18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer X Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer X ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 14 round white diamonds totaling of 0.07 carats and 11 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.34 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer X Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer X ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 27 round white diamonds totaling of 0.16 carats and 4 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.09 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer X Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer X ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 10 round white diamonds totaling of 0.11 carats and 6 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.15 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer X Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer X ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 6 round white diamonds totaling of 0.05 carats and 5 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.11 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer X Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer X ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 26 round white diamonds totaling of 0.07 carats and 5 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.11 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer Illusion Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer illusion ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 29 round white diamonds totaling of 0.19 carats and 34 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.50 car...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer Illusion Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer illusion ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 22 round white diamonds totaling of 0.33 carats and 12 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.20 car...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer Illusion Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer illusion ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 34 round white diamonds totaling of 0.24 carats and 10 baguette white diamonds totaling of 0.24 car...
Diamond, White Gold
18 Kt Multi Color Diamond & Semi Precious Stones Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
WHITE GOLDEN MULTI COLOR RING WITH DIAMONDS & SEMI PRECIOUS STONES MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold SIZE: 54 EU / 7 US ( Can be resized for free ) WEIGHT: 18.1 grams / 11.63 dwt / 0.640...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Multi Cut Diamond and Emerald Cut Sapphire Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Multi Cut Diamond and Emerald Cut Sapphire Dome Ring Description: A bold and elegant 18 karat yellow gold ring centered with a richly colored sapphire, its deep blue hue enhanced by...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian 18K Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A striking and luxurious Italian statement ring crafted in 18K white gold, showcasing an architectural open-work design set with an exceptional arrangement of multi-color natural sap...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 0.80ct Diamond and Ruby Multi-Row Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This white gold piece features alternating rows of tapered baguette diamonds and tapered baguette rubies. The trapezoidal stones sit snugly in curved channels, delivering a sleek, mo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this wide wavy band design features a vibrant array of round-cut multi color sapphires (including pink, purple, blue, green, yellow, orange and red) accen...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$30,000Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Pear Cut Fancy White Diamond and multi color Rosecut Diamond Gold ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring is a unique statement ring with Pear cut Fancy White Diamond and multi color rosecut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
$6,399Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Sapphire Rainbow & Diamond Ring Studded in 18k Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Multi Sapphire 4.88 Carat Diamonds ( 0.80 Carat) Ring come along with Box.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,520Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Sapphire And Diamond Ring In 18 kt Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Ring in 18 kt gold studded with Multi sapphire & diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Mens Large Multi Diamond Row 14K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 9.75 Ring Height: 18 mm tall Total Weight: 18.4 Grams Diamond Count: 25 brilliant cut Diamond Total Carat Weight: ~2.50 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Multi Sapphire Wide Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Ring all microscopically decorated with the Byzantine granulation and a unique velvet look on the background. The stunning ring feature...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Multi-...
$14,816Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.53 Carat Natural Diamond Multi Band Statement Ring 18K Gold Anniversary Ring
Located in Diera, AE
Bold, luxurious, and unmistakably distinctive, this multi-band diamond ring combines modern design with exceptional craftsmanship.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,526Sale Price|20% Off
Carved Jade Multi Gemstone Ring with Diamonds Made in 18k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18Kt:2.1g, Diamond:0.78Ct, Silver:7.004g, EMERALD:1.55Ct, SAPPHIRE WHITE:2Ct,, JADE:5.15 ct
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Silver
$5,913Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Gemstone Baguette Linked Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:18.783g,D:0.25ct, Emer:1.37ct,Ruby:2.96ct,Sapp:2.34ct,
Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Zorab Creation Multi-Color Precious Gemstone Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
This Gorgous ring is a colorful, precious, and beautiful design in the Zorab Creation selection. The ring is designed and asorted with Multicolored Sapphires the colors include Orang...
White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapp...
Natural Fancy Kunzite, Multi-sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a fancy kunzite, multi-sapphire, and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Kunzite, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Natural Multi Sapphire 2.54cts & Diamond 0.37cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a multi sapphire and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Chaumet 18K White Gold Multi-Gemstone Diamond Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Guangzhou, CN
This enchanting ring from Chaumet’s iconic "Attrape-moi... si tu m'aimes" collection beautifully reimagines the Napoleonic bee motif with a playful, modern romance. Expertly crafted ...
Diamond Enamel Multi-color Band Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond, 8 round brilliant cut 1.3 mm .08ctw FG color/ VS1-2 clarity Ring Size 6.75 Rise Off Of Finger: 1.9 mm Width: 2.4 mm Weight: 2 dwts. / 3.1 grams Metal: "750" SK...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Shimon's Creations 8.41ct Multi-Color Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
8.41 Carat Natual Fancy Multi-Color (Yellows/Greens/Browns/Pinks) Mixed Cut Diamond Cluster "Cut Out" Ring Total Carat Weight: 8.41 Carats Mixed Cut Natural Fancy Color Diamonds: 6....
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Multi-Row Diamond Cluster Arrow Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This 14K white gold ring is a stylish and eye-catching piece. It has a modern open wrap design that looks like arrows pointing in different directions. Each arrow is made from small ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow 3.50ct Gold Diamond Multi-Row Ring MF24-011626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The total diamond weight is 3.5 carats.This 18K Yellow 3.5 ct Gold Diamond Multi-Row Ring is offered in estate condition and includes a gift box.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.45 Carat Diamond Multi-Band Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
An elegant contemporary diamond ring featuring approximately 1.45 carats total weight of natural diamonds set across a sculptural multi-band design in polished 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multi Sapphires Band Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Exclusive Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Indulge in luxury with our "Timeless Treasure" 💍💎 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring. 💖 Global delivery and quality assurance await from our Swiss-born brand. 18K Yellow Gold Multi ...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Stunning Diamond Multi Sapphire Ruby 14K White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Ring Matching different style Earrings Available Diamond 60-0.15 ct Blue Sapphire 10-0,45 ct Ruby 4-0,21 ct Pink Sapphire 6-0,19 ct Green Orange Sapphire 6-0,32 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
Stunning Diamond Multi Sapphire Ruby 14K White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Ring Matching different style Earrings Available Diamond 60-0.15 ct Blue Sapphire 10-0,45 ct Ruby 4-0,21 ct Pink Sapphire 6-0,19 ct Green Orange Sapphire 6-0,32 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
Stunning Diamond Multi Sapphire Ruby 14K White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Ring Matching different style Earrings Available Diamond 60-0.15 ct Blue Sapphire 10-0,45 ct Ruby 4-0,21 ct Pink Sapphire 6-0,19 ct Green Orange Sapphire 6-0,32 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
$2,479Sale Price|20% Off
3.68 Carat Multi Sapphire Ring Band in 18K Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
You will love staring at the colors as they show their vibrancy both indoors and out. Multi Sapphire is an attractive healing gemstone used to release the power of creativity and em...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Effy Watercolors Multi Gemstone and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 8.25 The Effy Watercolors pear-shaped cluster ring in 14 karat white gold is a stunning testament to artistic flair and colorful elegance. At its center, a vibrant cluste...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphir...
Multi-Color Gemstone Diamond 18K White Gold Hedgehog Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A unique piece you should own! A lovely formed hedgehog featuring 5.10 carats of round multi-color gemstone which include Sapphire, Ruby, and Tsavorite arranged invertedly making the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18KT White Gold Modern Emerald Cut Diamond Multi-Stone Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The stones are secured in a shared-prong setting that maximizes light entry, while the smooth, tapered band ensures a comfortable fit for daily wear. 18KT White Gold Modern Emerald ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold 2.88 Carat Multi-Colored Diamond and Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
Step into a world of timeless elegance with our 18 Karat Gold 2.88 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Each piece is a unique testament to unparalleled craftsmanshi...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Stunning Diamond Multi Sapphire Ruby 14K White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
14K White Gold Ring Green Sapphire 3-0.16 ct Blue Sapphire 3-0,16 ct Yellow Sapphire 1-0,05 ct Pink Sapphire 2-0,1 ct Orange 1-0,05 ct Size 6 US Weight 3,14 grams It is our ho...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold
$12,565Sale Price|30% Off
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Multi-Color Sapphire Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring with 4 rows of invisible set Rainbow color Princess Cut natural Sapphires a total weight of 3.47 Carat and 1.58 Carat Princess Cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sa...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Multi-Color Sapphire Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents this gorgeous 18 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring with two rows of invisible set Rainbow color Princess Cut natural Sapphires with a total weight of 2.82 Carats...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sa...
$10,552Sale Price|20% Off
Elegant 4.31 Carat Multi-Shape Rose Cut Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
Expertly crafted with a blend of classic elegance and modern sophistication, this ring highlights the allure of multi-shaped diamonds in a harmonious cluster, creating a mesmerizing ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Multi-Row Diamond Fan Statement Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By Hand Made
Located in New York, NY
*Custom Made Ring *Material: 14K Yellow Gold *Condition: Mint *Diamond: 1.20ctw *Clarity: SI1 *Color:G *Ring Dimension: *Size: 8.25 *Width: 11.9mm *Thickness: 1.6mm *Weight: 5gr *...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Multi Flower Diamond Band Ring 14K Solid Gold Engagement Women ring Wedding
Located in Chicago, IL
Multi Flower Diamond Band Ring 14K Solid Gold Engagement Women ring Wedding Total Carat Weight 0.24 Cts And Above Base Metal Yellow Gold Material Natural Diamond, 14K Solid Gold Main...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Retro Multi Gemstone Band Ring with Diamonds
Located in Sewickley, PA
This vibrant and eye-catching multi gemstone band ring has a bold, retro-inspired design.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Multi-Color Diamond Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Band Ring is all handmade with a Byzantine Granulation Workmanship and a unique velvet background. This gorgeous band features in the ce...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapph...
14K Rose Gold Round Cut Diamond Multi-Star Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This whimsical 14K rose gold ring features a celestial-inspired bypass design adorned with four radiant stars of varying sizes. Each star is meticulously set with shimmering round br...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K White Gold Round Cut Diamond Multi-Star Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This whimsical 14K white gold ring features a celestial-inspired bypass design adorned with four radiant stars of varying sizes. Each star is meticulously set with shimmering round b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Round Cut Diamond Multi-Star Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
This whimsical 14K yellow gold ring features a celestial-inspired bypass design adorned with four radiant stars of varying sizes. Each star is meticulously set with shimmering round ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold Multi Shape Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K rose gold Diamond: 42 round brilliant cut = .50cttw Color: G Clarity: SI Ring size: 7.5 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing requests...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1.52ct Multi Color Sapphire 0.84ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This elegant ring features an approximately 1.52-carat square-cut multi-color sapphire as its vibrant centerpiece, beautifully accented by approximately 0.84 carats of round brillian...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Italian Enamel Diamond Three Color Gold Multi-Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is all about Style & Fun. The ring is 18K Yellow, Rose, & White Gold. The bar has 0.08Ct in Diamonds G VS & Enamel. The ring is MADE IN ITALY. The ring is a size 7.5, not s...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, En...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Multi-Color Sapphire Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios unique designer Band Ring is 18 Karat Yellow Gold and all handmade with granulation and a unique velvet background finished in Black Rhodium. This gorgeous band ring ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sa...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Color Diamond Sapphire Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios unique designer Two-Tone Band Ring is 18 Karat Yellow Gold and all handmade with granulation and a unique velvet background finished in Black Rhodium. This gorgeous band r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Blue Sa...
Natural 2.48cts Multi sapphire & 0.50cts Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a MULTI SAPPHIRE gemstone set with a diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire
Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14KT Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 14KT Yellow Gold Sapphires: 1.80 Carats Total Weight, Multi-Color, Baguette Cut Diamonds: 0.13 Carats Total Weight, G–H Color, SI Clarity, Round Cut Style: Gemstone and Diamon...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.
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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.