GIA 1.01ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.05ct Pear Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 4.03ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.51ct Emerald Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 0.95ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$11,015Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.5ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$7,870Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.2ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3.01ct Emerald Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
From $2,795 / item
Certified Diamond Mixed Shape Half Eternity Band Ring 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Cast from 18-karat gold, this exquisite ring is handset with 1.09 carat of sparkling diamonds. Diamond is a April birthstone and is believed to boost confidence and enhance creativit...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multi Shape SI/H Diamond Half Eternity Band 18k White Gold Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Multi Shape SI/H Diamond Half Eternity Band 18k White Gold Ring features mixed cut diamonds set in half band of the ring making a half eternity stackable diamond band ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage RBC Diamond Champagne and Black 9.3mm Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage Diamond 18K White Gold Half Eternity 9.3mm Gold Band Ring. Hand set with 2.00tcw Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds, Champagne and 1.35tcw Black Diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Moissanite Half Eternity Wedding Ring Band Engagement Bridal Women Jewelry Gift
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Product Specifications: - 14 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality Moissanite with 0.42ct - 14 Marquise Cut High Quality Moissanite with 0.84ct Quality: D-E in Color and VS1-2 in Clarity,...
18k Gold
$207Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra 1CT Emerald Half Eternity Band Ring in Sterling Silver Anniversary Gift
Located in New York, NY
This refined emerald half eternity band is crafted in 925 Sterling Silver and features seven round cut Emerald gemstones arranged in a channel setting.
Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
Half Eternity Platinum Band. 0.10TCW Round and Pear Shape Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.10 Carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Setting: Prong-Set Diamond Pattern: Alternating Round and Pe...
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold Round Cut SI/H Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This Round Cut SI/H Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring features round cut diamonds studded on the front of the band making half eternity stackable band ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.43 Carat Half Eternity Natural Diamond Wedding Stack Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
The diamonds form a continuous line across the finger while the polished lower shank remains plain, giving the piece the character of a classic half-eternity band. Crafted in 14k whi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond 1.45 carats 18KT White Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This bold and radiant band is a true testament to luxury and elegance. Crafted in lustrous 18-karat white gold, it showcases a mesmerizing design featuring five exquisite round-cut p...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Diamond Princess eternity band. 18k White Gold 0.5ctw half anniversary Ring.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful 18k White Gold Half infinity band 0.5ctw Total Diamonds Half Princess Diamond set eternity band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Half Eternity Seven Stone Aquamarine Wedding Ring 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Sparkling round aquamarines adorn the glistening band in a half eternity. They are held in a prong setting and allure with their pastel blue hue.
Aquamarine, Gold
Half-Eternity Moissanite Double Band 925 Sterling Silver Engagement Ring For Her
Located in Chicago, IL
Half-Eternity Moissanite Double Band 925 Sterling Silver Engagement Ring For Her A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order.
Sterling Silver
Half Eternity Moissanite Wedding Ring 925 Sterling Silver Wedding Gift For Her
Located in Chicago, IL
Half Eternity Moissanite Wedding Ring 925 Sterling Silver Wedding Gift For Her A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order.
Sterling Silver
0.75 Carat Cluster Natural Diamond Half Eternity Stacking Ring, 14k White Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
This half eternity band features round natural diamonds set continuously around the entire ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage diamond 14k yellow gold half eternity band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Graded G-H color and VS clarity, the diamonds offer bright sparkle and classic brilliance across the top of the band. The half eternity design gives the ring a graceful shimmer while...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ethiopian Opal Moissanite Halo Engagement Ring 14K Rose Gold Half Eternity
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K gold ring set with a beautiful pear-shaped Ethiopian opal in the center, flanked by a halo of bright white moissanites. The shank is also decorated with gradual-sized mo...
Opal, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Half Eternity 0.10ct Round Brilliant Band. Diamond Wedding Ring Platinum G VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.10 carats Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Color: G Diamond Clarity: VS1 Stone Setting: Half-eternity o...
Diamond, Platinum
Wide 14K Yellow Gold Marquise Diamond Ring, Modern Architecture Half Eternity Ba
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Redefining modern luxury with bold geometric precision, The Aurelia by HN Jewelry is a breathtaking wide statement ring. Expertly hand-crafted in warm, solid 14K yellow gold, this ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Half Eternity Alternate Ruby and Diamond Band. Round Cut Wedding Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Rubies and Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.65 Carats Total Ruby Weight: 0.90 Carats Total Diamond Color: L-M Color Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI2 Diamond Cut: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$1,248Sale Price / item|20% Off
Stackable Natural Emerald Half Eternity Band Ring 1.59ct in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Each measuring approximately 3.91 x 2.93 mm, creating a rich and vibrant green look. The band has a sleek half eternity design, with a ring measuring about 0.17 inches in length, 0.9...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This 18 carat yellow gold band ring is beautifully inlaid in the centre with a row of eleven square cut emeralds, weighing an approximate total weight of 0.70ct. The vibrant emeralds...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,330 / item
Marquise Cut Diamond 0.64ct Half Eternity Band
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : This item is made by order, please let us now your desired gold colored and ring size • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Multi Natural Semi Precious Colored Rainbow Gem Half Eternity Band Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A fascinating combination of a very different colored sparkling gemstones are brought together with impact in these multi gemstone ring. A pale blue topaz, stunning purple amethyst, ...
Amethyst, Citrine, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.40 Carat Ruby and 0.55 Carat Diamond, Platinum Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.40 carat ruby, 0.55 carat diamond and platinum half eternity engagement ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage ruby eternity rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
0.84 CTW Half Eternity Seven Stone Peridot Wedding Ring in Sterling Silver
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Sparkling peridots cascade halfway around the band radiating their brilliance in a shared prong setting. Crafted in silver, this stunning round peridot weddin...
Peridot, Sterling Silver
Baguette Diamond Art Deco Style Half Eternity Band 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A lovely Art Deco inspired half eternity band ring! The band is meticulously design with horizontally set baguette cut diamonds with color H and clarities SI1-SI2.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary diamond 18k white gold half eternity band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant contemporary diamond half eternity band is a timeless design from the 2020’s, featuring 36 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.30 carat in total.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Curvy Channel Set Half Eternity Band Wedding Ring
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
This beautiful 18k white gold diamond curvy channel set half eternity band wedding ring is the perfect symbol of your eternal love.
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum 1.59 TCW Diamond Half Eternity Wedding Band and Engagement Ring GIA
Located in New York, NY
Center Stone Grade: Color: F, Clarity: SI2, Cut: Good Measurements: 6 x 19 x 6.5 mm Note: GIA Cert. (Engagement Ring Center Stone) Half Eternity Wedding Band Ring: Weight: 3.9 grams...
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat Gold Emerald Cut Octagon Brazilian Emerald Half Eternity Band Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18 karat gold emerald cut octagon brazilian emerald half eternity band ring This emerald half eternity band ring in 18 karat gold shares simplicity with elegance.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
De Beers Platinum Diamond 0.20TCW Classic Half Eternity Wedding Band Ring Papers
By De Beers
Located in San Diego, CA
DE BEERS DIAMONDS Style: DB Classic Half Eternity Pave Diamond Band Ring Metal: Platinum 950 Size: 5.75 - Sizable Width: 1.8 MM Total Carat Weight: 0.20 TCW Diamond Shape: 21 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Square Princess Cut Blue Sapphire Diamond Channel Set Half Eternity Band Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Fabulous square sapphires and dazzling diamonds alternatively adorn this channel set half eternity band. The blue sapphires and white diamonds exude a stunning contrast. 14K White Go...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Half Eternity Marquise Shape Diamond Wedding Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise diamond create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Product Specifications: - 14 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$200Sale Price / item|50% Off
Sterling Silver Channel Set Amethyst Half Eternity Band Ring by Silvorra, 1.03ct
Located in New York, NY
A sleek 925 Sterling Silver band ring featuring 1.03 carats of square cut Amethyst gemstones, arranged in a refined channel set design. The seven 3 mm Amethyst gemstones display rich...
Amethyst, Silver, Sterling Silver
Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Wedding Ring. Half Eternity Band Round and French
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Secondary Stones: Sapphires and Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.20 Carats Total Sapphire Weight: 0.35 Carats Total Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Sapphire Cut: French Cut...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 4.63ct Emerald Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand-new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA 2.53ct Oval Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3ct Radiant Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 5.01ct Oval Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 6.11ct Round Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is brand-new and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, which signifies top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspired half ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3.51ct Oval Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is brand-new and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, which signifies top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspired half ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 5.01ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand-new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,848Sale Price / item|20% Off
2.89 Carat Ruby & Diamond Half- Eternity Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This eternity band ring features 2.89 carats of natural rubies, set in 14K Yellow Gold. Each ruby measuring 5 x 3 mm and secured in a sleek channel setting, accented by 0.16 carats o...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Champagne Peach Marquise Morganite Unique Half Eternity Wedding Ring Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Product Specifications: - 14 Marquise Cut High Quality Natural Champagne / Peach Morganites with 0.84ct - 14 Round Cut High Quality Natural Champagne / Peach Morganites with 0.42ct -...
Morganite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA 3ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 4.51ct Round Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand-new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3.51ct Oval Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand-new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 6.01ct Cushion Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3.5ct Emerald Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3.01ct Pear Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
$988Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold 2.24 Ct Natural Blue Sapphire Half Eternity Band Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue sapphire half eternity band ring in 14K gold symbolises the everlasting love between a couple.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 3.01ct Princess Solitaire with Half Eternity 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This piece is in brand new condition and exemplifies exceptional craftsmanship, highlighted by its GIA certification, signifying top-tier quality and authenticity. The vintage-inspir...
Diamond, White Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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.