18k Gold 1.51ctw GIA No Heat Cushion Vivid Red Ruby & Diamond Flower Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This adorable custom made ruby and diamond flower ring is well crafted in solid 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Tahiti Grey 13 Millimeter Pearl, Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
This beautiful Tahitian pearl is beautifully set in 18k gold with two round accent diamonds (aprox 0.20 tw ). The pearl sets high on the bezel to show off the beauty and size (13mm) ...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1906 Ring natural 0.35ct Diamond solid 18K Gold ØUS 5.25 / 1.8 gr
Located in SE
A ring with band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with shoulders and cross-haired bezel in Platinum featuring natural old European diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.15 mm x 2.2 mm deep / ca 0.35 ct , ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
14K .57ct Rose Cut Champagne Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold ring featuring a bezel set rose cut pear shape diamond. The diamond has light champagne color and measures about 6.5mm x 4.3mm. The ring fits a size 6.25 finger and w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1946 Ring 0.45 ct Diamond solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 7US / 3.2gr
Located in SE
Renaissance-styled ring featuring solid 18K Orange - Yellow Gold band with articulated shoulders. Natural rose cut Diamond in Silver bezel measures Ø 4.5 mm x 1.7 mm deep / about 0.4...
Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond gypsy ring taken from the Edwardian period. Crafted from a rich 18ct yellow gold, this antique piece showcases a single round faceted old m...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct. Ruby 0.5 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Art Nouveau period Ruby and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Silver. Ca. 1900s -1910s, no hallmarks. Band and bridge in solid 1...
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Antique European Ring 1ct Diamond solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 US /2.7gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring made in ca. late XIX - early XX century. Solid 18K Orange - Yellow Gold band with scaly decorations on the shoulders. Round rose cut Diamond in Silver bezel measur...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antiquee Ring 0.3ct Emerald 0.4ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6.25 /3.2g
Located in SE
Art Deco period German Ring with Emerald and Diamonds. Emerald and Diamonds Halo type Ring made in Europe ca.1920s -1930s. Metal of band in solid 18K Gold, crown in Silver. Emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
4.03-carat GIA Certified Fancy Yellow diamond ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite ring centers a 4.03-carat GIA Certified Fancy Yellow diamond, displaying a rich, even color and remarkable brilliance. The cushion-modified brilliant cut (9.05 × 8.86 ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$54,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 7.68 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking statement piece centered with a 7.68 carat oval-cut natural emerald measuring 15.01 x 11.35 x 7.58 mm, beautifully proportioned with a 1.32 ratio. The emerald displays a r...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Men Ring natural 10.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Size US8 / 13gr
Located in SE
Ring for Men, "Gypsy Style ", featuring bezel set natural untreated semitransparent Blue Sapphire, flanked with 4 diamond cut Diamonds in white Gold clusters. Not hallmarked, metal...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Natural Green Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
An Antique Style Emerald and Diamond Gold Ring Inspire in the early 1900's The 18K yellow gold ring is bezel-set with a pear-shaped 0.85 carat natural Colombian emerald medium green ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
9K Yellow Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Halo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A vibrant round ruby, set securely in a classic bezel setting. Surrounding the ruby are sparkling diamonds, arranged to mimic the soft curves of flower petals. The contrast between t...
Ruby, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.50ct natural vivid blue round sapphire diamonds ring 14kt Benchmark Comfort*
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire / Simple Flush Bezel 1.20ct. Natural blue sapphire ring. Clean clarity. Round full cut 7mm Diameter Transparent, Vibrant vivid blue color .30ct. Side natural ro...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Blue Sapphire Diamond Aquamarine Stacking Rings, Petra Class 2024
By Petra Class
Located in Dallas, TX
One-of-a-Kind Stacking Ring Set hand-fabricated by jewelry maker Petra Class featuring gorgeous bezel-set diamond, emerald, sapphire, and aquamarine gemstones (listed below: top to b...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Brown Diamond, Emera...
18K Gold-Platinum Cocktail Ring with 5.46 Ct. Round and GIA Marquis Diamonds
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Our featured design is a sleek, modern 14K white gold bezel setting. This minimalist style offers a clean "all-metal" frame that protects the diamond’s points while giving the ring a...
GIA certified 1.04 carat Light Green Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified 1.04ct color diamond and 0.20ct white diamond ring inplatinum and 18k yellow gold. Center of the ring set with 1.04ct radiant cut diamond, color: Light Green, clarity:...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Designer 2.35 carat Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Ring 18 Karat 4.05 Carat
By Charles Krypell
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Charles Krypell designer of this beautiful tapestry, cushion-cut Aquamarine blue stone sits in a pave Diamond ring. The face of the halo measures 14mm Center, Aquamarine tapestry i...
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 18k Gold
NALLY Intense Fancy Yellow Color GIA Certified Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Nally Jewels Intense Fancy Yellow GIA certified Diamond Ring Diamond, Gold and Platinum Mounting. This ring has 18 step cut diamonds weighing a total of 1.87 tcw all bezel set in pl...
Diamond, Platinum
Rare Post-Medieval Diamond and Enamel Ring, circa 1550-1650
Located in London, GB
Rare Post-Medieval Diamond and Enamel Ring. Set with a square table cut diamond in a closed back bezel setting, to an exceptional solitaire design featuring intricate enamel detailin...
Diamond, Enamel
2.54tcw 14K Sugarloaf Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring - Rare Design
Located in Jupiter, FL
Indulge in unparalleled glamour with our exquisite emerald and diamond cocktail ring, featuring a captivating Sugarloaf-cut emerald bezel-set at its center, commanding attention with...
Diamond
$2,840Sale Price|41% Off
18kt Halo Tanzanite and Diamond Ring, 2.70 Carat VS Quality 18 Karat
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Contemporary, Hexagon Tanzanite and Diamond Ring, VS 2.70 TCW, 18 KT Center oval shaped Tanzanite measuring 8.40 x 7 mm with a weight of 1.90 carat. Hexagon style setting of halo dia...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.32 Carat Cushion Shaped Antique Rose Cut Diamond in Platinum and Yellow Gold
Located in Nashville, TN
This fabulous ring, a genuine Edwardian (Greek Revival) piece, has an approximate 2.32 ct cushion shaped rose cut diamond bezel set into its top. Enveloping the center stone are 8 ci...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Onyx and Diamond Sterling Silver Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Classical and Timeless this Statement Ring hallmarks the characteristics of the famed Art Deco period. The Oval Black Onyx centers an Old European-cut Diamond, weig...
Diamond, Onyx, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Vivid Red Ruby Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Tiffany & Co. Vivid Vivid Red Ruby Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold ring set with a stunning vivid red heart cut ruby. Superb colour, clarity...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1937 Ring Amethyst solid 18K Gold Ø US7.75 / 2gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Gold for every day Art - Deco period styled with a thin band and bezel with claws decorated with spectacular natural Purple Amethyst measuring 10mm x 8 x 5.8 mm d...
Amethyst, 18k Gold
Antique Arts & Crafts Era Amazonite Cabochon Ring, Handmade 14K Yellow Gold
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A fantastic example of Arts & Crafts period jewelry, this ring is handmade from 14K yellow gold and features a cabochon amazonite gemstone in a bezel mounting. Reverse tapered sh...
Amazonite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Cushion 4.45ct Swiss Blue Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Nature Inspired GIA Certified Bezel-Set Cushion Swiss Blue Topaz Solitaire RingNovember Birthstone Ring for Women: Swiss Blue Topaz is the November birthstone an...
Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Gold
1906 Ring Red Glass Paste solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.5 / 1.3 gr
Located in SE
Fine Art Nouveau period Ring n solid 18ct Yellow/ Orange tinted Gold with bezel set square cut Red Glass 4.75mm x 4.75mm x 2.2mm deep that realistically imitates Red Ruby. Swedish ...
18k Gold
Vintage Finish Ring natural 1ct. Emerald solid 14K Yellow Gold ØUS7.5 / 1 gr
Located in SE
Elegant vintage Finish Ring ca 1930s -1950s, plain band in solid 14ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural cabochon cut Emerald stone of deep Green color 7 mm x 5.5 mm x 3 mm deep / ca. 1...
Emerald, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1958 Ring natural 0.6ct Emerald solid 18K Gold Ø US 7.5 / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with carved crown featuring a bezel set natural Emerald diamond cut cut Ø 5mm x 3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct. Crown 10 mm high x 7 mm deep. Swedish hallmarks, maker is GD&Co, Mal...
Emerald, 18k Gold
1912 Ring 3.5 Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl Cymophane solid 18K Gold Ø 6.75US / 2gr
Located in SE
114 Years old Ring with with plain shoulders decorated with bezel set natural Cat’s Eye Cymophane or Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl ( close relative of Alexandrite ) cut cabochon 8.5 mm x ca...
Chrysoberyl, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural 35 ct. Citrine solid 14K Rose Gold Ø7.25 US / 17gr
Located in SE
Polish Art -Deco period cocktail ring. Solid rosy 14K Rose Gold ornamental frame with bezel set natural Citrine or Smokey Quartz/variety of Quartz stone measuring 25 mm x 17 mm x 11 ...
Citrine, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Ring natural 3.5ct Green Jade solid 18K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 10gr
Located in SE
A Ring, period ca. 1920s -1930s with a wide band and neat crown being an openwork of filigree ornaments surrounding bezel set oval cabochon of natural vibrant Green Jade of the fines...
Jade, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 20ct. Rock Crystal solid 18K Gold Ø 7 US / 8.82 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful ca.1930s -1940s European Ring featuring huge natural Rock Crystal or colorless Quartz stone. The band and crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural Rock Crystal ...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
1940 Swedish Ring natural 5ct Heliodor Beryl solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 /6gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Ring for the female hand. Made of solid 18K Yellow Gold. Bezel set cabochon of natural Heliodor / greenish-yellow shades variety of Beryl measuring about 11mm x 9 mm x 6mm ...
Beryl, 18k Gold
1930's German Ring solid 14K Gold 15 ct Citrine Ø6.5 US / 10.7gr
Located in SE
German Art-Deco cocktail ring from ca 1930s. Solid rosy 14K Rose Gold ornamental frame with bezel set Citrine/variety of Quartz stone measuring 15 mm x 14 mm x 9 mm /about 15 ct. Th...
Citrine, 14k Gold
Vintage Retro Ring natural 30ct Rock Crystal / Quartz 18K Gold Ø7.75 US /14.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful ca.1930s - 1950s Swedish Ring featuring huge natural Rock Crystal or colorless Quartz stone. The band and crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural Rock Crystal ...
Rock Crystal, 18k Gold
1956 Ring natural 3ct Blue Chalcedony solid 18K Gold Ø 5.75 US / 2.8 gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring with bezel set natural Blue Chalcedony stone 10 mm x 8 mm x 3.8 mm deep / ca. 3 ct, of fancy cabochon cut. The color is medium Blue, with tiny inclusions inside visible...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural Green Jade solid 10K Yellow Gold Ø US 5 / 4 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 10K Yellow Gold with divided shoulders, decorated with bezel set natural untreated oval cut Jade of Green color measuring 10.5 mm x 8.5 mm x 4.35 mm / ca 3.5 ct Not...
Jade, 10k Gold
1941 Art Deco Nordic Ring 15ct Jade solid 18K Gold ØUS 3.5 / 10 gr
Located in SE
Nice Art Deco Ring with bezel set plate of vibrant deep Green high grade untreated Jade Stone, faceted baguette cut 18 mm x 9 mm / ca. 15 ct . Swedish hallmarks of jewelry workshop ...
Jade, 18k Gold
$4,400Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Style Old Mine Cut Green Emeralds Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
beautifully designed modern twist on an Art Deco era target ring. . The chic geometric setting is set with rich green custom cut natural emeralds. Finished with fine milgrain details...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Estate 1.85 Ct Round and Baguette Cut 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This estate Diamond ring is 1970 ca Superbly hand crafted of solid 18 KT bicolor version Sleekly tailored band design with a main Diamond pointing the center set between two tapered ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Zircon Ring, Sterling, 22K, Rose Cut, Size 6.25, Unisex
Located in Northampton, MA
A stunning, domed oval, rose-cut natural zircon gemstone is bezel-set within a satin-finished 22k yellow gold mounting, perched atop a band of thick, brushed sterling silver. The Zi...
Zircon, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
Comical Face Cameo Ring in Brescia Marble, 17th–18th century; 19th century mount
Located in London, GB
Comical Face Cameo Ring in Brescia Marble. Europe (cameo), 17th–18th century; Europe (mount), 19th century. Materials and technique: Brescia marble, carved in cameo relief and poli...
GIA 1.5ct Round Geometric Solitaire Bezel Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating round center diamond weighing 1.5 , graded I and I1. The unique geometric bezel signet setting enhances it...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.00ct Princess Modern Bezel Solitaire Wide Band Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the elegance of this remarkable diamond ring featuring a dazzling princess diamond at its center. Weighing 2.00 , this exquisite gem is graded H and SI2 , ensurin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.51ct Round Solitaire Bezel Engraved Dome 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring radiates elegance and sophistication, featuring a masterfully crafted design that showcases a remarkable round diamond weighing 1.51....
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.52ct Princess Modern Bezel Solitaire Wide Band White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the elegance of this remarkable diamond ring featuring a dazzling princess diamond at its center. Weighing 2.52 , this exquisite gem is graded I and SI2 , ensurin...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.52ct Radiant Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** This stunning, radiant diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI1 center stone weighing 1.52, radiating exceptional brilliance and fire...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.21ct Round Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning round diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI2 center stone weighing 1.21 , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire. Crafted with precision, the ring is set in luxu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.72ct Pear Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pear diamond ring features a breathtaking I SI1 center stone weighing 1.72 , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire. Crafted with precision, the ring is set in luxur...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.20ct Radiant Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning radiant diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI2 center stone weighing 2.20 , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire. Crafted with precision, the ring is set in lu...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 2.51ct Radiant Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning radiant diamond ring features a breathtaking I SI2 center stone weighing 2.51 , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire. Crafted with precision, the ring is set in lu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.70ct Oval Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning oval diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI2 center stone weighing 1.70ct , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire. Crafted with precision, the ring is set in lux...
Diamond, 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.
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.
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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.