Rene Boivin 18K Gold Sapphire & Emerald Crossover Ring
By René Boivin
Located in Houston, TX
A Mid-Century Masterpiece by René Boivin, crossover ring featuring a bezel-set pear shape emerald and sapphire set in 18K yellow gold.
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 14K Gold Micro Pave Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This beautiful crossover ring features approximately 1 carat of diamonds that are micro pave across four interwoven 14k gold bands.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Cartier Nouvelle Vague Crossover Band Ring White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Cartier size : 56 The Cartier Nouvelle Vague Crossover Band Ring is a stunning expression of modern artistry and timeless elegance.
18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Twin Bypass Crossover Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage 'Toi et Moi' Crossover Bypass Diamond Gold Ring. Hand set with 0.30tcw Princess and 0.32tcw Round Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rouge Reverie Ruby & Diamond Crossover Rose Gold Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Rouge Reverie Ring is a bold expression of contemporary luxury, featuring a wide rose gold crossover band with an invisible-set ruby channel and shimmering multi-row pavé diamonds.
Ruby, Pink Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond Flower Dome White Gold Crossover Band Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
18k White gold flower or starburst diamond dome ring with a crossover notched band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier, 18K Gold Diamond Onyx 'Menotte' Crossover Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural ring by Cartier, designed as a bold crossover form in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold & Platinum Diamond Trilogy Crossover Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Engagement Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1970s This elegant three-stone diamond ring features a graceful twist design, with each diamond nestled in platinum...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
David Yurman 18k Yellow Gold Cable Crossover Diamond Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This David Yurman ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features the designer’s signature cable motif in a sculptural crossover design accented with diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Trendy Crossover Diamond Ring Natural Stone Solid Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
New Unique Trendy Artistic Crossover style Gold Ring 14k White Solid Gold approx 4.70 grams Finger size 7 Natural Diamonds approx 1.10 carat H-SI gift box and appraisal included (gm...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
David Yurman 18K Yellow Gold Diamond X Crossover Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
A distinctive David Yurman ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, featuring the designer’s signature combination of polished and twisted cable motifs arranged in a sculptural multi-row des...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18K Gold Crossover Citrine Cabochon Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Venice, CA
The citrine is globelike, with a good depth to it and a polish that creates various optical illusions. The 18k gold band has a crossover that is a half-dome, that gives the ring a ni...
Citrine, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring Size 8.25 #25596
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring Size 8.25 This sparkling ring features a contemporary multi-row design accented with both round brilliant cut diamonds and baguettes set in 18K...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Colisée 18k Gold Pavé Diamond Crossover Ring, 1995
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The diamond-set front transitions into a polished gold band that narrows toward the back. This Cartier diamond crossover ring has a broad center and rounded profile.
Diamond, 18k Gold
14K Pink Gold Round Cut Diamond Ribbed Crossover Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant 14K pink gold band features a sophisticated crossover design that blends texture and brilliance.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Yellow Gold Onyx Enamel Crossover Pencil Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet, fun and stylish ring designed as a double ended pencil! It is finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with hand-carved details making it appear lifelike. Adding to that, the penci...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
USSR Soviet Modernist 14K Rose Gold Diamond Crossover Ring
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
Russian Soviet Union Ring Material: 14k Rose Gold Condition: Pre-Owned Stone: Round Cut Diamonds: 0.70ctw Clarity: VS1 Color: G Ring Dimensions': Size: 6 Width: 11.9mm Band Width: ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Ribbed Crossover Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant 14K yellow gold band features a sophisticated crossover design that blends texture and brilliance.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Ribbed Crossover Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This elegant 14K white gold band features a sophisticated crossover design that blends texture and brilliance.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Elegant Diamond Crossover Ring in 14K White & Yellow Gold
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
Custom Made Woman Ring Material: 14K White & Yellow Gold Condition: Mint Diamond: 0.50ctw Clarity: VS1 Color: G Ring Dimension: Size: 7.25 Width: 9.9mm Thickness: 2.2mm Weight: 7.1...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White & Cognac Diamond 18K Rose Gold Bypass Crossover Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning cocktail ring featuring 1.68 carats of round brilliant-cut natural diamonds. The diamonds are set in an intricate overlapping design, creating a dynamic visual effect. Cra...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Effy Crossover .92ctw Diamond Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 7.5
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamonds round brilliant cut 1 - 1.5 mm approximately .60 total carats baguette / tapered baguette approximately .40 total carats H-I color, SI1 - I1 clarity Ring Size 7.5 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.50 CTW Large Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
18k yellow gold 1.50 CTW large diamond crossover ring. The diamonds in this ring are all round, the width of the ring is 19.8 mm, the ring size is a 7, and it has a total weight of 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Diamond Crossover Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Everyone needs some fun and original jewelry in their collection. This creative ring is made of 78 round VS2, G color diamonds totaling 0.62 carats. Which is set in 5.0 grams of 18 k...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 1.5 CTW Diamond Fashion Crossover Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
14k white gold 1.5 CTW diamond fashion crossover ring. Two larger diamonds are .50 CTS and .15 CTS.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,074Sale Price|40% Off
1ctw Natural Diamond Crossover Ring 10K White Gold Size 7.25
Located in West Hempstead, NY
This eye catching diamond crossover style fashion ring is crafted in 10K white gold and features 1.00 carat total weight of natural round and baguette cut diamonds.
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
0.50ctw Diamond Crossover Band Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 7
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond round brilliant cut 1.1 - 2 mm approximately .50 total carats GH color/ SI1-I1 clarity Ring Size 7 Rise Off Of Finger: 3.2 mm Width: 4.2 mm Weight: 2 dwts/ 3.1 gr...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold 0.80ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Double Crossover Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold 0.80ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Double Crossover Ring Style: 14k Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Double Crossover Fashion Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring Wedding Band
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring Wedding Band Size 7. 0.30 total diamond weight. 2.69 grams total weight.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Crossover Band - 14k Baguette .50ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Baguette Color: F - G Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Total...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 2.75 Carat Princess & Baguette Diamond Crossover Ring
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Details: * Metal: 18K White Gold * Diamonds: Approximately 2.75 Carats Total Weight * Diamond Cuts: Princess & Baguette * Diamond Color: E–F * Diamond Clarity: VS2 * Ring Size: ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Multi-Row Crossover Band Ring 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Make a striking statement with this glamorous diamond crossover statement ring. Expertly crafted in solid 18k white gold, this substantial ring features multiple layered rows of roun...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Crossover Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 18 carat white gold crossover dress ring features four round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.00ct in total, all mounted in claw, open back settings.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Wide Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Crossover band Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This wide pavé diamond band ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and designed with a polished crossover motif that recalls the shape of a stylized leaf.
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18k White Gold Diamond & Sapphire Crossover Ring, 0.79ct Total
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold diamond and sapphire crossover dress ring. The ring comprises of 3 rows of round brilliant cut diamonds alternating with 2 rows of baguette cut sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,808Sale Price|20% Off
White and Yellow Diamond Crossover Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
White and Yellow Diamond Crossover Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Crafted in 14K yellow gold, this contemporary crossover ring features interlacing bands set with round white and yellow di...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Multi Colored Sapphire Crossover Fashion Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Yellow Gold Natural Multi Colored Sapphire Crossover Fashion Ring Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Crossover set in a channel setting multi-colored sapphire, and natural diamonds...
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Crossover Band Ring Size 7.25 #24120
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Crossover Band Ring Size 7.25 This timeless 14K yellow gold band features 19 round brilliant cut diamonds set in a graceful cross over design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist 14K Yellow Gold Crossover Diamond Band Ring, 0.35 Carats
Located in Antwerp, BE
Style Name : Modernist Ring type : Band ring Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 25 Natural Diamonds Diamond Cara...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Cluster Crossover Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Vintage RBC Diamond Gold Cluster Crossover Band Ring. Meticulously Hand set with 1.18tcw Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pavé Set Diamond Crossover Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning 18ct yellow gold diamond crossover ring. This large statement piece has been pave set with over 500 small round brilliant cut diamonds resulting in a highly r...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist 14K White Gold Crossover Diamond Band Ring, 0.35 Carats
Located in Antwerp, BE
Style Name : Modernist Ring type : Band ring Material : 14KT White Gold Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 25 Natural Diamonds Diamond Carat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Crossover Round Natural Wedding Ring Diamond Ring 14k Gold Anniversary Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Crossover Round Natural Wedding Ring Diamond Ring 14k Gold Anniversary Gift.
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Heemstede, NL
A beautiful vintage 14K yellow gold ring set with three round-cut diamonds. The diamonds are arranged diagonally across the centre, while the flowing gold band curves gracefully arou...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.94 Carat Crossover Natural Diamond Proposal Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
This 14k white gold ring is designed around a round-cut natural diamond held in a four-prong setting, framed by sweeping diamond-set bands that cross around the center stone.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Gold Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Crossover Bombe Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, this sculptural crossover bombe ring is set with approximately 5.00 carats of vivid invisibly set rubies, creating a seamless field of saturated crim...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black, White, & Yellow Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Black, white, and yellow diamond crossover ring crafted in 14k yellow gold. Diamond Carat Weight: 1.75ctw Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant cut Color: G-H, Champagne, Black Clarity: SI1...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 2.80 Carat Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely two-stone diamond crossover ring. A duo of round brilliant cut diamonds have been individually claw set in white gold in a diagonal formation atop an 18ct yello...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chanel Comète Étoile Filante 18K White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring
By Chanel
Located in Guangzhou, CN
Design: The ring's signature "crossover" or winding design is meant to mimic a shooting star wrapping around the finger.
White Gold
18k Gold 0.41ctw Fancy Yellow & White Diamond Crossover Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (32) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Fancy Yellow & Brilliant White Diamonds - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 0.41ctw (exact) Material: Solid 18k Y...
Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Gold Criss cross Diamond Statement Ring Wedding Crossover ring Band
Located in Chicago, IL
14k Solid Gold Criss cross Diamond Statement Ring Wedding Crossover ring Band Diamond Weight 0.65- 0.71 cts Approx Main Stone Diamond Metal Yellow Gold 14k Gold Weight 4.95 Grams App...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Two-Stone Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic two-stone diamond ring. This vintage piece has been crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases a duo of closely claw set round brilliant cut diamonds in a dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Triple Row Crossover Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
33 natural diamonds set in a refined triple-row crossover design crafted in solid 14K two-tone gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Crossover Ring, 1.85ct, 1980s Design
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and sculptural vintage diamond ring crafted in 14K white gold, featuring an elegant crossover design of alternating rows of baguette and round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Custom Made 14K Rose Gold Diamond Ribbon Crossover Ring, 1.64ctw
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
*Custom Made Ring *Material: 14K Rose Gold *Condition: Mint *Diamond: 1.64ctw *Clarity: VS1 *Color: G *Ring Dimension: *This Ring Resizable *Size:7.25 *Width: 9mm *Thickness: 2.1mm...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five Stone Crossover Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This elegant ring features five diamonds totalling approx 13pts. The stones sit in illusion settings which make the stones appear bigger. Stones set in platinum and ring modelled in ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Crossover 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century, Unisex
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant ring features a graceful crossover design crafted in yellow gold and accented with multiple rows of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Natural 6.72 Carat Diamond Multi-Row Crossover Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Natural 6.72 Carat Diamond Multi-Row Crossover Ring Style: Multi-Row Crossover Ring Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 6.72 carats to...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Simon G 18K White Gold .36 CTW Diamond Crossover Ring
By Simon G Jewelry
Located in Stuart, FL
Simon G 18k white gold .36 CTW diamond crossover ring. The diamonds in this ring are all round, the width is 5.5 mm, the size of the ring is a 6 3/4, and it has a total weight of 2.7...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Crossover Band - 14k Round Brilliant 1.00ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $50 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G -...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.