GIA Certified 5.01ct D VS2 Radiant Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire is available upon request. Remarkably rare and crafted by nature, this GIA cer...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 5.01ct L SI2 Oval Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the solitaire ring shown is available upon request. This GIA certified natural 5.01 carat oval diamon...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 4.01ct Oval Diamond G VS2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; this GIA certified natural 4.01 carat Oval diamond can be mounted into the solitaire ring shown in the photos upon ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 8.08ct Princess Cut Diamond I SI1 Loose or Set Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; this GIA certified natural 8.08 carat Princess cut diamond is available loose and can be mounted in the solitaire r...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified Natural 8ct Oval Diamond VS1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring available upon request. This GIA certified natural 8.03 carat oval diamo...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.01ct H SI2 Cushion Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire is available upon request. Unmistakably rare and crafted by nature, this GIA c...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 5.02ct D SI2 Round Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. This GIA certified, natural 5.02 carat round b...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 4.01ct J VS2 Round Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Exceptionally rare and crafted by nature, this...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 5.03ct Heart Diamond H SI1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; mounting into the shown solitaire ring available upon request. This GIA certified natural 5.03 carat heart-shaped ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 5.01ct I SI1 Heart Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring available upon request. This GIA-certified natural 5.01 carat heart diamo...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique 1900s 2.04 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 2.04 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set trilogy twist ring; part of our diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 5ct Emerald Cut Natural Diamond L SI1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The neutral L color gives a warm, sophisticated tone that reads larger on the hand and pairs beautifully with platinum or yellow gold settings.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 7.01ct Pear H SI2 Natural Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Offered loose, this GIA certified natural 7.0...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.01ct G VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the solitaire setting shown is available upon request. Unmistakably rare and crafted by nature, this ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 5ct Round Brilliant Diamond E VS2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; this GIA certified natural 5.05 carat round brilliant diamond is available loose and can be mounted into the solita...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 4.01ct Round Diamond I SI1 EX Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose: this GIA certified natural 4.01 carat round diamond is available loose and can be mounted in the solitaire setting s...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Cert. 7.08ct Pear H SI2 Natural Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Unmistakably rare and crafted by nature, this ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.50ct Emerald Cut Diamond J VS1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire setting is available upon request. Exceptionally rare and crafted by nature, t...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3.5 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond I VS1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Exceptionally rare and crafted by nature, this...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified Natural 3.20ct G SI2 Oval Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose: This GIA certified natural 3.20 carat G SI2 oval diamond is sold loose and may be mounted into the pictured solitair...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 6ct Round Brilliant I SI1 Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the shown solitaire ring available on request. Remarkably rare and crafted by nature, this GIA certif...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 6.02ct D VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the shown solitaire is available upon request. Remarkably rare, this GIA-certified natural 6.02 carat...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified Natural 5ct E SI1 Heart Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; this GIA certified natural 5.01 carat E SI1 heart diamond is available loose and can be mounted in the pictured sol...
Diamond, White Gold
Large Unisex Cushion Tanzanite Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This statement ring is crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, the gold setting provides a warm and luxurious backdrop for the gemstones. The centerpiece of the ring is a captivating approx. 18...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique and Vintage 2.58Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
GIA 6 ct Fancy Vivid Yellow Radiant Diamond VS2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire is available upon request. Singularly rare: this GIA‑certified natural 6.06 ca...
Diamond, White Gold
0.10ct Diamond chunky large wedding ring 18ct yellow gold 8.0g 8mm
Located in London, GB
This chunky large wedding ring is part of the Diamond Wedding Band Matte brand and falls under the Jewellery & Watches and Men's Jewellery categories on eBay. 0.10ct Diamond weddin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5 ct Round I SI2 EX Cut Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request.
Diamond, White Gold
Australian Black Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Black Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS First Class Shipping!
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Estate Baroque Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Estate Baroque Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold Baroque Pearl and Diamond Ring features a Large Baroque Pearl measuring approximately 18mm by 21mm with Silver overto...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Multicolor Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Multicolor Sapphire and Diamond Statement Ring in 18k Rose Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring features Natural Multicolored Sapphires with Fancy-shapes and Pastel hues s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Large Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring features 7 Petals made of Natural Oval Pinkish Red Rubies pave set around a center of R...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold 3.61 Carat Diamond and Sapphire "Illusion-Setting" Eternity
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 3.61 Carat Diamond and Sapphire "Illusion-Setting" Eternity Band Ring This spectacular invisible setting of cobalt blue sapphire and diamond full band is breatht...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Amethyst Cabochon Cocktail Ring with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Amethyst Cabochon Ring with Diamonds in 18k Yellow Gold Large Amethyst Dome Ring features a 33.42 carat Natural Oval Cabochon Amethyst set in an 18k Yellow Gold setting with ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,159Sale Price|20% Off
HUBERT Natural Large Golden South Sea Pearl Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hubert Golden South Sea Pearl Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. This designer Hubert ring features a large natural golden South Sea pearl accented by round brilliant diamonds...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Antique Edwardian Diamond, Invisibly Set Sapphire 18K Gold Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large Edwardian period diamond and sapphire Navette ring measuring an impressive 33mm in length, approximately knuckle to knuckle on the finger.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Coin "Capri Plus" Pavé of Diamonds in Ebony Setting and Gold
By Roberto Coin
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Roberto Coin Capri Plus Ebony Wood & Diamond Women's Ring in 18k gold Pavé of Damonds total 0.90ct . RING SIZE EUROPE 53, US 2&3/4 Can be resized In 1996, a jewelry collec...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$18,144Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bombe Citrine Large Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Immerse yourself in the luxurious beauty of the David Webb Bombe Design Ring, a statement piece that elegantly centers around an oval-shaped citrine and is adorned with brilliant-cut...
Citrine, Diamond, Yellow Gold
$75,900Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Large Turquoise And Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in the epitome of timeless elegance with the Estate Diamond and Yellow Gold Ring by the esteemed designer David Webb. This captivating piece effortlessly captures the essence...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Invisible Set Sapphire Diamond Ring Large Square Cocktail 18k White Gold Sz 8
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary sapphire & diamond square cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large 8-9ct Eye-Clean Tourmaline Diamond Bombe Ring, 18K Gold, Swiss
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This is done in a bombe setting and the sides are all detailed in foliage setting with Diamonds.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
$1,536Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Diamond Cluster Halo Engagement Ring for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold, featuring a central cluster of mixed cut diamonds totaling 0.62ct.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18Karat White Gold Diamond & Oval Cut Emerald Gemstone Engagement Ring for Women
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite ring is handset with 3.19 carats Zambian emerald and 0.29 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Raw Aquamarine and Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Large Ring
By Jorge Adeler
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Shaped by hand and guided by nature, this 18K White Gold Raw Ring is a striking expression of organic luxury. Anchoring the design is a magnificent rough Aquamarine weighing an extra...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold
Large Art Deco 22.5 Carat Amethyst, Diamond 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine, large Art Deco period Amethyst and Diamond ring in a beautifully detailed 18K white gold setting.
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
13.89 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and 1.56 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive sapphire cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo 14k White Gold Wedding Ring for Women
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Ring Size :- 7 US & All size available Customization Available We offer full customization services: Different gemstone types Custom shapes, sizes, and settings Metal options (...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo 18k White Gold Wedding Ring for Women
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Ring Size :- 7 US & All size available Customization Available We offer full customization services: Different gemstone types Custom shapes, sizes, and settings Metal options (...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.83ct Lab Marquise Diamond Full-Finger Floral Cascade Ring 14K Gold for gift
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K solid yellow gold full-finger ring. Three graduating marquise-diamond flower clusters on diagonal cascade — largest at base, smallest past first knuckle.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold 3.50ctw Fiery Diamond Large Long Open Work Statement Wrap Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Baguette & Round Brilliant Cut - Channel & Pavé Set - SI2-I2 Clarity - G-I Color Total Carat Weight: 3.50 (approx.) Material: Solid...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
20.96 CTW Large Citrine Regal Cocktail Ring with Diamonds in 14k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
20.96 CTW Large Citrine Regal Cocktail Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold featuring natural citrine of 20.96 carats and diamonds of 0.96 carats.
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Baguette & Round Diamond Open Ring for Wedding Engagement 0.82 Ct
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Step into a world of luxury with this Real 0.82 Carat Baguette & Round Diamond Cuff Ring, meticulously crafted in 18 karat white gold to adorn your hand with unparalleled eleganc...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold 13.33 Ct Large Octagon Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Step into timeless elegance with this 14K yellow gold cocktail ring featuring a captivating 13.33 carat octagon-cut amethyst. Its deep purple hue radiates regal charm, beautifully en...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Solid Yellow Gold Large 15.41 CTW Blue Topaz Halo Diamond Cocktail Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Large Blue Topaz Halo Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K Gold featuring natural blue topaz of 15.41 carats and diamonds of 1.15 carats.
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold 7.72ct GIA Large Oval Sapphire w/ Round Marquise Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a truly breathtaking cocktail ring that was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold featuring a GIA certified, natural sapphire stone neatly dual prong set at the center of a...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Extra Large Pavé Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Dome Ring, Circa 2000, 9 Carats TW
Located in South Pasadena, CA
9 Carats TW Extra Large Pave Diamond 18k yellow gold dome ring, ca' 2000.
Diamond, 18k 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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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.