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
SCALA GIOIELLI 18K White Gold Diamond Coral Cocktail Ring, Italy
By SCALA GIOIELLI
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...
Coral, Diamond, 18k 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
1980s Italian Pave Diamond in 18K yellow and white gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is 18 Karat yellow and white gold, with pave cluster diamonds. 1980's Italian, stunning Day to Evening design.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,073
Diamond Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
ANNIVERSARY Engagement Ring in white gold 18Kt 1.60 gr with round natural diamond G color VS clarity 0.33 ct This anniversary collection represents a tribute to the exceptional craft...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Artisan 18kt Yellow Gold Coral & Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy, 0.44ct
By SCALA GIOIELLI
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...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,979Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Ruby Diamond White Gold Statement Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 54-RND57-0,2-4/6 Ruby 1-Oval-1,57 (4)/3 Weight 2.92 gram Size USA 7 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditio...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow and White Gold Diamond Statement Ring - Italian Craftsmanship
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 18k Yellow and White Gold Diamond Statement Ring - Italian Craftsmanship This spectacular vintage 1980s statement ring showcases bold geometric design elements characteristi...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby Diamond Dome Ring, 1.84ct Ruby, Italy 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central large ruby of 1.84 carats, and surrounding diamonds of 0.80 carats in color H, with carat engraved / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 9
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 9kt Rose Gold & Silver Ring with Rubies & Diamonds, Italy 1960
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful retrò ring in 9 karat rose gold and silver structure surrounded by rubies and diamonds This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths and it is in perfect cond...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Silver, 9k Gold
18K White Gold Emerald Diamond Dome Ring, 3.7ct Emerald, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central emerald of 3.7 carat and surrounding diamonds in amsterdam and baguette cut for a total of 1.6 carat / Made in Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, Bezel-Set, Italy, Circa 1920s
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
The striking white gold and diamond ring of the Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913, inspired by the bold geometric elegance of the 1920s and 1930s.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Italian 18K Gold Coral and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring, Circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
Italian coral and diamond flower ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oltremare Gioielli Italian Diamond Engagement Ring in Baroque Style 14k Gold
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order Italian Diamond Engagement Ring by Oltremare Gioielli This stunning dainty engagement ring is made in Italy by oltremare Gioielli.
Diamond, 14k Gold
BVLGARI Italy 18k Yellow Gold, Yellow Sapphire, Aquamarine & Diamond Ring 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bvlgari Italy 1970s 18k Yellow Gold, Yellow Sapphire, Aquamarine & Diamond Ring Vintage Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Made in Italy Textured Grounding Diamond Cocktail Ring.
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
18K Yellow Gold Made in Italy Textured Grounding Diamond Cocktail Ring. The Halley grounding ring is made of 18 karat yellow gold and features 4 brilliant cut round diamonds F-G colo...
White Diamond
Diamonds White Gold Stacking Ring Handcrafted in Italy by Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
The price of this item is for three stacking rings and it is composed by three rings with 2 heart with diamonds and one round diamond.
Diamond, White Gold, 9k Gold
1960s Italian 18k White Gold Emerald Diamond Starburst Cluster Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
With the prosperity that came after the war, consumers were ready for something new. “Atomic Age”, the period roughly corresponding to 1940–1963, inspired nearly every aspect of Mid-...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Gold Diamond Ring by Oltremare Gioielli in Italian Renaissance Style
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order Italian Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold ( let us know if you prefer rose or white gold instead of yellow gold) Discover timeless elegance with our Italian Re...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Italian Carved Coral and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold, circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K yellow gold Center Stone: Hand-carved red coral Coral Dimensions: approx. 2 x 1.25 in Accent Stones: 8 diamonds, approx. 1.20 ctw Total Weight: 33.62 g Ring Size: 6.25 Ori...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring by Vitale 1913, Italy
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This ring from the Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913 features a captivating starburst design in white gold, with radiating baguette and round diamonds fanning outward from a central...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Italian Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
Details: * Origin: Italy * Period: Vintage * Metal: 18K Yellow Gold * Center Stone: Colombian Emerald (Cabochon), approx. 2.20 carats * Diamonds: approx. 1.50 carats total weight * ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Oltremare Gioielli Contemporary Diamond ring in 18k Gold Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order 18k Statement Ring with Elegant Innovative shape. Discover the epitome of elegance and innovation with our Modern Italian Gold Diamond Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamonds White Gold Stacking Rings Handcrafted in Italy by Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Modern stacking rings in 9 karat white gold with natural brilliant cut white diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold, 9k Gold
Annellino Italian Cabochon Coral and Champagne Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A 4ct Cabochon cut Coral is the centre stone for this enchanting ring, set in 18kt yellow gold and supported by 26 Champagne Diamonds on the shoulders.
Coral, Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Italian Champagne Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Interlocking Chain Cocktail Ring
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
190 FANCY- BROWN Diamonds (1.50ct) 13.90g Yellow Gold The ring size is US size 7 but we are able to re-create one to your size with a lead time of 10 days.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Manfredi Italy Eighties Sapphire Ring
By Manfredi
Located in Litchfield, CT
This yellow gold ring is set with a fine blue 1.0ct sapphire and .05 carats of fine white F color VS clarity diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Italian Halo Ring Sapphire Diamonds 12K Ø 7.75US / 4.2gr
Located in SE
Italian Halo Ring with natural Blue - Green Sapphire and 12 rose-cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Silver
Ella Gafter 18k White Gold Tiger Ring, 2.48ct Diamond & Onyx, Italy
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
This tiger ring carries 2.48 carats of round diamonds of top quality (F/VVS) set en pavé in artful fashion.
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Triangle Cut White Diamond Rose Gold Engagement Ring Botta Gioielli Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Engagement ring handmade in 9 carat rose gold with triangle cut diamond 0.30 ctw.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1970s Italian 18kt Gold Lapis Lazuli Skull Ring with Diamonds
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1970 ca. Ring size: 8 Dimension: 28 x 22 mm Weight: 15,7 gr The ring, made in Italy and dating back to the 1970s, consists of an 18-karat yellow gold frame featuring an exce...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 3 Ct, Made in Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring arranged in opposite directions, with three brilliant diamonds aligned in the center and remaining diamonds in baguette and tapered cut, for a total of 3 car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Cocktail Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This handcrafted ring has 1.81 total carat weight of F/G color and VS clarity diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery Blue Ceylon Sapphire and White Diamond Ring
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A Blue Ceylon Sapphire is set with White Diamonds in a rhombus formation- this is a truly elegant ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Emerald and Diamond Band Ring, Italy, 1920s
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
A striking example of the Timeless collection by Vitale 1913, this ring pairs the drama of natural emeralds with sparkle of fine diamonds in a design rooted in Italian craftsmanship.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Italian-Made 0.32 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Solid Gold
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
This stunning diamond engagement ring is made in Italy and features 0.32 carats total weight of diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Elegant 18K White Gold Emerald and Baguette Diamond Ring, Italy, 1990
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This 18-karat white gold ring represents a timeless classic of fine jewelry, where elegance, balance, and brilliance merge into a composition of extraordinary harmony. Expertly handc...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Handmade 18K White Gold Band Ring with 4.12ct Diamonds, Italy, 1990
Located in Marcianise, IT
18-karat white gold band rings with diamonds, entirely handmade by expert Italian goldsmiths.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring, 2.1ct, Italy, 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat yellow gold band ring with a central ruby of 2.0 carat and surrounding diamonds in round and baguette cut for a total of 2.1 carat / Made in Italy 1960s-1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Colorless Diamond White Enamel Organic Cocktail Ring 18K Rose Gold Italian
Located in Lisbon, PT
Black Diamond, Colorless Diamond and Enamel Organic Cocktail Ring in 18K Rose Gold, Italy.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
18K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1.7ct, Made in Italy, 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with Baghette and round diamonds for a total of 1.7 carats / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 10
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$758Sale Price|20% Off
Diamonds White Gold Stacking Ring Handcrafted in Italy by Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Modern stacking rings in 9 karat white gold with natural brilliant cut white diamonds.
Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold
Natural Garnet and Diamonds Italian 14k Gold Engagement Ring, Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Discover now our stunning engagement ring made to order in 14k gold and featuring a 1.8 carat natural red Almandine garnet as the main gemstone. The garnet is surrounded by six round...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Victorian Antique Pearl and Diamond Ring, 6mm Pearl, Italy, 1890s
Located in Firenze, IT
Of foliate design, set throughout with rose-cut diamonds and a 6.0mm pearl, mounted in silver and gold, pearl untested, ring size 7
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver
Petronilla Calla White Diamond Yellow Sapphire 18Kt Gold Ring Italian Style
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
Calla White Diamond Yellow Sapphire 18Kt Gold Ring Made in Italy This unique and wonderful ring has been inspired by flowers and its head is a real calla for its volumes.
White Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Band Ring with 3.95ct Princess Cut Diamonds, Italy
Located in Marcianise, IT
18-karat white gold band rings with diamonds Princess cut, entirely handmade by expert Italian goldsmiths.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds 9 Karat Rose White Gold Stacking Rings Handcrafted in Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Modern stacking rings in 9 karat rose and white gold with natural brilliant cut white diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold, 9k Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring by Vitale 1913, Italy
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
This ring belongs to the Art Deco collection by Vitale 1913, known for its traditional fine jewellery craftsmanship. Crafted in white gold, it features a bold grid-inspired design wi...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamonds Ruby 9 Karat White Gold Band Ring Handcrafted in Italy
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
A wire spiral forms this band ring, crafted in 9 karat white gold, glistens front with a beautiful pear cut red ruby weighing 0.30 ctw and a bright pear cut diamond weighing 0.10 ctw...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, White Gold
Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery Champagne Diamond Bezel Set 18kt Stacking Ring
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
A 0.17ct Brilliant cut Champagne Diamond has been hand set in a 18kt Yellow Gold bezel setting to create this pretty ring.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Pin...
Sculptural 14k Yellow Gold Rock Crystal Diamonds Malachite Cocktail Ring, Italy
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Beautiful ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, featuring an elegant and sophisticated design that harmoniously combines natural gemstones and luminous details in a composition of re...
Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, Malachite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, Italian, circa 1970
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari sapphire and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with one octagonal old cut natural unenhanced sapphire in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 1.15 carats...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Engagement 3.00 Carat White Diamond Platinum Band Eternity Ring Made in Italy
By Elisa Pozza by PETRONILLA
Located in Bussolengo, Verona
3.00 ct White Diamond Platinum Band Eternity Ring Made in Italy This platinum eternity ring is set by 17 stones.
White Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, 1.7ct ruby, Italy 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a geometric band, a 1.7 carat ruby and 0.6 carat diamonds / Made in Italy 1970s Ring size US 9
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Eternity Emerald And Diamond Ring Italian Jewelry Oltremare Gioielli
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Elevate your love story with our MADE TO ORDER Eternity Gold Diamond Ring, adorned with natural Emerald and natural diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1980s Italian 18K Yellow Gold Ring with South Sea Pearls & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant and sculptural 1980s ring crafted in Italy from 18K yellow gold, featuring two lustrous South Sea pearls—one white, one black—nestled in a bypass design accented with a ba...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Schmuckzicke 18kt White Gold Diamond Cocktail Designer Ring, 3.42 Carat, Italy
Located in Viena, Viena
18kt White Gold, every diamond set with very professionell, approx. 3.42 carat, TW / VS, approx. 9,5 grams, ring seize approx. 17,2 mm, seize of the ring approx. 24 x 15 mm, paved s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Band Ring, Italy, 1920s
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Understated yet undeniably refined, this slender band from the Timeless collection by Vitale 1913 channels the era’s love of symmetry and precision. A single row of vivid rubies runs...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy Circa 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with 1 carat round ruby and 1 carat of brilliant diamonds / Made in Italy 1980s Ring size US 6
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.
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