14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Over Sterling Silver 1/2ct Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
14K Rose Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Rose Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
14K Rose Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
14K Rose Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
14K Rose Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
14K Rose Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver 1/2 Cttw Diamond Scatter Composite Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring, adorned with four round, bezel-set diamonds, embodies sophisticated craftsmanship and an exquisite design philosophy that marries classic allure with contemporary flair.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
$1,838Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14k Gold Oval Cabochon Jade & 1.1ct European Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This elegant vintage cocktail ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and features an oval cabochon cut jade neatly bezel set at the center.
Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold
18 Karat White Gold 7.05 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The solitaire long oval shape emerald is brilliantly set in the classic 4-prong grain setting heightened by a cluster of bezel-set round solitaire diamonds, incredibly creating the d...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 2.66 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Stacked Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
At its center shines a stunning 2.66 carat marquise-cut solitaire diamond, elegantly elevated by the ring’s distinctive graduated, stacked design.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,445Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Deco 18k Gold GIA Old European Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful antique diamond engagement ring was crafted from solid 18k white gold during the art deco period and features an old European cut diamond neatly prong set at its center.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.70 Carat J/I1 Oval Diamond and Floating Diamond Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Details Item Type: Solitaire Ring Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Weight: 5.14 grams Size: 7.25 Center Stone: Type: Diamond (Natural) Carat: 1.70 Color: J Clarity: I1 Cut: Oval Dimensions: 6...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.5ct Marquise Diamond Unisex Chunky Band Ring in 18K White Gold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Product Details: Main Stone: • 0.5ct Natural Marquise-Cut Diamond • Clarity: Internally Flawless (IF) • Color: D • Certification: GIA Certified Metal: 18K White Gold Band Width: Ap...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Suzy Levian 14 Karat White Gold Pink Ceylon Sapphire Heart and Diamond Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Jewelry Type: Fine Stone Shape: Heart Band Width: 2-3 mm, 1-2 mm Clarity: I1-I2 Number of Gemstones: 1 Stone: Gemstone Diamond Color: White, H-I Side Stone: Diamond Gold Karat: 14k G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$7,998Sale Price|20% Off
18K Yellow Gold & Platinum GIA Oval Cabochon Ruby w/ Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This is a truly breathtaking, GIA certified, genuine ruby vintage ring crafted in solid 18k yellow gold & platinum featuring an oval double cabochon cut ruby solitaire with an outsta...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$6,811Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Deco 14k Gold GIA Old European Diamond Open Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful antique diamond engagement ring was crafted from solid 14k white gold during the art deco period and features a, GIA certified, old European cut diamond solitaire neat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Leaf Motif Emerald and Diamond Ring Wrap in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Transform a simple solitaire ring into an exquisite piece with this 14k white gold nature inspired ring wrap.
Emerald, Diamond, Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Men's Signet Ring 14k Mine Lion SJ Initials SZ 8
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Era: Art Deco Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .06ct Cut: Mine Color: H Clarity: SI2 Style: Solitaire Signet Theme: Lion Featur...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Blue Sapphire Cushion and Diamond Cluster Ring in Art-Deco Style
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The royal blue cushion cut sapphire is brilliantly set in the hammered claw close-prong setting with a bordering row of bezel-set round solitaire diamonds fabulously creating the kno...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
1.17ct Princess Cut Flush Mount Diamond Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
The diamond is set in a flush mount platinum ring with a rose gold under bezel.
Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum
Old mine diamond gypsy ring, circa 1980.
Located in London, GB
Old mine diamond gypsy ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond, D colour, SI1 clarity, with a weight of 1.72 carats in a open back rubover setting, to a solitaire d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Old mine diamond gypsy ring, circa 1900.
Located in London, GB
Old mine diamond gypsy ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond, in an open back rubover gypsy setting with an approximate weight of 2.20 carats, to a heavy solitair...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.90 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The ring band is equally majestic with oval cut flat pear shape polki diamond solitaire set in bezel setting with the element of outer layer forming another triangle adding depth to ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
3.15 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Vintage-Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The ring band is equally majestic with oval cut flat polki diamond solitaire set in bezel setting with the element of diamond shape forming between each and the diamond shape edges c...
Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 2.07 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The solitaire oval shape cornflower blue sapphire set in half-side bezel setting with two solitaire round rose cut bezel set diamonds on either side on the yellow gold band give the ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.15 Carat Round Diamond "XOX" Two-Tone Band Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A two-tone diamond solitaire band ring featuring a 0.15 carat round brilliant cut diamond in a mixed platinum and 24K gold setting.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Platinum
$705Sale Price / item|28% Off
0.5 ct emerald cut moissanite 14k gold ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
0.5 ct emerald cut moissanite 14k gold ring. Bezel set emerald cut moissanite ring. Emerald cut moissanite engagement ring. Solitaire moissanite ring. Vintage style moissanite ring. ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.10ct Chocolate Brown Cognac diamond and baguette diamonds engagement ring in 1
Located in London, GB
Solitaire 1.10ct brown diamond round shaped with baguette diamonds twist style engagement ring in 18ct white gold.
Diamond
$823Sale Price / item|23% Off
1 ct Marquise moissanite engagement ring in 14k gold
Located in Istanbul, TR
1 ct Marquise moissanite engagement ring in 14k gold. 14K Gold Double Shank Marquise Solitaire Wedding Ring. 14k Gold Moissanite Half Eternity Ring. Stacked Moissanite Ring. Bezel se...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,734Sale Price|40% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rose-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring in Art-Deco Style
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The broad ring in Italian yellow gold finish is heightened with 2 solitaire round rose cut diamonds and 1 solitaire cushion rose cut diamond in between with the perfect gap and in a ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art-Deco Style 1.51 Carat Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Art-Deco Style Diamond Eternity Band Ring This Victorian period art-deco style atypical Polki diamond band is exquisite. The uneven fancy cut flat polki diamond solitaire set in bez...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
3.36tcw 18K Vivid Green Pear Colombian Emerald & Diamond Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a bezel pear emerald and diamond solitaire engagement ring/right-hand ring in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby, 2.65 Carat, Burma, No Heat, and Diamond Ring, France
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A ruby and diamond ring in 18k yellow gold, France. The cushion shaped ruby is bezel set and weighs 2.65 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Amethyst antique engagement ring 9ct yellow gold
Located in London, GB
The amethyst stone is a natural creation with excellent cut grade and light coloured diamond intensity. Amethyst antique engagement ring 9ct yellow gold Amethyst 1.00ct bezel set ...
Amethyst, Yellow Gold
Gems Are Forever 1.25 Carat Brownish Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring
By Gems Are Forever
Located in beverly hills, CA
A strikingly modern solitaire ring featuring a round warm brownish orange sapphire, weighing approximately 1.25 carats, adroitly set in a custom made bezel frame edged in sparkling r...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.68tcw 14K Dark Emerald Cut Emerald & Round Diamond Accent Dainty Shank Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a modern emerald and diamond solitaire engagement ring/right-hand ring in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.31tcw 18K Natural Black Opal & Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
The back of the ring is open. Setting Style: Solitaire with accents Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold / 7.5 Grams Main Stone: Natual Opal Weight: 5.71cts Measurement: 13.0x12.0mm S...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal
6.50tcw AAA Round Colombian Emerald & Round VS Diamond Three Stone Ring 18k
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is an impressive AAA top-quality emerald & VS diamond three-stone ring in solid 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Nine Precious Gems "Navratan" Statement Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The placing of each gemstone is also emphasized for the right virtues from the nine gems on the ring. The solitaire round brilliant cut nine gems are aesthetically held in a yellow...
Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, C...
2.21tcw 14K Dark Fine Quality Emerald Oval & Diamond Three Stone Unisex Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This solitaire ring carries an emerald in a secure bezel setting.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1/2 Cttw Bezel-Set Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .50 carat diamond in a Yellow gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold
10K Rose Gold 3/10 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .30 carat diamond in a white gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold
10k Rose Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .50 carat diamond in a rose gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold
10k Yellow Gold 3/10 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .30 carat diamond in a white gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Coral Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Bezel/rubover set in this fine vintage solitaire ring.
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Rose Gold 3/10 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .30 carat diamond in a white gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, 10k Gold
10K Rose Gold 1/5 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .20 carat diamond in a rose gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold
35 Carat Orange Ethiopian Opal in Brushed 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Even in indirect natural light, when some orange opals tend to look soupy, this stone takes on a gorgeous moire sheen. Eytan Brandes bezel-set the stone in a heavy, bold solitaire...
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K White Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .50 carat diamond in a white gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 10k Gold
10k Rose Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .50 carat diamond in a rose gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1/2 Carat Bezel-Set Diamond Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .50 carat diamond in a Yellow gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother Of Pearl Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Bezel/rubover set in this fine vintage solitaire ring.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Rose Gold 1/10 Carat Solitaire Bezel Set Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
A twinkling 1/10ct round diamond rests in a soft bezel setting. Anchored on each side, a cable chain holds the pendant in place. This 10k rose gold necklace is the perfect option for...
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
10k Yellow Gold 1/3 Carat Diamond Bezel-Set Solitaire Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This Solitaire Diamond Necklace features a single, brilliant-cut .30 carat diamond in a white gold bezel setting that hits at just the right place.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Vintage Inspired 1.5 ct Yellow Sapphire Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ornate grooves on the shoulders and the scrollwork on the gallery infuse a touch of elegance to this exquisite 14k yellow gold solitaire ring.September Birthstone Ring for Women:...
Yellow Sapphire, 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.