Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Marquise/Round Diamond Half Eternity Band
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
This Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Marquise and Round Diamond Half Eternity Band features milgrain edge detail around each bright white stone.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,203Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural 2.2 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Item Code :- SER-2482A Gross Weight :- 3.91 gm 18k Solid White Gold Weight :- 3.46 gm Natural Diamond Weight :- 2.25 carat ( AVERAGE DIAMOND CLARITY SI1-SI2 & COLOR H-I ) Ring Size :...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Channel-Set Diamond Half Eternity Band, 0.66 Carats
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This exquisite diamond channel-set half eternity band is crafted from polished 14K white gold, weighing 3.8 grams for a lightweight yet luxurious feel.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Platinum Five Single Cut Diamond Half Eternity Wedding Band
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: Platinum Size: 8.25 Width: 2.80 mm Weight: 3.00 Grams One ladies custom made platinum five-across, diamond vintage wedding band with a half-round sha...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18 Carat White Gold Multiple Row Diamond Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This spectacular vintage half eternity band is set with three rows of stunning round brilliant cut white diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The nine diamonds total 27pts. The diamonds are bright and have a wonderful sparkle. The band is modelled in 18carat white gold. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Band Width: 2.5mm Weight: ...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
1930s Antique 2.5mm Half Eternity Wedding Band in 18K White Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This 18K white gold antique half eternity wedding ring from the 1930s is a beautiful piece from our vintage jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Los Angeles, California.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous half eternity band holds a 5 pt square cut ruby in-between 2pt diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
$10,400Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.80 Carat Round Cut Diamond F-G Color V-S 18K Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning half eternity band is crafted in solid 18K white gold; features 7 diamonds graded in F-G color and VS in clarity.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The emerald cut emeralds in this ring are beautiful and bright and total 48pts. Above and below the row of bright emeralds there are diamond. Each diamond measures 1pt each. The ring...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
2mm Diamond Channel Set 14K Yellow Gold Half-Eternity Wedding Band
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A channel set diamond half-eternity wedding band in 14K yellow gold. Its narrow 2mm width make it perfect for stacking and all without compromising on sparkle as it features 20 round...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 14K Rose Gold 1 cttw Diamond Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$5,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 14K Yellow Gold 1 cttw Diamond Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,280Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 14K White Gold 1 cttw Diamond Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,813Sale Price|24% Off
2 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band 20 Pts
Located in East Rutherford, NJ
Gold- 2.80 gms Diamond- 2.10 carats Diamond Colour: G-H Diamond Clarity: SI Ring Weight: 3.22 gms Ring Size: 6.5 US *In stock items will be shipped in 2 business days, or please allo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$2,021Sale Price|25% Off
1.50 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band 15 Pts
Located in East Rutherford, NJ
Gold- 2.20 gms Diamond- 1.56 carats Diamond Colour: G-H Diamond Clarity: SI Ring Weight: 2.51 gms Ring Size: 6.5 US *In stock items will be shipped in 2 business days, or please allo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 14K Yellow Gold 0.50 cttw Diamond Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Baguette & Round Diamond Bar-Set Half Eternity White Gold Wedding Band
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Crafted by Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. Baguette cut and round diamonds alternate in this 14K white gold half eternity wedding band. The stones are bar-set. Clean, c...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Modern Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The square cut emeralds in this ring are beautiful and bright and measure 15pts each. In between the gorgeous green stones are diamonds which measure 2pts each. The ring is modelled ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The square cut emeralds in this ring are beautiful and bright and measure 5pts each. Either side of the row of emeralds which are set in a scalloped setting are two rows of diamonds....
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
$1,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 0.50 Carat Diamond 14K White Gold Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The gorgeous square cut stones set within the 18ct white gold are so sparkly and the sapphires are a great bright blue colour. The diamonds total approx 25pts and the sapphires total...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.76 Ctw. Princess & Emerald Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band
Located in San Francisco, CA
Alternating Princess & Emerald Cut Diamond Half Eternity band in Platinum. This band has four Emerald cut and three Princess cut diamonds GIA certified in E color, VVS1-VS1 clarity w...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Tiffany Half Eternity Wedding Band. Round Diamond Notch Band Platinum 2.20mm
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Cut: Round brilliant cut Stone Setting: Notch setting Jewelry Type: Wedding band Style: Half eternity, notch Design: A platinum notch ...
Diamond, Platinum
3.44cttw Half Oval & Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Show off your trendsetting style with this unique diamond eternity band ring. Crafted in 18k white gold and encrusted halfway with Oval shaped diamonds and another half with Emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alternating Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Half Eternity Band - Rare Colors
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
This stunning diamond half eternity band features a striking total of 2.76 carats, offering an exquisite combination of Fancy Yellow and E/F color elongated radiant diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Half Double Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This half eternity band has two layers. One side holds baguette diamonds and the other side holds round diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
2.80 Carat Natural Ruby Oval Cut Half Eternity Band in 18K Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
18k gold half eternity band featuring a total weight of 2.80 carats of natural, oval-cut rubies.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
$1,190Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dainty Half Eternity Emerald Gemstone Stacking Band 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Dainty Half Eternity Emerald Gemstone Stacking Band Ring in 18K Gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Half Eternity Diamond Band. Round Brilliant Wedding Band Platinum G VS1 2.05mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.10 Carats Total Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: G Color Diamond Clarity: VS1 Clarity Stone Set...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Diamond 0.26 carats 18KT Yellow Gold Half Eternity Wedding Band
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This exquisite 18KT Yellow gold half eternity band embodies timeless elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roman Malakov 0.92 Carat Total Round Diamond Half-Eternity Wedding Band
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A fascinating half eternity wedding band features brilliant round diamonds weighing 0.92 carats total. Set in a shared two prong composition. Made in 14K White Gold, Size 6.75 US St...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$792Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamond 0.26 carats 18KT Rose Gold Half Eternity Wedding Band
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This exquisite 18KT Rose gold half eternity band embodies timeless elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cartier 18K Gold Wedding Band. Round Diamond Half Eternity White Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Designer/Signed Name: Cartier Signature: Cartier Jewelry Primary Stone: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Setting: Tapered Half-Eternity Setting Numb...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Colors 4 Carat Fancy Yellow Radiant Diamond Half Eternity Band
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
This breathtaking half-eternity band captures the essence of timeless luxury with six radiant-cut fancy yellow diamonds totaling an impressive 4.32 carats. Each stone is expertly han...
Diamond, 18k Gold
TJD 0.10 Carat Round Diamond Half Eternity Wedding Band 14K White Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Key Attributes Total Diamond Weight: 0.10 Carat Diamond Cut: Round Single Cut Diamond Count: 42 Diamond Color: H-I Diamond Clarity: I2 Setting Style: Prong Design: Half Eternity Ban...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,300Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 1.63ct Oval Diamond East West Half Eternity 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning oval cut diamond eternity band, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 5 oval diamonds, 1.63 carats total. F/G color and VS clarity. Set in 18k white gold, 4.24 grams, size 6.5. Accom...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Anniversary Band 3.29 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Four royal blue sapphires, square cut with stepped tables, alternate with five round brilliant diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.64 CTW. Round Brilliant Diamond Half Eternity Band in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 14K yellow gold half eternity band has seven round diamonds in F color, VS clarity with 1.64 carat total weight.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.06 CTW. Oval Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band in Platinum
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oval Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band set in Platinum. This half eternity band has five oval brilliant diamonds GIA certified in E to F color, VVS-VS clarity with an approximatedly 2 ...
Filigree Diamond Bead Half Eternity Band, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, Size 7.75
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This band was crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. With a total weight of 1.10 grams, this ring has a filigree bead design wrapping halfway around the band with a simple polish finish on...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Anniversary Band 3.29 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Four royal blue sapphires, square cut with stepped tables, alternate with five round brilliant diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Anniversary Band 3.29 Carats 18K Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Four royal blue sapphires, square cut with stepped tables, alternate with five round brilliant diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1 1/3 CTW. Oval Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band in Platinum
Located in San Francisco, CA
Oval Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band set in Platinum. This half eternity band has eight Oval diamonds in G color, VS clarity, weighing an approximately 1 1/3 carat in total.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.51 Ctw. Radiant Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band in Platinum
Located in San Francisco, CA
Radiant Cut Diamond Half Eternity Band set in Platinum. This half eternity band has nine radiant cut diamonds in GIA certified D-F color, VVS to VS1 clarity with 4.51 carats total w...
Diamond, Platinum
Half Eternity 18K Yellow Gold Band. Round Brilliant Diamond Wedding Band 2.80mm
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: 0.10 carats Secondary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Stone Setting: Pavé Set, Bezel Set Jewelry Type: Band Style: H...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Suzy Levian 14K Rose Gold 1/2 cttw Diamond Eternity Half Band
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
This elegant Suzy Levian diamond half eternity band features a total of ten round cut diamonds (G-H, S1-S2).
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Half Eternity Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band. Alternate Band 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in 14k white gold, the alternating arrangement gives the Elmhurst Band a refined and versatile character. Its half-eternity design offers a graceful display of gemstones ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Square Princess Cut Green Emerald & Diamond Channel Half Eternity 14KW Gold Band
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Fabulous square emeralds and dazzling diamonds alternatively adorn this channel set half eternity band. The green emeralds and white diamonds exude a stunning contrast. 14K White Gol...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Gold 0.22 Ctw Diamond Half Eternity Diamond Wedding Band SI GH
Located in New York, NY
Featuring shimmering natural diamonds set in radiant 14K gold, this half-eternity band symbolizes enduring love and classic elegance.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Wedding Band 14k Solid Gold Diamond Wedding Band Half Eternity Stack DiamondBand
Located in Chicago, IL
Wedding Band 14k Solid Gold Diamond Wedding Band Half Eternity Stack DiamondBandCountry/Region of Manufacture India Style Eternity Base Metal Yellow Gold, 14k Clarity Vs-Si Secondary...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The emeralds in this ring are beautiful and bright and measure 5pts each. In between the gorgeous green stones are diamonds which measure 2pts each. The ring is modelled in 9carat wh...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
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.