Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, Italy, 1930s, 0.95ct
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band, with small brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.95 karats, and one large center diamond of 0.54 karats, Italy 1930s Ring size US 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bvlgari 18k White Gold Diamond Parentesi Ring, 1.14ct, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely 18k white gold Parentesi Revolution ring by Bvlgari. The ring comprises of the Parentesi motif with diamonds in a pave setting. The ring is set with 88 round brilliant cut d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Corone' rose cut diamond Italian grandmother ring
Located in Milano, MI
Highlights: - Gold and silver setting - Coronè rose cut diamonds - Early 20th Century, probably Italian Measurements - Diameter 1.5 cm - Weight 6.1 g - Italian ring size 12 (can be ...
Diamond
Italian Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Gold - 0.33 Carats (Serpent ring)
Located in Firenze, FI
An elegant Italian bypass ring crafted in solid 18K gold, weighing approximately 12 grams.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The warm radiance of yellow gold beautifully complements the rich blues of the sapphires and the luminous sparkle of the diamonds. With its elegant proportions and smooth, continuous...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18kt White Gold Diamond Ring, 1.05ct, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage engagement ring with 18 karat white gold band, small brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.30 karats on the contour, and one large center diamond of 1.05 karats, Italy 1960s Ge...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Spiral Diamond Ring, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central brilliant diamond of 0.90 carats and smaller diamonds of 0.6 carats on the spiral outline / Made in Italy 1950s Ring size US 6.75
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Enamel Diamond Ring 18K Gold Italy Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Blue Enamel Diamond Ring 18K Gold Italy Vintage This collectible Italian vintage ring is crafted in solid 18K gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
GIA Jadeite Diamond 18K Gold Italian Ring, circa 1970
Located in Miami, FL
An exceptional Italian jadeite and diamond ring dating to circa 1970, centered by a beautifully proportioned oval green jadeite cabochon measuring 20.87 × 14.03 × 3.52 mm.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18 Karat Gold Flower Motif Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handcrafted ring has 0.46 total carat weight of F/G color and VS clarity diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Vitolo 18 Karat Yellow Gold Italian Granulation Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handcrafted 18K yellow gold ring reflects the artistry of traditional Old World Italian craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Italian 18 Karat Gold Flexible Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Italian 18 Karat Gold Flexible Diamond Ring. The ring size is US 7.50.
White & Canary Diamond Emerald Ring 18K Gold, Italy
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
White & Canary Diamond Emerald Ring 18K Gold, Italy This gorgeous vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 18K Yellow Gold, made in Italy.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 11ct Aquamarine Cabochon Diamond Ring, Platinum, Italy, 1970s
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian vintage ring from the 1970s. The ring features an 11-carat oval-shaped aquamarine cabochon set with four sturdy griffe and five diamonds on each side, for a total of 10 stones.
Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum
Italian 18k Gold Cross Ring Natural Diamond Oltremare Gioielli Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Discover the epitome of elegance with our Italian Gold Cross Ring featuring dazzling natural diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Signed MDJ Italian 18K Gold Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: MDJ Origin: Italy Circa: 1990 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold and White Gold Diamonds: Approximately 1.00 Carat Total Weight Weight: 14.5 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 Width: 0.50 Inches Hal...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Aquamarine Diamond Trilogy Ring, Italy, 3.29ct
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Specifications: Net Total Weight of the ring grams 6,30 Metal: 18k White Gold (750/1000) Main Stones: 3 Natural Brazilian Aquamarines (Total weight: 3.29 carats) Stone Cut: Rectangu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Rose Gold Signet Ring with 1.00 Carat Diamonds, Italian Design
Located in Roma, IT
An elegant rose gold signet ring featuring a softly contoured silhouette and a polished oval face pavé-set with 38 round brilliant-cut diamonds. The warm tone of the rose gold contra...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique 1930s Platinum Sapphire Diamond Ring, Italy, 0.50 Carats
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Platinum rivier ring with finely crafted and engraved shank, and square sapphires with diamonds for a total of 0.50 carats / Made in Italy 1930s Ring size US 5.5
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
18K White Gold Italian Ruby Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Firenze, FI
This elegant Italian white gold ring features a vibrant 0.80 ct natural ruby at its center, framed by an impressive array of brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds with an approximate t...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Ring, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold contrarie ring with white and black Tahitian pearls, and Amsterdam and baguette cut diamonds / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 14K Gold Emerald-Cut Amethyst Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Origin: Italy Period: Circa 1980 Style: Modernist Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Center Stone: Natural Emerald-Cut Amethyst, approximately 25.00 Carats Accent Stones: 6 Round Brilliant-...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.48ct Hessonite Garnet & Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring, Italy
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This vintage garnet cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Hessonite, Garnet, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring, 1970s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with cabochon emerald weighing an estimated 20.00 carats, and round and tapered diamonds for a total of 2.10 carats / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handmade 18K White Gold Navette Ring with Diamonds, Italy
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Claris-A offers this handmade neo-vintage inspired diamond navette ring in 18K white gold, featuring an elongated marquise-shaped plaque centered by a round diamond and surrounded by...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian 18k Gold Eternity Five Diamonds Ring Made in Italy Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Elevate your love story with our made to order Eternity Gold Diamond Ring, adorned with five captivating round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Contemporary Italian Fashion Diamond Ring 18 karat Gold
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The contemporary Italian fashion diamond ring features an 18kt yellow and white gold crossover band with a claw setting.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Serpent Diamond Ring in 18K Gold - 1.68 Carats
Located in Firenze, FI
Expertly made in Italy, this ring reflects exceptional craftsmanship, fluid articulation, and precise pavé diamond setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$59,968 / item
Bulgari diamond bombé ring, Italian, circa 1960.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari diamond bombé ring. Set with a round old cut diamond, J colour, VS1 clarity with a weight of 2.26 carats in an open back claw setting, to a impressive bombé design with curv...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Italian 18K Gold Carved Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone: Carved Rubellite Tourmaline approx. 6.0 Carats Diamonds: Approx. 0.40 Carat Total Weight Weight: 25.22 Grams Ring Size: 7 Origin: Italy Period: ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian Gold Ring with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This vintage Italian gold ring is a masterpiece of artistry and craftsmanship, combining luxurious materials with a timeless design.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Buccellati Pizzo Venezia Ring, 0.78ct Diamond, 18k Gold, Italy
By Buccellati
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Once upon a time, there were skilled and careful hands creating rings like laces, decorated with engravings and precious stones. And there still are. The Pizzo Venezia ring by Buccel...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Gold Lapis Coral Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Origin: Italy Period: Mid-Century Modern Date: Circa 1970 Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Center Stone: Oval Lapis Lazuli Cabochon, approximately 5.00 Carats Coral: 12 Angel Skin Coral C...
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Rivier Ring, 0.70ct, Italy, 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold rivier ring with 5 central diamonds for a total of 0.70 carats plus small diamonds around in wire setting / Made in Italy 1950s Ring size US 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Snake Ring, 1ct, Italy Circa 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold snake ring with a central brilliant diamond of 0.7 carats and smaller surrounding diamonds for a total of 0.3 carats / Italy 1970s Ring size US 8.25
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
HRD Certified Italian Cocktail Ring 18kt White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Width: 3,3cm Top Length: 2,2cm Top Height: 0,3cm Band Width: 0,5cm This HRD Certified Italian Cocktail Ring is an impressive statement jewel, beautifully crafted in 18-karat whi...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Band Ring, 2.2ct, Buccellati, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold band ring with three central diamonds for a total of 2.2 carats and small brilliant diamonds on the stem / made in Italy by Buccellati, 1960-1980s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1950s Italian 1.12 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This unusual Italian ring is fine quality set with very high color grade diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Daisy Ring with 1.3ct Diamonds, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold daisy ring with brilliant diamonds for a total of 1.3 carats, Italy 1950-1960s Ring size US 6
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
G–H / VS–SI) Ring Size: 6.5 Width: 0.9 inches at the widest point Weight: 14.06 grams Condition: Excellent, with crisp gemstone color and strong brilliance Style: Contemporary Italia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian 18K Gold Diamond Star Statement Ring, 3.50 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
A striking expression of Italian glamour, this bold diamond star ring is crafted in rich 18K yellow gold and designed with unmistakable presence.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold Dome Ring with 2.5ct Diamonds, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold dome ring with brilliant diamonds for a total of 2.5 carats and twisted wire, Italy 1950-1960s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Crivelli 18kt White Gold Turquoise Cabochon & Diamond Ring, Italy
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt Turquoise Cabochon & Diamond Ring MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold WEIGHT: 21.60 grams / 13.90 dwt / 0.760 oz SIZE: 55 ( can be resized for free) DIAMONDS: white brilliant c...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Italian Designer Florentine Finished 18 Karat Gold Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handcrafted ring has 1.21 total carat weight of F/G color, fancy brownish yellows of VS clarity diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
HRD Certified Italian Band Ring 18kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Top Width: 0,3cm Top Length: 2,3cm Top Height: 0,2cm Band Width: 0,2cm This HRD Certified Italian Band Ring is an elegant expression of refined Italian jewelry craftsmanship, beauti...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Italian 5.08 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage Italian 5.08 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 2.5ct Total, Italy 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band, with small brilliant diamonds for a total of 2.5 karats, and one large center diamond of 1.2 karats, Italy 1940s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 0.25ct, Italy Circa 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band and brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.25 karats, Italy 1980s Ring size US 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Carmelo Two-Tone 18K Gold Diamond Knot Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A striking two-tone ring signed Carmelo, crafted in 18K yellow and white gold with a sculptural knot design centered by a sparkling 0.12-carat round brilliant diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Italian Diamond Engagement Ring with Baroque Setting
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order 14k Italian Baroque Style Dainty 0.25 ct. Natural Diamond Engagement Ring This stunning dainty engagement ring is made in Italy by oltremare Gioielli.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Fashion Italian Yellow Gold Band Ring with Natural Diamond
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This beautifully crafted italian yellow gold band ring is a fine example of contemporary elegance blended with timeless design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari 18k White Gold Diamond Cicladi Ring, 0.45ct, Italy, Unisex
By Bulgari
Located in Mayfair, London, London
An 18k white gold diamond ring by Bvlgari from the Cicladi collection. The dress ring is composed of a cluster of 5 circular spinning discs, each alternating in size. One of the disc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1990s Italian 18K Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This substantial piece weighs 13 grams and is currently sized at 10, offering a bold yet timeless statement on the hand. Origin: Italy Period: 1990s Style: Cocktail / Statement Ring ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise & Diamond Cluster Ring, Italy 1890s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage square ring with 18 karat yellow gold band, turquoise and diamonds, Italy 1890s-1910s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Eternity Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handcrafted ring has .51 total carat weight of F/G color and VS clarity diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Italian 26.01 Carat Topaz, Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This vintage Italian ring is supplied with an independent diamond and gemstone grading report card.
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Serpent Ring, 0.48ct, Italy
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, 18 karat yellow gold diamond serpent ring featuring eighty-seven micro set diamonds weighing 0.48 carats, F-G color, VS clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Diamond Engagement Ring with Baroque Setting 18k gold
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order Italian Baroque Style Dainty 0.25 ct. Natural Diamond Engagement Ring This stunning dainty engagement ring is made in Italy by oltremare Gioielli.
Diamond, 18k Gold
14k Gold Diamond Ring Made in Italy by Oltremare Gioielli Italian Fine Jewelry
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Choose from our collection of 18k Gold Diamond Rings for Women, showcasing Japanese-inspired textures and the finest Italian craftsmanship.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Italian Dome Ring White and Rose Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Its generous dome shape makes a statement, while the delicate harmony between the warm rose gold and the cool brilliance of the diamonds ensures versatility and sophistication. Perfe...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White 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.