Italian Modernist Gemstone Inlay Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
The generous gold mounting and expertly fitted gemstone inlays speak to a level of craftsmanship associated with fine Italian workshops. Italian, circa 1990 14 karat yellow gold Moth...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
BULGARI B.Zero1 18k White Gold Diamond Band Ring, 1.30ct, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
BVLGARI B.Zero1 ring in 18k white gold and diamonds. Condition: excellent condition. Size: 50. Width: 1.1 cm. Diamond weight: 1.30 carats. Total weight: 11.63 g. Bvlgari signature ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Geometric Ring 18K Gold Malachite, Onyx. Diamonds, circa 1980 Italy
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
Italian Modernist 18 Karat Gold Malachite, Onyx and Diamond Geometric Cube Statement Ring, Circa 1980 A striking and highly sculptural Italian modernist statement ring crafted in 18...
Diamond, Malachite, Onyx, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring, Italy, 1920s
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This ring from the Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913 showcases a striking navette-shaped cluster design, set in white gold. A larger central diamond takes center stage, surrounded b...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Sculptural 14k Yellow Gold Rock Crystal & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Net Total Weight of the ring grams 12,10 Weight of the diamonds Kt. 0,41 Weight of the Rock Crystal grams 4 Ring Size ITA 17 - USA 8 - FRENCH 57 Don't hesitate to contact us to req...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Band Ring with 4.24ct Diamonds, Modern Italian Design
Located in Rome, IT
Band model ring in rose gold with seven rows of diamonds. On the seven rows there are eighty-five diamonds set for a total weight of ct 4.20.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Five Diamonds Ring in 18 Karat White Gold Made in Italy
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
From the "Veretta" collection, this five white Diamonds ring with an exquisite braid resembling design make this a unique an everlasting stunning piece of jewelry, Made in Italy with...
White Diamond
18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 0.65ct, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold ring with two 1.6 carat sapphires on the sides, with a central brilliant diamond of 0.65 carats / Made in Italy 1960s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18 Karat Gold 2.20 Carat Diamond Openwork Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Its timeless aesthetic makes it equally suited for wear alone or paired with other fine jewelry. Origin: Italy Period: Late 20th Century Year: Circa 1980 Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K White Gold Moonstone, Yellow Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail ring
Located in Miami, FL
Its scale, vibrant color palette, and meticulous craftsmanship embody the exuberant spirit of late 20th–early 21st century Italian design. Origin: Italy (hallmarked 750 with maker’s...
Diamond, Moonstone, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.88ct Yellow Diamond, Italy
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Italian 18 karat White Gold Band Ring with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Modern Italian 18kt White Gold Band Ring with Diamonds is a luxurious and elegant piece of jewelry that reflects contemporary Italian design and craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Rivier Ring, 0.7 Carats, Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold rivier ring with 5 brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.7 carats / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 4
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Made 18KT White Gold "Wave" Designer Ring Set Diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the epitome of Italian craftsmanship and design, our Italian Made 18KT White Gold "Wave" Designer Ring adorned with a breathtaking 3.74 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Made 18KT Yellow Gold"Wave" Designer Ring Set Diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing the pinnacle of Italian craftsmanship and design, our Italian Made 18KT Yellow Gold "Wave" Designer Ring adorned with a breathtaking 3.65 carats of diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Handcrafted Oval Aquamarine Diamond 18k Gold Ring by NOOI JEWELRY
Located in Dueville, IT
A captivating blend of romance and meticulous craftsmanship, This exquisite ring showcases a luminous, ice-blue natural aquamarine. Set in rich 18k solid gold, the design draws ins...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Garavelli 17ct Natural Amethyst Diamonds Ring 18kt Italy
Located in New York, NY
Garavelli natural amethyst and diamonds ring. 17ct round purple rose cut checkerboard amethyst. 18.5 mm wide .50 carat side round diamonds, g color vs2 quality. Diameter of ring 3...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring, 3.9ct, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white and yellow gold ring with a central blue sapphire of 3.5 carat and surrounding diamonds for a total of 3.9 carat / Made in Italy 1960s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1ct Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Ring in Platinum, Italy 1970
Located in Marcianise, IT
The Scala Gioielli & Figli is pleased to announce to all its customers who purchase outside the European Community an additional 10% discount from the list price on all its items. Th...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2ct Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Gypsy Set Ring in Platinum, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
A contemporary sapphire and diamond gypsy set ring, centred with a beautiful cushion shaped brilliant cut Celyon sapphire weighing 2cts set flush between two old mine brilliant cut d...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 18K Gold Daisy Ring with Diamonds & Sapphires, Italy 1920s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat gold daisy ring, with a central large diamond of 0.25 karats and surrounding brilliant diamonds on the contour for a total of 0.4 karats with Carre cut sapphires, It...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
ITALIAN 1970 Modernist Bombe Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Diamonds Chrysoprase & Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
An Italian bombe cocktail ring. This is a superb vintage bombe cocktail ring created in Italy during the modernist period, back in 1970.
Chrysophrase, Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gol...
1970s Italian 18K Gold Pavé Diamond Sculptural Swirl Ring 2.75 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
On the hand, it reads as a statement of confidence and refined boldness, unmistakably rooted in the Italian ateliers of the period. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds: Approx. 2.75 cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 karats and small brilliant diamonds on the stem / made in Italy by Buccellati, 1960-1980s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian 1960s 20.00ct+ Brazilian Santa Maria Aquamarine Diamond Ring in 18k Whit
Located in London, GB
Era / Period: Circa 1960s (Mid-Century / Retro) Origin: Italian Workshop (Likely Milanese or Roman goldsmith) Style / Category: Jewellery Statement Cocktail Ring Design Motif: Sculpt...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,528 / item
Emerald and Diamond Gold Ring Made in Italy in 18k
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order Emerald and Diamond Band, Made in Italy in 18k Gold Introducing our exquisite Italian Gold Band, a symbol of timeless elegance and everlasting love.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Vintage Italian 18K Gold Blue and Orange Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Italy, Circa 1980 18K Yellow Gold 2 Cushion-Cut Sapphires, approximately 8.00 carats total 36 Round Brilliant-Cut Diamonds, approximately 1.80 carats total Ring Size: 7.75 Weight: 10...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,384Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Ruby Black Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 36-RND 57-0,25-4/6 Ruby 5-Oval-1,37 ct Ruby 2-RND-0,08 (4)/3 Weight 3.19 gram Size 6.8 With a heritage of ancient fine Sw...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Italian Mid-century Colombian Emerald 5.0 Ct Diamond Cocktail ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Remarkable hand crafting made by a past Italian master who indeed created a masterpiece. Finest gemstones on earth to complement the fabulous design which for sure combines a ring th...
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
Modern Italian Ring in 18 karat White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Modern Italian Ring in 18kt White Gold with Diamonds relief work is a stunning piece of jewelry that combines contemporary design with luxurious materials.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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 karats and twisted wire, Italy 1950-1960s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Platinum Old Marquise Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1920, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
An Art Déco ring from the early 20th century, set with an old marquise cut diamond of approximately 0.80 carats and a diamond border of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Old Cut Diamonds 18 karat White Gold Italian Engagement Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Old Cut Diamonds 18kt White Gold Italian Engagement Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that exudes timeless elegance and sophistication.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 18kt 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 Italian Corletto 18K Gold Blue Enamel Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
A distinctive vintage Italian 18K gold, enamel and diamond flower ring by Corletto, originally belonging to a three-piece jewelry suite consisting of a ring, pair of earrings and bro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Italian Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Adjustable Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
This contemporary enamel ring is hand-crafted in Italy for Campanelli & Pear.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14kt Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy, Circa 1970
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite ring, designed in an elegant floral motif, is a perfect blend of classic sophistication and masterful craftsmanship. Made of 14-karat yellow gold and 800 thousandths s...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Curnis 18K White Gold Ring with 1.50ct Emerald-Cut Diamonds, Italy
Located in Bergamo, BG
. -------------------- A timeless masterpiece, this 18-karat white gold ring features three stunning emerald-cut diamonds, totaling 1.50 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18kt 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
$1,421Sale Price|20% Off
Diamonds Rubies Dome Ring Handcrafted in Italy by Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
The ring is marked with the Italian Gold Mark 750, Sterling Silver Mark 925 and Botta Gioielli Brandmark 716MI. 11 rubies: 1.10 ctw 12 diamonds: 0.25 ctw Total weight: 5 grams US fi...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold
Bulgari emerald and diamond ring, Italian, circa 1930
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari emerald and diamond ring. Set to centre with a square emerald cut natural Colombian emerald with minor clarity enhancement in a open back claw setting with an approximate wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Manfredi Italian Modern Citrine Ring
By Manfredi
Located in Litchfield, CT
WEIGHT: 10.1 grams STONES: 5.0 carat citrine and .04 carats total weight of G color, VS clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: MANFREDI, 750 for 18k, and Italian workshop registration num...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century Italian Diamond 18k Gold Flower Cocktail ring
Located in Miami, FL
This fashionable Italian 18K yellow and white gold flower ring shines from every angle encrusted with numerous round cut Diamonds approx: 1.00cttw, G-H color, VS1-VS2 clarity, pave s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18kt Rose Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.96ct, Italy, 1990
Located in Napoli, IT
Contemporary 18 kt rose gold ring with a geometric and elegant design, featuring a prominent 0.96-carat round brilliant-cut natural central diamond set in contrasting white gold sett...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Octagonal Emerald and Diamond Ring, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a large octagonal emerald of 2.3 karats and brilliant diamonds for a total of 2.7 karats, Italy 1960-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring, Italy 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold lozenge shaped ring with a central emerald of 1.2 karats and brilliant diamonds for a total of 1 karat, Italy 1930s Ring size US 8.5
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian 18K Gold Citrine Diamond Architectural Cocktail Ring 15 Carat Total
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Hallmark: 750, Italy Gemstones: Citrines, approx. 15.00 carats total Diamonds: 16 round brilliant-cut diamonds, approx. 1.00 carat total Total Weight: 15 grams...
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fratelli Coppini 7ct Diamond Dome Ring in 18k White Gold, Italy
By Fratelli Coppini
Located in Firenze, IT
A striking oval-shaped ring, handcrafted in 18-karat white gold. The design, with its clean, sculptural lines, is embellished with a 7-carat pavé of brilliant-cut diamonds that follo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 18kt 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
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, Italy Circa 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with three rubies for a total of 3 karats and brilliant diamonds for a total of 2.5 karats mounted in Pave setting, Italy 1960-1970s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aquamarine Diamond 18 KT White Gold Made in Italy Cocktail Ring
By Margherita Burgener
Located in Valenza , IT
The shanks are well bombé shaped outside, inside it has a spring that help the ring to well fit the finger and not move. as well, if you have a bigger knuckle, the spring allows the ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Adamas 18k White Gold Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy
By Adamas
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the stunning Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Ring, a fusion of elegance and affordability from Adamas. Imagine gazing upon a serene oval aquamarine, nestled amidst a chorus o...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18kt White Gold Diamond and Chrysoprase Ring, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band, one large Chrysoprase stone and brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.48 karats, Italy 1960s Ring size US 7
Chrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18kt White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band, one large ruby of 1.4 karats, and brilliant diamonds on the contour for a total of 1.6 karats, Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt White Gold Modern Pavé Diamond Ring, 3.30ct, By Crivelli, Italy
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLD PAVE DIAMONDS Ring MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold DIAMONDS: b 3.30, Color E/F, Purity VVS/VS WEIGHT: 22.70 gr RING SIZE : EU 54
Diamond, 18k Gold
Modern 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Iolite Ring, Italy
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Claris-A offers this iolite and diamond ring in 18k yellow gold, designed as a wide sculptural band centered by a geometric arrangement of cut-to-measure iolites framed with round br...
Diamond, Iolite, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18kt White Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds & Rubies, Italy 1980
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Art Deco Gold Cocktail Ring Flower Design with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
This Italian Art Deco Gold Cocktail Ring is a testament to the timeless elegance and exceptional craftsmanship of Italian jewelers.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Italian Modern Rose Gold Cocktail Ring with Quartz and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
These diamonds add a brilliant sparkle to the ring, enhancing its allure and elegance.
Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose 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.