Antique Emerald, Diamond and Gold Snake Necklace by Hancocks, circa 1870
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
A wonderful Victorian gold and gem-set snake necklace, c.1870, the head of the stylised snake finely engraved with a delicate foliate pattern and set with ruby eyes and a line of eme...
Yellow Gold
"Genuine Burmese Jadeite Phoenix" Baikalla Jewelry Signature Neck-Piece
By Baikalla
Located in Portland, OR
H.): 83.6 mm * 37.5 mm * 11.2 mm Diamond CTW: 0.0876 ct Diamond Clarity: SI Diamond Color: H-G Diamond-Cut: Round Brilliant Primary Stone: Genuine "Old Mine" Burmese Ice Jadeite Prim...
Diamond, Jade, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.71 Carats Ruby Heart Shaped Ring & 0.34 Carats of Natural Diamonds in 14K Gold
Located in New York, NY
Timeless Elegance and Romance The Heart Shaped Ruby Diamond Ring is a celebration of love and beauty.
White Diamond, Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Heart Shaped Diamond and Ruby Halo Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
An absolutely stunning Victorian ring, highlighting a old heart shaped diamond. This hand cut stone has a weight of 1.20 carat, colour grade E and clarity VS1 from an EDR certificati...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian Ruby Diamond White Gold Heart-Shaped Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.60 carat diamond and 0.60Ct natural ruby, 18k white gold heart shaped ring; part of our antique jewelry collections This stunning Victorian...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$2,870
Ruby Diamond Gold Heart Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A sweet ring made with love featuring a 0.75 carat heart shaped ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GRS Certified 3.50 Carat Heart Shape Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Centering on a heart shaped emerald framed by two rows of diamonds Metal: Platinum Diamonds: 72 round diamonds Ruby: 1 heart shaped Size/Dimensions: US ring size 6.5
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby
14.80 Carat Heart-Shaped Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
An absolutely stunning Cocktail Ring featuring a 14.80 Carat Heart Shaped Tanzanite with a beautiful violetish blue color and 1.31 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
FLAWLESS GRS Switzerland 4 Carat Heart-Cut Pigeon Blood Ruby Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Magnificent, very large, 4.02 carat heart shaped pigeon's blood red faceted ruby solitaire ring is set in solid platinum and accompanied by super sparkly GIA certified heart shape w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GRS Certified Burmese Pigeon's Blood Ruby Heart and Rose Cut Round Diamond Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The heart-shaped Ruby symbolizes deep, abiding love, while the surrounding diamonds represent the eternal promise that love holds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1980's Ruby Pave Diamond Gold Heart Motif Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This aesthetically alluring vintage ring incorporates a heart motif plaque, encrusted in pave diamonds, depicting 6 enchantingly delicate ruby flowers.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
White Diamond Emerald Heart Ruby Snake Cocktail Bronze Ring J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Emerald Heart Ruby Snake Cocktail Bronze Ring J Dauphin J DAUPHIN "Toujours mon coeur" This ring has a big heart shaped ruby and emerald and white diamond eyes (...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Bronze
NEW 18k White Gold .95ct GIA NO HEAT Heart Ruby w/ Diamond Sides Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely lovely ring that is newly crafted from solid 18k white gold featuring a gorgeous heart shaped, GIA certified, natural ruby at its center.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
LB Exclusive Platinum 0.85 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The ring is set with a 1.30 ct heart-shaped ruby and a total of 0.85 carats of heart-shaped diamond stones.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Burma Pear Shaped Ruby and Diamond Set Sideway Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Center Stone Burma Pear-Shaped Ruby (3.50 carats): At the heart of this ring lies a rare and highly sought-after Burmese ruby, celebrated for its intense red hue and outsta...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K Yellow Gold Amore Love Diamond Ruby Double Heart Cocktail Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Leo Pizzo Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.5 Width: 4.50 mm Weight: 11.90 grams Ladies LEO PIZZO designer made 18K yellow gold, diamond and ruby c...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.19 Carat Heart Shape Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a red heart-shaped natural ruby weighing 2.19 carats with measurements of 9X8mm.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$5,600
Ruby and Diamond Vintage Inspired Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Old world craftsmanship with todays technology, this vintage inspired ring may be even better than Grandmas. A stunning 1.15 carat marquis gem quality genuine ruby, surrounded by ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 14k Gold
Edwardian 18kt Gold Ring with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: 1910's Style: Edwardian Metal: 18Kt Gold Stone: Diamond & Rubies Ring size: 7.75. Total weight: 3.27 grams. / 2.10 dwt Ring width: 0.44 inches.
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
GRS Certified 3.02 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Beautiful cocktail ring, with a lustrous 3.02 carat heart shaped Burmese Ruby with White Diamond cocktail ring, all set in a white Platinum band.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Flower Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A charming floral motif in this gorgeous 18K yellow gold ring from Van Cleef & Arpels is comprised of heart-shaped rubies amounting to 1.00 carat and glistening diamonds weighing in ...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Employing marvelous precious stones for adorable heart-shaped decorations, Van Cleef & Arpels present this spellbinding ring made of 18K yellow gold and embellished with lustrous dia...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Maltese Cross Diamond and Ruby Ring in 18 Karat "Live in Truth"
Located in Wailea, HI
1950's Maltese Cross Diamond and Ruby Ring in 18k Four Cabochon Pear Shaped Rubies weighing 1.40 carats approximately Twenty Three Round Diamonds weighing .45 carats approximately s...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ruby & Old Cut Diamond Flower Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, Chester, 1884
Located in London, GB
At its heart, a charming old mine cut diamond radiates beautifully, encircled by a vibrant halo of 8 lively round shaped rubies, with an estimated combined weight of 0.16ct, creating...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pear Cabochon Burma Ruby Diamond 3.20 Carat Split Double Shank Gold Ring Size 6
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Exquisite Pear Cabochon Burma Ruby Diamond 3.20 Carat Split Double Shank 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring, finger size 6, measuring 0.45 inch width.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Illusion Set with Ruby Art Deco Style Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning piece features a masterful arrangement of multi-shaped diamonds, skillfully set to create the illusion of an exquisite emerald cut diamond at its heart.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1916 Nordic Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25US /1.25gr
Located in SE
A Ring with the band in solid 18K Orange Gold with engraved shoulders. Bezel set heart shaped rose cut Red Garnet 5.5 mm x 5 mm / ca. 0.5 ct . Hand-made in Sweden hallmarked 18K, th...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Heart Diamond Twist Necklace in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Create a touch of magic wearing this lovely ruby and diamond pendant for women featuring a 0.25 carat heart shaped red ruby set in luxurious 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Exquisite 20.56 Carat Vivid Pink Rubellite and Diamond Ballerina Style 18K Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
Approximately 10.66 carat total diamond weight. Total combined carat weight of the rubellite and diamond ring is approximately 20.56 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rubelite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Burma Red Spinel Ring Cushion Cut 5.05 Carats AGL Certified
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exceptional, AGL certified, 5.05 carat cushion cut Burmese Red Spinel, is flanked by a pair of GIA certified, D-E color, heart shaped diamonds, weighing a total of 1.04 carats, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Multi-gemstone, Other, Platinum, Other, ...
AUGUSTIN JULIA PLANA 1970 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Geometric Corals
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, ...
Coral, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
New 2.63 Carat Heart Ruby & Diamond Cut Ruby 14k Y Gold PL Sterling Necklace
Located in Eagan, MN
This necklace is just gorgeous and unique. It has a Heart-Shaped Ruby Cabochon Centerstone that measures 10 x 9 x 4 mm and it totals 2.63 carats.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
1990s 1.55 Carat Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 1.55 carat ruby and 0.69 carat diamond, 18 carat yellow gold heart shaped pendant and chain; part of our diverse vintage jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby, sapphire and diamond double heart ring, set with a round-shaped ruby weighing approximately 0.30 carats and a round-shaped sapphire weighing approximately 0.20 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire
Roberto Coin Heart Shaped Ring 2 Carat Diamond Rose Gold with Ruby
By Roberto Coin
Located in Miami, FL
Brilliance Jewels, Miami Questions? Call Us Anytime! 786,482,8100 Designer: Roberto Coin Metal: Rose Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stones: Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Sold|$2,450
Victorian Ruby Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A stunning ruby and diamond double heart ring dating from the late Victorian era.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold
Sold|$6,485
Victorian Ruby Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely exquisite diamond and ruby ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era!
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Sterling Silver
Heart Shaped 18k White Gold Ring with Center Ruby
Located in Surfside, FL
Heart shaped ring in 18k white gold with center 1.10 carat ruby and surrounded by 0.86 carats in pave set diamonds.
White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold English Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in QLD , AU
The true lovers ring - two hearts together encrusted with diamonds, it doesn't get any more romantic than that.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Friedrich Ruby Diamond Invisible Setting Band Ring
By Friedrich Boutique
Located in Frankfurt, DE
Centred with a heart-shaped ruby surrounded by 36 brillant-cut Diamonds and 30 square-cut rubies with invisible setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$1,800
Judith Ripka Ruby Diamond Gold Dress Ring
By Judith Ripka
Located in Vail, CO
Dress ring, showcasing an oval-shaped faceted ruby mounted in an 'East/West' setting, flanked by a diamond-set heart-motif on either side, in textured 18k yellow gold with openwork b...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
CHOPARD Ruby and Diamond White Gold LOVE Ring
By Chopard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring features a .94 carat gorgeous ruby as the "O" in LOVE, shaped like a heart.
Diamond, Ruby
Sold|$2,800
Victorian Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Fede Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
and the tiny heart-shaped locket held safe between the hands.
Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold
Fancy Diamond & Ruby Ring 8.23CT Ruby 1.02CT 18k YG GIA
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our extraordinary no-heat natural ruby, this ruby ring that is sure to capture your heart.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.40 Carats Diamond and Ruby Band Ring, Italy 18Kt
Located in Miami, FL
Framing the diamonds are 8 natural earth-mined heated oval-shaped rubies on top and 8 on the bottom, with a total weight of 2.90 carats, adding a vibrant and fiery contrast to the ri...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$8,950
18K White Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamond
Located in Toronto, ON
A beautifully sculpted 18K White Gold ring set with a spectacular Ruby and 2 heart shaped diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified Unheated Mozambique 1.01 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Melbourne, AU
An 18ct white gold ring four claw set to the centre with a GIA certified 1.01ct cushion cut unheated Mozambique ruby above a heart shaped railed gallery with three small diamonds eit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14ct Yellow Gold 2.00ct Ruby & 0.50ct Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Birmingham, GB
This exquisite ring showcases a captivating floral design, featuring a vibrant collection of various shaped rubies at its heart, each petal glowing with rich, deep hues.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.51 Carat Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Essex, GB
Cut – Oval shaped ruby and old mine cut diamonds. Colour – Diamonds are H to J.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mark Henry 0.78 Heart Shape Carat Natural Brazilian Alexandrite and Diamond Ring
By Mark Henry
Located in New York, NY
Playful yet elegant, our Dusted Amore Signet Ring features an exquisite heart shaped alexandrite of unrivaled quality resting within a sleek bezel frame.
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bayco Ruby Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Ring
By Bayco
Located in New York, NY
A platinum & 18kt yellow gold ring centered upon a 3.02 carat heart-shaped Mozambique ruby and a 2.81 carat heart-shaped Ceylon sapphire, certified by C.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Dazzling 14K Gold 6.16ct Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring - Size 7.5 - Fine Jewelry
Located in Holtsville, NY
Indulge in the captivating allure of nature's passionate blooms with our Blooms of Passion Ruby and Diamond Ring by Jeweltique. Immerse yourself in the enchanting beauty of this meti...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mark Henry 1.34 Carat Natural Brazilian Alexandrite and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat
By Mark Henry
Located in New York, NY
The ring's focal point highlights a stunning oval shaped alexandrite that is combined with two matching pear shape gems at the heart of the design.
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Pansy REGARD and Fede Ring Circa 1880
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
Reasonable offers will always be considered. RING SIZE - UK L ½ / US 6 / EU 51 ½ MEASUREMENT – 17mm across the width of the ring 10mm diameter of the head of the ring MATERI...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$20,000
Decorative Gemstone Ring
Located in New York, NY
A painted portrait of Lady Drake by George Gower dated ca. 1585 shows on the lady’s forefinger a ring set with a heart-shaped ruby, surrounded by ten small diamonds.
CHOPARD Yellow Gold, Diamond, Ruby Happy Diamonds Bangle Watch
By Chopard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
There are six alternating heart shaped rubies set on the links against four alternating oval shaped emeralds as photographed.
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold
Georgian 8.20 Carat Diamond Sentimental Hand Museum Drop Earrings
Located in Napoli, IT
Holding Flowers From ancient Roman times through the sentimental Georgian and Victorian eras, hands have held many messages: loyalty, strength, romance and fidelity Pleased of havin...
Diamond, 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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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.