Emerald Diamond Ring Estate Etched Platinum Wide Band Sz 7.5 Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed emerald & diamond ring crafted in 900 platinum. Center set emerald measures 5.5mm x 4mm. Diamonds total an estimated 0.75 carats (estimated at H-I color ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1960s 0.53 Carat Total Round Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1960s toi et moi engagement ring featuring two round diamonds, one 0.27 carat and the other 0.26 carat in an 18K yellow gold setting. The diamonds themselves are set in platinum head...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Oval Burma Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 10.0 Grams Ring Size: 10 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 oval red ruby Ruby Measurements: ~6.24 mm x 5.06 mm x...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2.75ct Natural Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry Sz 6
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cabochon cut natural jelly opal, 2.75 carats (11 x 8.5mm). The opal is in very good condition and free o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Half Diamond Band 18k White Gold Estate Fine Jewelry Wedding Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish half diamond band crafted in 18k white gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.07 carats (estimated at H-I color and SI1-I1 clarity). The elegant band is s...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Monumental Scale Handmade Vintage 18k Gold Lapis-Lazuli & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This large and very impressive ladies cocktail ring was created almost entirely by the hand of a gifted craftsman at the mid-point of the 20th Century. An enormous Lapis-Lazuli caboc...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Unique Sapphire Diamond and Emerald Ring in 18 Karat
Located in Wailea, HI
Unique Sapphire Diamond and Emerald Ring in 18k One Oval Sapphire Weighing 1.75 Carats Approximately [bright with no imperfections visible to the naked eye] One Oval Emerald Weighi...
GIA Certified 3.23ct F1 Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Northampton, MA
Talk about a statement ring! A impressive 3.23 carat emerald-cut emerald from Colombia with the barest minimum of treatment (oil only) is the star of this gorgeous and luxurious 18k...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Emerald Diamond Tulip Ring Sz 5.5 Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage emerald & diamond tulip ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Round brilliant cut diamond is estimated 0.01 carats (estimated at L-M colo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise Red Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring Solid 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 7.3 Grams Ring Size: 7 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 2 marquise red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
8-karat gold ring with a small diamond. Modernist design. Mid-20th C.
Located in bronshoj, DK
8-karat gold ring adorned with a small diamond. Modernist design. Mid-20th century. Indistinctly stamped. In excellent condition. Ring size: 17 mm. (US approx. 7)
Diamond, Gold
8-karat gold ring adorned with small diamonds. Modernist design
Located in bronshoj, DK
8-karat gold ring adorned with small diamonds. Modernist design. Mid-20th century. Makers mark: BEE. In excellent condition. Ring size: 17 mm. (US approx. 7)
Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Oval Crown Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The natural opal measures 15mm x 11mm (estimated at 6.50 carats), accented with three estimated 0.15 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire Diamond Tulip Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage sapphire & diamond tulip ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Round brilliant cut diamond is estimated 0.03 carats (estimated at L-M color a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
60s Vintage 1.25ct Diamond Bombe Ring 14k Yellow Gold Wide Cigar Band Sz 6
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish mixed cut diamond bombe ring (circa 1960s) crafted in 14k yellow gold. Marquise and tapered baguette diamonds total an estimated 1.25 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Opal Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Oval Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The natural opal measures 14mm x 10mm (estimated at 5 carats), accented with an estimated 0.75 carats ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Tulip Ring Sz 5.5 Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond tulip ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Round brilliant cut diamond is estimated 0.01 carats (estimated at L-M color and I...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage Carved Opal Fish Ring Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct & unique carved opal fish ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s). The carved opal measures 27mm x 18mm, accented with 6 estimated 0.02 carat round bri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Rich, Cobalt Blue Enamel and Diamond Ring, Circa 1970s
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This large and dramatic 18K yellow gold, diamond and blue enamel ring created during the 1970's evokes all of the exuberance and excitement of that period. The actual design area mea...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
60s Opal Sapphire Diamond Ring 14k White Gold Estate Fine Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural opal, sapphire & diamond ring (circa 1960s) crafted in 14k white gold. Natural opal measures 10mm x 7mm. 16 diamonds total an estimated 1.20 carats (estimated a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, W...
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
Adolfo Courrier Pave Turquoise Diamond Stacking Ring 18 Karat Gold Jewelry
By Adolfo Courrier
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant Adolfo Courrier stacking ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold. One estimated 0.05 carat turquoise, accented with 36 estimated 0.01 carat round brilliant cut diamonds totali...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Band Sz 7 Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Ring Estate Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage ruby & diamond band crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Two diamonds total an estimated 0.25 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI2 clarity). Rubies total an e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Masked Angel Ring Diamond 18k Gold Sz 6.75 Signed Jewelry
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish pre-owned Carrera y Carrera diamond masked angel ring crafted in 18k yellow gold. Diamond totals an estimated 0.06 carats (estimated at H-I color and VS2-SI1 clarity). C...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pink Tourmaline Diamond Ring Vintage Square Cocktail Sz 8 Platinum Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Square cut pink tourmaline measures 9mm x 7.5mm (estimated at 2.50 carats). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 1.10 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2-SI2 clarity). ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Vintage Nude Figural Ring Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Sz 5 Large Oval Signet
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage nude figural ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. 7 diamonds total an estimated 0.05 carats (estimated at I-J color and SI1-I1 clarity). The large oval signet m...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Diamond Tulip Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage emerald & diamond tulip ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Round brilliant cut diamond is estimated 0.03 carats (estimated at L-M color an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Cutout Band Sz 8.75 Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. 39 small diamonds total an estimated 0.25 carats (estimated at H-I color and SI1-I1 clarity). The unique band highl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow and White Gold Tiffany & Co. Cocktail Ring with Diamonds.
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This evocative 18K yellow and white gold Tiffany & Co. cocktail ring is crafted entirely of hand pulled twisted gold wire with a white gold diamond strap at the apex of the design ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Yellow Gold Oval Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This exquisite opal and diamond cluster ring dates to the 1950s or 1960s and is simply sublime. The opal, measuring approximately 8mm by 10mm exhibits a truly stunning play of colou...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Butterfly Ring 14k Yellow Gold Band Diamond Gemstone 6.5 Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage butterfly ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow & white gold. Two approx. 1.5mm rubies and one approx. 3.5mm sapphire are set into the mount. 22 si...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 4.00 Carat Emerald Diamond Princess Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Unveil a masterpiece of elegance with our 1960’s princess style Emerald and Diamond halo engagment ring. At the center is a GIA certified 4.00ct Emerald gemstone which is uniquely ha...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18K Yellow Gold, Turquoise, Sapphire and Diamond 1960's Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely 17k to 18k yellow gold Mid-20th Century cocktail ring with a design area measuring 1 inch by 7/8 inches, posseses all of the scale, style and materials one would expect t...
Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Bypass Ring Hearts 14 Karat Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage diamond bypass ring, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Two heart shaped diamonds are estimated at 0.25 carats each, accented with a further 0.38 carats of ro...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond in Pearl Flower Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage pearl & diamond flower ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. 7mm cultured pearl is set with an estimated 0.10 carat diamond (estimated at G-H color and VS clarity)....
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Jadeite Jade Diamond Cocktail Ring Estate 18k White Gold Fine Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant estate cocktail ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold. Cabochon cut marquise shaped jadeite jade measures 9.75mm x 4.75mm (estimated at 1 carat), accented with an estimated ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Cut 0.86 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Estate 14 Karat Gold Fine Bridal
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish diamond engagement ring crafted in 14 karat white gold. Centrally mounted oval cut diamond is estimated at 0.86 carats, accented with 16 estimated 0.01 carat diamonds. The ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.60ct Diamond Eternity Ring Sz 8.5 Vintage 14k White Gold Wedding Band Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond eternity ring crafted in 14 karat white gold. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 1.60 carats (estimated at H-I color and SI1-I1 clarity). Th...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Yellow Diamond Halo Ring Estate 18 Karat Rose Gold Fine Colored Gemstones
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish pink & yellow diamond ring crafted in 18 karat rose gold. 17 yellow diamonds total an estimated 0.60 carats, accented with 55 pink diamonds totaling an estimated 0.27 carat...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Petite and Elegant Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely, traditional ladies fashion ring is set with one vibrant natural emerald having an exact weight of .53ct. This center stone is flanked by a total of 26 brilliant cut diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
70s Fluted Onyx Diamond Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage fluted onyx & diamond ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Fluted onyx measures 17mm x 10.5mm. Diamonds total an estimated 0.10 carats (esti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Extraordinary, Huge, 18k Yellow Gold Handmade Coral and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful vintage jewel was entirely hand crafted by skilled artisans around the midpoint of the 20th Century. This entirely hand made creation set with angel skin and white cor...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
60s Coral Diamond Swirl Ring Sz 4.75 Vintage 14k Gold Cocktail Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage coral & diamond 'swirl' ring (circa 1960s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Coral measures from 3.5mm to 5mm wide. Two small diamonds total an estimated 0.02 carats...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Scroll Dome Ring 14k Yellow Gold Sz 6.25 Fine Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage diamond scroll cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s). Two diamonds total an estimated 0.18 carats (estimated at I-J color and...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring 1/2 Carat Old European Cut Estate Fine
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage diamond engagement ring (circa 1950s to 1960s) crafted in 14 karat white gold. Centrally mounted old European cut diamond is estimated at 0.50 carat, accente...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum and White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking mid-century sapphire and diamond ring finely crafted in platinum and 18K white gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold
Chopard Happy Spirit Ring Floating Diamond Estate 18k White Gold Sz 6 Jewelry
By Chopard
Located in Torrance, CA
Estate Chopard Happy Spirit diamond ring crafted in 18k white gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.30 carats (estimated at G-H color and VS2-SI1 clarity). From the 'Happy Spirit' ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Diamond Tulip Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Sz 5.75
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish sapphire & diamond tulip ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1960s to 1970s). Round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.39 carats (estimated at H-I color an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Oscar Heyman Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Gold Platinum Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Oscar Heyman diamond & ruby ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. Six round brilliant cut diamonds total an estimated 0.20 carats (estimated at F-G col...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sardinian Red Coral Sapphire Diamond Ring Vintage 18 Karat Gold Fine Cocktail
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Sardinian red coral, sapphire & diamond cocktail ring (circa 1950s to 1960s) crafted in 18 karat white gold. Sardinian red coral measures 26mm x 12mm (estimated at ...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White ...
Vintage Amethyst Diamond Ring East West 14k White Gold Sz 5 Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage amethyst & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat white gold. Oval faceted amethyst measures 18mm x 13.5mm. Six diamonds total an estimated 0.12 carats (estimate...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Colored Diamond Moi et Toi Ring Vintage 14k White Gold Sz 6.75 Bridal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage colored diamond 'moi et toi' ring crafted in 14k white gold. One pear cut yellow diamond is estimated at 0.38 carats (estimated at SI2 clarity) and one pear cut bro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, W...
Diamond Ruby Star Ring Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Estate Fine Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond & ruby cocktail ring crafted in 18 karat white gold. Tapered baguette cut diamonds and one round brilliant cut diamond total an estimated 0.66 carats (estim...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Citrine Diamond Ring Square Cocktail 14k White Gold Sz 5.5 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage emerald, citrine & diamond square cocktail ring (circa 1960s to 1970s), crafted in 14 karat white gold. Emerald measures 7mm; four citrines measure 4.5mm eac...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Enamel Flower Ring Mine Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Sz 4.75 Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage enamel & diamond flower cocktail ring (circa 1950s to 1960s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Old mine cut diamond is estimated at 0.10 carats (estimated at I-J col...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Exquisite Colombian Emerald set in 18K Yellow Gold Ring with Enamel and Diamonds
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This wonderful Mid-20th Century Ladies ring has, set at it's center, one very fine quality emerald cut emerald weighing approximately .53ct. This gem is set in an octagonal field of ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage Diamond Set in Cultured Pearl Ring 14 Karat White Gold Stacking Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed estate cultured pearl & diamond ring, crafted in 14 karat white gold. The cultured pearl measures 10mm with a diamond inset into the pearl (estimated at 0.05 carats...
Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tasteful 14K Yellow Gold Oval Shape Lapis-Lazuli & Diamond Ring Made in 1973
By Grosse
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This lovely vintage 14K yellow gold, Lapis-Lazuli and diamond ring, is tasteful and captivating in every respect. Designed and crafted in Germany with their characteristic precision...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Diamond Pearl Ring Green Enamel Large Round Cocktail 14k Gold Sz 5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage diamond & pearl cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Old European & rose cut diamonds total an estimated 0.35 carats (estimated at K-L color and SI2-I1 cl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Go...
Diamond Owl Heart Ring Signet 14k Yellow Gold Sz 6.5 Fine Jewelry Ruby Eyes
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish diamond owl ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Diamonds total an estimated 0.09 carats (estimated at I-J color and VS2-SI2 clarity). Two small 1mm rubies adorn the eyes....
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold A Cushion Cut Burmese Ruby weighing 1.50 carats approximately Twenty Two Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing .50 carats approximately...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Rooted in centuries of history of adornment dating back to the ancient world, modern jewelry reimagines traditional techniques, forms and materials for expressive new pieces. As opposed to contemporary jewelry, which responds to the moment in which it was created, modern jewelry often describes designs from the 20th to 21st centuries that reflect movements and trends in visual culture.
Modern jewelry emerged from the 19th-century shift away from jewelry indicating rank or social status. The Industrial Revolution allowed machine-made jewelry using electric gold plating, metal alloys and imitation stones, making beautiful jewelry widely accessible. Although mass production deemphasized the materials of the jewelry, the vision of the designer remained important, something that would be furthered in the 1960s with what’s known as the “critique of preciousness.”
A design fair called the “Exposition Internationale des Arts Décoratifs et Industriels Modernes” brought global attention to the Art Deco style in 1925 and gathered a mix of jewelry artists alongside master jewelers like Van Cleef & Arpels, Mauboussin and Boucheron. Art Deco designs from Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels unconventionally mixed gemstones like placing rock crystals next to diamonds while borrowing motifs from eclectic sources including Asian lacquer and Persian carpets. Among Cartier’s foremost design preoccupations at the time were high-contrast color combinations and crisp, geometric forms and patterns. In the early 20th century, modernist jewelers like Margaret De Patta and artists such as Alexander Calder — who is better known for his kinetic sculptures than his provocative jewelry — explored sculptural metalwork in which geometric shapes and lines were preferred over elaborate ornamentation.
Many of the innovations in modern jewelry were propelled by women designers such as Wendy Ramshaw, who used paper to craft her accessories in the 1960s. During the 1970s, Elsa Peretti created day-to-night pieces for Tiffany & Co. while designers like Lea Stein experimented with layering plastic, a material that had been employed in jewelry since the mid-19th century and had expanded into Bakelite, acrylics and other unique materials.
Find a collection of modern watches, bracelets, engagement rings, necklaces, earrings and other 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.