$72,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 7.68 Carat Green Colombian Emerald Heart Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 7.68 Carat Green Colombian Emerald Heart Cut Diamond Ring, a true embodiment of elegance and luxury.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
Leo Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By The Leo Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
A Leo Princess Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring is crafted with a 14K White Gold shank and a 950 Platinum head. Weighing 4.5 grams and sized 7, the ring features a cen...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.55 Ct. Heart Cut Colombian Emerald Minor Oil Double Halo Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Refined and romantic, this elegant ring features a GIA-certified 3.55 carat heart-shaped emerald of Colombian origin, beautifully mounted in a sophisticated diamond setting. The nat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Vivid Red Ruby Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vivid Vivid Red Ruby Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold ring set with a stunning vivid red heart cut ruby.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.22 Carat Fancy Light Green Yellow Heart Diamond Ring
By Elegant Green Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features a GIA Certified 1.22 carat Heart Shape Fancy Light Green Yellow diamond, graded VS1 clarity, combining romantic design with the rarity of natural fancy col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.40ct Natural Fancy Yellow VS1 Heart Cut Three-Stone Ring
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
3 stone ring in Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold; Center stone: 3.40ct Natural Fancy Yellow Even VS1 Heart Shape Diamond GIA#1437671258 Side stones: 0.31ct D VS tapered baguettes Total Car...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co Vivid Pink Tourmaline Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vivid Pink Tourmaline Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold ring set with a stunning vivid pink heart cut natural tourmaline.
Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Vivid Purple Amethyst Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vivid Purple Amethyst Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold ring set with a stunning vivid purple heart cut natural amethyst.
Amethyst, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.29tcw 18K Three Stone Colombian Emerald & Heart Cut Diamond Gypsy Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Accented on the sides are two heart-cut diamonds, creating a desirable three-stone, gypsy look.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Cut 1.27ct Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Cut 1.27ct Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold This beautiful blue sapphire ring has a Heart Cut 1.27 Carat Blue Sapphire and is surrounded by 130 Sapphires ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Inset Heart Cut Out Wedding Band 14K White Gold 0.50cttw
Located in New York, NY
This is a delicate and sparkly 14k diamond inset heart cut-out wedding band ring. The ring is set with 0.50cts of round cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Fine Tiffany & Co. Vivid Green Peridot Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring US4.5
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vivid Green Peridot Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold ring set with a stunning vivid yellowish green heart cut peridot.
Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,623Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 18k Gold Natural Heart Cut And Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Totally is 2.8 grams. Totally is heart cut diamond 0.28 ct. Totally is side brilliant cut diamond 0.32 ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Love Ring 18K Gold 0.50 Carat White Diamonds Rubelite Heart Cut
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Jewelry Design collection 18 Karat White Gold 0.50 Carat White Diamonds Rubelite Heart Cut Love Ring. Rubellite is the stone of Love, a truly exclusive gem.
White Diamond, Rubelite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pink Coral Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Heart Cut Pink Coral 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring. A stunning vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring with a beautiful top grade natural coral piece with a beau...
Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Heart Cut Engagement Ring 18k Solid White Gold for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Diamond Heart Cut Engagement Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 0.63 carats.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,734Sale Price / item|24% Off
0.75CT Heart Cut Solitaire GH Color I1 Clarity Natural Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.75CT Heart Cut Solitaire GH Color I1 Clarity Natural Diamond Wedding Ring, 14k Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Mother Of Pearl Heart Cut 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Heart Cut Mother Of Pearl 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.37 Carat Natural Fancy Bright Brown Heart Cut Halo Diamond Ring 14 Karat VS*
Located in New York, NY
.82ct. Natural Fancy Brown diamond Heart shape, full cut. Vs-2 clarity. Side diamonds: .55ct. H-color, Vs-2 clarity. 14kt. white gold Deck of ring: 9.7 X 10.8mm depth of...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Heart Diamond Cut Solitaire ring. 14k white gold Heart Cut BLACK diamond.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Size: 4 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Black Style: Mid-century Very unique ring. Diamond cut heart solitaire Black diamond. 7mm by 8.5mm heart diamond J...
Sapphire Blue and Diamond 18Kt white gold ring heart cut blue color handmade
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Beautiful ring in 18Kt white gold with blue Sapphire in round cut and diamonds brilliant cut. The ring has prong setting, the sapphire, has round shape in 0.79ct and it is surrounde...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart-Cut Blue Sapphire 14K White Gold (18K Custom) Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant ring showcases a heart-shaped blue sapphire as its centerpiece, secured in a refined prong setting that highlights the stone’s deep, rich color. A diamond halo delicatel...
14k Gold, White Gold
Triple Heart Cut Out Floating Diamond Band Ring in Polished 18 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking band ring is designed in warm 18 karat rose gold and features an intricate pattern of open heart motifs accented with sparkling diamonds. Round brilliant cut diamonds a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Heart Cut 14 (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elevate your style with this stunning Yellow Heart-Cut Diamond Eternity Band, expertly crafted in 14K gold.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 0.82 Carat G VS1 Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Beautiful Engagement RIng The Center stone is Heart Shaped GIA 0.82Ct G VS1 The stone is set in 18K White Gold Setting The setting has 1.02Ct Diamonds G VS/SI The ring is a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18 Kt Bi Color Ring, 0.85 Carat Diamonds & 2.47 ct Heart Cut Rubies and Sapphire
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Bicolor Ring With 0.85 Carat Diamonds & 2.47 ct. Heart Cut Precious Stones Beautiful and unique solid 18 kt gold bi color ring with Marquise diamond in the center, brilliant...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 3.05 Carat No Heat Purple Sapphire Diamond Gold Heart Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Unusual Sapphire Ring The ring is 18K White Gold It has 1.71 Carat in Diamonds F VS The Sapphire is 3.05 Carats Natural Purple NO Heat. The Sapphire is certified by LAPIS. The r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
Emerald and 2.62 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The stunning feature heart cut diamond displays fine brilliance and presence.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Heart-Cut Pink Sapphire 14K (18K Custom) Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This refined band ring is crafted in solid 14K yellow gold, with an 18K gold option available by custom order. At the center, a heart-cut pink sapphire is flush-set into the smooth g...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Salvini Hearts Cut Out Wide Band Ring 18K Rose & White Gold Size 7
By Salvini
Located in New York, NY
This ring features hearts cut outs with round cut diamonds encrusted in one heart in white gold in pave setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Cut Emerald 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Heart Cut Emerald 14K Yellow Gold Eternity Ring combines the timeless allure of natural diamonds with the rich beauty of emeralds.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$20,000
Heart Shape Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Heart Shape Diamond Ring A ring featuring one heart shape center diamond surrounded by round cut side diamonds. Center Diamond Weight: approximately 2.00 carats Ring Size: 6.25 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Sapphire Diamond ring Yellow diamond ring 18KT gold Exquisite
Located in Boca Raton, FL
What a remarkable piece to own! Yellow sapphire with fine diamonds on the side made in platinum. A cocktail or an engagement ring out of this world indeed! Diamonds are totalling 0.4...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2 carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
From our estate jewelry collection is this elegant yet playful ring features a grayish heart shaped diamond weighing approximately 2 carats resting within a sleek bezel frame. Accent...
Diamond
Pink Sapphire and Diamond Moi et Toi Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Crafted by hand with a stunning Heart cut pink sapphire and Pear cut diamond. Beloved "Moi et Toi" style perfect for a Size 6.5 hand.
Diamond
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
Neil Lane Heart Shape Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
By Neil Lane
Located in Chicago, IL
Surrounding the center stone is a refined halo and split design set with 67 natural round brilliant cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.63 carats. These diamonds are graded in the...
Diamond, 14k Gold
2.70ct Green Diamond Heart Shape Diamond Ring - Rare Colors
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
This unique ring features a 2.70-carat heart-shaped diamond with a captivating blend of fancy light grayish greenish yellow hues. Graded I1 clarity, the diamond’s distinctive colorin...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum
18kt Gold Diamond Ring 1.50 Ct Heart Shaped Diamond & Brilliant Cut Diamonds
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 18kt Gold Diamond ring with 1.50ct Heart Shaped Diamond & Brilliant Cut Diamonds Completely Handcrafted In our Atelier. Diamond: Heart shaped diamond approx. 1,50ct G SI, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
2.15 ct Diamond Heart Ring
Located in São Paulo, BR
The heart shape of this ring adds a romantic and sophisticated touch, while the diamonds bring an element of luxury and glamour. Ideal for those seeking a statement piece, this ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified Fancy Intense Purple Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Showcasing a Gia certified 1 carat + natural fancy intense green pinkish purple diamond of exceptional purple color. The primary color according to Gia is natural purple. Natural pur...
Diamond, Pink Diamond
GIA Certified 7.20 Carat D color Flawless Type 2A Diamond Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Centered upon a 7.2 Carat D Flawless Heart Shape flanked by Pear Shape D Falwless Diamonds weighing 1.40 Carats. Heart shape is GIA certified as Type IIA Set in Platinum
Diamond, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 5.80 Carat Heart Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From The Vault at Emilio Jewelry Located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue, Inquire for detailed video! Showcasing a very special and rare Gia certified natural F color heart shape ...
Diamond
GIA Certified 3.00 Carats Flawless Clarity D Color Heart Shape Diamond Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Diamond solitaire ring in a glamour design. The romantic heart shaped would create a timeless yet striking piece of jewelry. The gold band would lend a sophistication an...
Diamond
Capsule Heart Shape Diamond 18K Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Capsule Soft Diamond Collection by Natkina Ring Rose 18K Gold Diamond 20-HTD-3.710 FULL SET HEART SHAPE DIAMONDS Handmade Excellence in 18K Gold with Diamonds The Capsule Soft D...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unheated 2.09ct Burma Ruby No Heat & Diamond Platinum Ring + Certificate
Located in bangkok, TH
n absolutely gorgeous, absolutely lovely unheated, untreated heart shaped ruby from the famed gem mines of Mogok in Burma weighing 2.09ct. The colour is an almost pure hue of red, ty...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$8,780Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Alexandrite & Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 2231197425
Located in Bloomington, MN
Rare Alexandrite & Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 2231197425 Crafted in platinum, this ring centers on a 1.25 carat Madagascar alexandrite accented by diamonds totaling 0.23 cara...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified 1.00 Carats Natural Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Stunning ring come in 18K gold with a IGI certified Natural Diamonds of 1,00 carat, in perfect heart cut , G color SI clarity, very sparkly.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Gorgeous GIA Certified Ct 4 of Diamonds on Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite design, so chic and elegant , in 18k gold with three GIA diamonds certified, ct 2,04 of fancy yellow brownish diamond , oval cut , VVS2, and two heart cut diamonds ct 1 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 1.00 Carats Diamonds 18k Gold Solitaire Ring
By Nakita fine Jewels
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite design from love collection in 18k gold with a IGI certified natural diamond heart cut of 1 carat H/SI1, and around natural diamonds round brilliant cut 2,10 carats , ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 9.45 Carat Fancy Green Diamond Heart Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry New York, a well known and trusted dealer located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue. We are one of the few designers who are experts in Natural Green diamonds, ...
Diamond
1.54 Carat Heart Shape Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful heart shaped ring. At the centre lies an expertly cut plump heart shaped diamond which sits slightly risen whilst being surrounded by a border of round bril...
Diamond, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 4.00 Carat Light Pink Heart Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. This item has been appraised by the exp...
Diamond, Pink Diamond
Cartier Pink Heart Diamond Dinner Engagement Ring 2.02 ct.
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: 2.02 ct. Color/Clarity: Fancy Purple Pink, SI1 Certifications: GIA Size: 5.75 Creator: Cartier Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 2.90 grams Period: Contemporary This Cart...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Very light pink SI2/I1 Clarity Diamond Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 7.625 grams Set with- Stone type: Diamonds Shape: HEART Carat: 0.74 ct Colour:...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.48 Carat Heart-Shaped Emerald Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with a 2.48 carat Heart-Shaped Emerald framed by Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 2.50 carats. Size 4 3/4...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified Fancy Blue Heart Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Main stone: 4.00 carat Fancy Grayish Blue, SI2, Heart Setting: 32 pink diamonds totaling approximately 0.23 carats, 2 pear-cut white diamonds totaling approximately 0.47 carats, 8 m...
Blue Diamond
Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring
Located in New York, NY
Heart-Shaped Ruby and Diamond You & Me Ring A platinum You & Me ring with a heart-shaped diamond and ruby set with two tapered baguette diamonds. The 2.19 carat diamond is...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.