18k Yellow Gold Bamboo 40ct Smoky Quartz and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A captivating ring featuring a large, faceted smoky quartz gemstone.
Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Bamboo 40ct Smoky Quartz and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A captivating ring featuring a large, faceted smoky quartz gemstone.
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14.80 carat treated ruby diamond 14k white gold cluster cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ring is crafted in 14k white gold, providing a bright, reflective setting that amplifies the brilliance of the diamonds while offering a clean structural frame for the oversized ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Heavy (20gr.) 3.00ct Diamond Pavé Cluster Unisex Ring in 18K Yellow Gold.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Visually striking & reminiscent of a famous designer, this superb ring is crafted in 18K Yellow Gold with remarkable attention to details: The broad oval face pavé-set with brillia...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Bombe Ring in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The emerald exhibits a rich, saturated green hue and is beautifully highlighted by the brilliance of the diamonds. The use of platinum for the diamond settings enhances their fire an...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
IGI Certified Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold with Diamonds and 11.50ct Ruby
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The diamonds are also meticulously secured in prong settings, maintaining a cohesive and elegant silhouette across the top of the hand.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Italian 18K Gold Coral and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Italian coral and diamond flower ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold 1.5ctw Old European Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old European cut diamonds, and four rose cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
AGL GRS Certified 14.36 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Cocktail / Statement Halo Ring Metal: 18K White Gold and Yellow Gold (two-tone) Total Weight: 9.77 grams Certification: AGL and GRS certified Size:...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,126Sale Price / item|20% Off
Amethyst Gemstone Cocktail Ring Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The ring is a size 7 US and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$7,657Sale Price / item|20% Off
Amethyst Gemstone Cocktail Ring Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The ring is a size 7 US and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,801Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.98 Ctw Emerald & Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring 14k White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Indulge in the exquisite allure of this Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring, a true masterpiece crafted to captivate. Nestled within a lustrous setting of 14 Karat White Gold, thi...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$15,720Sale Price|20% Off
AUSTRIAN HUNGARIAN 1915 Enameled Beetle Watch Ring In 18Kt Gold & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
The ring has been carefully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with parts in silver for the settings of the diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold, Enamel
14k White Gold 1.0ctw Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant in its simplicity, this 14k white gold engagement ring showcases a classic three-stone diamond arrangement with timeless appeal.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 18k White Gold Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 2.07ctw 1.79ctw Brazi
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this GIA Certified 18k White Gold Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Fashion Ring.
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Estate Sapphire Diamond 18K White Gold Flower Form Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large, lovely flower form diamond, sapphire 18K white gold cocktail statement ring Second half of 20th century.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1995 Vintage Gordon Brothers 18K Gold Diamond Bypass Ring, 0.17 CTW
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Five round brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.17 carats are distributed with artful intention: one larger stone is held in a smooth, low-profile bezel setting at the center focal poi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Large Aquamarine and Tapered Baguette diamond ring. APPRAISED Platinum
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Size: 6 US Materials: Gold Gemstone: Aquamarine Gem color: Blue Band color: White This is an absolutely stunning piece of jewelry. These do not come often for sale. Indepe...
Platinum
Vintage Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring AGL Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic vintage ruby and diamond cluster ring made of 14k white gold. The gorgeous Burma ruby in the center is surrounded by ten round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
TJD 0.50 Carat Diamond Double Halo Anniversary Ring in 14K Rose Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Key Attributes Metal: 14K Rose Gold Total Diamond Weight: 0.50 Carat Diamond Count: 35 Diamond Cut: Single Cut & Round Brilliant Diamond Color: H–I Diamond Clarity: I2 Setting S...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1930s Antique 4.42 Carat Diamond and Emerald White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive diamond solitaire style cocktail ring with emerald side stones has been crafted in 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
"Cushy" 0.92 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White & Yellow Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
However, as will occasionally happen with larger diamonds, we ended up selling the stone in 2023 without the ring to someone who wanted a more traditional engagement ring setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
Vintage 5.12ct Colombian Emerald and 3.45ct Diamond, 18ct Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive, large vintage 1990's 5.12 carat Colombian emerald and 3.45 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Celestia Diamond Double Drop Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Celestia Drop Ring features just over 0.8 carats of marquise diamonds, meticulously set in our refined double prong settings.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Italian Carved Coral and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold, circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K yellow gold Center Stone: Hand-carved red coral Coral Dimensions: approx. 2 x 1.25 in Accent Stones: 8 diamonds, approx. 1.20 ctw Total Weight: 33.62 g Ring Size: 6.25 Ori...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 2.10 Carat Burmese Peridot & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Double Diamond Halo: The unique double halo design adds a touch of sophistication and enhances the overall brilliance of the ring. 18K White Gold Setting: The durable and elegant 18K...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White and Rose Gold Illusion-Set Diamond Halo Ring – 1.41 Carats
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A timeless blend of innovation and elegance, this 18K white and rose gold ring features a 1.02 carat illusion-set diamond centerpiece that mimics the look of a larger emerald-cut sto...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage 5.95Ct Emerald and 3.20Ct Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this stunning emerald cut emerald ring with baguette cut diamonds, in gold. Emerald Quality Cut Emerald Conten...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
$3,287Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Three Pear Shape Diamond Ring, 0.99 Carats, 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The polished white gold setting enhances the diamonds' appearance without distracting from their form.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.38 Carat Fancy Orangy Brown Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Dome Enamel Cocktail Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Size: 5, (adjustable) Weight: 16.35 grams Center Stone Details: Type: Natural Diamond Carat: 1.38...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
$9,683Sale Price / item|20% Off
9.08TCW Zambian Emerald Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring 14k White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
9.08TCW Zambian Emerald Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring 14k White Gold Jewelry The design features a large, vivid green emerald in an emerald cut, beautifully framed by a radiant hal...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Red Tourmaline and Diamond Band Ring in Yellow Gold, 9.54 Carats
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handsome ring features a large rubellite tourmaline of exceptional quality; perfect for daytime or evening wear!
Diamond, Tourmaline, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,683Sale Price / item|20% Off
Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring Baguette Round Diamond 10k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The ring is a size 7 US and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold
$5,425Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K White Gold 8.26 Ctw Zambian Emerald & Halo Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The ring is a size 7 US and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
12.61 Carat Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive sapphire cocktail ring has been crafted in 9k yellow gold with a 9k white gold setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.59 Carat Diamond and Pearl Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive large antique pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Shaped Round Diamond Cluster Band Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.75 This shimmering diamond ring, set in 14 karat white gold, features a captivating and clever design that creates the illusion of larger stones and magnificent sparkle.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GDP'S 0.53ct Natural Diamond Half Eternity wedding Band in 14kt White Gold Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Details : Ring Size - US 6.5 Total Diamond Weight (TCW) - 0.53 Carats Number of Diamonds - 14 Pieces Diamond Shape - Round Brilliant Diamond Color - F - G (Colorless / Near Colorles...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold Over Silver Diamond Accent 3 Stone Gentlemen's Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
Created in sleek two-tone .925 Sterling Silver, this handsome band is centered with a trio of shimmering diamonds in unique settings that make them appear larger.
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
18k White Gold 8.1ct Amethyst & 0.36 Carats Diamond Cocktail Ring Nancy Phillips
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Specifications: - 18k White Gold band, seat, and prongs - 0.36 Carats Diamonds total - 8.1 Carat Amethyst Center Stone - 4 Prongs - Solitaire Setting - Elongated Cushion Cut Stone -...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$1,436Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN 1880 Industrialism Cocktail Ring In 14Kt Gold With Agate & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds: Mounted in flush settings, with 14 rose old miners cuts diamonds, with an estimate total weight of about 0.28 carats.
Agate, Diamond, Gold, Enamel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Rose Gold 2.06ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and rose gold ring, comprising seven old mine cut diamonds, set in 9 karat rose gold, to a band of 9 karat rose gold.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Oval Ruby Gemstone Natural Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ ♥ Center Stone: Lab-created Stone Shape: Oval Carat: 6.26ct ♥ Side Stone - Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Carat: 0.53ct Color: FGH Clarity: SI ★THE METAL★ 14K Solid...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 26.79 Carat Brown Tourmaline Diamond Halo Gold Cocktail Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Peter Suchy natural untreated large oval 26.79ct Tourmaline and diamond cocktail ring. 18k white gold setting with a diamond halo.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
12.52Ctw Natural Oval Emerald Two Tier Diamond Halo Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
An exceptional 12.52 total carat weight oval emerald commands this two-tier diamond halo ring, crafted in 14 karat white gold.
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$2,188Sale Price|20% Off
0.98Ct Natural Zambian Emerald Diamond Halo Bridal Ring 14K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This halo bridal ring suits engagement settings, vow renewals, or anniversary gifting for those drawn to colored gemstones over traditional diamond solitaires.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Multi-Band Ring, 0.40ct, Modern Design, USA
Located in Jupiter, FL
We recommend going half a ring size larger with this design. Setting Style: Bezel Metal Purity: 14K White Gold / 11.5 Grams 10mm wide at the top.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,984Sale Price / item|20% Off
0.40 Ct Natural Diamond Marquise Cluster Engagement Ring Baguette 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
The entire ring is crafted in solid 18K white gold with a polished finish that enhances the diamond brilliance and gives the piece a cool, refined, luxury aesthetic that feels both t...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond 0.32 carats 18KT Yellow Gold Floral Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
DETAILS: Metal: 18kt White Gold Weight: 1.72 grams Gemstone: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliant Total Carat Weight: 0.32ct Setting: Cluster/ Halo Average Color: D-E-F Average ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond 0.67 carats 18KT White Gold Flower Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
The clusters are elegantly arranged in a flower shape, creating the captivating illusion of larger solitaire diamonds. Crafted from luxurious 18KT white gold, this ring showcases 0....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold London Blue Topaz and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The elevated, open gallery allows light to pass through the topaz, maximizing its brilliance while adding an airy, architectural element to the ring’s profile. The polished 18k white...
Diamond, Blue Topaz
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Aquamarine Blue and White Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This large S. Georgios designer ring is made from 18 Karat White Gold and is all hand-made with microscopic settings.
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White ...
Vintage 3.29 Carat Emerald and 1.75 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This large emerald and diamond cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2 Carat Diamond Vintage Round Brilliant Marquise 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Vintage Diamond Marquise Round Brilliant Cut Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
14mm Tahitian Pearl & 1.09 Carats diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Diamond Accents: The sparkling diamonds enhance the beauty of the pearl and create a dazzling overall effect. 18K White Gold Setting: The durable and elegant 18K white gold setting p...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Natural White Coral & 1.06ct Brilliant Diamond
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
This exceptional piece features a large, beautifully polished natural white coral stone, elegantly embraced by an intricate pavé setting of natural brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 1....
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.80 Carat Emerald and 2.75 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning large vintage emerald and diamond ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
15.94 Ct Mozambique Paraíba Tourmaline Diamond Ring and Pendant 18k White Gold
Located in Brisbane City, AU
Details • Centre Stone: Natural Mozambique Paraíba Tourmaline • Weight: 15.94 Carats • Shape: Oval Cushion, Faceted • Colour: Neon Blue • Accent Stones: Colourless Marquise Rose-Cut...
Paraiba, Tourmaline, Diamond, 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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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.