GIA 2.2ct Oval Chevron Halo Floral Filigree 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this diamond ring blends vintage charm and modern elegance, featuring a captivating 2.20-carat oval center sto...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.53ct Round Bezel Filigree Flower Engraved 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Round Carat: 1.53 Color: I Clarity: I1 Cut/Pol/Sym: EX/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.01ct Cushion Chevron Halo Floral Filigree 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, a stunning blend of vintage charm and modern elegance, this diamond ring features a captivating cushion 1.01 c...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.7ct Round Bezel Filigree Flower Engraved 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Round Carat: 1.7 Color: J Clarity: SI1 Cut/Pol/Sym: EX/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.01ct Oval Chevron Halo Floral Filigree 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, a stunning blend of vintage charm and modern elegance, this diamond ring features a captivating oval 2.01 cent...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.2ct Oval Chevron Halo Floral Filigree 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this diamond ring blends vintage charm and modern elegance, featuring a captivating 2.20-carat oval center sto...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.01 Carat Round Filigree Scroll Cathedral 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Round Carat: 2.01 Color: G Clarity: VS2 Cut/Pol/Sym: EX/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Yellow Diamond Filigree Dress Ring
By Jaipur Atelier
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Yellow Diamond Filigree Dress Ring. A stunningly beautiful dress ring featuring a yellow rose cut diamond of exceptional color and clarity in a modified pear cut set with brilliant c...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Oval Halo Filigree Basket 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Oval Carat: 1.51 Color: F Clarity: VS2 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/VG/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Oval Halo Filigree Basket 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Oval Carat: 1.01 Color: J Clarity: SI2 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.31 Carat Halo Emerald Filigree Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Radiating timeless elegance and sophistication, This exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone of emerald diamond weighing 1.31. Graded J and VS1 , this exquisite ge...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified 1.05 Carat Yellow Sapphire Diamond Gold Milgrain Filigree Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Art Deco Revival Round Halo Milgrain Filigree Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The Center Stone is a Round Yellow Sapphire 1.05 Carats The Sapphire is AGL Certified Heated T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
AGL Certified 0.97 Carat Yellow Sapphire Diamond Gold Milgrain Filigree Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Art Deco Revival Round Milgrain Filigree Ring The ring is 18K White Gold The Center Stone is a Round Yellow Sapphire 0.97 Carats The Sapphire is AGL Certified Heated There ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Emerald Halo Filigree Basket Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious yellow gold, the ring boasts a delicate basket setting adorned with filigree and openwork details along the perimeter, embodying exceptional craftsmanship.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Emerald Halo Filigree Basket Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in luxurious yellow gold , the ring boasts a delicate basket setting adorned with filigree and openwork details around the perimeter, embodying exceptional craftsmanship.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.35 Carat Round Halo Dome Filigree Trellis Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating centerpiece of a round diamond weighing 1.35 , set in a luxurious yellow gold band.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.2 Carat Halo Round Filigree Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Radiating sophistication, this striking diamond ring features a breathtaking center stone of round brilliance, weighing 2.2. Graded H a...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco-Style Marquise Yellow Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco-Style Marquise Yellow Diamond Filigree Ring Description: This elegant 18k white gold ring features a vivid marquise-cut yellow diamond at its center, framed by delicately e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 1...
Filigree Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14KT Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This 14KT yellow gold ring showcases a warm 0.92 carat round-cut yellow sapphire at its center, accented by 0.30 carats of round brilliant diamonds along the shoulders and in the fil...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond Engagement Ring. Diamond Filigree Ring Silver 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Georgian Era, Circa 1800 Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.80-Carats Jewelry Type: Cocktail Ring Jewelry Style: Elongated, Filigree Metal: Si...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Large Yellow Diamonds Ring 18 Karat Gold Diamond Cluster filigree
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Designer Filigree Yellow Diamond Ring. 18k Rose Gold approx weight 12.1 grams.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,500Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Dinner Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
The ring’s shoulders, adorned with a solitary solitaire diamond, add a refined contrast, perfectly complementing the filigree artistry.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring - 10k Single Floral Filigree
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 3 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .05ctw Cut: Sing...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,875Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Dinner Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.48 carat.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Aquamarine An Diamond Filigree "V" Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This stylized filigree "v" style ring is bezel set at the point with a pear shaped faceted, pale blue color aquamarine, approximately 1.03 CTS, and decorated wi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Three Stone Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K Yellow gold filigree ring with three diamonds set in white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s 14k Yellow Gold and Platinum Filigree Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
1920s 14k Yellow Gold and Platinum Filigree Diamond Ring - 14k yellow gold and platinum - .40 ct Euro cut SI1/SI2 Diamond - Size 5 This is a stunning ring from the 1920s made f...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Filigree Dome Diamond Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 9 diamonds including brilliant cut, old european cut and old mine cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~3.00 carats Diamond...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold Three-Stone Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Diamond Details: Weight- aprox 0.5 carats total weight Shape: Round Cut Color- H-I Clarity - SI1 Florescence - None Ring Details: Finger size - 9 Material - Yellow Gold Purity - 1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.90 Carat Diamond Carved Filigree Design Three-Stone Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Carved Filigree Leaf & Flower Design. The ring is 18K White & Yellow Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Exuding regal sophistication, this breathtaking Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Ring beautifully honors a luxurious Victorian era inspired aesthetic.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring - 14k Round .10ct Floral Filigree
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Design: Art Deco style filigree Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural D...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$900Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
An ode to elegance, this vintage-style filigree ring showcases three vertically set emeralds, their lush green tones drawing the eye like a forest in bloom.
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Vintage Style Filigree 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The ring is gently domed, complete with filigree on every surface, set with diamond accent and finished with milgrain detail work. The sapphire is imbued with a royal blue color with...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Brown Diamond Platinum Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring features two brown diamonds, weighing approximately 3.5 carats, of differing colors, one more medium yellowish and one more orangey brown. The stones are surrounded by smal...
Brown Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Fancy Pale Yellow Diamond Solitaire and Filigree Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An Old European cut fancy pale yellow diamond measuring approximately 0.50 carats, Q color VS clarity, shines at the center of this Art Deco solitaire ring complemented with fine fil...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Compass Filigree Halo 14K Yellow Gold Statement Symbol Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
A study in intricate design and golden elegance. This captivating ring features a stunning circular oval compass motif. The intricate latticework is adorned with sparkling diamonds, ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Filigree Ring & Diamond Cluster Center - Size 7.25
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This exquisite cluster ring showcases a captivating arrangement of diamonds set in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 6.06 Carat Intense Yellow Pear Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 6.06 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Gold Halo Filigree Shank and Pear Cut Diamond Side Stones.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Style Diamond Floral Diamond Shape Filigree 14K Yellow Gold Fleur Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Vintage design feminine ring of 14k yellow gold with white rhodium to highlight the diamonds. The diamond shaped outer border surrounds a central floral cluster design. Ring Informat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
1ctw Diamond Filigree Wide Band, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 5.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamonds round brilliant 1 - 1.2 mm approximately 1 total carat F-G color, VS2-SI1 clarity Ring Size: 5.5 Rise Off Of Finger: 2 mm Width: 13.4 mm Weight: 5.9 dwts/ 9.2 gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.30ct Natural Diamonds Filigree Curling Ring 14kt*
Located in New York, NY
Classic Filigree .30ct Natural Round Cut Diamonds. Vs-2 clarity H color. 14kt yellow gold 7.4 Grams Overall ring: 20mm wide Depth: 14mm Current ring size: 7 May profession...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,520Sale Price|40% Off
Art Deco 0.86ct Light Yellow Diamond Engraved Engagement Filigree Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A captivating old mine cut yellow diamond solitaire antique engagement ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Cluster Floral Leaves Filigree Vintage Style Yellow White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Floral and leaves openwork ring in two tone gold. Featured with twenty-four diamonds in bead setting, to a charming circle design with openwork flowers and leaves pattern, met to eit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
13K Yellow and White Gold Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Size 5 #24930
Located in Washington Depot, CT
13K Yellow and White Gold Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Size 5 This elegant ring features one round brilliant cut diamond set in beautifully detailed 13K yellow and white gold.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Filigree Elongated Marquise Ring
Located in Milford, DE
This elegant 14 karat yellow gold ring showcases an intricate filigree design in an elongated marquise silhouette. Light and airy, the lace-like openwork pattern features graceful lo...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Black Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Filigree Ring Band
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold Filigree Band Ring set with 0.25 carats of Black Diamonds.
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Vintage Filigree
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $35 Era: Art Deco Date: 1920s - 1930s Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,900 / item
Hand-Crafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Filigree Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Matte-Finished Hand-Crafted Filigree Ring, Accented with 0.05 Carats of Bezel Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Filigree Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Filigree Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finish Scallop-Edged Filigree Ring, Accented with 0.03 Carats of Bezel Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
EGL Certified 1.10 Carat Roung Diamond Yellow Gold Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1930's EGL Certified 1.10cts. diamond engagement ring, a dazzling embodiment of timeless elegance and romantic allure. This spectacular piece features a brilliant 1.10 carat round br...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Vintage Style Filigree 14K Yellow Gold Shield Ring
Located in Tysons, VA
Featuring a 0.12 carat emerald at the center and an ornate, vintage inspired design, this ring is fit for any outfit. The colorful center stone is accent by sparkling round cut white...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose cut Diamond Sapphire Antique Style Filigree Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This antique-style filigree ring features a luminous rose cut diamond at its center, glowing with soft, romantic brilliance.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Flower Filigree Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Flower Filigree Ring. A stunning vintage ring with a unique floral design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with beautiful n...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ostby Barton Yellow & White Gold Old Diamond Solitaire Filigree Work Dainty Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Single Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamond - 0.03ctw (approx.) Material: 14k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Top - Stamped 14k Weigh...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.4 Carat SI/H Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
0.4 Carat SI/H Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold features round cut diamond set in the filigree settings of the ring and making a dome band ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k 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.
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