18K Hand-Hammered Engagement Ring with 0.80 Carat Orange Diamond Center
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Hand hammered Engagement Ring is made in 18K Yellow Gold and hosts an Irradiated Orange 0.80 Ct Radiant Cut natural diamond Prong set in its center with 0.07 Ct white...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Hand-Hammered Engagement Ring with 0.46 Carat Radiant Diamond Center
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Hand hammered Engagement Ring is made in 18K Yellow Gold and hosts a 0.46 Ct Radiant Cut natural diamond Prong set in its center with 0.08 Ct diamond creating a half h...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,762Sale Price|20% Off
Sprinkled Diamond Band With Hammered Finish Made In 14k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Metal Details: 14KT Yellow Gold Weight: 10.398 grams Diamond Details: Diamond Weight: 0.37 carats Product Features: Style: Eternity Band Ring Design: Hammered Finish with Full Diam...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mattioli Aspis Spinner Ring in Rose Gold w/Hammered External Bands in Rose Gold
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Aspis spinner ring in rose gold with hammered external bands in rose gold and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
"Columns" Ring in Hammered 14K Yellow Gold with 36ct Hessonite Garnet Cabochon
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
A big, natural dark oxblood red garnet cabochon is set in an original ring design by Eytan Brandes, featuring classical "columns" that reach up to the center mounting. Eytan hammere...
Garnet, Hessonite, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,951Sale Price|20% Off
Sprinkled Diamond Band With Hammered Fininsh Made In 14k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Metal Details: 14KT White Gold Weight: 11.018 grams Diamond Details: Diamond Weight: 0.37 carats Product Features: Style: Eternity Band Ring Design: Hammered Finish with Full Diamo...
14k Gold
Hammer Finish Two-Tone 18 Karat Italian Diamond Ring with Ruby Center Stone
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, Ruby, 18k Gold
$10,880Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Platinum & 18k Yellow Gold Hammered Finish, Carved Lapis and Diamond
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
David Webb's lapis lazuli and diamond yellow gold ring is a beautiful and unique piece of jewelry. Lapis lazuli is a semi-precious stone that has been treasured since antiquity for i...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Gold Hand-Hammered Solitaire Gents Ring with 1.02 Ct Emerald Cut Center
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Hand hammered Solitaire Ring is made in 18K Yellow Gold and hosts an EGL certified 1.02 Ct Emerald Cut natural diamond channel set in its center.
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.10 Carat 14 Karat Diamonds Spanish Goth Deco Revival Hammered Finish Band*
Located in New York, NY
Natural Rounds diamonds ring. Hand craftsmanship at its best. Hammered Deco & Spanish Patina Overlay G-color VS-2 clarity. 14kt.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary Turkish Luxury 24k Fused Silver Hammered Diamond Bee Coin Cocktail
By Kurtulan
Located in Bozeman, MT
Contemporary Turkish Luxury 24k Fused Silver Hammered Diamond Ancient Greek Honey Bee Coin Cocktail Ring, Size 10 By Kurtulan Jewellery Imbued with classical mythology and ancient ar...
Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gold, 24k Gold, Gold
18K Rose Gold Ippolita Senso Split Band Disc Ring with Diamonds
By Ippolita
Located in Los Angeles, CA
From the Senso Collection Beautiful Entirely Handmade Designer Ippolita Hammered 18K Rose Gold Diamond Disc Ring. Signature Ippolita hand-hammered 18K Rose Gold Statement Ring that i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$6,200
1.00 Carat Hammered Marquise Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand crafted 18 karat barrel ring 16 accent diamonds light hammered finish size 7
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,750
1.59 Carat Diamond Hammered Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This bold and unique piece is sure to stand out. With 1.59cts of white diamonds, G color, VS2 clarity, and a hammered finish in yellow gold, it’s the perfect accessory.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,950
Aimee Kennedy, Diamond Pave 14 Karat Gold Hammered Ring
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rustic statement ring with signature hammered texture and a swath of pave white Canadian diamonds set in 100% rcycled 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,000
14 Karat Yellow White Gold Diamond Hammered Finish Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14 Karat Yellow White Gold Diamond Hammered Finish Ring A unique, hammered finish, 14k yellow and white gold ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$8,063
Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Square Hammered Cocktail Ring
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. yellow gold cocktail ring with round-cut diamonds. This classic cocktail ring is handmade in Italy.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,650
0.95 Carat Hing Yellow Gold Cognac Diamond Hammered Band/Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featured is a hand crafted 18 karat yellow gold diamond ring with 5 round brilliant cognac diamonds weighing 0.95 carats 11.00 grams finished with a lightly hammered brushed texture ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,000
2.90 Carat Champange Diamond Rose Gold Hammered Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Hand crafted 14 karat diamond ring 1.40 center stone 1.50 accents stones are reverse set which gives it a unique subtle aggressive tone Size 6
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$371
Gabriel and Co White Gold Diamond Pod Ring with Hammered Finish
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Fashionable diamond pod ring in 14k white gold with hammered finish.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Intaglio Ring with 0.43 of Diamond, Hammered Texture & Braiding
Located in Coral Gables, FL
One (1) 14k yellow gold ring has a hammered texture, braided wire crown, one (1) blue intaglio and thirty-six (36) Round Brilliant Cut diamonds surrounding the intaglio, that weigh a...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GURHAN 24 Karat Hammered Yellow Gold Pear Rosecut Black and White Diamond Ring
By Gurhan
Located in New York, NY
GURHAN one-of-a-kind hammered yellow gold diamond ring featuring a 11x9mm pear shape rosecut Black Diamond, 3.52cts., and (2) 5x3mm rosecut White Diamonds, 0.20 cts., with gold granu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 22k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,350
1.82 Carat Hing Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Hand Hammered Band/Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Featured is a hand crafted 18 karat yellow gold diamond & ruby ring with 2 round brilliant diamonds weighing 0.62 carats and 3 ruboie's weighing 1.20 carats 9.60 grams finished with ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sweet Pea 18k Yellow Gold Hammered Eternity Band Ring With White Diamonds
By Sweet Pea
Located in London, GB
This Sweet Pea 18k hammered and brushed yellow gold eternity band ring is set with brilliant white sparkling diamonds.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Gold Hammered Texture Blue Intaglio Ring with 0.43 Carat of Diamond
By By Design Jewelers
Located in Coral Gables, FL
One (1) 14k yellow gold ring has a hammered texture, braided wire crown, one (1) blue intaglio and thirty-six (36) Round Brilliant Cut diamonds surrounding the intaglio, that weigh a...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$6,004
Sweet Pea 18k White Gold Hammered Eternity Band Ring With Grey Diamonds
By Sweet Pea
Located in London, GB
This Sweet Pea one-off 18k brushed white gold eternity band ring is set with cool grey sparkling diamonds. The textured piece has a lovely weight to it and is truly stunning. The ban...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Aimee Kennedy, 1.85 Carat Black Rose Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Hammered Ring
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Rustic statement ring with signature hammered texture and a 1.85 carat rose cut black diamond set in 14K yellow gold.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
0.90 Carat White Princess Round Cut Diamond Hammered 18 Karat Gold Signet Ring
By Butani
Located in Hong Kong, Kowloon
Cast from 18 karat white gold into two intertwining plates, Butani's ring is adorned with 0.60 carats of white diamonds on one side and on hammered 18K gold surrounds a 0.30 carat pr...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sweet Pea 18 Karat Rose Gold Hammered Eternity Band Ring with Champagne Diamonds
By Sweet Pea
Located in London, GB
This Sweet Pea 18k hammered brushed rose gold eternity band ring is set with champagne sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hammered Ring with Oval Rose Cut Diamond in 18 Karat Gold, A2 by Arunashi
By Arunashi
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A2 by Arunashi Hammered Ring with Rose-cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond weighing 0.53 carats Ring size US 5 3/4 A2 by Arunashi, is a walk down a glimmering path of gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Henry Dunay 2 Carats of Diamonds Crème de la Crème Gold Hammered Finished Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Today he continues to design and hand fabricate jewelry in New York City's Diamond District. This magnificent statement 18kt gold and diamond Dunay Signed Hand Hammered ring was made...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.48 Carat Bezel Set Rose Cut Diamond Ring with Matte 18 Karat Gold Hammered Band
By Dianna Rae Jewelry
Located in Lafayette, LA
.48ct Bezel Set Rose Cut Diamond Ring with Matte 18K Yellow Gold Hammered Band This ring was handmade in 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,150
Small Cluster Diamond Hammered Band in 18 Karat Gold
By Mary Gallagher
Located in Foxborough, MA
This hand carved band has 3 set diamonds clustered within 18 karat gold. This piece is 3.5mm wide and 2mm thick. Textured and hand finished throughout, this piece holds so much intri...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,990
Contemporary Hammer Set Spinning Diamond Band 18 Carat White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
In a dance of light, the Atlas Hammer Set Diamond Band whispers tales of love eternal. Each facet reflects hearts entwined, while the 18ct white gold cradles shimmering diamonds, lik...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,400
"Liquid Metal" 14K Gold narrow Hammered Band with Seven Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is the narrower 14K Gold version of Elliot Young's signature ring. The slight texture is evocative of "Liquid metal"; Smooth, shiny, bold, and fluid. The ring is two ton...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,400
"Liquid Metal" 14K Gold narrow Hammered Band with Seven Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is the narrower 14K Gold version of Elliot Young's signature ring. The slight texture is evocative of "Liquid metal"; Smooth, shiny, bold, and fluid. The ring is two ton...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Hammered Finish Contemporary Solitaire Diamond Engagement Mounting
By Gabriel & Co.
Located in Stamford, CT
Hammered Finish Contemporary Solitaire Diamond Engagement Mounting. Satin finish and hammered finish give this semi bezel mounting a contemporary and modern look with a twist. Subtle...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Circa 1980s Round Brilliant Diamond Hammer Set Band 18 Carat Rose Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Our Astrid Band is the mix of modern elegance and subtle luxury. With delicate diamonds set in high-polish 18 carat rose gold, she sparkles with timeless beauty. She is perfectly sim...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
"Liquid Metal" Sterling Silver with 14K Gold narrow Hammered Band w/ 7 Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is the narrower version of Elliot Young's signature ring, but with 7 diamonds. The slight texture is evocative of "Liquid metal"; Smooth, shiny, bold, and fluid. Two tone...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
"Liquid Metal" Sterling Silver with 14K Gold narrow Hammered Band w/ 7 Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is the narrower version of Elliot Young's signature ring, but with 7 diamonds. The slight texture is evocative of "Liquid metal"; Smooth, shiny, bold, and fluid. Two tone...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
"Liquid Metal" Sterling Silver w/14K Gold narrow Hammered Band w/ 7 Diamonds S7
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is the narrower version of Elliot Young's signature ring, but with 7 diamonds. The slight texture is evocative of "Liquid metal"; Smooth, shiny, bold, and fluid. Two tone...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Dahlia Kanner 18k Yellow Gold Hammered Branchy Pendant 16mm Ring w/ Diamonds
Located in Kennebunkport, ME
This branchy circle pendant with diamonds is a classic and well-loved example of Dahlia''s creative mind. The 18k yellow gold open circle includes 5 surrounding bezel set diamonds, ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,850
Ippolita 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Hammered Ring
By Ippolita
Located in New York, NY
This hammered band of 18k yellow gold and bezel set diamonds is the kind of work-of-art that makes the Greek jeweler Ippolita famous. Contains almost a carat of round brilliant cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,995 / item
22k Gold and Diamond Hammered Stacking Rings
Located in New York, NY
22k gold hammered stacking rings with diamonds set throughout are perfect together.
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold
Emerald Diamond Hammered Yellow Gold Finish Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 4.2 grams Color Stone Details: Type: Emerald Carat Weigh: 2.00 carat Color: Green Diamond Details: Total C...
White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist Hand Hammered 18K Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A stunning hand hammered 18K gold ring with diamonds set along the edge.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold|$3,650 / set
A Set of Two Hammered Gold Rings 14k Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: 1980’s MATERIALS: 14K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Diamonds WEIGHT: 22.1 grams RING SIZE: 8.25 & 9 HALLMARKS: 14K A set of two hammered gold rings made of 14k gold and feature dia...
Diamond, Gold
An Vintage Hammered Gold Ring Flush set with Diamond
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-karat yellow gold solitaire ring hammered with a square punch, featuring an old cut diamond (app. 0.75 ct.
Diamond, Gold
David Shul Diamond Cluster Hammered Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Captivating your gaze with its alluring design and resplendent décor, this spectacular ring brought to us by David Shul offers attractive fashionable look. It is made of radiant 18K ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
24K Solid Gold Hammered Textured Flower Stacker Rings with Diamond
Located in Bozeman, MT
Little Flower Bezel Set Diamond Ring with 24K Hammered Textured Gold Shank, Size 7, Single Stacking Diamond Ring, Handmade by Prehistoric Works of Istanbul, Turkey Ring: Solid 24K Go...
Diamond, Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Grima 18 Karat Yellow Gold 1.53 Carat Diamond Hammered Ring
By Grima
Located in Southampton, PA
This Grima hammered finish ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and is set with 1.53 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gurhan .20ctw Diamond Ring, 24k Yellow Gold, Hammered Band, Ring Size 5
By Gurhan
Located in McLeansville, NC
Indulge in the luxurious elegance of this Gurhan .20ctw Diamond Ring. Exquisitely crafted in pure 24k yellow gold, this stunning ring features a hammered band design adorned with spa...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hammered Finish 18K Gold Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Suwanee, GA
Hammered Finish 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring Promise Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Large Scale Vintage David Webb Hammered Gold and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Large scale vintage 18K Yellow Gold hammered finish, Platinum and diamond ring by David Webb, measuring 1 1/8 inch left to right by 1 inch top to bottom.
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Jade Diamond Hammered Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Completing the design is a yellow gold frame with an ancient hammered motif, and each shoulder is graced with a few round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$17,115
Oval Sapphire and Diamond Hammered Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k white gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.35ctw of round brilliant diamonds. Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Gemstone Details: Approximately 13.8ctw of 2 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
David Webb 18 Karat Gold Bastille Hammered Platinum and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Bastille hammered 18-karat gold, platinum and diamond ring David Webb's horseshoe-shaped 'Bastille' ring is designed to elegantly frame your finger.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.