GIA 1.2ct Oval Multi-Petal Flower Bloom Vintage Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, showcasing a mesmerizing oval I SI2 1.2 center stone.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.7ct Round Multi-Level Marquise Trellis 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a magnificent round diamond, meticulously set in a prong setting.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 0.90ct Diamond Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold, Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This multi diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.50ct Princess Multi-Row Channel Bar Tension Set Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Designed for those who appreciate modern elegance, this stunning diamond ring features a breathtaking centerpiece, a princess diamond weighing 1.50 with a dazzling H and exceptional ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.51ct Princess Multi-Row Channel Bar Tension Set White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Designed for those who appreciate modern elegance, this stunning diamond ring features a breathtaking centerpiece, a princess diamond weighing 1.51 with a dazzling G and exceptional ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 2.20 Carat Round Multi-Row Pave & Solitaire 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating round 2.20 center stone, showcasing an impressive balance of...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.8 Carat Oval Halo Multi-Row 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring captivates with a center stone of exceptional beauty, featuring a GIA-certified 1.8 oval diamond, graded F and VS1. Set in luxurio...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Oval Halo Multi-Row 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring captivates with a center stone of exceptional beauty, featuring a GIA-certified 2.01 oval diamond, graded H and SI2. Set in luxuri...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.2 Carat Oval Halo Multi-Row 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring captivates with a center stone of exceptional beauty, featuring a GIA-certified 1.2 oval diamond, graded I and VS2. Set in luxurio...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1 Carat Oval Halo Multi-Row 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring captivates with a center stone of exceptional beauty, featuring a GIA-certified 1 oval diamond, graded I and VS2. Set in luxurious...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.5ct Oval Bezel Set Multi-Stone Milgrain 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone of oval cut, weighing 1.5 and exhibiting a mag...
Diamond, White Gold
$26,278Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 2.02ct Oval Bezel Set Multi-Stone Milgrain 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone of oval cut, weighing 2.02 and exhibiting a ma...
Diamond, White Gold
$4,907Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 0.91ct Oval Bezel Set Multi-Stone Milgrain 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone of oval cut, weighing 0.91 and exhibiting a ma...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$6,173Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.21ct Oval Bezel Set Multi-Stone Milgrain 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone of oval cut, weighing 1.21 and exhibiting a ma...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.8 Carat Marquise Halo Multi-Row 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
An exceptional diamond ring featuring a stunning solitaire center diamond, this piece showcases a captivating marquise diamond weighing 0.8 , graded F and SI1. Set in luxurious white...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.7ct Princess Multi-Row Channel Bar Tension Set Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Designed for those who appreciate modern elegance, this stunning diamond ring features a breathtaking centerpiece, a princess diamond weighing 1.7 with a dazzling I and exceptional V...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.04ct Princess Multi-Row Channel Bar Tension Set White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Designed for those who appreciate modern elegance, this stunning diamond ring features a breathtaking centerpiece, a princess diamond weighing 2.04 with a dazzling H and exceptional ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 0.9 Carat Pear Halo Multi-Row 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring showcasing a captivating pear diamond at its heart, weighing 0.9 and graded with an exquisite D and SI1. The ring features a unique a...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1 Carat Pear Halo Multi-Row 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring showcasing a captivating pear diamond at its heart, weighing 1 and graded with an exquisite J and SI2. The ring features a unique asy...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.51 Carat Round Multi-Row Pave & Solitaire 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating round 1.51 center stone, showcasing an impressive balance of...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.3 Carat Round Multi-Row Pave & Solitaire 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating round 1.3 center stone, showcasing an impressive balance of ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.5 Carat Round Multi-Row Pave & Solitaire 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating round 1.5 center stone, showcasing an impressive balance of ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.01ct Oval Bezel Set Multi-Stone Milgrain 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone of oval cut, weighing 2.01 and exhibiting a magnificent E with SI1. The ring is expertly hand...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Oval Halo Multi-Row 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring captivates with a center stone of exceptional beauty, featuring a GIA-certified 1.51 oval diamond, graded F and VS2. Set in luxuri...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.8 Carat Marquise Halo Multi-Row 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** An exceptional diamond ring featuring a stunning solitaire center diamond, this piece showcases a captivating marquise diamond weighing...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Multi-Row Wide Diamond Crossover Band Ring 1.61 Carats 18 Karat White Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
14 Karat white gold crossover ring featuring three rows of diamonds containing 183 round brilliants weighing 1.61 carats. More Fashion Rings in Stock. Message for pictures and deta...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.30 Carat Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Ring - Antique Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.30 carat diamond and 14k yellow gold ring; part of our diverse collection of multi diamond rings.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold
1910s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This multi diamond engagement ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Five-Stone Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The hallmarks include the maker's mark HM, Birmingham Assay Office mark (anchor), and 18k gold guarantee mark. This multi-diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond gradin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1910s Diamond and 15K Yellow Gold Five-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive multi-diamond ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 15k gold and platinum.
Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Diamond Multi Wide Criss Cross Band Ring 2.37 Carat 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold ring featuring 322 round brilliants weighing 2.37 carats. Color G-H Clarity SI Available in Yellow & White Gold.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Vintage 0.75ct Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold, Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This multi-diamond ring is fine quality, set with very high color graded, high clarity graded old cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.88ct Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 18k Yellow Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The 18k fineness mark, 750, is clearly struck to the interior of the ring shank. This impressive antique multi-diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Shape Diamond Eternity Band
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully made Multishape Diamond eternity band. 3.43 carats of white pear, marquise, round and emerald cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. Currently a size 6.5, this ring c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1911 18k Yellow Gold Five-Stone Diamond Ring, 0.66ct, London
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive multi diamond ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for the feature diamond along with an independent diamond grading report card for the s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,900
Multi-Shape Diamond Ring
Located in São Paulo, BR
This openwork white gold ring stands out for its modern design and the variety of brilliance created by the different diamond cuts. It’s perfect for elevating sophisticated looks and...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1940s 1.06 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive multi-diamond ring is exceptional quality, set with very high color graded, old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
$4,000
Multi Row Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
With this exquisite multi-row diamond ring, style and glamour are in the spotlight.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,950
Multi Row Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
With this exquisite multi-row diamond ring, style and glamour are in the spotlight.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 1.01 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Cluster Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine Old European multi diamond ring. Item Ref. SKU: C4183
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,500 / item
Multi Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat gold. It is set with 1.29 carats multi sapphire, .59 carats tsavorite & 1.89 carats of glittering diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1.84ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, Art Deco, Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This chunky platinum and multi diamond ring is ideal for occasions where statement jewellery is welcomed.
Diamond, Platinum
18ct Gold Multi-Gemstone & Diamond Ring – 6-Row Design
Located in London, GB
Total Diamond Weight: 0.30ct Diamond Colour: G-H Diamond Clarity: SI Width of Band: 12.60mm Width of Head: 14.90mm Length of Head: 19.72mm Total Weight: 9.60g Ring Size: L1/2 TSMS10709
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1910s 1.54 Carat Diamond and White Gold Platinum Set Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique multi-diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Multi-Oval Opal Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Multi-Oval Opal Diamond Ring This sculptural ring features four luminous oval opals, each framed by a delicate halo of diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$24,500
Diamond Multi-Row Wrap Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Multi-Row Wrap Ring This statement wrap ring features layered rows of round diamonds set in sleek white gold, creating a bold yet refined silhouette that curves effortlessly...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Blossom Multi-Finger Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Blossom Multi-Finger Ring This sculptural diamond ring features a series of floral motifs crafted with mixed-cut diamonds that create dimension, texture, and soft movement a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Green Tourmaline: 1 Checkerboard Cushion Cut= 6.02ct Amethyst/Green Tourmaline/Peridot/Citrine/Rhodolite Garnet: 12 pear cut= 1.69cttw Diamo...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Multi-Gemstone Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring, White Gold
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
Custom Made Multi Gemstone ring Material: 14K White Gold Condition: Pre-Owned Multi-Gemstone: 0.60ctw Blue Sapphire Orange Sapphire Citrine Ruby Pink Tourmaline Diamond: 0.40ctw Cl...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Multi-Gemstone and Diamond Flower Bouquet Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Multi-Gemstone: Oval cut= 5.00cttw Diamonds: 21 round brilliant cut= 0.20cttw Color: I-J Clarity: VS2-SI1 Dimensions: the ring measures 32.6...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 14k Gold, White Gold
Multi-Color Gemstone Diamond Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
They are accented by 0.33 carats of round brilliant cut diamonds which are set around the cabochon gems. Made in 18k yellow gold, this clustered dome ring will make a great addition ...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bellarri Citrine Multi-Color Gemstones Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Adding uniqueness to it are 4.15 carat total weight multi-color gemstones and 0.21 carat total weight diamonds.
Citrine, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Shape White Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Radiating a vision of eternal beauty, this breathtaking mutli shape diamond engagement ring embodies the essence of unwavering dedication, showcasing a brilliant baguette focal point...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.00 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Five Stone Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive multi diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the suppo...
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Diamond and 1.10 Carat Emerald 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This multi-diamond ring is fine quality, set with an impressive high color graded feature diamond displaying a fine white color, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
French 3.96 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This stunning marquise shaped multi-diamond ring is exceptional quality, set with very high color and clarity graded diamonds displaying a fine white color, brilliance and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Diamond and Multi-Gem Caresse d'Orchidées Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A striking dress ring from the Caresse d'Orchidées collection by Cartier. The ring features pave diamonds and reverse set amethysts, pink tourmalines and tsavorites. The diamonds hav...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond & Sapphire Multi Row Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamond & Sapphire Multi Row Dome Ring Description: A bold dome ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, centering on a richly hued oval sapphire of deep blue color.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
14K Yellow Gold Citrine, Amethyst, Peridot & Diamond Multi-Gemstone Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
A colorful and well-crafted 14K yellow gold multi-gemstone ring, stamped 14K and weighing 11.8 grams gross.
Multi-gemstone, Diamond, Citrine, Amethyst, Peridot, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1.71 Ct Diamond and 18 Ct White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This Art Deco style multi-diamond ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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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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.