10K Yellow Gold 1.0 Cttw Baguette and Round Diamond Multi-Row Wave Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in warm 10k yellow gold, this bypassing ring features 1 cttw of diamonds. A ribbon inlaid in glimmering round cut diamonds sits at the center of the ring while additional row...
White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Oval Halo Curved Bypass Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Oval Carat: 1.51 Color: J Clarity: SI2 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/VG Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$4,480Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.8 Carat Oval Halo Curved Bypass Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Oval Carat: 0.8 Color: J Clarity: VS1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/VG/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: White Gold DI...
Diamond, White Gold
14K Diamond Bypass ring. Diamond Cluster Wave Abstract wedding band. Infinity
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Bypass ring in a wave design. Condition: Has not been polished.
Diamond
Horizon Wave Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry
Located in Geneve, CH
Horizon Wave Ring in 14K Gold by Anastassia Sel Jewelry Dimensions: D 17.3 x W 2.4 mm. Materials: 14K gold. Ring size upon request. Please contact us. Available in different gold op...
Diamond, 14k Gold
10k Yellow Gold 1.0 Carat Baguette and Round Diamond Multi-Row Wave Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in warm 10k yellow gold, this bypassing ring features 1 cttw of diamonds. A ribbon inlaid in glimmering round cut diamonds sits at the center of the ring while additional row...
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1.0 Carat Baguette and Round Diamond Multi-Row Wave Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in warm 10k yellow gold, this bypassing ring features 1 cttw of diamonds. A ribbon inlaid in glimmering round cut diamonds sits at the center of the ring while additional row...
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,464Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels 14K White Gold Oval Cut Blue Sapphire and Diamond Halo Wave Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant halo ring showcases an oval-cut blue sapphire weighing approximately 0.66 carats, elegantly set in rich 14K white gold. The centerpiece sapphire, measuring about 6×4 mm,...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.51 Carat Oval Halo Curved Bypass Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Oval Carat: 2.51 Color: J Clarity: SI1 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.21 Carat Oval Halo Curved Bypass Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Details: Certificate: GIA (Gemological Institute of America) Shape: Oval Carat: 1.21 Color: H Clarity: SI2 Cut/Pol/Sym: -/EX/EX Ring Details: Karat: 18K Metal: Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.21 Carat Round Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful J and VS2 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.01 Carat Pear Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful J and SI2 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.3 Carat Oval Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful E and SI1 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.8 Carat Emerald Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful H and VS1 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.7 Carat Radiant Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful H and VS2 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.52 Carat Princess Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful H and SI2 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
Crown of Light Diamond Wave Motif Split Shank Band Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Crafted in 14 karat white gold, the design showcases graceful waves of pavé-set diamonds that create a sense of movement and sparkle.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 1.5 Ct Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire Wave Ring in 18K White Gold Prong Set
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern wave-design solitaire ring features 1 pear cut diamond totaling 1.5 carats, set in rich 18k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,124Sale Price / item|20% Off
Modern 1.5 Ct Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire Wave Ring in 14K White Gold Prong Set
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern wave-design solitaire ring features 1 pear cut diamond totaling 1.5 carats, set in rich 14k white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Nouvelle Vague 1.42ct Blue Zircon & Diamond Wave Ring by Laura Gallon
Located in Los Angeles, US
The dreamy blue of this 1.42 carat cushion-cut Zircon from Cambodia inspired the diamond pavé wave patterns totaling 0.19 carat of this elegant ring. This rings name NOUVELLE VAGUE, ...
Diamond, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Wave Design Wide Band Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7.5 This gorgeous ring, set in luxurious 18 karat white gold, is a distinctive and eye-catching piece with a unique wave design.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 2.01 Carat Round Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful G and VS2 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Thin Wave Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat yellow gold thin wave ring. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellent quality...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona 18 Karat Yellow Gold Slide Wave Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat yellow gold slide wave ring. Alex Jona jewels stand out, not only for their special design and for the excellent qualit...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Free Form Organic Wave Design, 14 Karat Yellow and Rose Gold with Diamond Cut
Located in Palm Desert, CA
The band has a high polish finish with the yellow gold portion that covers 3/4ths of the ring. On the top half section of the wave-scallop design is a diamond-cut finish on 14 karat ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 0.90 Carat White Diamonds Wave Unisex Band Trilogy Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Silhouette Collection 18 Karats Yellow Gold 0.90 Carats White Diamonds "Wave" Band Trilogy Design Ring.
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.51 Carat Princess Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful J and VS1 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.32 Carat Princess Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful I and SI1 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.2 Carat Radiant Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful G and SI2 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.52 Carat Oval Curved Bypass Pave Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Graced with a delightful G and SI1 , this ring radiates an extraordinary brilliance. Its design showcases a captivating wave of small round brilliant-cut side diamonds, set exquisite...
Diamond, Platinum
$1,927Sale Price|20% Off
1.16 Carat SI/H Pear Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wave Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, these exquisite ring is handset with 1.16 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,580Sale Price|20% Off
1.16 Carat SI/H Pear Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Wave Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 14-karat gold, these exquisite ring is handset with 1.16 carats of sparkling diamonds. FOLLOW SPECTRUM JEWELS storefront to view the latest collection & exclusive pieces. ...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Elsa Peretti 18K Yellow Gold Single Diamond Wave Band
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Tiffany & Co. Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 1 round cut= 0.06ct Color: G Clarity: VS2 Dimensions: the ring measures 1.1mm wide at the top Size: 6.0 Weight: 1.01 g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,278 / item
Victor Mayer Candy Ring 18k Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Candy Ring in 18k Rose Gold with Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Men's 14 Karat Yellow Gold Wave Band, Size 11, 0.07ct Diamonds
Located in Palm Desert, CA
At the top of the band is a smooth wave design with three round, brilliant cut diamonds bead-set in a diagonal row.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ocean Wave 2.60ctw Citrine East-West Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Set in 14K yellow gold, the gem is held in a graceful wave-inspired frame that adds a soft sense of movement and balance to the design.
Citrine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond & Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Art Deco Style Curved Waves White Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A masterpiece of elegance, this ring features a swirling curl design that blooms like a delicate flower. Sparkling diamonds trace the graceful curves, while vivid blue sapphires add ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Natural Diamond Wave Lines Band in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This elegant ring, crafted in radiant gold and adorned with natural marquise-cu...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pavé Ring with Diamonds in 18 Karat Red Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
Crafted in glowing 18 karat red gold, this ring is set with 75 brilliant-cut diamonds, totalling 3.75 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ring with 1.4 Carat Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold with a wave pattern all paved with diamonds. 7 rows of baguette diamonds for a total weight of 1.3 to 1.5 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Ring with 1.7 Carat Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Ring in 18 kt white gold and Baguettes Diamonds for 1.7 carats 18 kt white gold ring set with 96 Baguette diamonds set 2 by 2 in 5 rows for approximately 1.7 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Wave ring size 5.5 14KT yellow gold Surf girl surfing
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Do you love the ocean or the waves? This ring is for you if you do! Made in a dainty ocean wave style with a single beautiful ruby in the middle, 100% natural ruby untreated! Ring is...
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Enamel Initial Ring with Diamond Inlay
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
Trendy 18k White Gold Band with Blue Waves of Enamel and Yellow Gold Detailing Total Carat Weight: 0.61 Carat White Diamonds: 0.61 Carats (total 122 stones) Metal: 15.95 grams, 18k...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Pave Wave 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Open Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Pave Wave 14K Yellow Gold Open Band Ring is a radiant piece crafted in 14K yellow gold.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Rose Gold Diamond Wave Band Approx 11 CTW
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Metal - 18k Rose Gold Weight - 27 Grams Size - 7.5 (US Resizable) Stones - Approx. 11 Carats of White and Cognac Diamonds Bold and elegant, this 18K rose gold diamond band featur...
Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wave Design Band - Size 6 1/2
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wave Design Band - Size 6 1/2. This beautiful vintage estate diamond band is crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 3.0 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond 14K White Gold Wave Style Fashion Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
This wave engagement Ring is expertly crafted in 14 Karat white gold and features 3.00 ct of 202 round and 82 baguette cut diamond set in pave, prong & channel settings.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Embrace White Gold with Diamonds Cabochon Lapislazzuli Cocktail Ring
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Angeletti Embrace White Gold With Diamonds Cabochon Lapislazzuli Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angeletti Embrace White Gold With Diamonds Cabochon Lapislazzuli Cocktail Ring
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Angeletti Embrace White Gold With Diamonds Cabochon Lapislazzuli Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victor Mayer Cocktail Petrol Enamel Ring 18kYellow Gold/White Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Cocktail Petrol Enamel Ring 18k Yellow Gold/White Gold with Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victor Mayer Calima Ring 18k White Gold with 162 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Calima Ring 18k White Gold with 162 Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Victor Mayer Calima Ring 18k White Gold with 68 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Calima Ring 18k White Gold with 68 Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Le Vian Ombre Collection Crossover Ring with Brown & White Diamonds in Rose Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking ring features a graceful wave design, with two intersecting loops of pavé-set diamonds creating a bold, sculptural silhouette.
Brown Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Kai Ocean Wave 2.70ctw Amethyst East-West Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Set in 14K rose gold, this East-West ring features a vibrant pear-cut amethyst, embraced by flowing, wave-like lines that echo the calm rhythm of the sea.
Amethyst, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Round Turquoise Guilloche Enamel Ring in White Gold with Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Trance Turquoise Guilloche Enamel Ring in 18k White Gold with 57 Diamonds (total 0.55 ct, G VS) in diamond bezel and on ring shank.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Sculptural Ring with 0.07ct Diamond, Size 7
Located in Morris Plains, NJ
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Freeform Sculptural Ring — 0.07 CT Round Brilliant Diamond, "M" Silhouette, Size 7, Mother's Day Gift Some rings are quiet.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victor Mayer Calima Locket Ring 18k Rose Gold with 68 Diamonds
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Calima Locket Ring 18k Rose Gold with 68 Diamonds VICTOR MAYER is a fine jewelry house known for its sophisticated craftsmanship.
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Embrace by Angeletti, Rose Gold Ring with Ceramic Cabochon and Diamonds
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Embrace by Angeletti. Rose Gold Ring With Ceramic Cabochon and Diamonds. New Model with Ceramic Cabochon and Waves of Diamonds on the Side (ct. 080 f-vvs).
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Embrace Rose Gold with Diamonds and Cabochon Smoky Quarz Cocktail Ring
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Angeletti Embrace Rose Gold With Diamonds and Cabochon Smoky Quarz Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fashionable Diamond Two-Color Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Extremely fashionable and chic 18 karat white and yellow gold diamond ring pave set with bright white and sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds The band is designed of one central w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.