Marina B Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Marina B
Located in Napoli, NA
Stunning five-stone band ring, with a typical Maison Marina B design. Estimated at 0.50 ct of VVS
1990s Modern Bridal Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Marina B
Located in Napoli, NA
Stunning five-stone band ring, with a typical Maison Marina B design. Estimated at 0.50 ct of VVS
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B Citrine, Onyx & Diamond Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
side, Onyx, and Round brilliant cit Diamonds. Signed by Marina B Size 4 1/2, resizable
Citrine, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
Marina B Citrine Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
18k gold ring by Marina B, with center approx. 2.80ct citrine and 1.20ctw in G/VS diamonds. Ring
Citrine, Diamond, Gold
Marina B 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
Marina B 18K yellow gold diamond band ring with 27 diamonds approx 0.80ct D-E color VS Ring size: 5.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B. Diamond and 18 Karat Gold Dome Ring
By Marina B
Located in San Francisco, CA
This unique 18k gold ring by famed designed Marina B. of the one and only Bulgari family, will
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B Gold, Mother of Pearl, and Diamond Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
weigh a total of approximately 0.75 carat - Signed Marina B with serial number - 18 karat yellow gold
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Marina B Blue Topaz Ring, 17.00 Carats
By Marina B
Located in New Orleans, LA
by revered Italian jeweler Marina B, this artful cocktail ring makes a bold yet feminine statement on
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold
$3,196Sale Price|20% Off
MARINA B. "Bvlgari" Milano Band Ring In 18Kt White Gold With VS Diamonds
By Marina B
Located in Miami, FL
Band ring designed by Marina B. This band-ring was created in Milano Italy by the jewelry house of
White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$4,760Sale Price|20% Off
MARINA B. Milano KAR Flexible Band Ring In 18Kt White Gold With VS Diamonds
By Marina B
Located in Miami, FL
KAR flexible band ring designed by Marina B. This band-ring, was created in Milano Italy by the
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Marina B 'Bulgari' Diamond and Ruby Ring 'Bandeau 2 Navettes'
By Marina B
Located in London, GB
Stylish ring by Marina B (Bulgari), the 18k yellow gold band inlaid with black patinated wood
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable
Marina B One of a Kind Lavinia Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
Turquoise, 0.11 ct Pave Diamonds. Polished 18-karat yellow gold, size 7 Signed Marina B, Made in Italy
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Marina B 'Bulgari' 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond and Emerald Ring, Unique
By Marina B
Located in London, GB
Impressive ring by Marina B (Bulgari), 18k yellow gold set with three Emeralds in line, all around
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Marina B Kar Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Marina B
Located in Feasterville, PA
A chic Marina B diamond band ring from the iconic Kar collection featuring fancy colored diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B. Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
A French Estate 18 karat gold ring with diamonds and tourmalines by Marina B. The ring has 12
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Vintage 1990s Marina B Ring with Diamonds
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds. Signed by Marina B Size 7 7/8
Diamond, 18k Gold
Marina B Diamond Kar Collection Cocktail Ring
By Marina B
Located in Feasterville, PA
A chic Marina B diamond band ring from the iconic Kar collection featuring fancy colored diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B Blue Topaz Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
. 1.20ctw in G/VS diamonds. Ring size 7, ring top is 15mm wide. Marked: Marina B, 750, 12004. Weight - 13
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold
Marina B Pink Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
18k gold ring by Marina B, with center approx. 2.85ct pink tourmaline, surrounded with approx
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold
Marina B. Diamond Gold Wave Band Ring
By Marina B
Located in Southampton, PA
Gorgeous and golden, this band ring from Marina B. has a distinctive look that is quite stunning
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B Ruby Pavé Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in Napoli, NA
Marina B iconic "Cobra" collection ring, Ring handcrafted in 18K yellow Gold, Natural Ruby
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
“Spirit 1” Diamond Ring, Signed Marina B
By Marina B
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
diamonds rising off the finger in an artful display. This is a contemporary piece from the Bulgari relative
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
“Spirit 1” Diamond Ring, Signed Marina B
By Marina B
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
diamonds rising off the finger in an artful display. This is a contemporary piece from the Bulgari relative
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B "Pharaon Jasmine" Diamond and Enamel Ring
By Marina B
Located in San Antonio, TX
, signed Marina B, maker's marks (Marina B and Pierre Brun), no. 15J918. The center diamond is approximate
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Marina B Diamond White Gold Band Ring, 1980s
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marina B in Italy in the 1980's, the ring is made of 18 karat white gold and set with round brilliant cut
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B Diamond White Gold Band Ring, 1980s
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marina B in Italy in the 1980's, the ring is made of 18 karat white gold and set with round brilliant cut
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Marina B 18kt Yellow Gold Diamond Trisola Ring
By Marina B
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Marina B. 18kt Yellow Gold Pavé Diamond Trisola Triple Tubogas Ring. Expandable wrap design
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
MARINA B Grande Aquila Tourmaline, Peridot and Diamond Ring
By Marina B
Located in Amsterdam, NL
, signed: Marina B, 1994. weight: 16.1 grams ring size: 15.75 mm. 5 US.
Diamond, Aquamarine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Marina B Aquamarine Peridot Diamond Yellow Gold Ring, 1980s
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bold and chic cocktail ring created by Marina B in Italy in the 1980's. It definitely makes a
Aquamarine, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Onda Wide Band Ring
By Marina B
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Marina B 'Onda' ring pave-set with round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 1.22 carats in 18k yellow
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Marina B Ring Diamond 18k Gold Band Estate Jewelry
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marina B in Italy in the 1980's, the ring is made of 18 karat white gold and set with round brilliant cut
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
MARINA B 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, Topaz, Tourmaline & Ceramic Cocktail Ring
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Marina B. 18k Yellow Gold, Pink Tourmaline, Blue Topaz, Diamond & Ceramic Cocktail Ring Here is
Diamond, Topaz, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Marina B Yellow Gold Ring with Tourmaline Citrine and Diamond 1980s
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Colorful and chic cocktail ring created by Marina B in 1980s. It definitely makes a statement
Citrine, Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B Emerald Cabochon Cut Yellow Sapphire Diamonds Yellow Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in London, GB
This ring was made by Marina B. This brand is the creation of Marina Bulgari, granddaughter of
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B. Milano Tiguella Pave Cocktail Ring in 18kt Gold with 2.55ctw Diamonds
By Marina B
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail Ring designed by Marina B. Beautiful cocktail ring, created in Milano Italy backby the
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
MARINA B. 1978 Milano Triangoli Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.05 Ctw Diamonds
By Marina B
Located in Miami, FL
A Triangoli ring designed by Marina B. This geometric sleek band-ring, was created in Milano Italy
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
MARINA B Estate 18k Diamond Four Band Heart Ring .65ctw
By Marina Bulgari
Located in Narberth, PA
, and is revered for her elegant and glamorous collections. A fabulous Marina B diamond four band
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B Trisola Pavé Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in Napoli, NA
Marina B iconic "Trisola" collection ring, Triple Ring Tubogas handcrafted in 18K Rose Gold and
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Marina B Gold Diamond Mother of Pearl Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
in diamonds. Ring size 7.5, ring top is 14mm wide. Marked: 750, MB, Marina B, 1201012. Weight - 13.6
Diamond, Gold
Estate Marina B White Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Marina B
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful white diamonds in this estate Marina B ring. Handmade in 18k yellow gold. Ring size 6.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
1990s Marina B “Fujiyama“ 18 Karat Gold Sapphire Diamond Enamel Cocktail Ring
By Marina B
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
- Marina B. The ring is tested by the Assay Office and features: - Diamonds: 14pcs., brilliant cut, TW
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Marina B Milan Prototype Urchin Ring in 18Kt Gold 5.64 Cts Diamonds & Moonstone
By Marina B
Located in Miami, FL
Urchin cocktail ring designed by Marina B. This cocktail ring is a one of a kind prototype piece
Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B Diamond Onda Ring
By Marina B
Located in New York, NY
Marina B 18k gold and diamond Onda Ring. Published in the Marina B book, this ring was produced in
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Marina B Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A Classic 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Pavé Onda Diamond Ring by Marina B. Set with approximately 1.50
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marina B Topaz Diamond Ring Yellow Gold
By Marina B
Located in Sunny Isles Beach, FL
Bulgari. She found her own independent luxury brand "Marina B" in the 1970's. This Topaz and Diamond Ring
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
1980s Marina B Onda Green Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring
By Marina B
Located in Lambertville, NJ
. 0.95-1.00ctw in G/VS diamonds. Ring size 7 1/2, ring is 14mm wide. Marked Marina B, C2936,750,MB
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Unusual Marina B In Motion Gold Diamond Sapphire Band Ring
By Marina B
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Marina B 18k gold wide band ring with diamonds and pink & blue sapphires. Size 6 1/2, Band is
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Marina B. Pink Tourmaline, Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring
By Marina B
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Fabulous one-of-a-kind Marina B. ring with a large pink tourmaline in the center, two blue topazes
Marina B Citrine Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
diamonds. Crafted by Marina B., the ring is a size 6 and weighs 8.4 grams. The top of the ring measures
Citrine, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Antique Old Mine Diamond Gold Earrings
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold russian old mine cut diamond earrings with estimate diamond weight of 1 carat H colour white vs clearty earrings hall marked 56 imperial russian gold standard for 14...
$12,000Sale Price|20% Off
Bvlgari Diamond and Pink Tourmaline Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Bulgari ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold and features a refined combination of pink tourmaline and diamonds, creating a vibrant yet balanced composition. The war...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
Beautifully hand crafted in platinum this Art Deco eternity band from ca 1930 is channel set with 19 perfectly matched bright white and lively square step cut diamonds The approximat...
Diamond, Platinum
Diamond Eternity 0.60 Carat Band 8 Millimeter Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Ring, a dazzling masterpiece designed to capture hearts and elevate any occasion. This captivating ring features a stu...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Amber Cabochon Collar Necklace 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Vintage Signed Jewelry Style: Tubugas Yellow Gold Collar Necklace with Amber Cabochon Serial Number: 745623 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Size: 14 Inches Dimensions: 14 - 15 ...
Amber, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,861 / set
W 0.71 in L 0.67 in
Bvlgari Monete, Faustina the Younger, earrings, 18kt gold with accent diamonds.
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Bvlgari Monete, Faustina the Younger, earrings, 18kt gold with accent diamonds. Engraved in the back , Favstina 130 – 175, Hallmark 750, made in italy, workshop 355roma, and signed...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari 1980s Doppio Gold Ring, 1.7ct Blue Topaz & 1.13ct Iolite, Italy
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
A gem-set doppio ring by Bvlgari. Signature piece of design, created in Rome Italy by the acclaimed jewelry house of Bulgari. This popular ring is part of the iconic doppio collecti...
Iolite, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
A Pair of BULGARI Tubogas 18K Yellow Gold Earclips
By Bulgari
Located in Rugby, England
Indulge in luxury with these stunning Bulgari Tubogas link hoop clip-on earrings, meticulously crafted from radiant 18K yellow gold. The elegant clip-on design ensures easy and secur...
Yellow Gold
BVLGARI Spiga Diamond Pink Rubellite Heart Yellow Gold 3-Row Adjustable Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring from Bulgari's iconic Spiga collection features a flexible 3-row design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a heart-shaped pink rubellite and brilliant-cut ro...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
CARTIER Paris Art Deco Enameled Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Gemstone
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring designed by Cartier. This is a magnificent art deco ring, created in Paris France and designed by the jewelry house of Cartier. This colorful cocktail ring is very ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Jade, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Company Paloma Picasso Large Impressive Citrine Cabochon Ring
By Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1990s Paloma Picasso for Tiffany & Company 18K Yellow Gold Ring, the top measures 1 inch in Diameter and is set with a Large Impressive Cabochon Domed Citrine of Approximately ...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Handmade Art Deco Platinum Ring 4.11 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond – I/VS2 GIA
Located in New York, NY
This elegant handmade Art Deco ring features a stunning 4.11-carat Old Mine cut diamond, ( Dating pre-1900’s) graded I color and VS2 clarity (GIA certified). The platinum setting, cr...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Bulgari Ancient Coin Ring Monete 18k Yellow Gold Jewelry Jewelry
By Bulgari
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Bulgari ancient coin ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1970s to 1980s). The iconic coin ring was created by Bulgari back in the 1960s. The enduring 'Monete...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents. This ring is set with a faceted oval 7.0mm x 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$184,000Sale Price|20% Off
BVLGARI Vintage Unheated Vivid Sapphire and Diamond Necklace
By Bulgari
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional Bulgari necklace is centered on a natural vivid sapphire, accompanied by a GIA certificate stating “natural sapphire, no indications of heating”, a highly prized cha...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 3.5 TCW Natural Sugarloaf Sapphire 18K Yellow Gold Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning estate natural sapphire 18K yellow gold signet ring featuring a deep blue 3.5 TCW sugarloaf sapphire set in a superb tourbillon twist design setting. 20th Century The rich,...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
No stranger to fanciful, bold jewelry designs, Marina Bulgari is the granddaughter of the founder of the legendary luxury house BVLGARI. In the 1970s, she established her own brand, Marina B, and her vibrantly colored, exclusive accessories were widely coveted by jewelry lovers of the 1980s. The same goes for the collectors of today.
When her grandfather Sotirios passed away in 1932, Marina Bulgari’s father Constantino took over the iconic jewelry house alongside his brother Giorgio. Since she was a child, her passion for art and design was wholly enriched and broadened thanks to the historically celebrated family business that was growing in popularity around her. She studied at Saint Mary’s College in England and upon graduating began to contribute her own designs to BVLGARI. When her uncle Giorgio died in 1966, Marina began to help run the business. When her father passed away in 1973, she took his place at the luxury house and remained there for three more years before striking out on her own.
The first Marina B boutique opened in Geneva in 1978. In the years that followed, more locations were established in Milan, New York City and Paris. Marina’s brand embodied luxurious, easy-to-wear jewelry — for women, by women. Women of the era were newly independent, and the jewelry industry — its workshops, boutiques, and other areas of the business — had long been led by men. Alongside Marina, the likes of Elsa Peretti, Angela Cummings and a range of others whose work is still being brought to light today would change that.
Elizabeth Taylor — a dedicated enthusiast of BVLGARI’s dazzling eye candy and the sinuous snake motif that has come to be synonymous with the brand — was among the high-profile admirers of Marina B jewelry in its early days, and her accessories could frequently be seen as part of Taylor’s red carpet ensembles. Marina drew on Japanese and Byzantine traditions and created adornments that were stylized and graphic. Her work was fresh and innovative — for her Pneu collection, she created earrings that could be worn as either drop earrings or studs and in 1980, she unveiled a unique gem cut she called the Chestnut, which landed somewhere between a trilliant cut and a pear cut. This would become a signature of the brand.
Marina introduced other major collections such as the Shirine in 1984 as well as the Atomo and Cardan collections in 1989 before retiring during the 1990s. Ahmed Fitahihi, a Saudi Arabian sheik, bought the company in 1999 before it changed hands again in 2011 when it was acquired by the chief executive of Windsor Jewelers, Paul Lubetsky. In 2017, Italian-born French jewelry designer Guy Bedarida — an alum of Boucheron, Van Cleef & Arpels and a former creative director at John Hardy — took over as majority shareholder and creative director at the band.
Hollywood starlets how found a lot to love about Marina’s designs over the years. In addition to Elizabeth Taylor, her work was worn by Sophia Loren and Grace Kelly. Marina B choker necklaces are popular among contemporary musicians like Rihanna who wore one at the opening ceremony of Rihanna Drive in Barbados and Alicia Keys, who donned a Marina B choker at her 2013 Superbowl performance.
Find Marina B earrings, rings, necklaces and bracelets on 1stDibs.
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.