Dainty Kite Shape Emerald with Baguette Diamond Curve Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ This is a dainty little headdress ring set with a rich green emerald center stone, and flanked by white baguette diamonds on each side to form a mini curve ♥ The beautiful emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Kite Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Light Rose Gold W/ GIA 1.02ct
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian Kite-Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K Light Rose Gold – GIA 1.02 ct This Victorian ring is made in 18k light rose gold and features a rare kite-cut diamond weighing appr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
3.08ct Kite Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K white gold kite shaped salt and pepper diamond engagement ring, set in a raised setting with small v prongs on each corner ♥ The flat band gives this ring a modern loo...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Kite Shape Milky White Diamond with Halo 14K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K yellow gold ring set with a gorgeous shield-shape rose cut diamond ♥ The center stone is flanked by a halo of sparkly white diamonds, adding even more brilliance to a bea...
White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
1.64 Carat Diamond Kite Shape Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful white gold engagement ring featuring a finely cut 1.64 carat kite shaped diamond, with two baguette cut diamonds on the shoulders of the ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Kite Shape Red Spinel with Diamond Halo 14K Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ This is a stunning ring featuring a red spinel in the center, flanked by a full halo of sparkly white diamonds ♥ The setting measures 11.3*10.5mm ♥ Low-profile ring setting ♥ ...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, Rose Gold
2.23ct Kite Shape Morganite with Diamond Halo 14K Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K gold ring set with a pink kite-shaped morganite, complemented with a beautiful diamond halo
Diamond, Morganite, Gold, Rose Gold
2.94ct Kite Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring R6288
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.94ct Kite Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring ♥ Solid 14k white gold ring set with a beautiful kite-shaped diamond ♥ Gorgeous salt and pepper gray color!
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
49.02 Carat Kite Step Cut White Topaz and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Massive
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Here is a super nice white Topaz and diamond ring It is set in 18k Rose gold and 18k white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Kite Shape Tourmalated Quartz Black Diamond Halo 14K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K white gold with a gorgeous black tourmalted quartz center and genuine black diamond halo ♥ This is a low profile ring and will work with a custom contoured band only. ...
Black Diamond, Quartz, Gold, White Gold
1.04ct Kite Shape Teal Sapphire Diamond Band Engagement Ring 14K Gold AD2402
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K yellow gold ring set with a kite-shaped sapphire held with diagonal claw prongs, flanked with colorless diamonds on the band ♥ The center sapphire is a stunning teal co...
Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.48ct Kite Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Gold AD2274-2
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K yellow gold ring set with a beautiful kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond ♥ The diamond is bezel set on a hammered thick shank.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.29ct Kite Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond 14k Gold Engagement Ring AD2370-2
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K yellow gold ring featuring a kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond in the center, flanked with a trio of diamonds on the sides ♥ The overall setting measures 12mm in wi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kite Shape Oregon Sunstone Trio Diamond 14K Rose Gold Engagement Ring AD1377SU-3
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K rose gold ring set with a kite-shaped orange pink Oregon sunstone center, with a trio of bright diamond accents on either side of the band. ♥ The overall setting measur...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.13ct Kite Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond 14k Gold Engagement Ring AD1896-8
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K yellow gold ring set with a beautiful kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond, held with v prongs ♥ The ring has a solid knife edge band all the way around ♥ The overall set...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.72ct Kite Salt and Pepper Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring AD1686-57
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ This is a solid 14K white gold ring set with a kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond in the center, and flanked with a beautiful trio of diamonds on each side ♥ The overall setting...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.52ct Kite Shape Salt and Pepper Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring AD2364
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K yellow gold ring set with a grey kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond in the center, held with V prong tips and set on a feather motif band ♥ The overall setting measure...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.34ct Kite-Shaped Salt and Pepper Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring AD2409
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K white gold ring featuring a kite-shaped salt and pepper diamond, set with modern v prongs on the north and south tips ♥ Each side is set with a solid crescent moon and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Kite Shape Yellow Gold Ring with 0.96 Ct Diamond, AGL Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning and one of a kind Art Deco kite shape natural diamond ring made from 18k yellow gold with 0.96 carat of a kite shape diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Kite Shape Coral Pink Diamond with Half Halo 14K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K gold ring set with a diamond-shape rosecut diamond, then 7 white diamonds are bezel set in a crown style hugging the top half of the center diamond ♥ US Size 6 (We can ...
Coral, Pink Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 8.76 carats Kite cut Morganite & Rose Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous, modern and contemporary, Morganite Cocktail Ring set in 18K Rose Gold & Diamonds. The weight of the Kite shaped Morganite is 8.76 carats.
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold
1.28ct Kite Shape Montana Sapphire Diamond Halo 14K Yellow Gold Ring AD2230-2
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K gold ring set with a beautiful blue green kite-shaped Montana sapphire, surrounded by a diamond halo and milgrain details ♥ US Size 6.5 (Free resizing) ♥ Band width m...
Diamond, Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Kite Shaped Diamond Sapphire Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This beautiful diamond and sapphire ring from the Late Deco period features a kite shaped diamond and sapphire that sit adjacent to each other with surrounding baguette shaped diamon...
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Retro 1.70 Carat Kite Shaped No Heat Sapphire & Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique Retro era 1.70 Carat Kite Shaped Sapphire & Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring composed of 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
"The Gatsby" Platinum 2.49 Carat Kite/Lozenge Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
"The Gatsby" Composition: Platinum Primary Stone: Kite/Lozenge Cut Diamond Carat Weight: 2.49 Carats Color: J Clarity: Si1 Accent Stones: Round and Tapered Baguette Diamonds C...
Diamond, Platinum
3.24ct Statement Marquise Diamond Center Kite Sides 14K Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 14K white gold ring set with a marquise shaped salt and pepper diamond in the center with kite shaped diamonds on the side ♥ The overall setting measures 22.9mm in width, 15.7...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Asprey Platinum and Gold Kite Shaped Ring with Onyx and Diamond
By Gay Freres
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 18 carat yellow gold and platinum kite shaped ring divided into 4 triangles. Two surfaces are filled in with diamonds (app. 1.16 carats in total) and the other two are inlaid with ...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Baguette Diamond Kite and Sapphire Vintage Style Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Sure to be a family heirloom! 18K white gold ring with baguette diamond precisely cut to envelope the center sapphire. The total diamond in tapered baguettes is .48 carat total wei...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
18 Karat gold Natural Kite Shaped Ruby and Marquise Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very chic Ruby and Diamonds Cocktail Ring set in 18K Gold. The Ruby is one of its kind, in the shape of a kite, completely natural without any treatment.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold
Teal Blue Montana Sapphire Kite Diamond Sides 14K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Teal Blue Montana Sapphire with Kite Diamond Sides 14K White Gold Engagement Ring ♥ Solid 14k white gold ring set with a beautiful round-shaped Montana sapphire ♥ Gorgeous blue gre...
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Golden Green Montana Sapphire with Kite Diamond Sides 14K Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Golden Green Montana Sapphire with Kite Diamond Sides 14K Gold Engagement Ring ♥ Solid 14k yellow gold ring set with a beautiful round-shaped Montana sapphire ♥ Gorgeous green colo...
Sapphire, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.59 ct Diamond and 1.81 ct Ruby Pave Kite Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A beguiling jewel finely detailed and generously decorated with diamonds and rubies. This yellow gold ring features a domed top with a kite-shaped center filled with pave-set rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fei Liu Mother of Pearl Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Fashion Kite Ring
By Fei Liu
Located in Birmingham, .
Description: Nova kite ring with 0.023ct white diamonds and 1ct mother of pearl, set in 18ct white gold with a high polish.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
3.33ct Hexagon Salt and Pepper Diamond Kite-Shape Sides 14K Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 3.33ct Hexagon Salt and Pepper Diamond with Kite-Shape Sides 14K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring ♥ Solid 14k yellow gold ring set with a beautiful hexagon-shaped diamond ♥ Gorgeous sal...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14K White Gold 2 1/5 Carat Princess and Baguette Diamond Bypass Kite-Set Ring
Located in New York, NY
This bypass twist ring is a stunning piece crafted from genuine 14k white gold and features a cluster of Princess-cut center stones that point north to south, taking after the silhou...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Kite Shape Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18 Karat Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Kite Shape Band Designer: Custom Material: 18K rose gold Diamonds: 27 round rose cut = .65cttw Color: G Clarity: SI Size: 6.5 Dimensions: ring me...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat White Gold Kite Shape Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Custom Material: 14K white gold Diamond: 14 round brilliant cut = 0.14cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Size: 6.25 (complimentary sizing available upon request) Weight: 1.76 grams
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Kite Shape Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamonds: 27 round rose cut = 1.07cttw Color: G Clarity: SI Size: 6.5 Dimensions: ring measures 5.8mm in width Weight: 4.91 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Kite Set Dome Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 42 asscher cut = 1.80cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Diamond: 58 round brilliant cut = 1.40cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Sapphire: 16 princ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
J. Birnbach 7.03 carat GIA GVS1 Cushion Three Stone Engagement Ring with Kites
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Kites are tapered, lively accent diamonds, and these match the brilliance of the center diamond.
Diamond, Platinum
Round Montana Sapphire with Kite-Shape Gold Frame 14K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K white gold ring set with a round Montana sapphire in the center, with a unique kite-shaped milgrain halo and a vintage inspired shank with diamonds ♥ The overall settin...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Kite Shape Cowned On 13.6 mm South Sea Pearl 18K Designer Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A 13.66 mm south sea pearl is crowned with a unusual kite shape ruby and accented with whiite diamonds on the side.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sold|$46,894
2.12 Carat Lozenge Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a visually stunning diamond solitaire ring. A single scintillating lozenge step cut diamond possessing both clean and white properties has been reverse set at the centre...
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$1,950
Bespoke 14ct White Gold Diamond Ring 1.48ct
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
A Diamond Ring, made of 14ct White Gold. Centre section with a total of 4 Modified Kite Cut Diamonds, 2 weighing 0.30ct each, totalling 0.60ct. 2 weighing 0.24ct each, totalling 0.48...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
J. Birnbach 8.88 carat Oval Three Stone Engagement Ring with Kite Side Stones
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
The center diamond is complemented by two kite shaped diamonds that total 0.75 carats.
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$8,700
Art Deco Style Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gorgeous asymmetrical Art Deco Style ring featuring an approximately 1.20-carat kite shape diamond (F-G color, VS1 clarity) set in 14 karat white gold and accented with single cut an...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unique You and Me Ring Australian Sapphire Diamond Halo 14K Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Australian Sapphire You and Me Open End Bypass Ring ♥ Solid 14k white gold ring set with a two beautiful kite-shaped Australian sapphire's with diamond halo's ♥ The item me...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Sapphire And Diamond East-West Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New Orleans, LA
The ring is accented by round diamonds totaling 0.06 carat and set in platinum.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Antique Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring. The ring has old marquise diamonds flanking the beautiful center sapphire that is set as a kite shape.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
12.70 Carat Emerald Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold with Diamonds
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A beautiful cocktail ring convertible to a pendant is set in 18k white gold with natural emerald cut, emerald leaves and diamonds. The emerald centre weight is 12.70 carat, emerald l...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
2.89ct Champagne Green Oregon Sunstone Diamond Sides 14K Gold Engagement Ring
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Solid 14K yellow gold ring set with a kite-shaped champagne green Oregon sunstone in the center and diamond's on each side of the band ♥ The overall setting measures 9.7mm wide...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Lovely 14k Rose Gold Fancy Colored Diamond Ring w/0.56 ct - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Central to this ring are two kite-shaped diamonds, together weighing 0.28-carat, showcasing a vibrant natural fancy yellow color.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Set in 18K Gold, 2.58 carats, natural Mozambique Rubies & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Ruby Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds. The weight of the Rubies is 2.58 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Etruscan Inspired Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A highly unique Etruscan inspired ruby and diamond dress ring, set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is predominantly set with a vibrant kite cut ruby, which is securely rub over set to ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.17 Carat, Natural, Fancy-Cut Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Halo Ring featuring a 1.17 Carat, Natural, Fancy-Cut Ruby and 0.35 Carats of Diamonds set in Platinum. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.41 Carat Salt and Pepper Diamond Ring Set 14 Karat Yellow Gold AD1686S-8
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
. ♥ Engagement ring: A kite-shaped white/light gray solitaire salt and pepper diamond set with four pointy prongs. ♥ Wedding band: Created in a sunburst style, this 14K yellow gol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Roberto Casarin 18K Gold Amethyst Peridot Tourmaline & Diamond Domed Bombe Ring
By Roberto Casarin
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely magnificent and very well made cocktail ring that was crafted in Italy from solid 18k yellow gold and designed by Roberto Casarin. It features a domed top ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.