Diamond, Ruby, 18 Karat White and Rose Gold Double Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful double-ring in 18k white and rose gold. This ring is realized with two rings one in 18k rose gold with a central ruby, and the other one made in 18k white gold with a centr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, 18karat White Gold Modern Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful modern ring in 18 karat white gold structure mounted with five rubies and white diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, 14 Karat White and Rose Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant vintage ring in 14 kt white and rose gold structure, realized with 4 intense rubies framed by a white gold structure studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
French Belle Epoque Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Emerald Sz 7.5 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Charming French antique Belle Epoque ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1900s). 7 small rose cut diamonds, 6 rubies and 6 emeralds adorn the mount.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,155Sale Price|20% Off
Engagement Ring Ruby Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Introduce a touch of timeless beauty and dazzling sparkle to your marriage proposal with this magnificent 18-carat white gold engagement ring. Showcasing a 2.06 carat oval ruby, care...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct White Gold, 1930s French Stamped, Two Row Diamond & Ruby Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Crafted in 18ct white gold, this exquisite ring features two rows of dazzling French white diamonds and an oval-faceted ruby, adding a touch of timeless elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Napoleon III Natural Pearl Ruby Diamond Duchess Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This gorgeous ‘Duchess’ antique ring is claw set with 2 rubies separated by a small bezel set rose- cut diamond with a natural baroque pearl above.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...
Enamel, Sapphires, Rubies, Emerald, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
The ribbons are surrounded by diamonds, rubies and sapphires. This elegant object combines solid 9 kt gold and solid 800 silver in a sophisticated design.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Enamel
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with five rubies surrounded and alternated by diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphires, Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Gorgeous ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rubies and sapphires surrounded by diamonds and,between of them, leaves in rose gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Topaz, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, 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 diamonds,emeralds, rubies and sapphires.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby and,laterally, diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 6.8 Carat in 18 Carat White Gold Triangle Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
18K White Gold Ruby Ring and Diamonds 18K white gold ring set with a large composite ruby of 6.80 Carats set with 4 double claws supported on either side by a Triangle-shaped diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Mid Century diamond sapphire ruby 18k rose gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vibrant celebration of 1950s French design, this Mid Century ring radiates warmth and color through its rich 18k rose gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamonds, Rubies, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Ring in 14k white gold structure, mounted with extraordinary 4.37ct of high quality diamonds and 0.82ct of intense rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century Ruby and Diamond Ring by Chaumet
By Chaumet
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This hand crafted platinum, diamond and ruby ring was manufactured by one of the most esteemed French jewellers, Chaumet.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with a strand of rubies enclosed between two rows of diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$5,464Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Halo Split Shank Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Surrounding the prominent central ruby, a meticulous selection of French-cut rubies adds a vivid splash of saturated color, while high-quality F-G VS diamonds provide a brilliant spa...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels French 1980's Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Vintage Buckle Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a domed buckle motif ring centering rows of prong set round cut rubies Weighing approximately 3.18 carats total - transparent medium purplish red in color Surrounded by b...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Eternity 18K Yellow Gold Wedding Ring. Ruby and Diamond Band Ring 2.4mm
Located in New York, NY
Era: Handcrafted Vintage-Style Material: 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.5 Band can be made in any finger size This elegant half eternity band features 0.30 carats of French-cut rubies...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
French Edwardian Untreated Ruby Diamond 18 KT/Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This breathtaking Edwardian ring is 1900/09 circa Elegantly designed as a flat crown panel, hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold with Platinum top French origin, hallmarked Set on one si...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ruby, Sapphire, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion snake ring in 14 kt white gold and rose gold mounted with a sapphire and a ruby on the head and the body studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Bombé Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant statement ring with exceptional color, texture, and enduring appeal. 18 Karat Yellow Gold Rubies: Approximately 4.50 Carats Total Diamonds: Approximately 0.10 Carats Total...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,320Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18k White Gold 1.80ctw GIA European Diamond French Cut Ruby Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Bezel Set - J Color - SI2 Clarity - 1.08ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful and elegant 18 kt white gold ring, composed of five rubies of three different sizes and, each of one, is surrounded by little diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS ,ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND ITEMS ON SALES. Elegant ring in 14 karat white gold structure mounted with a ce...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby White Diamonds White Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Simple and elegant ring in 14K white gold mounted with 3.24 ct of amazing big ruby and 2.42 ct of little white diamonds on the two sides.
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby & Diamond Halo Ring, 18K Gold, Circa 1920's
Located in Chatham, CA
French Art Deco Synthetic Ruby and Diamond halo ring - featuring a milgrain set Emerald cut lab grown Ruby (approx. 3.79 carats - 12 x 9 x 4 mm.) - surrounded by 18 round prong set o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
20th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. A delightful antique You and Me ring, set with a wave-shaped gold wire framing a brilliant-cut diamond and a claw-set ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Heart Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : A ruby and diamond ring that will seal your affection.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Cluster Ring in14kt yellow gold composed of diamonds, rubies ,sapphires and emeralds, with a carved gold base. diamonds 0.06kt gems 9.57kt ita 15.5/ french 55.5/ 7.34 tot weight 10.7...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire
Vintage 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring – Marguerite Style
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Crafted in 18k white gold, it features a deep purplish-red oval ruby, framed by a sparkling halo of brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in Yellow and White Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Step into the elegance of yesteryear with this captivating vintage ring. Expertly crafted from yellow and white 18K gold (750‰), this piece features a striking synthetic ruby of appr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, Stones, Pearls, Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful retrò ring in 9 karat rose gold and silver structure mounted with flower shape white stone in the central part, surrounded by flowers shape stones, emeralds, rubies,sapphir...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
$4,560Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This Ruby Engagement Ring features an oval ruby highlighted by brilliant diamonds, creating an elegant Ruby Diamond Ring with timeless appeal.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Sophia D, 1.61 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Dome Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
18 karat yellow gold 1.61 carats total weights of diamonds surrounded by 1.98 carats of rubies Dome Ring Sophia D by Joseph Dardashti LTD has been known worldwide for 35 years and ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Gold Star Bypass Ring Ruby Diamond Spheres Cocktail Ring Celestial
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Star Bypass Ring Ruby Diamond Spheres Cocktail Ring Celestial Designer: J DAUPHIN The Toi et Moi Ring is handcrafted in gold plated brass, a bypass band with two textured sph...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Amethyst, Pearls, Rubies, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beatiful retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with an hydrothermal amethyst with a pearl in the central part surrounded by diamonds,pearls,sapphires,emeralds and...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, S...
GCS 3.5 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Yellow Gold Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Ring size: I - 4 ½ - 48 ½ Weight: 5,87 gr Metal: 18kt yellow gold Stones: 1 Ruby • Cut Cushion • Carat 3,50ct approximately • Origin: Thailand • Comment: GCS Report nº80254...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring. This beautifully made ET band ring features 2mm round brilliant cut natural diamonds and rubies ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring 1.98 K in 18K White Gold, Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
1.98 carat ruby ring and diamonds in 18 carat white gold in a petticoat shape.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Ruby Retro Style Engagement Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Accent Gemstones Type: Ruby Shape: French Cut Number: 8 Weight: 0.32 Carat (approx. total weight) Accent Gemstones Type: Diamond Shape: Round Average Color: H Average Clarity: SI ...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby and Diamond Retro Style Cocktail Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by antique elegance, this Retro style ring showcases a captivating blend of ruby and diamond accents on both side in a striking alternating pattern.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
DE GRISOGONO 18k white gold RUBY & DIAMOND Ring 6.5
By de GRISOGONO
Located in Zürich, CH
100% authentic De Grisogono marquise Burmese ruby snake-motif ring crafted in 18K white gold, rising from a sculptural, serpent-like pavé hoop set entirely with black diamonds. The m...
Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cartier Le Baiser Du Dragon Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Le Baiser Du Dragon Diamond Ruby Ring by Cartier.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Ruby Ring 2.36 K in 18K White Gold, Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
2.36 carat ruby and diamond ring in 18 carat white gold in skirted shape. 18-carat white gold, ruby and diamond ring holding a 2.36-carat ruby in its center surrounded by Bague...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Diamond Yellow + White Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow and White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 2 round brilliant cut diamonds, VVS1 Clarity, E Color and 2 princess cut Rubies. This rare and authentic...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This second hand ring is set with an oval ruby in closed setting, surrounded by gadroons alternating on each side with 2x2 diamonds and from top to bott...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1980s ‘Toi et Moi’ Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond 18kt Gold Ring.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Set with a 0.7ct cabochon Ruby, a 0.8ct cabochon Sapphire and both shouldered with 40 brilliant cut diamonds in total 0,8ct. Ring size us 7, 54, O, 17.25. French owl mark for import...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Eternity Ruby and Diamond Wedding Ring. Alternate 18K Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
The gemstones are channel set in a graceful repeating pattern, creating a refined balance of rich ruby color and diamond brilliance. Delicate milgrain detailing adds texture and vin...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Massive second-hand ring, asymmetrically set on the front with a pear-cut ruby and a line of 10 modern brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Ring Ruby 2.3 Carat in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Baguette Diamonds Vintage
Located in Paris, FR
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Ring and Diamonds vintage ring Gadrooned yellow gold ring holding a Ruby of 2.30 Carats set with 4 double claws supported by a Baguette Diamond on either side of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 2.5 grams Ring Size: D (41.5) Band Width: 1mm Face Dimensions: 12mm x 10mm Central Ruby Weight: Approx. 0.68ct Remaining Ruby Dimensions: 4 (2mm x...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Cut Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Oval Cut Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. A fine ring with a classic design typical of Van Cleef & Arpels, set with a beautiful arrangement of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Bombe Band Ring—21 Diamonds .70 ct, 18 Rubies .60
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
The ring can be custom-sized for your perfect fit. Technical Sheet Metal: 18 K Yellow Gold (750 ‰) Stones: 21 round brilliant diamonds, total approx. 0.70 ct (G–H color, VS–SI clar...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,734Sale Price|20% Off
Cocktail Ring Ruby White Diamonds White Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
Buying this engagement ring in 18-carat white gold with rubies and white diamonds is buying yourself a treasure that will last a lifetime.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion snake ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rubies and diamonds on the head and tail.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1960
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. Centrally set with five rectangular tallow cut natural unenhanced rubies in open back channel settings with a combined approximate weight of...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
French Belle Epoque Certificated Unheated Burma Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, England
It comes with GCS certificate dated 06.09.2019, to state it is a natural unheated, ruby of Burma origin weighing 0.80 carats. Additional information: Material: 18ct Gold Origin: Fra...
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.”
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.