18k Yellow Gold Hammered Finished Diamond Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Unique diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold with a hammered finish.
21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18k Yellow Gold Hammered Finished Diamond Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Unique diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold with a hammered finish.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Rossella Ugolini Emeralds Diamonds Gold Snake Hammered Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 0.02 carats White Diamonds 0.03 carats Emeralds 18 Yellow Gold Snake and 24kt Gold Plated Sterling Silver Hammered Band Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 0.10 Carat Diamonds Hammered Design Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.10 Carat Diamonds Hammered Design Ring 18k Gold. The ring measures 10mm in height and features nine round diamonds for a total of 0.10tcw.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rossella Ugolini Sapphires White Diamonds Gold Snake Hammered Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 0.02 carats White Diamonds 0.03 carats Sapphires 18 Yellow Snake and 24kt Gold Plated Sterling Silver Hammered Band Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver...
Hammer Finish 18 Karat White Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hammer Finish 18 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Ring with Baguette Diamonds
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished 8mm Scallop-Edged Ring, Accented with 0.14 Carats of Baguette Channel Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Scattered Diamond Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Cigar Ring, Accented with 0.14 Carats of Scattered Bezel Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22k Gold Hammered Thick Stacking Rings with Diamonds, by Tagili
Located in New York, NY
22k gold hand hammered, hand textured stacking rings are perfect with the added touch of diamonds!.
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
$3,100 / item
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted 8mm Matte and Hammer-Finished Ring, Centered with 0.12 Carats of a Pave Set Diamond Rectangle Motif.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold 0.15ctw Round Diamond Diagonal Hammered Finish Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (9) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Set -Nice Brilliant White Diamonds Total Carat Weight: 0.15 (approx.) Material: Solid 14K White Gold Weigh...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald, Diamond and Hammered 22 Karat Gold and Sterling Ring
Located in Nantucket, MA
An unusual asymmetrical ring constructed of hammered sterling and a weighted 22K Gold (not a vermeil) with a large, faceted emerald and small diamond on the side.
Diamond, Emerald, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
22K Yellow Gold Hammered Band Ring with Diamonds, Green Sapphires & Amethyst
Located in Orlando, FL
22K Yellow Gold Hammered Band Ring with Diamonds, Green Sapphires & Amethyst Diamonds – 8 princess cut diamonds, approx. 0.80ctw, G color, SI1 clarity Green Sapphires – 8 round,...
Amethyst, Diamond, Green Sapphire, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,100 / item
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged 8mm Ring, Accented with 0.22 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Narrow Rings with Bezel Diamonds
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted 8mm Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Narrow Ring, Accented with 0.11 Carats of Bezel Set Scattered Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,500 / item
14K Gold 0.27 ct. tw. Hammered Cuff Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Matte and Hammer-Finished Cuff Ring, Accented with 0.27 Carats of Burnish Set Diamonds
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Outstanding Large Hammered David Webb Gold Jade and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Another fabulous creation by David Webb in meticulously hammered, 18K yellow gold, jade and diamonds. David Webb has been regarded as the definitive American fine jewelry designer ...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Hammered Cut-Out Ring with 0.08ct Diamond Motif
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Polish-Finished Cut-Out Strand Ring, Centered with 0.08 Carats of a Pave Set Diamond Rectangle Motif
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Bow diamond ring 14KT yellow gold Hand finish with hammer stunning!
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bow ring, exquisite craftsmanship with hand details and beautiful diamonds in 14kt yellow gold. Metal Type: 14KT Natural Diamond(s): Color: G-H Cut:Round Brilliant Carat: 0.45ct C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,320Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Hammered Tiered Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Urban, stylish and always modern this beautiful statement ring is designed as a rectangular mounting with stepped tiers of gold, atop with round dimaonds in platinum. "57th Street" C...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry 22 Karat Gold Hand Hammered 3.22 Carat Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the vault at Emilio Jewelry located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring natural pear shape champagne and white diamonds vvs-vs2 clarity, have been set in a organic fre...
Diamond, 22k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS PARIS 18k Hammered Yellow Gold & Diamond Ring Vintage 1970s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Paris 18k Hammered Yellow Gold & Diamond Ring Vintage 1960s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,310Sale Price|20% Off
Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold Australian Black Opal and Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14k Yellow Gold 0.12cttw Hammered Cuff Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop Edged Cuff Ring, Accented with 0.12 Carats of a Pave Set Diamond Bar.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Turkish 24K Gold Fused Silver Hammered Diamond Bee Coin Signet Ring
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Contemporary Turkish 24K Gold Fused Silver Hammered Diamond Bee Coin Signet Ring, Size 6 1/2 (US), by Kurtulan Jewellery Imbued with classical mythology and ancient artistry, this st...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold
$4,400 / item
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Cigar Ring, Accented with 0.24 Carat of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,500 / item
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Band Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished 8mm Band Ring, Accented with 0.40 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Narrow Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted 8mm Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Ring, Accented with 0.10 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Ring with an Oval Diamond Motif
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished 8mm Ring, Centered with 0.25 Carats of a Pave Set Diamond Oval.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,400 / item
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Cigar Ring, Enhanced with 0.43 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18K Gold Hand-Hammered Rubover Setting Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This Edwardian ring has all of the elements that are most often desired in today’s quest for the perfect wide-band half-dome diamond ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Filigree Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finish Scallop-Edged Filigree Ring, Accented with 0.03 Carats of Bezel Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Clover Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged 8mm Clover Ring, Accented with 0.12 Carats of Pave Set Diamond Clovers.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold High Quality 0.81ctw Emerald Ruby Sapphire & Diamond Hammered Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (3) Natural Genuine Sapphire, Emerald & Ruby - Very High Quality - Round Brilliant Cut - Burnish Set - Blue, Green & Red Color - 0.11ct (sapphire) - 0.12ct (emeral...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold 4.11ctw Oval Peridot & Pave Diamond Matte Hammered Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely magnificent cocktail ring that is crafted from solid 18k white gold featuring a large peridot gemstone that is perfectly accented with very fine quality di...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,700 / item
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Arch Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Matte-Finished Gallery Ring Enhanced With 0.38 Carat Of Pave Set Diamonds
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay Cabochon Cat's Eye Sillimanite & Diamond Dome Ring Hammered 18K Gold
By Henry Dunay
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The saturated brown stone features a stunning cat's eye design, which moves around any which way the ring is placed. The wide, polished yellow gold setting and graduated shank have a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,280Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst and Diamond Hammered Finish Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Webb is well known for his love of yellow gold — and his bold use of colour in general. His designs not only stand the test of time, but are unique concepts in their own right, and h...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Wave Ring in Hammered and Polished 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Gemstones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Round Diamond Total Carat Weight: .10 carats Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: SI1-SI2 Ring Weight: 5.4 g...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Filigree Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Filigree Cigar Ring, Accented with 0.05 Carats of Bezel Set Diamonds
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Small Hammered Arch Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte And Hammer-Finished Arch Ring, Enhanced with 0.39 Carat of Pave Set Diamond Arches.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
New 18k Yellow Gold 0.62ctw Bezel Set Trillion Cut Diamond Hammered Finish Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Trillion Cut - Bezel Set - I Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.62ct (exact) Total Carat Weight: 0.62 (exact) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New 18k White Gold 0.87ct Bezel Set Trillion Cut Diamond Solitaire Hammered Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Trillion Cut - Bezel Set -J Color - SI2 Clarity - 0.87ct (exact) Total Carat Weight: 0.87 (exact) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Hand-Crafted Yellow Gold Open Rectangular-Shaped Hammered Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Open Rectangular Ring, Accented with 0.09 Carats of Burnish Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand-Crafted Yellow Gold Open Free-Form Hammered Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Open Free-Form Ring, Accented with 0.125 Carats of Burnish Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand-Crafted Yellow Gold Open Oval-Shaped Hammered Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Open Oval-Shaped Ring, Accented with 0.11 Carats of Burnish Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Carat Gold Hammered Ring with Platinum Set Emerald Cut Diamond 2.45 Carat GIA
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hammered ring with platinum set emerald cut diamond 2.45cts GIA CERTIFIED D COLOUR CLARITY VVS2, handmade in Notting Hill London by British jewellery designer Malcolm Betts.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum, 22k Gold
Hand-Crafted 14K Gold 0.33 ct. tw. Domed Hammered Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Domed Ring, Centered with 0.33 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hammer Finish Two-Tone 18 Karat Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Fold-Over Hammered Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Fold-Over Cigar Ring, Accented with 0.07 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Wide Cuff Wrap Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop Edged Wide Cuff Wrap Ring, Accented with 0.20 Carats of a Pave Set Diamond Bar.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Horse-Shoe Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Matte and Hammer-Finished Horse-Shoe Cigar Ring, Enhanced with 0.28 Carats of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Cut-Out Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Cut-Out Ring, Accented with 0.08 Carat of Pave Set Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Handcrafted 14 Karat Yellow Gold Hammered Color Stone Cigar Ring
By I. Reiss
Located in Great Neck, NY
14 Karat Yellow Gold Hand-Crafted Matte and Hammer-Finished Scallop-Edged Cigar Ring, Centered with a Smokey Topaz Semi-Precious Color Stone, and Surrounded by 0.18 Carat of Pave Set...
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
California Gold 4mm Diamond Eternity Band with Matte Hammered Finish
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
20K high karat wedding band by Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, crafted from ethically-mined California river gold. This 4mm comfort fit eternity wedding ring features 6 evenly spac...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
22 Carat Gold Hammered Signet Ring with Star Set Old Cut Round Diamond 0.25 Cts
By Malcolm Betts
Located in London, GB
22ct gold hammered signet ring with star set old cut round diamond 0.25cts hand made in Notting Hill, London by Malcolm Betts.
Diamond, Gold
18k David Webb Diamond Cabochon Emerald Ruby Hammered Cocktail Ring 7.75
By David Webb
Located in Winter Springs, FL
This original David Webb ring has been done in 18K yellow gold and finished with a hammered texture.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k 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.