16.69 Carat Invisibly Set Blue Sapphire Bombe Cocktail Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful invisibly set sapphire bombe ring set in 18k white gold.
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary 3.50 carat invisible set emerald diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking contemporary ring set with 3.50 carats of vivid emeralds and 1.10 carats of brilliant diamonds, beautifully crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. Center stone: 48 carré and ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Yellow Gold Invisibly Set Ruby Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Brilliantly complemented by lustrous diamonds lined on each side, the neat arrangement of exquisitely cut rubies lends fabulous color and romantic spirit to this remarkable ring from...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond and Invisible Set Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A neat arrangement of exquisitely cut rubies weighing in total 1.20 carats combines fabulously with 18K yellow gold to produce a charming allure in this gorgeous ring from Van Cleef ...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond and Invisible Set Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
A neat arrangement of exquisitely cut rubies weighing in total 1.20 carats combines fabulously with 18K yellow gold to produce a charming allure in this gorgeous ring from Van Cleef ...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald & Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamonds Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
14k Gold Emerald Cut Emerald And Princess Cut Diamond Ring 5.8 Grams Ring Size 5.75 Green Emerald 6x4mm Princess Cut Diamonds 0.75 Carats Total Weight Color: F-G Clarity: Si1 T...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Invisible Set Ruby and Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 8 princess cut = 0.50cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 5.5 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for sizing requests)...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Invisibly Set Baguette and Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
The shoulders of the ring are embellished with 12 invisibly set, graduated straight baguettes with edges consisting of 32 u-set round diamonds.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Invisible Set Diamond Ring with CZ Center
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 52 princess cut = 2.00cttw Color: G / H Clarity: SI1 Size: 7 (complimentary sizing available) Weight: 24.01 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8.72 Carat Total Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Diamonds for days! This extraordinary ring features five rows of sizzling invisible set diamonds.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Invisibly Set Princess Cut Diamond Onyx 18 Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Contemporary invisibly set diamond and onyx ring handcrafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold and 2.24 Carat Invisible Set Diamond Band Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This ring is crafted in 14k white gold. It is designed with invisible set princess cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1980s Men's 2.65 Carat Diamond Invisibly Set Yellow Gold Square Vintage Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The prong and invisibly set diamonds are graded H-I color and SI clarity.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Invisible Set Pigeons Blood Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: JCR Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 15 round cut = .15cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ruby: 36 invisible set square faceted cut = 3.24cttw Ruby: 1 pear cut = .52ct Color: Pig...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's 2.25ctw Diamond Invisible Set Square Top Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 18 karat white gold square top ring set with sixty-four (64) invisible set princess cut diamonds, approximately 1.25 carat total weight with matching H/I color and SI1 clarity an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Invisible Set Blue Sapphire and Diamond Curved Fashion Ring in White Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A stylish and chic fashion ring showcasing a cluster of vibrant blue sapphires, invisibly-set in a curved 18k white gold mounting.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Flower Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage invisible set ruby & diamond ring (circa 1980s to 1990s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Invisibly Set Sapphire Diamond Stacker Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Invisibly Set Sapphire Diamond Stacker Ring 18K Yellow Gold This refined band ring in 18k yellow gold features a balanced blend of rich color and timeless design.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.50ct Invisible Set Ruby Diamond Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Cigar Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage invisible set ruby & diamond ring (circa 1980s to 1990s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Tourmaline Amethyst Ring Invisible Set Diamond Band 6 Estate 18k Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
The stones are in very good condition and free of cracks or chips. The invisible set pink tourmalines and amethysts are set side-by-side to give the appearance of one larger stone.
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French Diamond and Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Invisible Set Dome Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French Diamond and Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Invisible Set Dome Ring. Featuring one round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carat, graded G color, VS2 clar...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
2.60ctw Princess Cut Diamond Invisibly Set 18k Yellow Gold Wedding Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Invisibly set diamond wedding band fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold. The band features 2 rows of 20 princess cut diamonds weighing 2.60 carat total weight. The diamonds are graded G...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Invisible Set Pink Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This exquisite piece features a mesmerizing 0.3 carat Asscher cut diamond at its center, renowned for its unique facets that create a captivating play of light. Surrounding the diamo...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold, Invisible Pressure Setting Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An everyday wear, Diamond cluster Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & Diamonds. The combined weight of the diamonds in 0.72 carats. The ring is made in Indian ring size 12 (US size 6), and c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Set in 18 Karat Gold, Baguette Invisible Cluster Setting Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A gorgeous Baguette Diamond Cluster cocktail ring set in 18K white gold. The total weight of the diamonds is 1.18 carats. The ring is made in Indian ring size 12 (US size 6), and can...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Yellow Gold Diamond Pave and Invisible Set Ruby Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
Leading up to the heart of the design where three gorgeous rubies totaling 1.10 carats are neatly set upon 18K yellow gold, the F-color diamonds of VVS clarity weighing in total 0.65...
Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamonds & Princess Cut Invisible Set Natural Rubies Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Invisible or Mystery set Princess cut Natural Ruby And Diamond ring in 14 K Yellow Gold .
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Invisible Set 2.00 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k white gold Diamonds: 13 princess cuts = 2.00cttw Ring size: 6 Weight: 8 grams
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and 1.50 Carat Invisible-Set Princess Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This band is made in 14k yellow gold, and it features invisible-set princess-cut diamonds. The diamonds have a total weight of about 1.50 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold and Invisible or Pave Set of Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This ring is crafted in 18k white gold. It features 25 princess cut, invisible set diamonds that have a total weight of 1.25ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold 4.09ctw Invisible Mystery Set Ruby Diamond East West Saddle Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (28) Natural Genuine Rubies - Calibre Custom Cut - Invisible Mystery Set - Seep Pinkish Red Color - 3.85ctw (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Invisible Set Princess Cut Natural Ruby Ring in 18K White Gold ~4ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Modern Invisible Set Princess Cut Natural Ruby Ring in 18K White Gold Designed with modern elegance, this 18K white gold ring showcases a bold arrangement of square-cut red rubies, ...
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Invisible Set Princess Cut Natural Blue Sapphire Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Modern Invisible Set Princess Cut Natural Blue Sapphire Ring in 18K White Gold A masterpiece of precision and elegance, this 18K white gold ring is a testament to the beauty of seam...
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Invisible Set 6.90 Carat Ruby and Diamond Concave Dome Ring in Rose Gold
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A fashionable piece of jewelry showcasing a cluster of invisible set rubies, accented by round brilliant diamonds. The gemstones are set in a beautiful concave mounting made in 18k r...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.25 CTW Invisibly Set Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wide Wedding Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Princess cut diamond wedding band fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold. The 45 princess cut diamonds weigh approximately 2.25 carat total weight and are invisibly set. The diamonds are ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Invisible Set Yellow Sapphire Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An unusual yellow gold ring created by one of the most revolutionary developments in jewelry workmanship occurred in the 1930’s called ‘invisible setting technique’. The calibre cut ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Invisible Set Sapphire and diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An unusual white gold ring created by one of the most revolutionary developments in jewelry workmanship occurred in the 1930’s called ‘invisible setting technique’. The calibre cut b...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
14 Karat White Gold Invisible Set Diamond Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamond: 30 princess cut = 1.80cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ring size: 7 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing requests) Weigh...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Invisible Set Diamond Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: 12 princess cut = .75cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Diamond: 12 baguette cut = .75cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring size: 7 (please al...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oscar Heyman Diamond Pave and Invisible Set Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Southampton, PA
An exceptionally alluring regal effect is achieved in this superb ring designed by Oscar Heyman through combining resplendent diamonds and captivating sapphires and setting them onto...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Pave Diamond Ring with Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamond Center
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamond: 32 round brilliant cut = 0.80cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Diamond: 10 princess cut = 0.60cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ring size: 7 (ple...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Two-Tone 14 Karat Gold and Invisible Set of Diamond Band Ring 1.28 Carat
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It features 4 rows of invisible-set princess-cut diamonds for a total weight of 1.28 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Pave Black Diamond and Invisible Set White Diamond Signet Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 157 round brilliant / princess cut = 4.63cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1-2 Diamond: 530 round brilliant cut = 2.65cttw Color: Black Clar...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Carriere 18 Karat White Gold Invisible Set Diamond Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Carriere Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 56 invisible cut princess cuts = 3.36cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Ring Size: 7 (please allow up to 2 additional business days for ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Invisible Set Blue Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Cluster Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An unusual white gold ring created by one of the most revolutionary developments in jewelry workmanship occurred in the 1930’s called ‘invisible setting technique’. The calibre cut b...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold 1.10 Carat Diamond and Invisible Set 1.00 Carat Ruby Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
The extravagant appearance produced by the scintillating diamonds and the captivating rubies is enhanced by the prestigiously gleaming surface of classy 18K yellow gold in this subli...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Invisible Set Diamond Eternity Cigar Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 258 round brilliant & 144 princess cut = 9.58cttw Color: H Clarity: VS2-SI1 Ring size: 8 (please allow two additional shipping days...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamond Band 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom made Material: 18k yellow gold Diamonds: 20 princess cuts = 1.00 carat total weight Color: G Clarity: VS2-SI1 Ring Size: 6 ¼ (please allow two additional shipping da...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Invisible Setting Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This ring is lavish and lovely. It is made of 18K white gold and boasts a fabulous~1.65ct invisible set sapphire pave.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Invisible Set Sapphire and Diamond Dome Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 25 baguette cut = 1.70cttw Color: F Clarity: VS2 Sapphire: 100 princess cut = 12.50cttw Color: deep royal blue Clarity: AAA+ Dimens...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Gold Princess Cut Diamond with Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamonds
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k white gold Princess cut diamond with invisible set princess cut diamonds, containing 1 princess cut diamond; color "G", clarity SI and weight .50pts. set with 16 princess cut inv...
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Invisible Set Asscher Cut with 2 Half Moon Cut Diamonds Set in 3-Stone Style
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k invisible set baguettes with 2 half moon cut diamonds set in 3 stone style, containing 2 half moon cut diamonds weighing .62pts and 12 square cut diamonds invisible weighing 1.1...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Sold|$38,500
VCA Sapphire and Diamond Mystery Set Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An invisibly set sapphire and diamond ring (size 7.5) made by Van Cleef and Arpels.
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Mystery Set Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
An invisibly set, mystery ring with Rubies with diamonds on the side.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery-Set Sapphire Ring with French Marks
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A stunning and rare Van Cleef & Arpels Mystery Invisible Set Sapphire Ring with French Marks. The ring size is US 6.50.
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Princess Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Invisble Set Wedding Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Invisibly set diamond band ring fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sold|$2,200
Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful invisible set diamond cocktail ring. 1.50 carats of good quality white, bright diamond rounds and baguettes in this ring.
Diamond, White Diamond
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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
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.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
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.