$13,594Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.5ct Round Modern Half Bezel Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating round diamond at its center. Weighing an excep...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.2ct Oval Bezel Solitaire Double Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Radiating sophisticated charm, this exquisite diamond ring features a brilliant centerpiece, showcasing a GIA-certified oval diamond we...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.2ct Round Modern Half Bezel Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating round diamond at its center. Weighing an excep...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$11,806Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Oval Bezel Solitaire Double Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Radiating sophisticated charm, This exquisite diamond ring features a brilliant centerpiece, showcasing a GIA-certified oval diamond we...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$6,162Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Oval Bezel Solitaire Double Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Radiating sophisticated charm, This exquisite diamond ring features a brilliant centerpiece, showcasing a GIA-certified oval diamond we...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Oval Bezel Solitaire Double Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Radiating sophisticated charm, This exquisite diamond ring features a brilliant centerpiece, showcasing a GIA-certified oval diamond weighing 1.01 , with striking H and I1. The sleek...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Oval Bezel Solitaire Double Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Radiating sophisticated charm, This exquisite diamond ring features a brilliant centerpiece, showcasing a GIA-certified oval diamond weighing 1.51 , with striking J and SI2. The slee...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.2 Carat Oval Bezel Solitaire Double Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Radiating sophisticated charm, this exquisite diamond ring features a brilliant centerpiece, showcasing a GIA-certified oval diamond we...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
0.05ct Round Diamond Solitaire Bezel 14K Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Simplicity meets elegance in this Solitaire Bezel 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring , featuring a single, brilliant natural round diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Large 3.50 Carat Tanzanite and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By Solitaire Jewelers
Located in Honolulu, HI
This magnificent natural Tanzanite ring in 18k white gold is a real beauty. Featuring a large cushion shape Tanzanite with checker faceting, measuring approximately 10.17 mm x 7.76 m...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 0.9 Carat Round Solitaire & Secret Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with This exquisite diamond ring that features a captivating GIA-certified round diamond weighing 0.9. ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Bezel Set Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Bezel Set Ring Description: This ring features a round old European cut diamond in the center.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$8,735Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.58ct Round Decorated Bamboo Band Solitaire White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Sophistication meets artistry in this stunning diamond ring, featuring a breathtaking round diamond center stone weighing 1.58. Graded ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.51ct Round Solitaire Double Channel Chevron White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning statement of luxury, this diamond ring features a captivating center stone of round brilliance weighing 1.51 , accompanied by side stones that col...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.66ct Round Solitaire Double Channel Chevron Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning statement of luxury, this diamond ring features a captivating center stone of round brilliance weighing 1.66 , accompanied by side stones that col...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
4 Carat Round Solitaire Diamond 18K Gold Fluted Bezel Mens Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Men's Solitaire Diamond Statement Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold with white gold bezel insert Ring Size: 9.75 (adjustable) Weight: 19.12 grams Setting...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.07ct Round Solitaire Swirl Scalloped Band 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking round diamond at its center, weighing 1.07 and exhibiting a pristine J with VS2. The exquisite craftsmans...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 0.9ct Round Solitaire Swirl Scalloped Band 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking round diamond at its center, weighing 0.9 and exhibiting a pristine H with VS2. The exquisite craftsmansh...
Diamond, White Gold
Solitaire Bezel-Set Diamond Men’s Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Solitaire Bezel-Set Diamond Men’s Band Ring Description: This refined men’s ring is crafted in 18 karat white gold and features a single round diamond bezel-set flush into a gently ...
Men's 14k Tri Color Gold 0.23ct Bezel Diamond Solitaire Pinky Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - H Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.23ct (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow, Rose & White Gold Weight: 10.8 Gr...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.09 Carat Diamond Pear-Cut Bezel Set White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Simplistic and conspicuously valuable. This natural diamond of 3.09 carat is securely bezel set with a straight shank solitaire setting.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 14k Rd 1.76ct GIA Bezel Cathedral
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): 1.76ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I Clarity: SI1 Certified by: GIA Report Number: 11266612 Total Carats...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.10 CTW Baguette Diamond Ring in 14K Gold, SI+ Bezel Set Solitaire
Located in New York, NY
Elegant in its simplicity, this 14K gold baguette diamond ring showcases a single natural baguette-cut diamond in a sleek bezel setting that highlights the stone’s clean lines and so...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Half Bezel Solitaire Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Modern and sleek. This engagement ring boasts 0.80 carat round brilliant solitaire in a semi-bezel setting showing off the diamond's brilliant facets. It’s an elegant combination of ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.50 carat oval Diamond tapered half bezel Solitaire ring
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement with this chunky half-bezel band set with an east-west, oval-shaped diamond Product Details: Center oval diamond (6X4mm ) 0.50ct total weight GHSI quality (natur...
Diamond, 14k Gold
GIA 1.63ct Round Solitaire & Side Stone Filigree Flower Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Elegantly designed, this diamond ring embodies sophistication and luxury. At its center lies a stunning round diamond, weighing 1.63 and graded with a stunning H and SI1. The centerp...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.2ct Round Solitaire & Side Stone Filigree Flower Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Elegantly designed, this diamond ring embodies sophistication and luxury. At its center lies a stunning round diamond, weighing 1.2 and graded with a stunning I and SI2. The centerpi...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.2ct Round Solitaire Swirl Scalloped Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking round diamond at its center, weighing 1.2 and exhibiting a pristine H with SI2. The exquisite craftsmansh...
Diamond, Platinum
18k Yellow & White Gold Bezel Set Solitaire Ring with Diamond Band - Size 5.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an 18k Yellow & White Gold bezel set solitaire ring with a row of diamond accents going down either side of the band.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unisex 18k Gold 1.02ct Bezel Diamond Solitaire Polished Domed Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Bezel Set - L/M Color - SI2 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 1.02 (exact) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 12.87 Gr...
Diamond, 18k Gold
NEW Unisex 14k Gold 0.40ctw Emerald Cut Diamond Bezel Solitaire Signet Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a simple yet absolutely gorgeous diamond solitaire ring that is newly crafted from solid 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 Carats Diamond Double Twin Cocktail Two Stone Bezel Solitaire Yellow Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
2 Carats Diamond Double Twin Cocktail Two Stone Bezel Solitaire Yellow Gold Ring 14 Yellow Karat Gold Genuine Diamonds 2.00 CTW (Around 2 carats Round Brilliant-Cut Silvery Warm Diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
2.80 Carat GIA Lozenge Step Cut Diamond Bezel Solitaire Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A statement of modern elegance and architectural beauty, this exceptional solitaire ring showcases a 2.80 carat Natural Lozenge Step Cut Diamond, masterfully secured in a sleek 18K Y...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 18k White Gold Gia 1.89ctw Pear Cut Bezel Diamond Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Pear Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - H Color - IF Clarity - 1.09ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info **...
Diamond, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold GIA Bezel Triangular Ruby Solitaire Pave Diamond Dome Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This incredible band ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a GIA certified natural ruby neatly bezel set at the center. The ruby has a lovely triangular cut and shows...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
House of RAVN, Diamond Offering Ring, Half Bezel Solitaire 1.59ct GIA Diamond
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Diamond Offering Ring from the House of RAVN Diamond Collection. Material: 18k yellow gold Weight: 13 grams Stone: 1.59 carat GIA-certified center diamond, SI1 Clarity, with 4...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.75 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Solitaire Bezel Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Solitaire bezel engagement ring crafted by Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California featuring a 0.75 carat round brilliant diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Cushion-Cut London Blue Topaz Bezel Solitaire Ring
By Thomas Laine LLC
Located in New York City, NY
A striking cushion-cut London blue topaz sits in a high-polish 14k white gold bezel, giving this ring a strong, refreshingly modern silhouette with a refined edge. The saturated blue...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
$583Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Diamond Round Diamond Solitaire One Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
0.03 CTW round cut solitaire diamond ring is set in a bezel setting which makes it a perfect everyday wear ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$662Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Diamond Round Diamond Solitaire One Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
0.03 CTW round cut solitaire diamond ring is set in a bezel setting which makes it a perfect everyday wear ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Roman Malakov 0.81 Carat Round Cut Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A chic engagement ring, showcasing a 0.81 carat round brilliant cut diamond with approximately F color and SI1 clarity, bezel-set on a thick band made of 18K white gold. Size 6.5 US,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Solitaire Diamond Ring HRD Certified
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Behold the epitome of timeless elegance with this HRD certified yellow gold solitaire ring. Crafted with precision and finesse, this exquisite ring exudes sophistication and grace.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Amethyst East-West Bezel Set Solitaire Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Delightfully comfy, vibrant and bold, this statement ring packs a stylistic punch. A rich, regal purple amethyst center stone is enrobed in a bezel in an east-west setting, a literal...
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.6Ct Amethyst Solitaire Ring with Bezel Setting: Solid 14K Gold, Oval 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Crafted in solid 14K gold, this solitaire ring highlights the gemstone’s vibrant purple hue with a clean, modern finish. 💜✨ Bold, juicy purple and wrapped in gold — this amethyst d...
Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Solitaire Diamond Ring in Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Solitaire Diamond Ring in Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold This solitaire ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum, featuring a bezel-set round diamond at the center.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond, Platinum and Gold Solitaire Ring, 2.05 Carats
Located in London, GB
A solitaire diamond ring, set with a 2.05 carats, J colour, VS1 clarity, Edwardian / old European-cut diamond, in a four claw platinum crown setting, on an 18 carat yellow gold shank...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Yellow and White Gold Solitaire Natural Diamond Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Measurements : head : 0.6 cm Behold the epitome of timeless elegance with this yellow and white gold solitaire ring. Crafted with precision and finesse, this exquisite ring exudes ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
0.95 Ct Emerald Diamond Solitaire Band 14K Gold Half Bezel Set By Juhi Jewels
Located in Jaipur, IN
Available in all ring sizes, allowing for a personalized fit. Product Details Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Solitaire Band / Emerald & Diamond Ring Center Gemstone: Natural Zamb...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
1.28 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.28 carat modern brilliant round cut diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold bezel set solitaire ring; part of our contemporary diamond jewelry c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Detachable Ring Jacket Bezel Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18k white gold bezel set natural emerald solitaire ring and diamond ring jacket.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring Description: This ring features a large round old European cut diamond set in the center.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Solitaire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1980s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This chunky and robust diamond solitaire ring from the 1980s is a gleaming tribute to classic design, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Chevron Ring in 14k Gold and Diamond V Band Bezel Diamond Dainty
Located in Chicago, IL
Chevron Ring 14k Gold Diamond V Band Bezel Diamond Dainty Stack Wedding Ring Breathtaking yellow gold V band, with bezel set diamonds!
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
0.39ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18k Yellow & White Gold, 1997
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.39 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set solitaire ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made with 14 karat yellow and white gold and features a bezel set 0.35ct Marquise cut diamond with a color grade (H) and clarity grade (SI2).
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,988Sale Price|20% Off
1.01 Carat Princess Cut Diamond and Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 14k white gold solitaire ring is a twist on a classic design.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Modern 18ct White Gold, 1.8 Carat Diamond Solitaire Chain Ring
Located in London, England
This stunning diamond ring showcases an big 1.8 carat diamond, which has a wider and flatter cut, giving it a bigger appearance on the finger. The Brilliant Cut Diamond sits in a bez...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Open Circle Diamond Statement Ring 14k Solid Gold Solitaire Designer Ring Band
Located in Chicago, IL
Open Circle Diamond Statement Ring 14k Solid Gold Solitaire Designer Ring Band Additional information: Base Metal: Yellow Gold, Natural Diamond, 14K Solid Gold Main Stone: Diamond M...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 18k Round Brilliant .40ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .40ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K Clarit...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$960Sale Price / item|23% Off
Bezel set marquise moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Bezel set marquise moissanite 14k gold ring. Vintage style solitaire moissanite ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.