Sold|$2,600
1800 Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Antique 18K rose Gold Verneuil Synthetic Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with an approximately 6 carat stunning oval synthetic ruby, see note below, accent...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Heart Shape 1.5ct Red Burma Ruby in 14K White Gold W Natural Diamond Double Halo
Located in Columbus, OH
Celebrate love on all occasions with this vintage style diamond ring featuring a gorgeous pigeon-blood red ruby from Burma, framed by a heart-shaped double halo with natural earth-mi...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Moiseikin 18K White Gold 2ct Heart Shape Ruby Demantoid Peacock Cocktail Ring
By MOISEIKIN
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The perfect graduation of gemstones elevates the central Ruby's colour and radiance, making the ring even more magnificent. 18K Gold Ring 4010009001 Weight 13.53g Size 17.5mm diam...
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bulgari Cabochon Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Southampton, PA
The brand's authentic style can be clearly seen in the impeccably smooth and slightly robust shapes in this fabulous ring from Bvlgari which is made of 18K yellow gold with gorgeous ...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Diamond Ruby Sapphire Platinum Band Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Cheers! Estate emerald diamond ruby sapphire and platinum ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Sold|$2,400
Ruby Diamond Gold and Platinum “Love” Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet and stylish ring featuring 0.94 carats of square shaped rubies with a bright vivid red color.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified Heart Shape White Diamond Pink Diamond Ring made in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Celebrate love with our Special Heart Shape White and Pink Diamond Ring. This exquisite piece is a symbol of eternal commitment, featuring a heart-shaped white diamond encircled by d...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Carrera y Carrera Ruby Diamond Gold Hand Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Southampton, PA
There aren’t many jewelry pieces showing such affection for jewels as this marvelous 18K yellow gold Carrera y Carrera ring depicting a hand gracefully holding an attractive heart-sh...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.81 Carat Ruby Burmese No Heat Pigeon Blood and Diamond Ring
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new ring by REWA Jewelry which reimagines the timeless Toi et Moi style with a captivating pairing of a heart-shaped diamond and a rich ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 0.58 Carat Ruby Burmese No Heat Pigeon Blood and Diamond Ring
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new ring by REWA Jewelry which reimagines the timeless Toi et Moi style with a captivating pairing of a heart-shaped diamond and a rich ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,950
French 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
At the heart of the ring are three plump, cabochon rubies approximate 6.0 carats, artfully set to form a clustered center.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.13 Carat Palais Ruby Diamond Ringdant Platinum Pendant Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vivid red heart shaped GIA certified Ruby. Surrounded by Ballerina style baguette and round diamonds in a platinum setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous pear shaped ruby and diamond cluster has a heart shaped feel to it.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
French Art Nouveau Ruby Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The openwork mount features a central heart shaped faceted ruby with round bezel set rubies on each side.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
Antique Art Deco Platinum Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
A gorgeous Antique Art Deco Platinum Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring. This beautiful ring features a beautiful red ruby in the center of an art deco mounting that has single cut dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Estate Natural Green Emerald Heart-Cut Gemstone & Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A vibrant green heart-shaped emerald cut into a heart-shape and measuring 8.9 mm x 11.2 mm is set into an 18 karat white gold mount, and surrounded by twenty-two 0.03 carat G color, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14.80 Carat Rose Petal Natural Diamond and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby 10.49 carat (16.45 x 12.62 x 4.63mm) Diamonds 2.91 carat Gold Weight 17.63 grams Ring Size : US 7.75 This stunning Flower Ring is a breathtaking masterpiece that exemplifies th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Heart Shape White and Pink Diamond Ring made in 18K Gold- Valentine Special
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Celebrate love with our Valentine Special Heart Shape White and Pink Diamond Ring. This exquisite piece is a symbol of eternal commitment, featuring a heart-shaped white diamond enci...
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
IGI Certified 3.05Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Embrace the enchanting beauty of this IGI Certified 3.05 Carat Pear-Shaped Ruby Ring and allow its extraordinary allure to capture hearts.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.49 Carat Burma Ruby No Heat Ruby And Diamond Ring In 18 Karat White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
An elegant Burmese ruby and diamond ring showcased by Rewa jewels is handcrafted in 18 karat white gold.
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Vintage Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Featuring 15 round brilliant diamonds set in heart shape with pave setting weighing approximately 0.45cts and 5 baguette-shaped Rubies of size 9 x 2mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
At its heart sits a vivid oval ruby (approx. 0.15 ct) bezel-set within a geometric, marquise-shaped plaque.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.11 Carat Tanzanite, Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Cocktail Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant design showcasing a purplish-blue emerald cut tanzanite, flanked by heart-shaped rubies on either side. Set in a diamond encrusted surmount made in platinum and accented ...
Diamond, Ruby, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mouawad Gem Burma Ruby and Diamond Three stone Ring
By Mouawad
Located in Bethesda, MD
The heart shaped diamonds, set on either side of the ruby, create a stunning contrast and highlight the ruby's rich color, making this ring a true masterpiece.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unheated Ruby & GIA Diamond Platinum Ring – Rare Luxury Gift for Collectors
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Their elegant pear shape and vertical placement add a modern and sophisticated touch to the ring. In addition, the design is enhanced by 0.78 carats of round brilliant diamonds, fra...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Multi-gemstone, Platinum
Certified 2.16 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Gold, Transparent
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Little details like heart shaped prongs and slight size graduation of side diamonds makes this ring very pleasing to the eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.36ct Oval Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
At the heart of this fantastic ring lies a 1.36ct rich, vibrant red oval shaped ruby, expertly mounted in a delicate four claw, open back setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery 18k Yellow Gold 2.00 Ct Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A scintillating array of gemstones make this piece from luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels impossible to ignore. It’s covered in square-cut rubies with a total weight of 2.00 carats. At...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery 18k Yellow Gold 2.00 Ct Diamond and Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A scintillating array of gemstones make this piece from luxury brand Van Cleef & Arpels impossible to ignore. It’s covered in square-cut rubies with a total weight of 2.00 carats. At...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified No Heat Myanmar Ruby 1.48 Carat Diamond 1.20 Carat Platinum Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a Spectacular GIA Certified No Heat Myanmar Ruby & 1.48 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring - A True Rarity!
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Round Ruby and Diamond Halo 18 Yellow Gold and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
Timeless and vibrant, this exquisite piece will make the perfect ruby and diamond engagement ring. At its heart sits proudly a lively red round shaped ruby, weighing 0.46ct, securel...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The shoulders are heart shaped & set with little cabochon rubies.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The shoulders are heart shaped & set with little cabochon rubies.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Sold|$13,500 / item
【Crown Radiance】Crown of Heart Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18K Gold, Natural Diamond, and Ruby Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 15-16mm Quality: AAAA Nacre: Very Thick Color:...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, White Gold
5.72 Carat Total Ruby & Blue Sapphire Cocktail Diamond Two Tone Ring In 18K Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
If you want an unparalleled design with top-end precious gems, consider this ring. A 3.02 carat, heart-shaped, blood red ruby is from Thailand.
White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,500
Ruby White Gold Eternity Ring Size 6.5
Located in South Pasadena, CA
It is especially important to us to find the ideal home for this attractive oval-shaped ruby and white gold eternity ring. SPECIFICATIONS: RUBIES: sixteen faceted oval-shaped rub...
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gubelin Certified 1.74 Carat No-Heat Burmese Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K YELLOW GOLD 68 DIAMONDS, 0.61CARATS 2 IF, D COLOR GIA CERTIFIED DIAMONDS, 0.74 CARATS 1 NO-HEAT PIGEON BLOOD BURMESE RUBY, 1.74 CARATS GUBELIN LAB CERTIFIED, PIGEON BLOOD RED I...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Old-Cut Heart Gold Ring
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A beautiful Tiffany & Co Schlumberger Diamond Heart Ring, ca. 1950s-1960s The ring features a fine heart-shaped old-cut diamond of circa 2 carats (D-E/VS2), surrounded by small old-...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18K Gold 1/5 Carat Diamond & Heart-Shaped Ruby Halo Pendant Necklace
Located in New York, NY
This elegant pendant necklace features an 18" box chain that secures with a spring ring clasp. Product Features: Diamond Type: Natural White Diamonds Diamond Count: 16 Round-Cut D...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 4.03 ct No-Heat Pigeon Blood Ruby Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
At its heart lies a breathtaking pear-shaped ruby from Mozambique, glowing with the coveted “pigeon blood” red—intense, vivid, and untouched by heat treatment, preserving its pure, n...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$21,870
Diamond Bow Design Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bucharest, Romania
Elevate your style with this stunning 1ct ruby heart-shaped center stone, surrounded by 1ct of sparkling white diamonds in a delicate bow design.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
1.01 Carat, H SI-2 Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Solitaire Ring featuring a CGL certified 1.01 Carat, H SI-2, Heart-Shaped, Natural Diamond set in Platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2.00 Carat Heart Shaped Ruby, Unset Loose Gemstone, GIA Certified
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This heart-shaped ruby weighs exactly 2.00 carats and has beautifully rich, saturated color!
Ruby
Blue & Yellow Sapphire Diamond Bypass Band Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage colored sapphire & diamond bypass ring (circa 1980s to 1990s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Serpentine Ring with Natural Fancy Color and White Diamonds 18KGold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At its heart, a luminous cushion-shaped natural yellow diamond draws the eye, radiating a warm, golden brilliance.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
1.13 Carat Cat's Eye Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Cocktail ring with a 1.13 Carat Heart-shaped Cat's Eye Emerald and 0.71 Carats of White Round Brilliant Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
24k Gold Ring for Woman with White Pearl and Diamonds
Located in İstanbul, TR
Pearl (1.28 Carat) and Diamond (0.04 Carat) Crafted with timeless elegance, this 24 karat gold jewelry piece draws inspiration from the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, where emp...
Diamond, Pearl, 24k Gold
2.79 Ct Violet Blue Sapphire Cushion Cut Platinum Engagement Ring - GIA
By Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Violet Flame – 2.79 Carat Unheated Cushion-Cut Violet Blue Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Engagement Ring by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Luxury Platinum Engagement Rin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Blue Diamond, Yellow Di...
LB Exclusive14K Yellow Gold 0.16 Ct Diamond Ruby Heart Pendant Necklace
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This pretty LB Exclusive 14K Yellow Gold 0.16 ct Diamond Ruby Heart Pendant Necklace is made with a 14K yellow gold chain, highlighting the beautiful 14K yellow gold open heart-shape...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and 3.16 Carat Diamond 12k Rose Gold Heart Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.60 carat ruby, 3.16 carat diamond and 12 karat rose gold, platinum set heart shaped pendant; part of our diverse antique jewellery...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
AUGUSTIN JULIA PLANA 1960 Swiss Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Lapis
Located in Miami, FL
Julia-Plana won his first Diamonds International Awards in 1965, for a ‘V’ shaped bracelet of structured gold links decorated with diamonds, and won the award a second time in 1967, ...
Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Platinum GIA Pave Ruby & Diamond Large Heart Pendant & 14k Gold Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
This breathtaking antique pendant was crafted in solid platinum during the 1930-40's and features a large and slightly domed heart shaped pendant that is completely drenched in fine ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 2.80 Carat Ruby and 0.28 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Pendant Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning locket pendant has a convex domed, heart-shaped form. The pendant is accented to the centre with a feature Old European cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Clip Pendant Pin and Ring Set
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Popular Van Cleef & Arpels Cosmos Collection set consisting of a ring and clip pendant. Composed of four heart-shaped petals, Cosmos is inspired by one of Van Cleef & Arpels'...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s 1.55 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 1.55 carat ruby and 0.69 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold heart shaped pendant and chain; part of our diverse vintage jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jewelry Set with Rubies and Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Bad Kissingen, DE
- Description of the - 18 carat yellow and white gold - Each punched with the fineness "750". - 4 very fine rubies in the heart, of together approx. 3.0 ct., with minimal inclusions ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin 18K Yellow Gold Tiger's Eye Ring and Earrings
By Roberto Coin
Located in Houston, TX
The set features heart-shaped tiger's eye framed by round diamonds.
Diamond, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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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.
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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.