Victorian sapphire diamond 18k gold and platinum navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k white gold ring from the 1880s features five vibrant pear cut sapphires, framed by sparkling old European cut diamonds for an elegant vintage charm. Center stone:...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Circa 1900s Emerald and Old Mine Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Emerald Details: Natural Emeralds, Antique Cushion Cut, Green Color. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Navette Ring
Located in Denver, CO
The ring appears to bear European hallmarks, though the stamps are indistinct and cannot be read clearly.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco–Style 14K White Gold Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking Art Deco–style diamond ring crafted in 14K white gold, showcasing intricate openwork and milgrain detailing throughout the elongated navette-shaped face.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Baguette and OEC Diamond Platinum Vintage Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Art Deco Diamond Platinum Navette Vintage Cocktail Ring. Securely Hand set with Baguette & Old European Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 10k Yellow Gold 0.70tcw Emerald and Pearl Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring features a graceful navette-shaped design set with vibrant emeralds and creamy pearls, creating a beautiful contrast of color and texture.
Emerald, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and Emerald Art Deco Revival Gold Vintage Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Art Deco Revival Diamond and Emerald Gold Navette Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Oval Emerald, surrounded by Diamonds and Emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,159Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 0.75 carat. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.60 carat. The diamond is has is G-H color and vs-s1 clarity....
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,711Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1970 20k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.55 ct. The diamond is has G-H-I color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 5.75 We can make any size. Box is...
Diamond, Gold
$2,720Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.7 grams. Totally is diamond 1.15 ct. The diamond is has F color and vvs1-vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.75 We can make any size. The box is...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,491Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Totally is diamond 1 ct. The diamond is has H color and vvs1-vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6 We can make any size. The box is not i...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,552Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. Acid tested to b...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Mattioli Navettes Ring in 18K Rose Gold & White Diamonds Pavé
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18k rose gold and 1,07 ct. white diamonds pavé Production Time 4 weeks NAVETTES COLLECTION From the name of the most refined gem cut, the navette shape is the heart of a de...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mattioli Navettes Ring in 18K Rose Gold & Mother of Pearl
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18k rose gold and natural mother of pearl Production Time 4 weeks NAVETTES COLLECTION From the name of the most refined gem cut, the navette shape is the heart of a delicat...
Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,491Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.5 grams. Totally is diamond rose cut diamond 0.40 ct. Totally is side brilliant cut diamond 0.25 ct. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size....
Diamond, 14k Gold
$964Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Sapphire Enamel Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.7 grams Totally is sapphire 0.85 ct. Ring size is US 8 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size. Box is not included. Please contact fo...
14k Gold
$1,887Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has F-G color and vvs1-vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6 We can make any size. The box is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Round Cut Navette Ring 20m Marquise Shape Vintage Style
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Breathtaking diamond studded cocktail ring is elegantly designed with artistic and elegant navette style.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 0.50 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have exquisite cluster ring dating back to the early stages of the 20th century. At its heart lies a striking marquise-cut diamond, expertly bezel set to catch the light. Thi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Diamond Marquise/Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian marquise/navette-shaped ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold, and adorned with a fantastic arrangement o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,623Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.15 carat.. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is us 6.6 We can make any size. Box is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,974Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 8k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.6 grams. Totally is diamond 1 ct . The diamond is has H color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 5.5 Please contact for any questions..
Diamond, Gold
$1,930Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vvs1-vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make any size. The box is...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,930Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1990s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.71 ct. The diamond is has E color and vs clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. The box is not inclu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,842Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.75 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 9 We can make any size. The box is ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Diamond Cluster Rose Gold Navette Ring, Austria, Around 1890
By Austrian Manufactory
Located in Vienna, AT
Antique navette-shaped old brilliant-cut diamond ring, fifteen old brilliant-cut diamonds in a cluster, all diamonds estimated to weigh a total of 1.2 carats, claw set in a rose gold...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 14ct Gold Blue Enamel and Turquoise Navette Ring
Located in Portland, England
A beautiful and rare antique Victorian 14ct gold blue enamel and turquoise ring. The ring has an unusual open design and features ten turquoise cabochons crafted in 14ct yellow gold....
Turquoise, Gold, Enamel
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Marquise/Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1910 This stunning 18ct gold and platinum ring features a marquise-shaped natural sapphire, surrounded ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
Round Cut Navette Ring Marquise Shape Vintage Style Yellow Gold Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Breathtaking diamond studded cocktail ring is elegantly designed with artistic and elegant navette style.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1912 Edwardian Opal Old Mine Diamond 14K Gold Navette Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The navette shape was the Edwardian era's love letter to femininity — and this one is particularly enchanting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Navette Ring with Pear-Shaped Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold vintage diamond ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, designed in an elegant navette silhouette with richly textured woven detailing.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Art Deco 2 Stone Round Blue Zircon Gold Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco Gold Navette Cocktail Ring. Hand set with 2 Round Blue Zircon, weighing approx. 5tcw.
Zircon, Blue Zircon, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Rose Gold Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking example of Victorian elegance, this navette-shaped ring showcases a vibrant arrangement of richly hued rubies accented by glittering rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
French antique Perpignan garnet navette ring, 18k rose gold regional jewelry
Located in PARIS, FR
Perpignan garnet marquise ring in 18 karat rose gold. Marquise-style ring, centered on a navette garnet, surrounded by 8 round garnets.
Garnet, Rose Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian 2.20 Carat Diamond Marquise / Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian marquise/navette-shaped ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold and features a stunning arrangement of natural, spar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,106Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.85 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 0.60 ct. Ring size is US 7 We can m...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$2,018Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.70 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 1.20 ct. Ring size is US 5.75 We can...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a navette shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 15.0 mm White with spectral play-of-color - bead set with halo surround Platinum-topped and prong set with old European cut d...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$5,265Sale Price|25% Off
14k Gold Natural Baguette Cut Diamond Brilliant Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.4 grams. Totally is main diamond 0.97 ct. Totally is side brilliant cut and baguette cut diamond 1.18 ct. The diamond is has generally F col...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,491Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1950s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.75 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K-L color and s1-s2-s3-Pique1-2 clarity. Ring size is US 7.2 We can ma...
Diamond, 9k Gold
$1,912Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.75 ct. The diamond is has G-H-I color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.25 ct. Ring size is US 7.25 We ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,106Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Tourmaline Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.57 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1-s1 clarity. Totally is tourmaline 1.75 ct. Ring size is US 6.75 We...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
$2,106Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.70 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally is sapphire 1.20 ct. Ring size is US 7 We can ma...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Vintage White Gold 1ctw Round Diamond Sideways Marquise Shape Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (19) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G/H Color - VS2/SI1 Clarity - 1.0ctw (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 1.0 (approx.) Material: Solid 14K ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian diamond ruby emerald sapphire 18k yellow gold silver Navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold and silver ring shimmers with rose cut diamonds, rubies, emeralds, and sapphires, capturing antique elegance with vibrant color. Center stone: 34 rose...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Circa 1890s 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Cluster Navette Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1890s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.6 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .90 ct total weight Cut: Old European brilliant...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 12k Yellow Gold Enamel Work Engraved Mourning Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: 12k Solid Slightly Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 9.65 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring. Please contact us prior to purchase for sizing inqu...
Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5.5 This stunning marquis shaped vintage diamond ring is the essence of old world elegance. The delicate rose gold shank paired with the incredible Old Mine Cut stones ma...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco .20ctw Diamond Navette Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond, single cut/ trans. 1.5 - 2.2 mm approximately .20 total carats GH color/ VS2-SI2 clarity Ring Size 6 Rise Off Of Finger: 2.6 mm Length: 18.6 mm Weight: 1.7 dwts/...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Silver 6.20ctw Oval Sapphire w/ Diamond Long Marquise Shape Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (9) Natural Genuine Sapphires - 8 Oval w/ 1 Round Cut - Prong Set - Deep Blue Color - 6ctw (approx.) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Ni...
Diamond, Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Diamond & Blue Sapphire Filigree Navette Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This extraordinary Art Deco style sapphire and diamond ring is a breathtaking example of vintage fine jewelry artistry, featuring a tall, elongated panel design that rises dramatical...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Gold Silver 2.44ctw Pave Old Cut Diamond Marquise Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (21) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Chunky Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 2.44ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ Sterling Silver T...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
$2,238Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 10k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.70 carat. Totally is emerald 0.80 carat. Totally is ruby 0.50 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1. R...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 10k Gold
Vintage Round Brilliant Diamond Navette Ring in Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This striking diamond ring features an elegant marquise-shaped silhouette that immediately draws the eye. The elongated center is formed by a sparkling cluster of round diamonds, cre...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,755Sale Price|25% Off
New made 14k Gold Top Silver Handcrafted Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 4.4 grams. Totally diamond about 0.45 ct. The diamond has vs clarity and G color. Ring size us 8.6 Acid tested to be 14k real gold. We can make ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Mattioli Navettes Ring in 18K Rose Gold & Mother of Pearl & White Diamonds
By Mattioli
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18k rose gold and natural mother of pearl and 0,26 ct. white diamonds Production Time 4 weeks NAVETTES COLLECTION From the name of the most refined gem cut, the navette sha...
Pearl, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,842Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Cut Emerald Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.43 carat. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clearity . Totally is emerald 0.40 carat. Ring size is US 6.8 ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k 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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
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.