$776 / item
Mattioli Chips Ring in 18k Rose Gold
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Chips designs include waves and spirals in white and rose gold, embellishing the wearer’s look with refined white diamonds.
18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Aquamarine Pink Sapphire Eternity Ring by MOISEIKIN
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Suitable for any season and occasion. 18K White Gold Harmony Aquamrine Ring Size #17.0mm 18K White Gold 54 Diamonds 0.233 ct. 4 Pink Sapphire 0.77ct 23 Aquamarine 3.90ct Not resiz...
Aquamarine, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Ocean Whisper - Santa Maria Aquamarine set with MoP in Designer Ring in 18K
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Their natural iridescence adds a gentle, moonlit sheen, echoing the soft shimmer of waves catching early morning light. The trio forms a sculptural accent that deepens the ring’s oce...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
$11,974 / item
/520 Ring in 22k Yellow Gold by lott studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials: 22k Yellow Gold This listing features the /520 ring in 22k Yellow Gold.
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.22 Carat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Discover the Rare Beauty of his GIA certified Burmese Ruby Unlock the unparalleled allure of nature's masterpiece with our stunning Natural Ruby from Mozambique. Meticulously source...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$9,999 / item
/524 Ring in 22k Yellow Gold by lott studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials: 22k Yellow Gold. This listing features the /524 ring in 22k Yellow Gold.
Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.42 Carat Thai Ruby Diamond Platinum Vintage Style Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This striking platinum cocktail ring centers a vivid 1.42 carat natural Thai ruby, displaying richly saturated red color and lively brilliance. The ruby is framed within an architect...
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Gold
Oval Shape Green Emerald & Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Egyptian Style White Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco style ring crafted in 18k white gold. The central vivid green emerald estimated 1.30 carat weight is set in bezel with milgrain edging.
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold 1 Carat Diamond Channel Set Eternity Band
Located in Venice, CA
This beautiful 14k white gold ring is a classic diamond eternity band, with 33 channel set diamonds that encircle the band.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
ALGT Certified 1.65 Ct Brilliant cut Salt and Pepper Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
On offer is an 18 carat white black rhodinated gold solitaire ring in the center with 1 brilliant cut salt and pepper diamond 1.66 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Coral Cocktail Ring, Circa 1940, Women's
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The elevated ring shoulders blend seamlessly with the plain ring shank hallmarked to the interior with the 14k gold fineness mark 585.
Coral, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Diamond Curved Contour Sculpted Wedding Band in 14K/18K Yellow Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Details of this particular ring DEF VS Clarity Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: Total 0.262ct 18K Yellow Gold Gold Weight: 3.41g Total Weight: 3.462 g Stamped: Au750 d0.262ct Ring Siz...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
Art Deco Ring Eternity Band Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Art Deco ring designed as an eternity band, made of platinum with diamonds.
White Diamond, Platinum
【Conchéa】Natural Conch Pearl & Diamond Ring — Flamingo Pink Flame Pattern
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Conch Pearl, 18k Gold, and Natural Diamond Dimensions - Conch Pearl Shaped: Natural Round Size: 0.87ct Color: Flamingo Pink with Strong Fla...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band has a slight wave which is lovely worn alone or works well stacked with a solitaire ring. The diamonds in this band total approx 15pts and are bright and spar...
Diamond, White Gold
1.12 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 11-Stone Half-Eternity Band 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Zurich, CH
Expertly forged in 4.02 grams of solid 18K yellow gold, the ring is tailored to a European size 56.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Princess Cut Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Engagement / Wedding Set
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The princess cut diamond is F colour SI2. The rings are modelled in 18carat white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Entangled Wide Wedding Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Truly exquisite, this Multi row wave wide diamond ring is sure to be admired for the inherent classic beauty and elegance within its design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Everyday 18K Yellow Gold Pear Cut Paraiba Tourmaline Wavy Band Solitaire Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Pair it with a fitted, thin gold chevron contour band or delicate diamond pavé ring to accentuate the natural curve of the band without distracting from the central stone.
Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 0.75 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Stackable Bridal Set
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Truly exquisite, this Multi row wave wide diamond ring is sure to be admired for the inherent classic beauty and elegance within its design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Pink Gold Palladium Pink Sapphires Ring Aenea
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Material: Pink Gold 750; Palladium 950 Ring Size: 53 European This wonderful Ring we also sell with Yellow Diamonds or Emeralds, Sapphires and Rainbow colors.
Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
18 Karat Rose Gold Palladium Pink Sapphires Ring Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Material: Pink Gold 750; Palladium 950 Ring Size: 53 European This wonderful Ring we also sell with Yellow Diamonds or Emeralds, Sapphires and Rainbow colors.
Pink Sapphire, Rhodium, Rose Gold, White Gold, Palladium, Sterling Silver
TJD 0.50 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Wavy Shaped Wide Wedding Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Stunning and classic, this diamond ring is beautifully crafted in 14KT yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 1 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Multi-row Wedding Anniversary Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Give a touch of glamour to your fine jewelry collection with this diamond wave engagement ring. It features a wavy design that is embellished with 198 round cut diamonds set in pave ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-century, 18 karat Tahitian 12 mm pearl with 1.50 carat diamonds
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The unique 12 mm wide-bypass setting wraps seamlessly around the finger, tapering into a robust, high-polished 18 karat yellow gold band. This bold cocktail ring transitions effortle...
Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Crisscross 3.5 Carat Emerald Moissanite Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Crisscross 3.50 Carat Emerald Cut Moissanite Solitaire 14k White Gold Engagement Beautiful variation of a classic emerald cut diamond with crisscross faceting. This elongated, rare ...
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victor Mayer Ring Candy 18k GG Vitreous Enamel 1 Brilliant Cut Diamond 0.01 ct
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
The company is working with gold, gemstones as well as diamonds. Reference: V1543/P4/29/00/106 Material: 18k yellow gold Vitreous enamel: Wine red Diamonds: 87 brilliants, total 0,7...
Diamond, Enamel
Victor Mayer Ring Enamel Round 18k White Gold White Guilloche 925 Silver Disc
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
The company is working with gold, gemstones as well as diamonds. Ring Macaron, 18k white gold and 925/- silver, vitreous enamel, guilloché Reference: V1502/SF/00/00/15D Material:...
White Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
Carrera y Carrera Estrella Marina Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Toronto, CA
18kt white gold 4.82 g 1 sapphire 0.01 ct 10 diamonds 0.35 ct Inspired by the captivating mystery of the sea, this design reflects the beauty and power found beneath its ever-changi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Armor Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels "Armor" Ring Gold, Pearls, Diamonds Circa 2001 Designed as a pavé-set brilliant-cut diamonds band centering an undulating wave motif set with marquise-shaped and b...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold
Alex Jona Pink Sapphire Tsavorite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Set of Two Band Rings
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, 18 karat yellow gold set of two wave pavé rings, featuring 1.84 carats of pink sapphires on one ring and 1.83 carats of tsavorites on its twin.
Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Zorab Creation Amethyst and Citrine Couple Mignone Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Citrine and amethyst never looked so good together as they do on this 18k gold and palladium ring. Both round cuts, the citrine weighs 7.52-carats while the amethyst weighs 8.43-cara...
Amethyst, Citrine, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Palladium
Ruby Solstice - Natural Burma Mogok Ruby No Heat Pigeon's Blood GRS Cert Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Its oval silhouette captures light in soft, fiery waves, creating a warm, luminous heart. Encircling this magnificent ruby is a halo of gentle brilliance: 10 Round Rose‑Cut Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
KOENIG 18K White Gold Eternity Band – 8.70 Carat Radiant-Cut Diamonds, GIA
Located in St. Moritz, CH
This sculptural wavy design in 18-karat white gold features 17 radiant-cut diamonds totaling an impressive 8.70 carat.
3.44 Carat TW Antique Old Mine Brilliant One-of-a-Kind Anniversary Family Ring
Located in New York, NY
Total Estimated Gemstone & Diamond Weight: 3.44 Carats Total Weight Ring Architecture & Material Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (Stamped "Abe Mor")Total Weight: 7.73 grams Ring Size:...
Ruby, Purple Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, B...
Wave Tennis Pendant by Angeletti Rose Gold with Fan Shaped Gold and Diamonds
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Wave Tennis Pendant by Angeletti Rose Gold with Fan Shaped Gold and Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Talay Wave 19 Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold
By Kavant & Sharart
Located in Bangkok, 10
Talay Wave 19 Diamond Necklace 18K White Gold Width: 1.0 cm Length: 18.0 cm The Skinny Flow Ring is the latest addition to the Flow series.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$240,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5 Carat Unheated/Untreated Ruby from Mozambique
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A truly magnificent classic ring. This spectacular investment grade three stone engagement ring features a incredible cushion cut 5 carat pure red ruby. Exquisite 5.02-Carat Unhe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Wave ear climbers with pear shaped emeralds and brilliant cut diamonds
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Clean lines and modern elegance with heirloom quality! True to Rinoor's promise of sourcing the finest gemstones and blending them with exceptional craftsmanship, these earrings are ...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Wave Tennis Demi Earrings by Angeletti Rose Gold with Fan Shaped Gold and Diamon
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Wave Tennis Demi Earrings by Angeletti Rose Gold with Fan Shaped Gold and Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Cerulean Wave Open Round Mix Gemstone Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
The gemstones are cut in a variety of marquise and round shapes, clustered along the base of the ring to create a rhythmic, wave-like movement. The design is elevated by a sparkling ...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cerulean Wave Open Round Mix Gemstone Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
The gemstones are cut in a variety of marquise and round shapes, clustered along the base of the ring to create a rhythmic, wave-like movement. The design is elevated by a sparkling ...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kai Oval 2CTW AAA-grade Aquamarine Eternal Wave East-West Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
An ode to motion and stillness in perfect balance. Kai's Eternal Wave ring features a luminous oval aquamarine set horizontally within a sculptural band of brushed 14K gold.
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mattioli Chips Contrarié Ring in rose and white gold movable white diamonds
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Chips designs include waves and spirals in white and rose gold, embellishing the wearer’s look with refined white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold Crab Diamond Pendant Necklace with Rubies and Abalone Shell
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Crab Diamond Pendant Necklace with Rubies Length: 16.5"/18" 7 Abalone Shells - 0.51 CT 18 Colored Diamonds - 0.17 CT 2 Rubies - 0.03 CT 18K Rose Gold - 5.56 GM Crab i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1950s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Belt Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat yellow gold. Sublime vintage yellow gold bracelet. It is supple and forms a belt of articulated wave motifs.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 3.00 Carat Diamond Journey Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Eight stunning prong set round cut diamonds create a soft wave in this 14k yellow gold journey pendant.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Victor Mayer Calima 18k White Gold Diamond Oval Locket Pendant Necklace
By Victor Mayer
Located in Pforzheim, DE
Victor Mayer Calima Oval Diamond Locket Necklace in 18k White Gold with 68 Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, Flowing Wave Design, Space for Two Photographs and 45 cm Anchor Chain with Adjustab...
Diamond, White Gold
Fernando Jorge 18k Gold Peruvian Opal Diamond Fusion Cuff Bracelet
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Created as part of Fernando Jorge's breakout 2014 Fusion Collection, this estate cuff bracelet is a masterwork of contemporary high jewelry. The 18k pink gold cuff features four Peru...
Diamond, Opal, Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Contemporary Pear-Shape Kunzite & Natural Diamond Pendant Necklace 18K Gold
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
The Diamond Accents: Running along the sweeping white gold contours are 0.83 carats of white round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold
10k Yellow and White Gold Diamond Accent Open Double Heart Spiral Curl Pendant
Located in New York, NY
With no shortage of flourishes, this loosely shaped heart pendant features swirls of white gold dotted with diamonds, and wrapped around a whimsical wave of yellow gold, cascading do...
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold White Diamonds Emeralds Earrings Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Earrings handcrafted in Yellow Gold with Emeralds and White Diamonds Paving: Emeralds 1,26ct.; White Diamonds 0,56ct.; Material: Yellow Gold 750 We also offer matching rings and ba...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold...
$1,808Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Silhouette Loop Bracelet, Ceramic & Diamonds, 0.33 ct, made in Germany
By Silhouette Schmuck Germany
Located in Viena, Viena
the popular Loop collection from the jewelry manufacturer Silhouette Bentner from Pforzheim, a modernly interpreted bracelet with faceted ceramic rondelles with a wave effect (loc...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Palladium Blue Sapphires White Diamonds Earrings Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Eaarings handcrafted in Palladium and White Gold with Blue Sapphires and White Diamonds Paving: Blue Sapphires 1,77ct; White Diamonds 0,60ct; Material: Palladium 950; White Gold 750...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Palladium
18 Karat White Gold Blue Pink Yellow Sapphires Emeralds Rubies Earrings Aenea
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Earrings handcrafted in White Gold with multicoloured Gemstones Paving: multicoloured Gemstones; White Diamonds; Emeralds; Blue Sapphires; Rubies; Pink Sapphires; Yellow Sapphires ...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Blue Sapphires Ring Aenea
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Material: White Gold 750; Sterling Silver 925; Black Rhodium This wonderful Ring we also sell with Yellow Diamonds or Emeralds.
Blue Sapphire, Rhodium, Sterling Silver, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Blue Sapphires Ring Aenea Jewellery
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Material: White Gold 750; Sterling Silver 925; Black Rhodium This wonderful Ring we also sell with Yellow Diamonds or Emeralds.
Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
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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