J. Birnbach 1.82 Carat J SAntique European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Key Details - 1.82 carat antique European cut diamond, GIA J SI1 - Eye-clean with no visible inclusions to the naked eye - 18K yellow gold and platinum setting - Fine band with deli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1900s GIA 2.87ctw Antique Edwardian OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Cluster 14KYG Pl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Edwardian GIA 2.87ctw OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Cocktail Cluster 14K Gold Platinum Ring, Circa 1900s.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
G. Verdi 18KT RG Ring with 25.99 Carat of Multicolored Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in 18 KT Rose Gold. Stamped Cellini 750 8 Sapphires 25.99 carats Brilliant and Rose Cut Diamonds 2.76 carats Finger Size 7 3/4 Ring sizing available
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Go...
$7,560Sale Price|20% Off
CHARLES KRYPELL Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 3.60 Ctw In Diamonds & Emeralds
By Charles Krypell
Located in Miami, FL
His collections range from pieces designed around incredibly large pink and yellow diamonds, fashion-forward gold and diamonds to sterling silver pieces with an incredibly elevated s...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
2.15tcw 18K Three Stone Emerald Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting: Three-Stone Metal Purity: 18K White Gold Gold Weight: 3.3 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Emerald Cut Approx Weight: 1.70 Carats Clarity: Transparent Color: Dark Green Lus...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eighteen Karat White Gold Contemporary Ring with Two Carats Cushion Sapphire
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The video showcases a white gold ring with a 1 carat diamond, for reference.
Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.02ct Colombian Emerald & Baguette Diamond Ring in Silver
Located in Nantucket, MA
A stunning center emerald-cut Columbian emerald natural gemstone with two larger baguette diamonds flanked by smaller baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver
Vintage 18K Gold 20ct Pale Aquamarine Emerald-Cut Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The gem displays a refined icy sea-foam tone — the elegant pastel shade prized in earlier aquamarine production — with beautiful clarity and crisp facet geometry. Crafted in solid 1...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
18K Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring 8.92tcw Emerald Cut Vivid Green
Located in Jupiter, FL
Behold the elegance of our Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, featuring a stunning emerald-cut emerald set north to south in a refined four-claw prong setting.
Emerald, 18k Gold
AGL Certified Natural 35.12 Carat Cushion-Cut Tanzanite Ring 4.5 Carat Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
AGL Certified Natural 35.12 Carat Cushion-Cut Tanzanite Ring 4.5 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat white gold 26 gm This extraordinary, 35.12 carat tanzanite is truly an extraordinary gemstone.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
1904 Toi et Moi Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K GoldØ3.25/2.3gr
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period Swedish Toi et Moi Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted frame with claw set two old oval cut natural Ceylon Sapphires of Cornflower /Light Blue color 3 mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Beauvince Sundance Ring 7.02 Carat Princess Cut Light Yellow ST VS2 GIA Diamond
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Creatively crafted to enhance the color of the center diamond and offer our clients a bargain for a large fancy yellow solitaire diamond ring, the Sundance Ring is dazzling and capti...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Antique 4.80 Carat Agate and 9k Yellow Gold Intaglio Ring Circa 1830
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique agate ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold. The substantial antique ring setting displays an oval carved agate panel, ornamented with a...
Agate, Yellow Gold
1.22ct Marquise and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wedding Band in 18k Rose Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 18k rose gold ring showcases a sleek design with marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late Victorian Cert. 2.51 Ct Natural No Ceylon Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Past Statement Imposing classy style from the late Victorian period designed in a large oval crown with two tiers of Diamonds surrounding a fantastic natural Sapphire, a statement ri...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
$1,054Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 14K Gold & 800 Silver Art Deco Style Onyx & Red Coral Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Period: 20th Century / Vintage Style: Cocktail Ring Item Type: Fine Statement Ring Metal Composition: 14k Yellow Gold base & shank (585/1000) with an 800 Silver crown front se...
Onyx, Diamond, Coral, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz, Tanzanite and 18K Gold and Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Nantucket, MA
A large round cabochon blue topaz gemstone ring with two faceted, pear-shaped tanzanite stones on the side. 18K gold over sterling (not a plated gold).
Tanzanite, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
GIA 1.55ct Natural No-Heat Orange Red Spinel and Diamond 3-Stone Vintage Ring
Located in New York, NY
Red SPINEL, the gem of the many royals - a Very Sparkly Alternative for the Modern Engagement ring. If you are one of the many people interested in something other than a colorless d...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond 0.70 carats 18 KT Whit Gold Cluster Half Eternity Wedding Band
Located in Antwerpen, BE
DETAILS: Metal: 18kt White Gold Gemstone: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round / Baguette Brilliant Total Carat Weight: 0.70ct Setting: cluster/illusion/Prong Number of Diamonds: 63 Averag...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 2.17 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 2.52 Carat Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 2.17 carat Basaltic sapphire and 2.52 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse collection of Victorian ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Citrine Solitaire Ring in 18K Gold with Blue Enamel, Circa 1990s
Located in Nantucket, MA
Set in 18K gold; ring size is 6.25. Carat weight of the citrine is 5.39.
Citrine, 18k Gold, Enamel
14 Karat Gold Tulip Stackable Twisted Vine Leaf Eternity Ring '1 1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Metal: 14K White Gold Metal Weight: 4.72 Setting Type: Micro prong Shan...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat Gold Tulip Stackable Twisted Vine Leaf Eternity Ring '1 1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Metal: 18K White Gold Metal Weight: 5.5 Setting Type: Micro prong Shank...
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Tulip Stackable Twisted Vine Leaf Eternity Ring '1 1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Metal Weight: 4.72 Setting Type: Micro prong Sha...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Tulip Stackable Twisted Vine Leaf Eternity Ring '1 1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Metal Weight: 5.5 Setting Type: Micro prong Shan...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 37.60 Carat Aquamarine and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage aquamarine ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The anterior setting incorporates an impressive and large four claw set 37.60 carat e...
Aquamarine, Yellow Gold
4.50tcw Natural Emerald Oval & Diamond Halo Statement Ring 18K Double Oval Eme
Located in Jupiter, FL
This is an exquisite, Colombian emerald and diamond statement ring. The gorgeous setting features an exquisite oval emerald with beautiful color and very good eye clarity for its lar...
Emerald, 18k Gold
Pink Tourmaline Dome Ring with Tanzanite Accents, 18K Gold, Size 7.25
Located in Nantucket, MA
A spectacular large pink tourmaline cabochon dome ring set in 18K gold.
Tanzanite, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$140,000Sale Price|20% Off
5.88 Carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Ring – C. Dunaigre Certified
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional ruby and diamond ring, centered on a 5.88 carat natural ruby of notable size and presence, accompanied by a Gemstone Report issued by C. Dunaigre Consulting GmbH, Swit...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2.80tcw Three Stone Colombian Emerald & Diamond Marquise Cut Unisex Ring 14K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Bezel Setting Material: 18K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 8.7 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Emerald Cut Weight: 2.35-Carats Clarity: Semi-Transparent Color: Vivid Me...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Tulip Stackable Twisted Vine Leaf Eternity Ring '1 1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Metal: 18K Rose Gold Metal Weight: 5.5 Setting Type: Micro prong Shank ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold Tulip Stackable Twisted Vine Leaf Eternity Ring '1 1/4 Carat'
Located in San Francisco, CA
Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side Gemstone Shape: ROUND Metal: 14K Rose Gold Metal Weight: 4.72 Setting Type: Micro prong Shank...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Modern Cocktail Ring Featuring Three Oval Emeralds in Yellow Gold, Circa 1970
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This 1970's cocktail ring came to us from a customer who wanted its original diamonds used for a custom project (with the gold mounting to be scrapped toward the final price).
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.62tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Oval Cut & Diamond Three Stone Right Hand Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a Colombian emerald and diamond ladies ring. Perfectly handcrafted in solid 14K white gold, this opulent ring features a bright, green Colombian emerald oval that is set...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 16.10 Carat Colombian Emerald and Transitional Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in London, GB
Their large tables allow the light to reflect within the diamonds, and the open back setting on the gallery allows more entry for light.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Starburst Ring, Celestial, 1899, Size 4.25, 18K
Located in Upland, CA
This stunning piece boasts a rare old mine cut diamond with a large culet, surrounded by two natural old cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 10.90 Carat High Zircon and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive Edwardian engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. This substantial antique gemstone ring displays an impressive and large claw set 10...
Zircon, Yellow Gold
4.16tcw AAA Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut & Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Accenting the center stone are large oval cut diamonds, one on each side, creating the perfect three-stone ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural 1.55ct GIA Elongated Oval Diamond Three-Stone Ring 14KW G SI1 Half Moon
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
One (1) lady's three-stone diamond ring crafted in 14-karat white gold and set with a natural oval brilliant cut center diamond flanked by two natural half-moon side diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,375
Turquoise Oval Ring
Located in Cedar Grove, NJ
This Elegant Turquoise fashion ring is a true statement piece that instantly draws attention. Featuring a vibrant, bright turquoise oval stone, its bold color makes it stand out effo...
Turquoise, 18k Gold
Exceptional rose-cut diamond and black enamel ring. Western Europe, c.1680–1700.
Located in London, GB
A late 17th-century gold ring worked to a high standard of finish. The bezel comprises a graduated group of rose-cut diamonds set in closed silver collets, the large central stone fl...
1920 Antique Ring Rubellite Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 1.8 gr.
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three natural Rubellites / or Red Tourmalines and 6 natural Seed Pearls.
Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold
Zorab Creation 30.30 carat Fancy Tourmaline Crimson Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
A 30.30 carat Oval fancy tourmaline surrounded by multi-colored diamonds in different sizes set in an 18K gold and palladium cocktail ring would be a stunning and unique piece of jew...
White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Tourmaline, ...
$1,960Sale Price|20% Off
14K 1.60ct Engagement Wrap Solitaire Baguette Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The 11.32 mm wide ring is a retro-restored Engagement setting with the wrap and outer ring soldered as one piece. The wrap is made with channel-set baguette diamonds and a temporary ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Beauvince GIA 1.01 Carat Radiant Cut HVS2 East West Solitaire Ring
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Center Diamond Shape: Radiant Cut Center Diamond Weight: 1.01 Center Diamond Color: H Diamond Clarity: VS2 Excellent Cut & Polish, Very Good Symmetry Faint Fluorescence Certific...
Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
4.00ct Emerald Cut Diamond Wedding Band
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant band is ideal for complementing an engagement ring or wearing solo. The substantial 18k white gold shank is adorned with 4.00ct of large emerald cut diamonds, prong set ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.70 Carat Zambian Emerald Art Deco Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
The diamonds used are G/H Color and VS Clarity. The ring's band is a work of art in itself, with intricate design on the sides and crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, weighing a substantia...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural Green Jade solid 10K Yellow Gold Ø US 5 / 4 gr
Located in SE
Likely European ,custom made ca. 1920s -1940s. Gold may be with large proportion of pure Silver in alloy, later gilt with Gold of higher grade.
Jade, 10k Gold
Antique Snake Serpent Ring 0.45ct Natural Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 8.5 /5.7gr
Located in SE
Antique Serpent Ring in solid 18K Orange Gold. Coiled body, head decorated with natural Ruby stone of fine quality measuring 5 mm x 4 mm x 2.9 mm deep / ca. 0.5ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold
$4,654Sale Price|20% Off
HRD certified Brilliant flexible Ring 0.70 ct Silhouette Bentner made in Germany
By Silhouette Schmuck Germany
Located in Viena, Viena
Precision paired with craftsmanship, this beautiful full-cut diamond with 0. 52 ct W (white F) / SI2 (small inclusions) with HRD expertise is brought to shine by the perfect setting ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mother's Day Gift Guide: Scarselli 1.20 Carat Fancy Light Yellow Diamond
By SCARSELLI
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring features an oval cut light yellow diamond, which is accentuated by the two rows of white diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gol...
J. Birnbach Vintage Style 0.75 Carat J SI1 Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Their understated sparkle complements the unique brilliance of the European cut center without overwhelming its charm. Crafted in 14K white gold, the setting provides a bright and po...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,613Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Brilliant Ring with invisible Cutting 0.70 ct 0.20 ct looks like one big
Located in Viena, Viena
invisible Setting a great possibility gemstones without setting to see, so you get a composite surface, which acts like a large gemstone, 44 raspberry-colored ruby carrees total ca. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Estate 5.03 ct GIA Certified Colombian Emerald & 3.22 ct Diamonds Geometric 18k
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 18k yellow gold emerald and diamond ring weighs a hefty 18.1 grams.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
J. Birnbach GIA 4.01 Carat I SI2 Cushion Diamond Two-Tone Button Back Solitaire
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Key Details - 4.01 carat cushion brilliant diamond, GIA I SI2 - Button back solitaire setting - Platinum head with 18K yellow gold shank - Ring size 6 Purchase includes ring box an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3-Stone Ring with 5.27 Carat Fancy Light Yellow VS2 Pear Shape
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Extremely rare and one of a kind, a fancy color diamond is truly the most luxurious and exotic stone in diamond family. A great find for a collector or if you can`t resist fancy diam...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1884 Ring natural Seed Pearls Enamel solid 18K Gold Ø US6 / 1.1 gr
Located in SE
Antique 18K Gold Ring decorated with hand - engraved enameled eight- pointed Star and three natural River Pearls.
Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel
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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