Unavailable|$8,750
Stefan Hafner Pink Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Stacking Ring
By Stefan Hafner
Located in New York, NY
A Stefan Hafner pink sapphire, ruby and diamond stacking 18k white gold ring features 9 separate bands that are joined together at the bottom. 1 band contains 0.42 carats of clean wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,765 / item
Platinum Rubies and Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamonds Sculpture Cocktail Ring
By Thomas Kurilla Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Rubies and Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamonds Sculpture Cocktail Ring, Tiffany designer , Thomas Kurilla went back to the archives of designs.
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,557
Edwardian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Essex, GB
A trilogy of well matched, bright, clean and lively cushion shaped old mine cut diamonds are inter-spaced with two bright bright pinkish red rubies.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$10,388
18 Karat White Gold Gilin Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
By GILIN
Located in Central, HK
This gorgeous 18K White Gold flower ring featuring a 0.16 carat Heart shaped diamond and 7 glamorous Pear shaped rubies weighing 2.40 carat is surely your choice for Christmas!
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$110,000
GA Certified 17.26 Carat Emerald, Ruby and Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
The center piece is a rare 10.54 Carat Colombian Emerald, which is further highlighted by the red heart shaped Burmese rubies and the diamonds. Rubies - Heart shaped - 4.29Carats Di...
Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$14,266
GIA certified 3.01 carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in the finest 18K white gold, this exquisite piece features a thoughtful design that perfectly balances classic charm with modern sophistication. At the heart of this enchan...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,260 / item
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rubies and Vivid Yellow Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Thomas Kurilla Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This hollow upside down V shaped ring reflects the sculptor at heart. With Soft fluid lines combined with curves and one edge.
Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,200
Radiant Ruby Diamond Ring: Timeless Elegance in 14K Solid White Gold
Located in Manhattan Beach, CA
Whether worn as a symbol of love and devotion or as a statement of refined elegance, the 1.70 Carat Natural Ruby 14 Karat Solid White Gold Diamond Ring is sure to captivate hearts an...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Intini Jewels Ruby Oval Diamond Gold Spiral Contrarié Handmade Vintage Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Magnificent 9 carats Ruby cabochon oval shaped ring. Setted in a delicate 18 karat white gold adorned by spiral contrarié 0.06 carats diamonds that enhance its beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$55,200
Natural Ruby GRS Certified Ring No Heat 4.51CT Pear Shape Diamonds 1.48CT
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our extraordinary no-heat natural ruby, this ruby ring that is sure to capture your heart.
Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby Cabochon Oval Diamond Brilliant Cut Vintage Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Magnificent 12.5 carats Ruby cabochon oval shaped. Setted in a delicate 18 karat white gold adorned by diamonds that enhance its beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Ruby Cabochon Oval Diamond Brilliant Handmade Trone Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Magnificent 12.5 carats Ruby cabochon oval shaped. Setted in a delicate 18 karat white gold adorned by diamonds that enhance its beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Gradient Natural Ruby Cabochon Diamond Hook Carved Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
One of a kind ruby ring with a gradient natural red color setted between two 18 karat white gold hooks embellished with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$9,000
2.31ct Natural Ruby 18k White Gold Ring
Located in LA, CA
18K White Gold Ring 7.26gm / Diamond 1.33ct / NATURAL Ruby 2.31ct Crafted in 18K white gold with natural marquise-shaped 2.31ct Ruby, Instilling an open-hearted readiness to take any...
Ruby
Carved Natural Ruby Cabochon Diamond Hook 18 Karat Gold Deco Intini Jewels Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
One of a kind natural 35 carat ruby ring with an abstract shell carved designed setted in a 18 karat white gold highlighting a round 0.13 carat diamond hook.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,250
1ct Natural Ruby 18k White Gold Ring
Located in LA, CA
18K White Gold Ring 3.5gm / Diamond 0.61ct /NATURAL Ruby 1ct Mounted in 18K white gold with 1ct stunning Pear-shaped Ruby is among the most significant gems in the market for colored...
Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,244 / set
Australian Opal Lotus Bud Ring Set with Padparadscha Sapphires, Ruby, 14k Gold
By Angel Alchemy Jewelry
Located in Kula, HI
This incredibly special two piece Lotus Bud Opal Ring Set it’s made with a kite shaped fiery af Aussie opal displaying bright, reddish pink and all rainbow colors paired with the bes...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , 14k Gold
GIA Certified 1.18 Carat Natural Burma Ruby 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Ring
Located in LA, CA
3.16gm 18K White Gold 0.58ct EF Color VS Diamond 1.18ct Natural Burma Ruby GIA #2366134729 Known for its powers aiding the regeneration of the physical or spiritual heart, enhancing...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$7,800
18K Gold Ring 2.09ct Emerald Diamond Gem Haute Joaillerie
Located in Kowloon, HK
18K Gold Ring 2.09ct Emerald Diamond Gem Haute Joaillerie Emerald: 2.09ct Gems: 0.27ct Diamonds: 0.38ct Total weight: 7.07grams This 18K gold ring, centered on a 2.09ct natural eme...
Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$18,360
Geraldo Ruby Diamond White Gold Heart Earrings
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Experience the beauty and joy of life with the Geraldo Ruby Diamond Heart Earrings, a true masterpiece of jewelry design.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Unavailable|$14,327 / item
Multi Gemstone Treasure Ring
By Atelier Former Child
Located in Los Angeles, CA
-Linked band with natural gemstones -White diamond heart, radiant cut white diamond, emerald cut emerald, oval blue sapphire, round yellow sapphire, and heart shaped ruby. -18K gold....
Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold
1.92 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby Cufflinks with 5.37 Carat Black Onyx in 18K Gold
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
This pair natural 1.92ct heart-shaped ruby is the star of this ring. 5.37cts of carved black onyx sits around the rubies and it further enhanced with .50cts of pave'd high quality di...
Ruby, White Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$395
10 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in Gainesville, FL
It features (31) .03ct round ruby gemstones, (5) .005ct round single cut diamonds and a heart shaped mother of pearl gemstone.
White Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.90 Carat Rubies 0.27 White GVS Diamond 18kt White Gold Romantic Heart Necklace
By Federico Bellini
Located in Valenza, IT
Adorable heart shaped pendant with chain in 18kt white gold for 4,10 grams, 0,27 carat of white round brilliant diamonds color G clarity VS and 1,90 carats of rubies.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$25,970 / set
Bulgari Gold Earrings and Ring Set with Ruby, Emerald and Diamonds
By Bulgari
Located in Monaco, MC
The ring has 3 small baguette diamonds on the top as well as a heart shaped cabochon ruby.
Emerald, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$180,000
Natural No Heat Burma Ruby AGL & GIA Report Pigeon Blood
Located in Naples, FL
Custom made diamond pendant set with cushion shaped pigeon blood red Burma ruby. and diamond pendant with AGL report Natural No Heat Burma Ruby doc #1116277 and A second report is av...
Ruby, 18k Gold
【Énigma】AIGS Certified Pigeon Blood Heart-Shaped Ruby Diamond Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
The heart-shaped center stone is embraced by a sculptural floral composition in platinum, where diamond-set petals unfold in multiple layers.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Burma 1.12 ct Heart Shaped Ruby & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified 1.12 carat Burma Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in Platinum Ruby and Diamond Ring features a GIA certified Heart Shaped Ruby with Deep Red color weighing 1.12 car...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.12 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: Platinum Center Stone Details: 1 Heart Shaped Ruby at Approximately 1.12 Carats Mounting Diamond Details: 28 Brilliant Baguette Diamonds at 0.70 Carats - Clarity: SI / Colo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.12 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: Platinum Center Stone Details: 1 Heart Shaped Ruby at Approximately 1.12 Carats Mounting Diamond Details: 28 Brilliant Baguette Diamonds at 0.70 Carats - Clarity: SI / Colo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Mozambique Unheated Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Mozambique Unheated Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in Platinum Ruby and Diamond Ring features a Heart Shaped Ruby weighing 3.08 carats surrounded by Natural Round Brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Heart Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat yellow gold is a heart shaped 0.38 carat Ruby surrounded in hear shape are 12 single cut diamonds with a total diamond weight of 0.15 carats. 13 grams.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Cert 3 Carat Ruby Heart-Shaped Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
For the romantic, we offer the ideal gift to bestow upon your beloved. The center set with a 3 carat intense true red ruby. It is flanked by a pair of heart-shaped diamonds and furth...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold Heart Shaped Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 5.40 Carats
Located in Dallas, TX
You do not have to be a heart lover to adore this ring! In beautiful 18 karat white gold, this beauty supports an estimated total of 5.00 carats of rubies and an estimated total of 0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.22 Carat Heart Shaped Burma Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring GIA Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Burma Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, securely centering a 2.22ct Heart shaped Burma Ruby surrounded by round brilliant-cut Diamonds weighing approximately 3.22 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$11,500
Ruby and Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Weston, MA
A heart-shaped ring set with oval and pear-shaped ruby clusters accented by round brilliant-cut diamond surrounds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D. Toi et Moi Heart Shaped Diamond Platinum Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A timeless symbol of love and connection, this heart shaped Toi et Moi ring set in platinum features 2 heart shaped cut diamonds that weigh .81 ct and .78 ct surrounded with .19 ct d...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA 2.81ct Oval unheated BURMA Ruby and Heart Shaped Diamond ring in Platinum
Located in Palm Desert, CA
GIA Certified 2.81 carat Oval Ruby set in Yellow Gold, with two heart shaped diamonds on either side with a total diamond weight of 1.63 carats set in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
14.31 Carat Heart Shaped Vivid Red Corundum Ruby and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Magnificent, very large, 11.75 carat heart shaped vivid red faceted corundum ruby estate cocktail ring is talon prong set in 18 karat yellow gold and surrounded by prong-set super sp...
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Sold|$9,500
Ruby Diamond Gold Heart Three-Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic 3-stone design with fine gems and a heart-shaped twist! The ring features a gem of a ruby weighing 2.00 carats and shaped as a heart.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$10,034
2.01 Carat Heart Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful 18k white gold ring set with a heart shaped ruby weighing 2.01 carats, flaked by round brilliant cut sparkling diamonds weighing 1.60 ct F/G color VVS.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$11,420
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous Victorian double heart ring. This romantic piece features two heart-shaped rose-cut white diamonds at its centre.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$8,999
1.08 Carat Heart Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 18K White Gold Gemstone Details: 1 Heart Shaped Ruby at 1.08 Carats - Measuring 6.2 x 5.5 mm Diamond Details: 62 Brilliant Round White Diamonds at 0.43 Carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman 4.59 ct GIA Heart Diamond Ruby Gold Heart Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
This lovely and beautiful Oscar Heyman ruby ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. This ring is centered with one heart shaped cut diamond approx. 1.59 ct, GIA graded F color, SI1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$28,750
Gold Heart Ruby Diamond Ring by Buccellati
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful heart shaped dinner ring, with natural ruby at the center, weighing approximately 2.50 carat accented with round brilliant-cut diamonds, weighing approximately 2.00 carat m...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Garavelli Italy Diamond and Ruby Heart Cocktail Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Miami, FL
This heart shaped ring measured .86 of an inch in length and .94 of an inch it width.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum GIA Certified Burma Ruby Diamond Halo Heart Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This ring is made in platinum. It features 1 heart-shaped Burma Vivid Red Ruby weighing 1.44 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold 0.65ct Diamond and Ruby Heart Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Theres something incredibly opulent about this intricately crafted ring. The dynamic 18K yellow gold setting beautifully highlights the 0.65 carats of sparkling diamonds, while the 0...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Toi et Moi Ruby Diamond Hearts Bypass White Gold Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This exceptional rings features a heart shaped 1.44 carat diamond (GIA Cert H,SI2) and approximate 1.50 carat heart shaped Thai ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
GAL Certified 1.08 Carat Heart Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 18K White Gold Gemstone Details: 1 Heart Shaped Ruby at 1.08 Carats - Measuring 6.2 x 5.5 mm Diamond Details: 62 Brilliant Round White Diamonds at 0.43 Carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 1.03ct Ruby and Diamond Double Heart Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A masterpiece of Victorian craftsmanship, this enchanting double heart ring is a rare truly rare piece. Sitting side by side, the vivid 1.03 carat Burmese ruby sits with fiery intens...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$1,025
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Victoria, BC
Here is a beautiful and brand new 14k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring. This ring features a center 0.74ct heart shaped ruby measuring 5.00mm x 4.80mm x 3.40mm.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.92 Ct Diamond and 1.17 Ct Ruby Heart Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This pretty LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.92 ct Diamond 1.17 ct Ruby Heart Ring will make you feel like a princess.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels GIA Certified No Heat Pigeon Blood Heart Burma Ruby Ring, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Van Cleef & Arpels GIA Certified No Heat Pigeon Blood Heart Shaped Burma Ruby Ring made in 18k Yellow Gold.
Ruby, 18k Gold
Red Ruby Bullet Ring Huge 42.15 Carat Plus a Diamond Heart Leaf Setting
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The setting is in Diamonds with the shape of 2 heart shaped leaves holding the Bullet.
Ruby, 14k Gold
Bvlgari 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.25 Carat Diamond and Ruby Heart Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
This Bvlgari ring is crafted from 18K yellow gold and set with a heart-shaped 0.85 ct ruby and with diamonds that total 0.25 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GRAFF 9.44 carat Ruby Diamond Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
GRAFF! Ruby and diamond ring. Center is oval shape ruby with weighing 9.44 carats, Within a frame of 10 round brilliant-cut diamonds and highlighted with two heart-shaped diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 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.
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