Chanel Diamond Large White Gold Flower Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Large Flower Ring by Chanel. With round brilliant cut diamonds E color VVS2
20th Century French Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
Chanel Diamond Large White Gold Flower Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Large Flower Ring by Chanel. With round brilliant cut diamonds E color VVS2
Diamond, 18k Gold
Large Sapphire & Pave Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Sapphire & Pave Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring, 1 round cut sapphire surrounded by pave diamonds Ring
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
1960s Large Flower Diamond Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressive Ring with 2.25c atw. of beautiful diamonds set among textured 18k yellow gold petals
Diamond, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co Paper Flowers Diamond Platinum Large Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Diamond Paper Flowers Large Ring by Tiffany & Co. With Round brilliant cut diamonds VS1
Diamond, Platinum
Large Floral Diamond Flower Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Large 1950s floral ring with over 2.50 carats in diamonds mounted in 14K yellow gold. The ornament
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Large Tanzanite Diamond Gold Flower Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressive three dimensional flower cocktail ring featuring open gold work and pave diamond petals
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Large Flower Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This pave diamond large flower ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 218 round white
Diamond, White Gold
Fabulous, Large and Impressive Coral and Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
diamonds is arranged in the shape of a large flower and mounted in an intricate 14 kt gold setting. Diamond
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carved Aquamarine Ring Diamond Large Cocktail Jewelry Sz 7 Flower Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
of a flowers, accented with a halo of sparkling diamonds. Large in scale the statement ring adds a
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold 4.92ctw Black & White Diamond Large Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pavé Set - Black Color - 3
White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
Large Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Ruby and Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K White Gold .78ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Large Cocktail Flower Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a gorgeous and very unique vintage diamond flower cocktail ring crafted in solid 18k
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Large Flower Leaf Motif Baguette Fancy Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This flower baguette, diamond ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing approximately 2.67
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large 18k Yellow Gold Silver Diamond Handmade Twin Layered Flowers Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
flower's center. The ring has a polished finish throughout. It is large and offers big finger coverage
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$10,350Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $23, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Gorgeous Fancy Large Flower Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring. Ring is comprised of Finely Set Glittering Diamonds forming a Flower. T.C.W. Approx 4CTS!! The
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold 12.75mm Large Pearl 1.15ctw Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Genuine Cultured Pearl -Large Round Shape - White w/ Light Pink Overtone Color
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Ruby & Diamond Large Flower Ring with Black Spinel 9 Carats
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This modern style custom ring features a total weight of 9 carats diamonds and black spinels
Ruby, Black Spinel, Spinel, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$9,900Sale Price|50% Off
NWT $19, 800 Rare 18KT Gold Gorgeous Fancy Large Flower Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
and Diamond Flower Floral Ring. Ring is comprised of Gorgeous Fancy Shimmering Emeralds surrounded
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Boucheron Large Flower Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring Sz 5 1/2
By Boucheron
Located in Feasterville, PA
Crafted in luxurious 18k white gold, the ring showcases a stunning array of 1.55 carats of
Diamond, White Gold
$9,000Sale Price|60% Off
NWT $22, 500 Rare 18KT Gold Large Black Opal Fancy Rose Cut Diamond Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Black Opal and Diamond Gorgeous Ring. Ring features a Magnificent Rare Color Changing Black Opal from
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Fabulous Retro Madeira Citrine and Diamond Large Flower Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Everlasting Jewellery! Richly charming and unique Natural Madeira Citrine and Diamond ring It
Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Multi Tone Gold Diamond Large Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Multi Tone Diamond Large Flower Ring The ring is 14K White, Yellow & Rose Gold There are 5.50ct G
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Chanel Large Camelia Flower Diamond Gold Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Large Camelia Flower Ring by Chanel. From the Chanel "Camelia" Collection
Diamond, 18k Gold
Large Sapphire Diamond gold Flower Bypass Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
deep blue sapphires and 16 clean, white diamonds. Hand crafted in textured 18k gold. Ring size 5-3/4
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Chanel Diamond Yellow Gold Large Camellia Flower Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Large Camelia Flower Ring by Chanel. From the Chanel "Camelia" Collection
Diamond, 18k Gold
Christian Dior Diamond Large Flower White Gold Ring
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Large Flower Diamond Ring by Christian Dior. With Round brilliant round cut
Diamond, White Gold
Coomi 20K Serenity Cactus Flower Diamond Ring - Large
By Coomi
Located in Secaucus, NJ
Coomi Serenity collection cactus flower ring set in 20K yellow gold with 4.99cts diamonds. The
White Diamond, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Large Fleurette Flower Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Large Model Fleurette Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 37 Round
Diamond, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond White Gold Large Model Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Large Model Fleurette Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 13 round
Diamond, 18k Gold
Stefan Hafner 18 Karat White Gold Full Diamond Large Flower Ring
By Stefan Hafner
Located in Southampton, PA
luxurious elegance and scintillating resplendence thanks to the incredibly lavish diamond décor. The ring is
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Garnet Cabochons Large Flower Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
glamorous ring is embellished with 0.23ct of beautiful diamonds and a mesmerizing garnet, weighing 18.60ct
Diamond, White Gold
Leo Pizzo Large Diamond and Sapphire Pave White Gold Flower Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Southampton, PA
An embodiment of unrestrained splendor and luxurious elegance, this spectacular ring offers an
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
33ct Carved Aquamarine Ring Diamond Large Cocktail Jewelry Sz 7 Flower Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
form of a flower, accented with a halo of sparkling diamonds. Large in scale the statement ring adds a
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Pave Diamond Open Work Floriform Flower Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
inquiries.) Ring Width: 39.7mm (1.5") (at the large star - north to south), 5.6mm (bottom of the shank) Ring
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold 2.27ctw Old European Diamond Large Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This substantial floral cocktail diamond ring is crafted in solid 14K white gold. The top is
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Large 18k Gold 57.74ctw Gia Kunzite Solitaire w/ Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
south), 30.1mm (1.1") (east to west - diamond to diamond), 4.6mm (bottom of the shank) Ring Height
Diamond, Kunzite, 18k Gold, Palladium
1.10 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring Large Flower Estate Fine Jewelry 14 Karat Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed estate diamond cocktail ring, crafted in 14 karat yellow & rose gold. Round
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Effy D'Oro Diamond Flower Ring Estate 14k Two-Tone Gold Large Cocktail Jewelry
By Effy
Located in Torrance, CA
Weight: 9.1 grams Stones: Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 1.25 carats (estimated
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold 3.75ct Round Diamond Emerald Cluster Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a large, vintage, diamond and emerald cluster flower ring crafted in solid 18k white
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Chanel 1932 Flower Diamond White Gold Large Ring
By Chanel
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond Flower Large 1932 Ring by Chanel. Part of Chanel's gorgeous 1932 collection
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Platinum 3.46ctw Old European Diamond Cluster Flower Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
European cut diamonds at its sides, all of which show absolutely remarkable brilliance. This large ring is
Diamond, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Large Oval Flower Motif Baguette Fancy Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This oval flower motif diamond ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, weighing approximately 6.05
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large and Showy 12.33 Carat Diamond Ballerina Flower Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tustin, CA
Sparkling, large and very striking in person, ladies 18 karat white gold flower shaped ballerina
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning Large 6 Carat Pavé Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tustin, CA
Magnificently styled, 18 karat white gold diamond cocktail ring in the shape of a 3 dimensional
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Large Diamond Flower Ring White Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This is a delightful statement Ring fashioned in 18K White Gold and Diamonds. Designed in the shape
Diamond, 18k Gold
Diamond Flower 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
Large diamond flower ring set with 3.43ct of sparkling brilliant cut diamonds in 18ct white gold
Diamond, 18k Gold
Large White Sapphire and Diamond Flower Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
14KT white gold flower ring with a blackened finish, each of the four petals bordered with bead-set
Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Large Angel Skin Coral Diamond Gold Flower Ring
Located in La Jolla, CA
Beautiful flower cocktail ring containing an oval shaped Angel skin Coral cabochon in the center
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Large Flower Ring with Center Diamond / 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Bellmore, NY
It's always springtime when you're wearing this sunny flower statement ring. A sparkling center
Diamond, 14k Gold
1.4 Carat Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Large Flower Cluster Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
An impressive early to mid Victorian period cluster ring. Solid 18 carat yellow gold shank and
Diamond, Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels White Gold Diamond Large Fleurette Flower Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
: 7.8 GRAMS STONES: 37 ROUND BRILLIANT CUT DIAMONDS TOTAL WEIGHT APPROXIMATELY 2.21TCW HALLMARKS: VCA
1980s Five Pedal and Diamond Pistils Large White and Yellow Gold Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
One Large Ladies Five Pedals Figural Floral Cocktail Ring Created In 18kt White Gold Pedals With
Diamond, 18k Gold
Roberto Coin Fantasia Black Sapphire Gold Large Flower Ring
By Roberto Coin
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A large 18k white gold ring, crafted by Roberto Coin for Fantasia collection, decorated with approx
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Large Flower Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Theme: Flowers / Nature Metal: White Gold Metal Purity: 18k Stones: 217 Round Diamonds Ring Top
Diamond, 18k Gold
Large Diamond Gold Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Naples, FL
This Flower ring holds an impressive 334 diamonds ranging from VS-VVS in clarity and G-I in color
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gorgeous Large Rose Flower Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Agoura Hills, CA
Crafted in 14K white gold with black rhodium finish, this ring features a large flower head set
Diamond, 14k Gold
Cartier "Draperie Collection" Demiparure Yellow Gold Necklace - Earrings
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Cartier Demiparure from the Draperie Collection is a mesmerizing display of craftsmanship and elegance. Crafted in luminous gold, the set features a necklace comprisin...
Yellow Gold
Cartier 18k Yellow Gold EU 53 Panthere Head Solid Design Spotted Lacquer Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
CARTIER 18K Yellow Gold Panthere Head Solid Design Spotted Lacquer Ring. This is a must-have Cartier ring for every "Cartier addict". The beautiful solid gold Cartier Panthere head...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Oval Cocktail Estate Ring 2.75 Ctw
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Original Art Deco diamond cocktail ring handcrafted in platinum. The ring features a center bezel set Old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.72 carats. Two Old European cu...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
1930 Art Deco Platinum flower Ring with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Introducing the Deco Platinum Ring, a dazzling piece of jewelry that epitomizes the glamour and sophistication of the Art Deco era. This ring is adorned with a combination of full cu...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Victoria Diamond Aquamarine Platinum Pendant Necklace
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum Victoria Diamond and Aquamarine Pendant Necklace by Tiffany & Co. With 4 diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approximately .64ct 1 round 7mm aquamarine approximately...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
$59,500
H 8.67 in W 4.49 in D 2.49 in
Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly 20 Rouge de Coeur Swift Osier Wicker Palladium Hardware
By Hermès
Located in Aventura, FL
This Hermes Mini Picnic Kelly, crafted in 2020, is a delightful fusion of traditional craftsmanship and whimsical design. This exquisite bag combines Rouge de Coeur Swift leather wit...
Roberto Cavalli Blue & White Ming Gown Dress with Fur Trim Wrap S/S 2005 Sz 42IT
By Roberto Cavalli
Located in Saint Petersburg, FL
Roberto Cavalli Vintage Blue & White Ming Gown Dress with Fur Trim Wrap S/S 2005 Sz 42IT. This dress is marked a 42IT. Measurements not stretched reflect a small but has a lot of s...
TIFFANY & Co. Etoile 18K Gold Diamond Twist Ring 6.5
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
TIFFANY & Co. Etoile 18K Gold Diamond Twist Ring 6.5 Metal: 18K gold Size: 6.5 Band Width: 7mm at the widest point Weight: 8.40 grams Diamond: 12 round brilliant diamonds, cara...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Chanel Gift Box Minaudière Black Plexiglass GHW
By Chanel
Located in London, GB
Chanel Black Plexiglass Gift Box Minaudière Gold Hardware, 2017. The interior is lined in black leather. Includes authenticity card, and dust bag. This pre-owned Chanel® item has b...
Van Cleef & Arpels Snowflake Diamond Two Flower Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Snowflake Two Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With Round brilliant cut diamonds, VVS1 Clarity, E Color. Total Diamond Weight 3.01ct Retails: $65,000 Deta...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Chanel Camelia 18k Solid Heavy Yellow Gold Flower Ring 56
By Chanel
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous Chanel ring from the elegant Camelia collection features the classic flower design crafted in 18k yellow gold. Made in France circa 2010s. Measurements: 0.90" (23mm) wi...
Yellow Gold
Chanel Coco Crush 18 Karat White Gold Band with Diamonds
By Chanel
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Coco Crush Diamond Band by Chanel Quilted motif, large version, 18K white gold, diamonds Ring Size 7.5 Metal Weight 18 Grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco Style diamond and sapphire target stylized engagement or cocktail/dress ring in platinum, 2000s. This ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond millegrain-set to the cente...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
NWT Christian Dior by John Galliano Origami Dress Runway Fall 2006 Wedding Gown
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Baar, CH
New with tags, this never-before-worn archival piece has been carefully stored for the past 18 years, preserving its pristine condition. An absolutely stunning and rare masterpiece ...
$3,748Sale Price|25% Off
Deco Retro 1935 Tank Chevalier Ring In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamond And Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
A chevalier geometric ring from the retro-machine age period. Great chevalier ring, created during the late art-deco and the retro periods, back in the 1935. This geometric ring has...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Necklace/Tiara, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Pigeon's blood Burmese ruby and diamond necklace/tiara. Set to the centre with twenty six oval old cut natural unenhanced Pigeon's blood Burmese rubies in open back claw settings, ra...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
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.
A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.
Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.
Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.
Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.
During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.
So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic.
Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.
These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.
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.