$794Sale Price|20% Off
Sapphires Diamonds White Gold Ring Handcrafted in Italy by Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Modern stacking rings in 9 karat white gold with natural navette cut sapphires and round cut white diamonds.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k 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
Diamonds Rose Gold Stacking Ring Handcrafted in Italy by Botta Gioielli
By Botta gioielli
Located in Milano, IT
Stacking ring handmade in 9 carat rose gold with brilliant cut diamonds 0.03 ctw.
Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Faraone Italy Emerald cut Diamond yellow and white Gold band Ring
By Faraone
Located in Napoli, NA
Wide band 18 kt yellow and white gold ring signed by the prestigious Italian company Faraone Gioielli.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold White Diamonds Band Ring Handcrafted in Italy
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold White Diamonds Cigar Band Ring. All size available within three weeks.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Serpenti Viper Ring, 18kt Rose Gold, Pavé Diamonds, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
Serpenti Viper one-coil 18 kt rose gold ring set with full pavé diamonds Ring weighs 6.35 grams total Includes 42 round diamonds 0.61 carats total weight G-H color VS1-VS2 clarity ...
18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 0.95ct Total, Italy Circa 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat white gold ring, with a central large brilliant diamond of 0.8 karats in princess cut, and double rows of additional diamonds for a total of 0.95 karats, Italy 1940-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 0.5ct Brilliant Cut, Italy Circa 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central diamond of 0.5 karats and small brilliant diamonds on the stem / Italy 1950-1960s Ring size US 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Adamas 14k White Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy
By Adamas
Located in New York, NY
A cocktail ring featuring two blue topaz gemstones in the center and three round diamonds. Total weight of the diamonds is 0.3 carats. The band of the ring is encrusted with 34 topaz...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Daisy Ring with 1.3ct Diamond, Italy Circa 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold daisy ring with 0.8 karats of brilliant diamonds on the stem and a large central diamond of 1.3 karats, Italy 1950-1960s Ring size US 6.75
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Band Ring, 0.5ct Brilliant Cut, Italy 1970s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold band ring with brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.5 karats, forming a Greek zig zag pattern / Italy 1970s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
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 round cut white diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
14kt Yellow Gold Diamond and Mabel Pearl Cocktail Ring, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat yellow gold ring with a Mabel pearl and surrounding diamonds / Made in Italy 1950s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Art Nouveau 1930s Platinum Pearl Diamond Ring, Italy, Size 8.75
Located in Firenze, IT
Of bombé design, centred with a single pearl within a pierced surround of old and single-cut diamonds, ring size 8 3/4 Weight: 4.45gr.
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Three Row Band Ring, Italy
Located in Firenze, IT
Designed with rows, of which three are in white gold set with round cut diamonds. Mounted in 18Kt yellow gold Weight: 5.9 gr Finger size: 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18kt White Gold Band Ring with 3.00ct Diamonds, Artisan Design, Italy
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite band ring, crafted from high-quality 18kt white gold, is a masterful blend of timeless elegance and contemporary sophistication. Designed to make a bold yet refined st...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Emerald Ring with Diamonds, 1.8ct Emerald, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with an emerald of 1.8 carats and diamonds of 0.5 carats / Made in Italy 1960s Ring size US 6.75
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian 18K Gold Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant Italian emerald and diamond ring crafted in 18 karat gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Italian 18 Karat Gold South Sea Pearl Diamond Sculptural Cocktail Ring, 1975
Located in Miami, FL
Origin: Italy Date: Circa 1975 Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pearl: South Sea Pearl, approximately 20 x 15 mm Diamonds: 5 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximate...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$102,400Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Switzerland 3.25 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring Made in Italy
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exquisite Colombian cushion vivid green emerald ring boasts a sought-after gemstone. Colombian emeralds are famed for their pure, rich greens and considered especially beautiful. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14kt Yellow Gold Opal & Rose Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy
Located in Marcianise, IT
Timeless elegance and vintage charm come together in this exquisite ring crafted in 14-karat yellow gold and 800-millesimal silver. At the heart of the piece lies a stunning Australi...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco Italian Ring Platinum and Gold with Pearl and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The gold band complements the luxurious materials and offers a comfortable fit. This Art Deco Italian Ring, with its star-shaped openwork, pearl centerpiece, and diamond accents, is...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Cocktail Ring, Italy Circa 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with a central round sapphire of 1.2 carats and surrounding diamonds for a total of 1.0 carat / Made in Italy 1960s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 2000s Italian Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold, 0.25 ct Center
Located in Firenze, FI
An elegant Italian diamond engagement ring dating to the early 2000s, crafted in refined white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Ring, 2.5ct Total, Italy Circa 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat white gold ring, with a central large brilliant diamond of 1 karat, surrounded by tapered diamonds for a total of 2.5 karats, Italy 1950s Ring size US 9
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,273Sale Price / item|20% Off
Fashionable Italian Diamond White Gold Band Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Diamond 12-Round-0,5carat -8/7 Diamond 34-Round-0,37carat -99 US Size 6.5 Weight 4.13 gram With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Italian 18K Gold Topaz & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 45.00 ct Topaz, c.1995
Located in Firenze, FI
• Total gold weight: approx. 22.20 grams • Topaz weight: approx. 45.00 carats • Diamond weight: approx. 1.60 carats • Metal: 18K yellow gold • Origin: Italy • Period: Circa 19...
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Annellino Italian Fine Jewellery 10ct Aquamarine and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
Each gemstone is unique with its own magical meaning, special colour and birthplace, but to Gabriella, what makes a gemstone bracelet, teardrop pendant or diamond ring truly beautifu...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mattia Cielo 18-karat White Gold Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring, Italy
By Mattia Cielo
Located in Bergamo, BG
Ring by Mattia Cielo Limited edition No. 2 of 500 pieces, crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing 20 grams, with pavé-set GVS-color diamonds in a cut brilliant cut, 3.02 total ca...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
1970s Italian 18 Karat Gold Lapis Lazuli, Persian Turquoise Diamond Ring
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Era: 1970s Origin: Most likely Italy Materials: 18 karat yellow gold, lapis lazuli, Persian turquoise, and diamonds Hallmarks: Marked 18kt Dimensions: • Ring top measures approx....
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, Gold
Bulgari Bvlgari Monologo Pave Diamond Wide Band Ring 18K White Gold Italian
By Bulgari
Located in Lisbon, PT
Bulgari Monologo Pave Diamond Band Ring in 18K White Gold, Italy, Early 21st Century.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.55 Carat Black Diamonds Rose Gold Man Band Ring Made in Italy
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection 0.55 Carat Black Diamonds Rose Gold. Modern Design Ring Made in Italy.
Black Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Italian 18 karat White Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Garnet
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The Italian 18kt White Gold Cocktail Ring with Diamonds and Garnet entourage setting is a stunning and luxurious piece of jewelry.
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alletto Brothers Italian Coral Diamond 18K Gold and Platinum Ring, Circa 1970s
Located in Miami, FL
Designer: Alletto Brothers Origin: Italy Circa: 1970s Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Center Stone: Coral cabochon, approx. 14.3 mm diameter Diamonds: 12 round brilliant-cut diamon...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy, 1970s
Located in Marcianise, IT
Elegant and full of vintage charm, this ring is a true piece of fine artisanal jewelry. Crafted in 14-karat yellow gold with a top setting in 800 silver, it features a refined combin...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond Fan Ring, 2.5ct Baguette & Round Cut, Italy 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring in fan motif, with diamonds in round and baguette cut for a total of 2.5 carats / Made in Italy 1950s Ring size US 7.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian Art Deco 2.0 Ct. Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This fascinating authentic Art Deco ring is 1925 circa, Italian origin. Fabulous unique design entirely hand crafted as unique piece of solid 18 KT Grey gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby, Emerald, and Diamond Ring, Italy 1960s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat yellow gold ring, with 3.7 karats of emerald and rubies in Cabochon cut, and 2 karats of diamonds in Baguette cut, Italy 1960s Ring size US 6
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Pearl and 0.6 ct Diamond Ring, Italy Circa 1950s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18 karat white gold band, one large Australia pearl of 13 mm and brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.6 carats, Italy 1950s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian 18k Solid Gold Wedding Band, Emeralds, Diamonds and Ruby Ring
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Discover our exclusive made to order unisex wedding band, featuring natural emeralds, rubies, and diamonds arranged to represent the Italian flag. This patriotic Italian wedding band...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Ring, 0.7 Ct, Italy Circa 1930s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage ring with 18K white gold band, two sapphires for a total of 0.8 karats and three brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.7 carats, Italy 1930s Ring size US 7
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Crivelli 18K Rose Gold Diamond Spiral Band Ring, Italy, 0.18 Carats
By Crivelli
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Crivelli ring, crafted in 18K rose gold, features a captivating spiral design that exudes modern sophistication. Accented with nine sparkling diamonds, totaling approxim...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Salvini Damiani 18k White Gold Diamond Band Ring, 2.55 Carats, Italy
By Salvini
Located in Firenze, IT
Material: White gold and diamonds. From Salvini - Damiani jewelry house, a wide 18k Italian white Gold Diamond band.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold Emerald Daisy Ring with Diamonds, 1960s Italy
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 18 karat white gold daisy ring with a central emerald of 3.5 karats and brilliant diamonds for a total of 1.5 karats, Italy 1960-1970s Ring size US 8.5
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Dome Ring with Diamonds, Emeralds, Onyx, Italy, 1940s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18 karat white gold ring with rock crystal, onyx, emeralds for a total of 1 carat, and diamonds for a total of 0.7 carats / Made in Italy 1940s Ring size US 7.25
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Italian White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Interlocking Curb Chain Cocktail Ring
By Annellino Fine Jewellery
Located in London, GB
190 White VS F-G Diamonds (1.25ct) 13.40g Yellow Gold The ring size is US size 7 but we are able to re-create one to suit your hand.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Leo Pizzo 18K Rose Gold Wide Diamond Constellation Ring, Italian, c. 1995
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Miami, FL
A striking sculptural statement ring by renowned Italian jeweler Leo Pizzo, crafted in warm 18 karat rose gold and set with a constellation of round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Cultured Pearl and Diamond Crossover Ring, 18k Gold, Italy, 1960s
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1960's. Size: 7. Pearl's measurement: 10 mm. Weight: 15.48 gr. Obliquely-set with two 10.0mm cultured pearls, one of grey tint, between bombé shoulders pavé-set with brillia...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Retro 14K Yellow Gold Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy, 1990
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, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,416Sale Price|20% Off
18KT Yellow Gold Wave Band Ring with 2.8ct Diamonds, Made in Italy
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
This impressive wave-shaped band ring, offered by Claris-A, features a bold, architectural design. Crafted from 18KT yellow gold, the ring has a profile that enhances its substantial...
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18k Yellow Gold, Coral, Enamel and Diamond Flower Motif Italian Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely, Mid-20th Century 18K yellow gold Italian flower motif ring feels beautifully organic.
Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Artisan 18K White Gold Coral Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy, Size 7.75
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
$4,200Sale Price|20% Off
Salavetti Italy Geometric Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold 23.51 Cts Diamonds Amethyst
By Salavetti
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric cocktail ring designed by Salavetti. A modernist beautiful piece made in Italy by the house of Salavetti.
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bespoke Natural Diamond Italian Ring–Vibrational Talisman in 18K Rose White Gold
By Beatrice Barzaghi Milano
Located in Milan, IT
Bespoke Natural Diamond Italian Ring–Vibrational Talisman in 18K Rose White Gold Handcrafted in Italy by Beatrice Barzaghi, GIA Gemologist (G.G.), this bespoke 18K rose and white go...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18kt White Gold Diamond Trilogy Ring, 0.95ct, Italy 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage trilogy ring with 18 karat white gold band and brilliant diamonds for a total of 0.95 karats, Italy 1980s Ring size US 6.5
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
MADE IN ITALY GIA Certified 5 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 5 Carat F Color Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18k Gold Italian Diamond Engagement Ring in Baroque Style by Oltremare Gioielli
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, 18k Gold
$11,400Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold, Circa 1980, Italy, 4.6ct
Located in London, GB
This striking pave diamond cocktail ring contains 331 round cut diamonds varying in size from 1.1-2.05 mm totalling approximately 4.6 carats. The diamonds are E-F colour and VVS clar...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Retro 9ct Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring, Italy, 23.22ct Opal
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...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Bold 18 K rose Gold italian Statement Ring Diamond and white Agate
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This beautifully designed Ring combines together 18 K rose Gold, 56 round brilliant cut diamonds and white fancy cut Agate into a stunning and bold ring.
Agate, Diamond, 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.”
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.