18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1930s French, Diamond and Ruby Cross Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cocktail Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum- French Hallmarked Circa 1930s Step into the elegance of the 1930s with this stunning Art Deco cocktail ring, a true masterpiece ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing band ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central sapphire surrounded by a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
French 1940s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Voluminous tank ring, it is decorated in its center with an emerald-cut ruby, with two rows of rose-cut diamonds and two rows of calibrated synthetic rubies on either side, in stagge...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with four central coral surrounded by a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Lapis, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central lapis surrounded by rubies and diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by four coral, diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
French 19th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
This magnificent antique ring features an engraved fleur-de-lis motif at the base of the band, holding a brilliant-cut antique diamond and a round ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mauboussin Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, French, circa 1929
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Mauboussin Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set to centre with a rectangular step cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 0.91...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Garnet, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central garnet surrounded by leaves studded with diamonds and flowers of rubies.
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Band Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a band of diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Pearl, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by a flower of rubies and diamonds.
Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 6.4 Carat in 18 Carat White Gold and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Ring 6.4 carat ruby in 18 carat white gold with diamonds 18-carat white gold ring set in its center with a large claw-set ruby weighing 6.4 carats, flanked on either side by two ba...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stone, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central flower of diamonds and a central ruby on a stone surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Retro French Ruby and Diamond Tie Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Circa 1950
Located in Vannes, FR
Elegant French retro ring in 18 karat yellow gold, featuring a distinctive tie (cravate) design from the style1940s–1950s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by rubies and leaves studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by a frame of leaves and flowers studded with rubies and diamonds.
Topaz, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three central sapphires surrounded by a frame of diamonds, rubies and little sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by petals of rubies and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$56,320Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 18K Yellow Gold Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant ruby and diamond ring by Cartier, crafted in 18K yellow gold and bearing French hallmarks, indicative of Cartier’s Parisian production.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Sapphire, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted, in the central part, with a flower of sapphire and rubies, surrounded by diamonds.
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Elegant 18K Gold Filigree Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Crafted from 18K solid gold and weighing 4.10 grams, this exquisite ring showcases masterful openwork craftsmanship. The design features a stunning combination of small and large gen...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Pearls, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds, pearls and rubies.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Eternity 18K Gold Alternate Ruby Diamond Band. French and Round Cut Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
The gemstones are bezel set in a continuous arrangement, creating a refined balance between the rich color of the rubies and the sparkle of the diamonds. Delicate milgrain detailing...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Amethyst, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central amethyst surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamonds and Ruby 5.01 Carat
Located in Paris, FR
Ring in 18 Carat yellow Gold setting in its center a large Ruby set with Claws weighing 5.01 Carats supported on each side by a Shuttle cut Diamond Dimension 8 x 4.5 mm or approxi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amethysts, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with two amethysts and two rubies surrounded by a frame of diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ring Ruby Sapphire circa 1950 Yellow Gold 18 Carat, Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Lovely 1950s ring drawing a knot of twisted 18 Kt (750°/ooo) yellow gold wires set with lines of sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central tipaz surrounded by little topaz and flowers and leaves of diamonds and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Amethyst, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central amethyst with two flowers of rubies for each side and, between of them, diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian French 3.45 carat total weight diamond and ruby 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning Victorian French ring features five sparkling old European cut diamonds and richly hued oval cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by rubies and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Turquoise, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with two central flowers of turquoise paste surrounded by two flowers of rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central flower of coral paste surrounded by diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Sapphire Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Made from 18-karat gold and weighing 9.2 grams, it bears the French state hallmark.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three rubies surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Bear Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing bear ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with two rubies ans eyes.All the body is studded with fancy diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique 0.73ct Diamond and Ruby 18k Rose Gold Snake Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.73 carat diamond and 0.03 ruby, 18 karat rose gold snake ring; part of our diverse antique snake jewellery collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
beautiful yellow gold flower ring with rubies and diamond
Located in Berlin, BE
Behold a dreamlike creation, a 14-karat yellow gold ring that exudes unrivaled elegance and grace. This enchanting ring is a masterpiece of refinement, boasting a motif that showcase...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,188Sale Price|20% Off
French Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond and Ruby Ring Platinum & Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
• Condition: Good used condition, professionally cleaned and polished • Materials: French platinum and 18ct yellow gold • Weight: 2.5 grams • Ring Size: N (UK) / 9 1/4 (US) • B...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, 1920s Ruby & Diamond, Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Buckle Ring 18ct Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct and platinum cocktail ring, a true embodiment of the Art Deco era.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Authentic antique jewel - French work from the 20th century. Our opinion : Feminine and original, this antique ruby diamond ring would make a lovely engagement ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French 1950s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Asymmetrical Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The top of this tank ring is asymmetrical, set on the roll with a row of calibrated verneuil rubies in the center of two rows of 8/8 cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum 3 Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Magnificent, this ruby-diamond ring is set with claws on the top of an oval ruby surrounded on the top and bottom by 2 x 3 modern brilliant-cut diamonds also set with claws. 3 rings ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Braided Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels ring showcases a stunning braided design, adorned with vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds set in radiant 18k yellow gold. A testament to the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 18 kt rose gold and white gold structure mounted with a central flower of rubies and a diamond and, on white gold, diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
French Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful emerald, ruby, and diamond yellow gold ring by Van Cleef & Arpels.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby
Marchak Cabochon Emerald, Carved Ruby and Diamond Ring, French, circa 1950
By Marchak
Located in London, GB
Marchak cabochon emerald, carved ruby and diamond ring. Set centrally with a round cabochon natural emerald with no colour enhancement in an open back rubover setting with an approxi...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Turtle Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion turtle ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with diamonds on the head, tail and legs.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Fly Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion fly ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a sapphire on the head, a ruby as body and wings are studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Yellow gold half-eternity ring with diamonds and rubies, 18K
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Description — Elegant yellow-gold demi-alliance set with alternating diamonds and rubies, this ring combines classic refinement with a touch of color.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Solid Gold
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Solid Gold Marquise cluster ring featuring a vivid natural ruby framed by glittering old cut diamonds. Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, this antique...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Coral, Tsavorite, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing band ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by flowers and leaves studded with tsavorite, diamonds, and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 3.5 grams Ring Size: Q (58) Band Width: 1.5mm Face Dimensions: 23mm x 10mm Ruby Dimensions: 52 (1mm) Total Old Cut Diamond Weight: Approx. 1.00ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphires, Emeralds, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three sapphires surrounded by diamonds, emeralds and rubies.
Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
1880s French natural fancy yellow diamond, Old Mine cut diamond and ruby ring
Located in London, GB
This delicate 1880s ring carries the French Assay mark. It has a central fancy yellow Old Mine cut diamond of approximately 1 carat and is surrounded by approximately 1.1 carat of Ol...
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Duchess Ring 18K Gold Rose Cut Diamonds and Rubies
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This refined antique Duchess ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold (750‰) and exemplifies the elegance of late 19th to early 20th century jewelry design. The composition features ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Coral, Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central coral surrounded by a frame of two flowers of coral, sapphires, rubies and diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Coral, Topaz, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central tipaz surrounded by four flowers of coral, diamonds and rubies.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, 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.