz / 3.40 dwt SIZE: eur 53 1/2 / us 6 3/4 ( Can be r...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS8/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with a row of natural Rubies, Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Victorian era, this carved shank ring showcases a pair of rubies, complemented by old cut diamonds. Each ruby is an old cut gem weighing 0.20 carat. The middle pair of ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcraft Diamonds 9 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, 9k Gold
Victorian 1.00 Ct Natural Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamond 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Statement A Charming rectangular shaped classy Victorian period ring, 1890 ca Hand crafted as unique during the time of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped The lovely rectangular hea...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an impressive Art Deco ruby and diamond navette ring. At the centre of an open marquise-like shaped design we find three milgrain set old cut diamonds in a diagonal line form...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Square Faceted Content 0.38 carat Diamond Quality: Colour (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) SI2 Cut Old European Content 0.70 carat Number of D...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Flip over Ruby Sapphire Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Art Deco flip over eternity Ring, handmade in 18k white gold around 1930. It is set with calibré cut rubies and sapphires and with round cut diamonds. The shank of the ring...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold 1.25 Carat Diamond and Ruby Retro Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This fabulous large scale platinum over 14 karat rose gold retro ring weighs 7.4 grams. It contains a stunning European cut diamond mounted in a bezel setting, with a carat weight o...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Double Target Ring in Platinum
By Susannah Lovis
Located in London, England
A beautiful Art Deco inspired diamond and ruby double target ring set in platinum. The ring is predominantly set with a sparkly round old-cut diamond in a bezel setting. Surrounding...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This delightful Edwardian cluster ring features a vibrant 0.40 carat old cut ruby, at it’s centre. Surrounding the ruby, a sparkling halo of old cut diamonds totals 0.40 carats, with...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$1,887Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 1.28 carat. Ring size is US 4.3 We c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,914Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Ruby Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 13.3 grams. Totally is diamond about 2.38 ct. The diamond is has G color and vvs-vs-s1. Totally is ruby about 6.20 ct. Ring size is US 7 We ca...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$2,106Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 carat. The diamond is has G color and vs clarity. Totally is ruby about 0.90 carat. Ring size is US 7 (We...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Heirloom Engagement Ring. Antique Ruby and Diamond 6 Stone 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 9 US, Resizable Color: J Color Overall Clarity: SI1-SI2 Overall Metal: Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Old European Cut, Round Cut Style: Victorian Th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Emerald Fede Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th Century Victorian Fede ring featuring a trio of a ruby, diamond and an emerald. A Fede ring is a name for a ring featuring clasped hands symbolizing love, friendship or ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
18kt Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, 0.15 ct Ruby, 0.25 ct, 4 Grams
Located in Viena, Viena
this ring will look so pretty on your hands, a pinkish red Ruby of 0.15 ct surrounded by fullcut diamonds approx. 0.25 ct, W (white) / SI (small inclusion), 18 kt yellow gold, brilli...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Swallow Ring with Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This antique Diamond Enamel Swallow started life as a brooch, which I converted to a ring. This is black enamel on 14K Yellow Gold and set with old mine cut and rose cut Diamonds. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Unheated Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique, Unique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring Untreated, unheated (No clarity enhancement/ No heat enhancement) Burmese 0.94 carats Ruby (Mogo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.00 Carat Total Diamond and Ruby Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
A lovely old cut diamond is encircled by two halos, one of rubies and one of diamonds. The centre diamond is 0.20 carat, and is rub over set. It is graded as F to G colour and VS cla...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond and ruby ring has a classic Art Deco style target design ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This chic Art Deco style ring features a 1.5 carat diamond surrounded by a glamorous octagonal double halo of vibrant diamonds and rich red rubies. Highlights: - Substantial 1.51 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian era Diamond and Ruby Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910s Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct gold and platinum Edwardian era ring, a true testament to the elegance of th...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$2,720Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.75 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.60 ct. Ring size is us 7 We can make ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,842Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 4.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.55 carat. The diamond is has F-G color and vs-vvs clarity. Totally is Ruby 0.42 carat. Ring size is US 6 . We c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.25 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Ruby Oval Platinum Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The old European-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.25 carats, framed by French calibré-cut rubies within an oval border of small old European-cut diamonds, mounted in platinum. ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$2,369Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.68 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is ruby 0.80 ct. Ring size is US 7.25 We can ma...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Retro Diamond and Ruby 14K Rose Gold Ring, circa 1940s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At its center is a captivating old European cut diamond weighing 1.70 carats, with a soft M color and VS-2 clarity, exuding a pleasing, vintage glow that captures the light beautiful...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
$1,050Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.20 ct. Ring size is US 6 We can ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.