Men's Pyramidical Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Men's Cabochon Sapphire Ring A yellow gold ring set with a pyramidical cabochon sapphire adorned with six round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
1.0 Carat, 7 Diamonds Traditional Men's Ring 14 Karat White Gold Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
1.0 Carat, 7 Diamonds Traditional Men's Ring 14 Karat White Gold Ring Estate This is a Nice traditional 7 diamond ring from our premium wedding collection for Men 7 Round diamo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Men’s 3.00 Carat Diamonds Miami Cuban Link Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Men’s 3.00 Carat Diamonds Miami Cuban Link Ring 14k Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Men's Square Shaped Ring with 0.35 Carats Diamonds in 14K Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K white gold men's ring with 9 round brilliant cut diamonds 0.35 carat total weight.
Diamond
Ammolite & Diamond Halo in 14K White Gold Men's Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
14K White Gold with Ammolite and Diamond Halo Men's Statement Ring in Size 10.5 Details: Item Type: Men's Statement Ring Metal: 14K White Gold Size: 10.5 (adjustable) Weight: 13.7 G...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,396Sale Price|20% Off
Men's 14k White & Yellow Gold 0.50ctw Pave Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds Total Carat Weight: 0.50 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k White Gold w/ Yell...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.25tcw Palladium Men's Princess Cut Bezel Diamond Wedding Band Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This distinguished men's wedding band showcases eight natural princess-cut diamonds, each securely bezel-set within segmented square sections, creating a bold and structured aesthetic.
Diamond, Palladium
14K White Gold Diamond Cluster Mens Watch Link Style Ring
Located in Miami, FL
14K Solid White Gold Men's Natural Round Cut White Diamond Cluster Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Garavelli Signed Men's Italian Diamond Cage Link Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Signature and hallmarks in excellent condition. Details: Item Type: Diamond Men's Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Size: 8.75 Weight: 16.6 grams Width: 16mm Center Stone Details: Typ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.27 Carat Diamond Two Tone Gold Mens Double "T" Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This distinctive men’s ring features approximately three .27 carats of diamonds set within a bold double “T” design, crafted in contrasting two-tone gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Diamond Men Engagement Square Ring in 14k Solid Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Genuine Diamond Men Engagement Ring 14k Solid Gold Men Diamond Square Ring Gift.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Men’s 18 Karat White Gold 0.45 Carat Diamond Center Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Men’s 18k White Gold 0.45 Carat Diamond Center Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Men's Ring with 1.75ct Vivid Blue Sapphire & 1.44ct Diamonds
By Kashi's Jewelry
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Platinum Ring with 1.75ct Vivid Blue Natural Sapphire & 1.44ct Diamond Halo Bold, elegant, and breathtakingly beautiful — this platinum ring centers around a 1.75-carat natural vivi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Mens unique modern onyx diamond ring 18KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18KT white gold ring with custom cut onyx in the middle, very modern and minimalist ring made in modern design. **All items leave our premises with a certificate in buyers name, com...
Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold
Men’s 10K Rose Gold 10.55ctw Princess Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 10K Rose Gold Ring Size: 9 Width: 6.00 mm Weight: 6.75 grams Men's 10K rose gold ten-across, diamond eternity ring with a flat shank.
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Men’s 4.50 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Men’s 4.50 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Ring. Very impressive ring with makers mark Diamond with the letter C inside.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Mens Natural Round Diamond Cluster Channel Set 14K Gold Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Natural diamond men's ring, set in a stunning textured and curved pattern 14k solid yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Men’s 3-Stone 1.50 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Men’s 3-Stone 1.50 Carat Diamonds Ring. Center diamond weights approx 0.80ct by formula with sides weighting approx 0.35ct each fit a total of 1.50tcw natural diamonds H/SI T...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Men's Titanium 18 Karat Rose Gold Round Black Diamond Signet Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Titanium signet ring is from our Men's Collection. This masculine ring is made of 49 natural black round diamonds in total of 0.49 Carat with a 18K rose gold detail on the band.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Rose Gold, Titanium
Men's Titanium 18 Karat Rose Gold Round Black Diamond Band Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Titanium band ring is from our Men's Collection. This masculine ring is made of 10 natural black round diamonds in total of 0.1 Carat placed along the band with 18K rose gold detail.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Rose Gold, Titanium
Men's Titanium 18 Karat Rose Gold Round Black Diamond Signet Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
Titanium signet ring is from our Men's Collection. This masculine ring is made of 16 natural black round diamonds in total of 0.16 Carat placed on 18K rose gold detail.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Titanium, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Victorian Fancy Belcher .50ct Diamond Men's Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Victorian 10K yellow men's fancy belcher ring with a European cut diamond weighing .50cts.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.20ct. mens natural round diamond solitaire ring 14kt gold H/Vs*
Located in New York, NY
Men's round diamond & brush finish ring. .20ct. center round diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.55ct. mens natural round diamond solitaire ring 14kt Gold Mod Deco*
Located in New York, NY
Men's round diamonds & Mod Deco ring. .55ct. center round diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Men’s GIA Certified 2.31 Carat Round Diamond Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Very fancy and bold Men’s GIA Certified 2.31 Carat Round Diamond Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Men's Pave' Diamond Square Ring, 1.87 Carat
Located in Houston, TX
This men’s ring is 14K white gold and features 160 round cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Men's Pave' Diamond Square Ring, 1.90 Carat
Located in Houston, TX
This men’s ring is 14K white gold and features 160 round cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
10.00 Carat Diamond 14k White Gold Men's Plaque Ring Size 13.25
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Stunning 14k White Gold Ring Plaque design, 188 diamonds elegantly set and ordered Total Diamond Weight = 10.00 carats Ring Size = 13.25 Average Diamond Color: G color Average Diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Square Cut Emerald and Diamond Men's Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Square Cut Emerald and Diamond Men's Ring This stunning Emerald Diamond Men's Ring is ready to ship!
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
4 Carat Princess & Round Diamond 18K Gold Cluster Mens Statement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18K yellow gold men's statement ring features a diamond cluster combining 2.60 carats of princess-cut diamonds and 1.40 carats of round brilliant diamonds totaling 4 carats, in G-H c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4 Carat Round Solitaire Diamond 18K Gold Fluted Bezel Mens Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18K yellow gold men's statement ring features an eye-clean 4-carat round brilliant cut diamond in H-I color I1 clarity, bezel set in white gold within a bold fluted yellow gold surro...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.56ct Asscher Cut Diamond Men's Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This astonishing Asscher cut diamond ring is bold! The 1.56ct Asscher cut center diamond is elegantly set in a two-tone 18k white and yellow gold setting. The ring showcases an art d...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mens Large Diamond Cluster Double Halo Ring 10k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 10k White Gold Center Diamond Cluster Info: 9 princess cut diamonds, ~0.90 carats, G color, SI1-SI2 clarity 1st Diamond Halo Info(halo immediately aro...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 10k Gold
14.00 carat Invisible Setting Diamond 18k White Gold Men's Plaque Ring
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Large 18k White Gold Diamond Plaque Ring Features Beveled Plaque of Invisible-Set Princess Cut Diamonds Dimensions of Plaque = 18 mm Long Center Section = 15 mm Wide, Wing Sections =...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mens Square Cut Channel Set Diamond Band Ring 14k Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k White and Yellow Gold Diamond Count: 6 square cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: ~1.00 carat Diamond Color: G-H Diamond Clarity: VS2-SI2 Ring Size:...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
A Magnificent 4.16ct Thai Ruby & Diamond 18k Mens Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply extraordinary and utterly unique estate Jewel set in solid 18k yellow gold, weighing an immense 17.70g, and featuring a stunning Ruby from Thailand weighing an impressive 4....
Ruby
Yellow Gold Diamond Men's Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .25ct Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 10 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $80 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Roun...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,188Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Men's Yellow Gold 0.20ctw Diamond Nugget Dual Ram's Head Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.20ctw (approx.) Material: Solid Ring: 14k Yellow Gold - Nugget: 18k ...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's Oval White Jade and Diamond Ring - 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Men's Oval White Jade Diamond Ring - 14k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Jade, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
4.44 Carat Round Cut Yellow Diamond 18K Gold Halo Mens Ring
Located in Miami, FL
EGL Certified 3.37 carat fancy deep brownish greenish yellow natural diamond men's ring, set in 18K white gold with 1.07 carat total pavé white and yellow side diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.40ct Natural Blue Sapphire & Diamond 14k Solid White Gold Men's Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
4.40 Carats Natural Blue Sapphire & Diamond 14K Solid White Gold Men's Ring Total Natural Blue Sapphire Weight is: Approx. 3.90ct Sapphire Diameter: 10.00mm Sapphire Treatmen...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mens Gem Quality Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.70ct 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Mens Gem Quality Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring 1.70ct 18K Yellow Gold Featuring a Genuine Natural Gem .50ct Round Ruby Center Ruby is Surrounded by 12 D-F VVS Round Brilliant Diamon...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Men's Diamond Cluster Signet Ring, 0.90ct, Size 22
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This Men’s Diamond Cluster Gold Signet Ring is a bold and distinguished piece crafted entirely from 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Men's Ring - 18k Trillion .72ctw Geometric
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $100 or Down 1 size for $60 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .47ct Cut: Trillion ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Tiger Eye Diamond Men's Ring 14k Oval Cabochon
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Tiger Eye Cut: Oval Cabochon Diamonds Carat(s): .06ctw ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Men's Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .50ctw Cluster
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold & 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Roun...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Men's Ring - 10k Round Brilliant 2.20ctw Cluster
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 13 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 2.20ctw Cut: Round...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Men's Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .25ct Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $100 or Down 1 size for $60 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H Clari...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's Diamond Channel Set 14K White Gold Band Classic Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This elegant ring is crafted in a sleek 14k white gold band. It features a central channel of classic, sparkling diamondsset in a linear pattern. The band has a smooth, polished fini...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Men's Ring - 10k Mine .38ct Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .38ct Cut: Mine Color: K Cl...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Colombian Emerald Cabochon Mens Ring with Diamond Accents - Size 11.25
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a Platinum Colombian Emerald Men's Ring with Diamond Accents. The Emerald is a Top Quality Natural Colombian Emerald with Minor Clarity Enhancements, as is Industry Standard.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Men's Women's Mid Century Jade & Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An embrace of the monumental Art Deco era, this vintage Mid Century jadeite cocktail ring glows with a lustrous, mottled apple green color and a significant architectural setting. Th...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,038Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Handmade Men's White Gold Gray Star Sapphire Diamond Pinky Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Star Sapphire - Oval Cabochon Cut - Burnish Set - Light Gray Color - 8.4x7.6mm - 3.3ct (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Bezel S...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Men's Retro 14k Bicolor Gold Ring with 0.56ct Rose Cut Diamond
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k bicolor gold ring set with rose diamonds. 0.56ct - G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 10.25 - EU. 20 (63) detailed description: the top of the ring is 1.8 cm wide weight 6.4 grams rin...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
Men's 14k Yellow Gold 0.99ctw Diamond Nugget Texture Large Robust Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.43ct (approx.) (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Gold Ring for Men. Double Snake Head with Diamond Ring Victorian Era
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.10 carats total Diamond Cut: Not specified Stone Setting: Prong setting Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Victo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
.38 Carat Round Diamond 14k White Gold Mens Wedding Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Ideal for grooms seeking a modern yet timeless look, it can be worn alone or paired seamlessly with a matching engagement or wedding band. 9 round brilliant cut diamonds, G VS2 SI ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
0.55 Carat 18K White Gold Men's Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 18k white gold handcrafted Men's band showcases a single Emerald Cut diamond on a six (6) MM wide tapered band. The band is in a polished finish. Diamond Weight: 0.55 Carat Dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
0.30 Carat 18K White Gold Men's Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 18k white gold handcrafted Men's band showcases a single Emerald Cut diamond on a seven (7) MM wide band. The band has a satin finish and comfort fit. Diamond Weight : 0.30 Car...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Magic Glo 1.56 Carat Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Men's Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Bold and masculine Magic Glo men's square top diamond ring. 1 round brilliant cut center diamond set in a 14k yellow gold setting with 16 round brilliant cut accent diamonds in the f...
Diamond, Gold, 14k 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.”
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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.
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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.