Cartier Diamond and Multi-Gem Caresse d'Orchidées Ring
By Cartier
Located in Napoli, NA
A stunning dress ring from Cartier's Caresse d'Orchidées collection. The ring features pavé of approximately 1.20 ct in total of sparkling diamonds and reverse-set amethysts, pink to...
Amethyst, Diamond, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multi Sapphire Heart 14 Karat Gold Baguette Diamond Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and set with 3.54 carats sapphire, .83 carats ruby, .22 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resi...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Art Deco 1.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond GIA Multi Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Experience Timeless Elegance with this Exquisite Art Deco Platinum on Gold Statement Ring. Showcasing a dazzling GIA Certified 1.60 Carat Emerald cut Diamond; D col...
Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Multi-Color Ball Ring with Yellow, Orange Sapphire and Diamond
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Multi color ball ring made in 18k Gold.We shade color in yellow to orange sapphire to make it shine and powerful.All 11 balls can move.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Multi-Row Statement Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A bold and contemporary ring featuring alternating rows of natural yellow and white diamonds, meticulously set in a striking layered design. Crafted in a harmonious combination of ye...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fancy Yellow Natural Diamond Floral Multi-Band Ring in White Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A radiant celebration of nature and craftsmanship, this exquisite ring features a captivating floral motif brought to life with vivid fancy yellow natural diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 3.62cts Multi Sapphire & Diamond 0.27cts Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a multi-sapphire SAPPHIRE gemstone set with a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
5.42ct Diamond and Multi Sapphire Band Ring, Silver, Modern, India
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The 5.42 Carat Diamond and Multi Sapphire Band Ring embodies a vibrant symphony of color and brilliance, crafted with impeccable attention to detail.
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver
Rose Cut Multi-Color Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in New York, NY
A unique eternity ring showcasing alternating mixed-shape rose cut sapphires and diamonds. Each stone is set in a polished bezel made in 18k yellow gold. Sapphires weigh 4.16 carats ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Multi-Layer Butterfly Open Ring
By Super Gems Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This trendy multi-layer butterfly ring is crafted in 18-karat white gold, featuring 48 round white diamonds totaling of 0.37 carats.
Diamond, White Gold
2.19ct Multi Shape Diamond Bypass Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
2.19ct Multi Shape Diamond Bypass Ring 14 Karat White Gold features mixed cut diamonds set in double band style bypass ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.19ct Multi Shape Diamond Bypass Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
2.19ct Multi Shape Diamond Bypass Ring 18 Karat White Gold features mixed cut diamonds set in double band style bypass ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$9,496Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Diamond Multi Row Statement Ring 2.64 Carat 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Diera, AE
A bold and breathtaking multi-row diamond statement ring crafted in 18K white gold, featuring an artistic arrangement of marquise, pear, and oval natural diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Multi Shape Natural Diamond Open Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
14k White Gold Multi Shape Natural Diamond Open Band Ring features two layer of ring one with emerald cut and pear diamonds set in an open band style and one with round cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold Multi Shape Natural Diamond Open Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
18k White Gold Multi Shape Natural Diamond Open Band Ring features two layer of ring one with emerald cut and pear diamonds set in an open band style and one with round cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pink Diamond Multi-Shape 18-Karat Halo Ring In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K Two Tone Natural Multi-Shape Pink Diamond Halo Ring Style: Natural Diamond Square Ring Material: 18k White & Rose Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 3.23 carats ...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
RUCHI Multi-Row Purple Sapphire & Diamond White Gold Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Purple Sapphires: 2.79 Cts Diamonds: 0.43 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,288Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Sapphire Ombre Ring With Diamonds In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Metal Details 18KT Gold: 3.625g Stone Details Diamond: 0.39ct Multi Sapphire: 4.3ct Product Features Striking ombre design featuring an array of multi-colored sapphires Accented wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.73 Carat Round and Baguette Diamond Multi-Stone Engagement Ring
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Multi-stone engagement ring crafted by Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica featuring a 0.73 carat round brilliant cut diamond with baguette and round diamond accents in 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Multi Sapphire Rainbow Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This beautiful ring has been crafted from 14-karat gold and hand set in 2.1 carats of multi color sapphires. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon reques...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, ...
1.38ct Diamond multi mix wide band unisex ring in 18k fancy yellow diamond.
Located in London, GB
1.38ct Diamond multi mix wide band unisex ring in 18k fancy yellow diamond.
Yellow Diamond
$5,832Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18 kt Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ring is crafted in 18kt rose gold, offering a warm and luxurious finish.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 18k White Gold Multi-Color Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
Each stone is bezel-set within an architectural frame of round brilliant diamond pavé, creating a shimmering field of light that emphasizes the ring’s sculptural, multi-banded should...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Gold, 1...
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Connected Multi Band Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Connected Multi Band Ring Size 7.25-7.5 This lovely connected multi band ring features eight round brilliant cut diamonds set in beautifully ...
Diamond, White Gold
Wide Multi Color Sapphire & Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
By Pico Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Ring contains 10 oval brilliant multi color sapphires, 4.27tcw and round brilliant diamonds surrounding, 0.68tcw.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Cocktail Ring - Salavetti 18K White Gold Multi-Color Cultured Pearls Diamonds
By Salavetti
Located in Miami, FL
A rare, highly architectural estate statement cocktail ring from the renowned Italian design house Salavetti.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rainbow Gemstone Diamond Ring Estate 14k Yellow Gold Multi Cocktail Ring Sz 5.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish multi semi-precious gemstone cocktail ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
EFFY Bordeaux 14K Gold Rose Multi-Stone Diamond Flower Ring
By Effy
Located in San Fernando, CA
EFFY captures the natural beauty and sparkling brilliance of round, marquise and pear cut amethyst, rhodolite garnet and diamond stones in this 14k rose gold flower ring. Approx. car...
Diamond
1.94 Carat Multi Color Sapphire Diamond White Gold Statement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.94 Carat Multi Color Sapphire Diamond White Gold Statement Ring A Uniquely designed Multi-Colored Sapphire and Diamond Ring that is sure to be a great addition to your jewelry col...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Multi Side Stone Ring with 1.50ct U-V VS1 Marquee Diamond
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Multi Side Stone Ring with 1.50ct U-V VS1 Marquee Diamond In 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Featuring Center Stone: 1.50ct U to V VS1 Marquise GIA#146******* Accent stones are white ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,484Sale Price|20% Off
Multi Gemstone Baguette Evil Eye Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k Yellow Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18KT:4.698g,D:0.08ct, Aqua:0.42ct,Ioli:0.21ct,Labr:0.63ct,Sapp
Aquamarine, Iolite, Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Go...
18 Karat Rose Gold Multi-Color Sapphire Diamond Band Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K Rose gold band ring is from Riad Collection. This astonishing band ring is decorated by natural multi-coloured sapphires in total of 1.73 Carat and natural white diamonds in tota...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...
1.85 ctw Fancy Color Diamond 14k Gold Multi-Shape Cocktail Ring
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
This 1.85 ctw Fancy Color Diamond 14k Gold Multi-Shape Cocktail Ring is a sculptural masterpiece of contemporary high jewelry, celebrating an extraordinary play of color, fire, and a...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Rosecut Yellow Diamond with Multi Colored Diamonds in 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Surrounding the focal gem, an artful arrangement of multi-colored diamonds (pink, white, champagne, etc.) adds a captivating burst of vibrancy, their hues harmonizing in a dazzling d...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Carat Gold Diamond and Multi Gem Set Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An 18 carat gold diamond and multi gem set cluster ring, set with six pear cut stones, on a diamond set band, size M, marked EJ, 5.9g weight.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Rose Gold Ring with Multi-Color Gemstones and Diamonds
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18K Rose Gold Ring with Multi-Color Gemstones and Diamonds 1 Blue Sapphire - 0.04 CT 1 Diamond - 0.03 CT 1 Green Garnet - 0.04 CT 1 Pink Sapphire - 0.05 CT 1 Ruby - 0.03 CT 18 K Rose...
Diamond, Rose Gold
$6,830Sale Price|25% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 3.21ct Multi Color Diamond Ring 18k Two Tone
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning multi color and multi shape diamond bezel set ring with two rows of round diamonds, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 3.21 carats total diamond weight. 20 multi color and shape d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
GIA Certified 3.75 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Diamonds Ring Multi Row*
Located in New York, NY
Multi Row Diamond Accent Wide GIA Certified 2.25ct.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.75 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire Diamonds Ring Multi Row*
Located in New York, NY
Multi Row Diamond Accent Wide GIA Certified 2.25ct.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Natural Multi-Shape Diamond Mosaic Station Crossover Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18K White Gold Natural Multi-Shape Diamond Mosaic Station Crossover Ring Ring Material : 18k White Gold Diamond Details: There are approximately 2.02 carats of natural baguette, r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphire Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Ethiopian Opal, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Engagement Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Opal & Multi Sapphires Cocktail/ Engagement Ring set in 18K Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Baguette Diamond Multi Row Spiral Ring 18K Rose Gold 1.25Cttw
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful spiral diamond ring is all about sparkle. Crafted in high polished 18k rose gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Baguette Diamond Multi Row Spiral Ring 18K Yellow Gold 1.20Cttw
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful spiral diamond ring is all about sparkle. Crafted in high polished 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Baguette Diamond Multi Row Spiral Ring 18K White Gold 1.20Cttw
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful spiral diamond ring is all about sparkle. Crafted in high polished 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Multi Shape Diamond Bezel Band Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 4.03 ct. HIJ VS-SI white diamond multi shape ring. Handmade in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Maurice Fine Jewelry - Multi-Layer Baguette and Round Diamond Ring
By Maurice Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This bold ring, crafted in 18k white gold, features a dynamic layered design with 1.76 carats of channel-set baguette diamonds arranged in an elegant, sweeping pattern. The design is...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.22 Carat Multi Gemstone 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold. It is hand set with 2.22 carats emerald, ruby and blue sapphire. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or s...
Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Multi-Colored Diamond Wide Band Ring, 8.60 Carats
Located in Houston, TX
18K yellow gold wide multi-colored diamond band with 42 multi-shaped diamonds that total 8.60 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,375Sale Price|25% Off
Multi Sapphire Rainbow & Diamond Ring Studded in 18k Rose Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
This is a designer floral pattern ring studded in 18k rose gold with 7 pieces of Multi Sapphire weight 2.91 carat with round shaped diamond weight 0.70 carat, this entire ring is stu...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K White Gold 4.0 Cttw Diamond Multi Row Scatter Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Embrace the allure of diamonds and white gold with this exquisite ring, and make a lasting impression wherever you go
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2.70 Carat Multi Color Pear Sapphire Diamond Gold Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Dazzling multi color sapphire and diamond band ring. 10 mixed colored blue, yellow and pink pear shaped sapphires set in a 14k yellow gold open work setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Set in 18K Gold, Tourmaline Cabochon, Multi Sapphires & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Tourmaline & Multi Sapphires Cocktail Ring set in 18K White Gold & natural Diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Multi Color Gemstone and Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in Sausalito, CA
Effy 14k multi colored stone gemstone wide band ring. Multi color sapphires approximately 2.45 cttw.
$3,797Sale Price|25% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 1.67ct Multi Color Diamond Ring 18k Two Tone
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning multi color diamond bezel set ring with two rows of round diamonds, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 1.67 carats total diamond weight. 7 multi color diamonds ranging from approx...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
$3,940Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 3.87ct Multi-Color Diamond & Pearl Floral Ring 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Exquisite and unique multi diamond and pearl floral ring. Center South Sea pearl surrounded 257 yellow, brown, and champagne color diamonds, 3.87 carats. 18-karat yellow gold, 12.41...
Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.96 Carat "Jumble" Ring: Multi-Colored Diamonds in Multi-Colored 18 Karat Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Three beautiful diamonds in white, yellow and brown are set in "martini glass" bezels on two fused rose gold rings for an effortless, one-of-a-kind stacked look by Eytan Brandes. Th...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, R...
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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.