Australian White Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It weighs 6.45 carats with excellent play of color. Accenting the opal are 0.50 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 5.5ct Opal, 1.75tcw
Located in Salt Lake Cty, UT
This is an 18k yellow gold opal and diamond ring. This ring holds a 5.5 ct fiery opal that is haloed by two rows of dazzling diamonds that are G color, SI1 clarity, and 1.75 tcw.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Opal & Diamond Ring, 2.7g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies Ethiopian opal and diamond ring in 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solid Australian Blue Green Boulder Opal Diamond Oval Halo Ring 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in SYDNEY, AU
This one-of-a-kind opal and diamond ring is set in a halo cluster design, expertly crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Black Opal Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sleek and stylish ring featuring a 1.30 carat black opal from Australia, Lighting Ridge area.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Opal & Diamond Ring, 18KT White Gold, English 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
An opal and diamond ring in 18KT white gold, English and hallmarked BMP, made in the 1970s.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Set in 18K white Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Green Enamel & Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Enamel Dome Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Ethiopian Opal is 5.55 carats. The weight of...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Opal, Cabochon Green Tourmaline with Brown Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 2.06 carats, Cabochon Green Tourmaline 3.52 carats with Brown Diamond 0.79 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 3.0 cm Length: 2.5cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 15...
Brown Diamond, Opal, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Intense Gray Crystal Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Fine opal ring featuring a 12c approximate weight Australian square shaped gray crystal opal with green, blue and orangish red play of color mounted in an 18k gold mounting full of b...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
Natural Diamond Opal Ring Cushion 18K Gold Estate
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Opal Ring Cushion 18K Yellow Gold Estate This estate ring is made in solid 18K Yellow Gold (stamped and guaranty) and set with genuine Opal and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Opal Multi Diamonds Green Tsavorite Pave Set Layer 14K Gold Statement Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
A true embodiment of modern elegance and timeless beauty. 14K Gold 0.40 CTW Diamonds 3.10 CTW White Opal and Green Tsavorites
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Australian Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Australian Opal & Diamond Ring Ladies Austrialian opal and diamond ring.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
White Ethiopian Opal & Green Emerald Diamond Art Deco Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Add an elegant touch to your look with this genuine oval opal, emerald, and diamond ring. Crafted in 14K white gold open setting, this beautiful ring features an oval cut opal accent...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,276Sale Price|20% Off
Milgrain Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Milgrain Opal & Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features an oval white opal set in a prong setting, framed by a halo of round diamond...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.20 Carat Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's Oval opal and diamond ring. 3.20 carat oval cabochon center opal with 4 round and 10 tapered baguette cut diamonds in a 18k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Boulder Opal & Diamond Ring 9.9g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies free form style opal and diamond ring in 14k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Diamond Opal Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Emerald Diamond Opal Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage Opal Ring, Emerald Ring, Diamond Ring, Vintage Ring solid 14K gold Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Australian Opal & Diamond Ring 5g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Ladies' 14k yellow gold, opal, and diamond ring. Tests 59% gold using an XRF metals analyzer and weighs 5 grams.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal 18K Gold Ring Natural Australian Opal Diamonds gem report engagement
Located in Berlin, DE
Encircling the opal is a dramatic halo of natural anthracite-toned diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Tanzanite, Inlay Opal & Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This colorful 14k yellow gold ring is brought to life using a combination of gorgeous inlay opal, sparely diamond and violet tanzanite.
Diamond, Opal, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Opal and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
A stunning 18kt gold ring featuring a bezel-set Australian opal that captivates with vibrant play-of-color—rich reds and oranges dancing across the stone, complemented by flashes of ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Natural Diamond Black Opal Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Black Opal Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage This stunning vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold (stamped and guaranteed), and it is set with genuine ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold GIA Black Opal Blue Green Play of Colors Pear Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Black Base / Nice Blue & Light Green Play of Colors - 3.36ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Belo...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Opal Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Black Opal Diamond Cluster 14k Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1990s.
Diamond, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Opal Diamond Ring, 8.13 Carats Oval Opal & Diamond Halo in 14k White Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The details for this beautiful ring are listed below: Metal Quality: 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Number: 74 Diamond Total Weight: 1.00 carat Diamond Diameter: ranges from 1.6 millime...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.22 Carat Fire Opal Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 0.57 carat Round Cut Fire Opal in the center of the ring and is surrounded by a halo of 14 Multi- Col...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Antique 1915 Opal and Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Edwardian-era ring, hallmarked for 1915, showcases a glowing arrangement of opals and old-cut diamonds in a finely detailed gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Australian Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Northampton, MA
This magnificent statement ring showcases an extraordinary solid natural opal from Australia, most consistent with material from the famed Coober Pedy mines.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Opal Diamond Green Emerald Fancy Cut Halo Vintage Art Deco Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A round bezel-set opal at its center, radiating an ethereal glow. Surrounding the opal is a vivid French cut emerald, adding a rich contrast and vintage charm. A dazzling diamond fra...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Opal Round Diamond Gold Wire Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's opal and diamond ring. 3.50ct Marquise cut center opal, 18k yellow gold handmade wire cocktail setting with a halo of 22 round single cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
.85 Carat Opal Diamond Halo White Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Mid-century 1950's opal and diamond ring. 14k white gold setting with a .85cts oval center opal and a halo of round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K White Gold Vintage Opal & Diamond Ring, 8.7g, .35tdw Ladies Australian opal and diamond vintage ring in 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Luminous Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this Effy halo ring centers on a striking 3.50 carat opal with vivid flashes of green, yellow, and...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.32 Carat Gem Fire Opal Diamond Platinum & Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is complemented by 6 large round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.70 carats. Made fabricated in platinum and 18k yellow gold, this lovely gemstone ring will make a gre...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Platinum, 18K Gold, Black Opal, & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique platinum, gold, opal & diamond ring. In platinum & 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
1.46 ctw Diamond Opal Ring Vintage 14K White Gold This estate ring is made in solid 14K White Gold and set with genuine Opal and diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ------------------------------------...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful opal and diamond cluster ring dating back to the Edwardian period.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14KT White Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage ring crafted in 14KT white gold, set with a marquise-shaped opal displaying strong play-of-colour with flashes of green, pink, and orange.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Modern Black Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Geometric Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : Displaying the characteristics of Australian opal, this gem set in this yellow gold diamond ring features vivid plays of green, blue and orange.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.56 Carat Opal 1.25 Carat Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in 台東区, JP
A beautifully sculptural opal and diamond cocktail ring crafted in 18K yellow gold.
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Large Ethiopian Opal Vintage Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Ethiopian Opal Vintage Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold Vintage Opal Diamond Ring features a large dome Oval-shaped Ethiopian Opal in the center with Flashes of Green, Orange, a...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Opal Ruby Pearl Diamond 18k Gold Asymmetrical Cocktail Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
The contrast between the blue-green opal, deep red ruby, soft pearl and diamond-set gold gives the ring a strong personality.
Ruby, Pearl, Opal, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Opal Diamond Ring Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Antique Victorian - Art Deco Ring with three gorgeous natural oval Opals and four Diamonds of stunning beauty.
Opal, Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold
$1,495Sale Price|21% Off
Art Deco Opal Diamond Ring Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring
Located in New York, NY
The opals have yellow, green, and blue fire. The two Opal gems are accented by two sparkling Old Mine Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 10k Gold
Natural Fire Opal Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Natural Fire Opal Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a beautiful 3.17 Carat Oval Cut Natural Orange Fire Opal as its center stone and is elegantly surround...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, ...
Large Opal Ring 8.50 carats Diamonds Vintage Cocktail Ring 18K Gold
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
An impressive vintage cocktail ring centered by a magnificent natural Australian white opal displaying vivid flashes of green, orange, yellow, blue and violet across the entire face ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Jelly Opal, Fire Opal, and Diamonds by Paula Crevoshay
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Indulge in the ethereal beauty of this exquisite 18K yellow gold ring by Paula Crevoshay, featuring a mesmerizing 6.88-carat jelly opal, 2.32 carats of fire opals, and 1.21 carats of...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Opal Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This ring represents the fusion of luxury and nature, where the opal, a symbol of elegance and mystery, meets the sparkle of diamonds and the purity of white gold, creating a piece o...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1970's Opal and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1970's. Beautiful opal surrounded by sparkling white diamonds. The opal shows a lively mix of orange, blue, green and even some purple.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Black Australian Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1990s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exceptional 14-karat yellow gold ring showcases a captivating Australian black triplet opal as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Flower” Ring 9 Carat Yellow Gold Opals And Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Romantic flower ring in 9 carat yellow gold, set with 4 cabochon-cut pear-shaped opals. the opals are luminous and soft, with nuanced pinkish-green colors in natural daylight. I ...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Opal Diamond Ring 14 Karat Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous natural oval Opal Ring with two Diamonds of stunning beauty. The gorgeous Opal cabochon has yellow, green, and blue fire.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Opal Ring Carved Cameo 14K Gold Vintage Face Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Opal Ring Cameo 14K Gold Vintage Face Cocktail This gorgeous vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold and set with natural carved Opal cameo and diamond.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Expertly crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring showcases a breathtaking Australian black opal from Lightning Ridge.
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lightning Ridge Australian Solid Black Opal Diamond 18ct Gold Scallop Ring
Located in SYDNEY, AU
Beautifully handcrafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, this striking ring features a mesmerising Australian solid black opal from Lightning Ridge.
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Yellow Gold 4.42ct Opal & 1.70ctw Diamond Enamel Accented Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is exquisitely crafted in 13k yellow gold and centered by a captivating 4.42 carat oval opal displaying vivid flashes of fiery red, green, blue, and golden play-of-...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Yellow Gold Cabochon Opal & Diamond Open Work Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Opals - Round Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Base w/ Fiery Green & Violet Play Of Colors - 6.1mm to 6.3mm(approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamond...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.50 Carat Oval Opal Diamond Halo Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Well-polished blue green Opal and diamond cocktail ring. 14k Yellow gold setting with a white gold crown.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Opal & Diamond Signet Ring Circa 1990s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Gemstone: One natural oval cabochon cut solid light opal, 11.4mm x 10.3mm x 4.5mm, translucent white body colour with fine red, orange blue, green spectral exchange, estimated total ...
Diamond, Opal, 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.