12 Carat Natural Ruby 3.5 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
The oval ruby is surrounding with approximately 3 carats of old mine cut diamonds.
Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
12 Carat Natural Ruby 3.5 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
The oval ruby is surrounding with approximately 3 carats of old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1800 2.50 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Antique 18K rose Gold Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with an approximately 2.50 carats stunning oval ruby, Thailand origin, accented by an halo of sparkli...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1937 Ring natural Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 8.75US / 3.3gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and four square cut and faceted Rubies in Platinum clusters.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Leyser 18K White Gold Ruby & Diamond "Bouquet" Ring
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Thomas Leyser is renowned for his contemporary jewellery designs utilizing fine coloured gemstones and diamonds. This ring in 18k White Gold is set with a 1x fine ruby (facetted, M...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920 Anna's Ring natural 0.5 ct Ruby solid 18K Gold US6.25 / 1.35gr
Located in SE
A Ring from distant Art- Deco period, engraved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with bezel set oval cut natural Red Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm / ca. 0.5 ct.
Ruby, 18k Gold
14 Karat Gold, Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
14 kt., centering one oval ruby approximately 7.50 cts., surrounded by 15 old-mine cut diamonds approximately 2.00 cts., approximately 5.8 dwts. Size 7 1/4 Ruby: vivid raspberry red...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Pyramid Ring natural 4.75ctw Ruby solid 14K Gold Ø US8.5 / 6.9gr
Located in SE
Stones from top > down : central stone is old European diamond cut Ruby Ø 3.5 mm / ca.0.25ct.
Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 2.1gr
Located in SE
Rubies and Diamonds Ring in solid 14ct Yellow Gold . 6 baguette cut Rose red Rubies + 10 diamond cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Imperial Russian Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ruby ØUS5.5 / 3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Imperial period Russian Ring featuring crown decorated with oval cut natural Rubies and rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Halo Ring natural Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.75 /2.2gr
Located in SE
Crown is 7.5 x 7 mm x 4.5 mm deep. Claw set natural Ruby of old European oval cut : Ø 3.5 x 3 mm x 1.8 mm deep / ca. 0.25 ct , color is medium Rose Red , demonstrates internal struc...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
18KT and Platinum Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Lynchburg, VA
The center stone is a round ruby measuring 0.26 carats. It is surrounded by 12 old mine-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.57 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Ring 0.5ctw Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø 7.5 US / 1.8gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Vintage Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Vintage Burmese ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine natural unenhanced Burmese ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Mosaic Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 14K Gold Silver US6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
Doubled band with Crown with geometrically fine mosaic lace work decorated with 34 old diamond cut Diamonds and 26 calibre cut Rubies.
Spinel, Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage All Seeing Eye Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS7 / 2.3 gr.
Located in SE
All Seeing Eye Ring with chained shoulders featuring fancy Marquise cut natural Ruby 5.5mm x 2.75 mm /ca 0.2ct and Six eight- cut Diamonds Ø 1mm /0.005ct each, all enclosed inside a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1967 Ring All Seeing Eye Ruby solid 18K Gold ØUS 5 / 4.6 gr.
Located in SE
All Seeing Eye Ring with an old diamond cut Ruby Ø 2.5 mm / 0.06ct inside rhombus shaped cluster in White Gold or Platinum. 18K Gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Russian Ring Demantoid Ruby Sapphire 56 Gold ØUS4 / 1.76gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Sapphire, Garnet, Ruby, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Ring Two in One Halo Ruby Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold /ØUS7.25 /3.9gr
Located in SE
Natural medium Blue intensity color Sapphire 4.25 mm x 3mm / ca.0.25ct. Natural Ruby of about the same dimensions, also about 0.25ct There are 30 old European cut Diamonds on both /...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
Marks of the year on this ring V7 = made in 1923. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 5 mm x 1.8 mm deep / ca. 0.65 ct , color is medium Rose Red , demonstrates in...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Retro Horovitz Alexandrie Turquoise Ring Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Made of 18 karat yellow and white gold, turquoise, diamonds and rubies, the Retro ring features an approximately 1.05-carat transitional Old European cut diamond (H color, SI1 clarit...
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring from ca .1920s -1930s with Ruby and 13 rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
Located in SE
Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 4.5 mm x 2.75 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct , color is medium Rose Red , demonstrates internal structures typical for naturals .
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Burmese Ruby OMC Diamond Ring 14K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a spectacular Antique Victorian - Art Deco Wedding Engagement Ring with three gorgeous natural Burmese Ruby gems surrounded by magnificent Old Mine Cut Diamonds of stunnin...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1905 Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 8.7.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with openwork crown arranged with 19 care cut Rubies and 5 natural Diamonds in Platinum clusters.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Two old diamond cut Natural Rubies of fine Red color ca. 4.5 mm x 1.9 mm deep / 0.5 ct each.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 1850s Georgian Mourning Braided Hair Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
. - Two rubies total 0.08cttw - 0.05 carat old mine cut natural diamond
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Circa 1780 18K Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Urn Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Magnificent Georgian period Urn ring set with natural untreated Ruby and Diamond, possibly Burma, in 18 KT and silver Elaborate scroll work with the Urn in the middle beautifully ado...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Flanking this primary stone are two bright white round faceted old mine cut diamonds, enhancing the ring's elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Alliance Ring Diamonds Rubies solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.25 /2.5 gr
Located in SE
Alliance Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with 9 pave set brilliant cut Diamonds and Rubies Ø 1.75 mm / ca 0.02ct. each.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Russian Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 56 /14K Gold Ø 8US / 2.5 gr
Located in SE
Russian Imperial period Ring with openwork shoulders featuring one claw set old oval cut Ruby and two bezel set old cushion cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique French Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.25US / 12gr
Located in SE
Ornamental frame made of three fused bands, two with cast openwork details, the central band has fused Silver clusters with old diamond cut natural red Ruby with open back / ca.
Ruby, Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Ruby and Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Round Content 1.26 carats Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Oval / Square Content 0.85 carat Diamond Quality Diamond One Color K Clarity VVS2 Cut Old Europ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.17 Carat Ruby Diamond Halo Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural no heat Ruby engagement ring. GIA certified center oval ruby with a halo of 8 old mine cut diamonds in a 18k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Circa 1900 GIA-Certified 1.12ct Ruby Diamond Ring, 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The oval cut ruby displays a vivid purple red hue and is framed by a graceful arrangement of 27 old European and old mine cut diamonds totaling 0.88 carats, graded G–H color and VS2–...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Swallow Ring with Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This antique Diamond Enamel Swallow started life as a brooch, which I converted to a ring. This is black enamel on 14K Yellow Gold and set with old mine cut and rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold 1.25ctw Oval Ruby & Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval Cut - Multi Prong Set - Vivid Red Color - 6.26x5.18mm - 0.75ct (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - Bril...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique fancy Ring solid 18K Rose Gold 25 Rubies Diamonds US 4.75 /3 gr
Located in SE
Round Crown Ø 12 mm x 3 mm deep with slightly convex surface is decorated with 25 pave set natural Rubies and Diamonds, all stones of old European diamond cut, in gradual sizes with ...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct. Ruby 0.5 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
Gold bezel set natural oval cut Ruby 5 mm x 4 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca.0.6 ct Two larger old European cut Diamonds : Ø 3.5 mm x 1.7 mm deep / ca.0.21 ct each.
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Ruby Square Ring 14k Gold Sz 6.5 Gemstone Engagement
Located in Torrance, CA
The beautifully detailed antique ring highlights a rich red ruby to the center, accented with glimmering old mine cut diamonds.
Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
1937 Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/ 2.1gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Nouveau 1910 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Diamonds & Ruby
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite Art Nouveau ring is finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and centered by one round-cut gem-quality natural red ruby with approximately 0.15 carat total weight, beautifull...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
1952 Ring Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 7.75US / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Retro Ring for every day with carved shoulders decorated with emerald cut lab made rosy Red Ruby 11 mm x 9 mm x 4.65 mm deep / circa 4 ct .
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring 0.2 ct Diamond 0.2ct Ruby solid 14K Rose Gold Silver Ø US5.25/1.6gr
Located in SE
A Ring from ca. 1920s - 1930s with the band in solid 14K Rose Gold decorated with old European cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm / ca.0.2 ct /color G,H/SI in Silver bezel and old cut Ruby in Rose...
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Ring Ruby solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 7.5US / 3.1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Retro Ring for every day with carved shoulders decorated with oval cut and polished lab made rosy Red Ruby 10 mm x 7.5 mm x 4.5 mm deep / circa 3 ct .
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring .95ct Original 1870's GIA 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Victorian Antique from 1870's GIA Certified Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring .95ct 14K Yellow Gold Featuring a Genuine GAI Certified Lab Grown .75ct Oval Step Cut R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA-Certified 1.06 Carat Ruby in Deco-Era Platinum Ring with 0.7 Carats Diamonds
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
For clarity, he thinks they're easily in the VS range, with the baguettes squarely in the VS1 camp or better. The ruby is around 15 years old and was mined in Thailand.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Ruby Emerald Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø6US/ 1.9gr
Located in SE
Ring for every day in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with 3 natural stones : Red Ruby, Green Emerald and Blue Sapphire of old European diamond cut Ø 2.5 mm / ca. 0.1 ct each .
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique 1.15 Carat Burmese Ruby and 1.36 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this impressive 1930s ruby ring in yellow gold Ruby Quality Origin Burma (strong probability) Cut Cushion Cont...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique German Ring natural 5ct. Star Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Gold ØUS7.5/ 3gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Star Ruby, 14k Gold
1938 Halo Ring natural 1ct Ruby 1ctw Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS7.25 /4.5gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 0.8ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.25/ 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand - made in ca. 1920s- 1930s.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 3.37gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Gold & Platinum AGL Burma No Heat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Rare Vivid Red Color - No Heat - Burma - 1.09ct (approx.) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** (8) ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Burmese Ruby And Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique imperial russian era 1910s 14k gold ring centered with 1 natural burmese ruby stone pigeoun blood color flanked with old mine cut diamonds estimate weight 1 carat H color whi...
J.E. Caldwell Ruby Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Foliate Dinner Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as an ornate navette style dinner ring centering an unheated cushion cut ruby Weighing approximately 1.67 carats - transparent deep purplish red in color Bezel set in yellow...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified .3 Carat Natural Red Ruby Diamond Gold Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Two nice old mine cut diamonds. Handmade Victorian ring 1 Oval 4.62 x 3.43 x 2.19mm brilliant cut ruby SI Approx. .30ct GIA certificate # 5161739885 2 round old mine cut diamonds F...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This striking principal stone showcases a natural pinky red colour tone which is accentuated by a single round faceted bright white old cut diamond either side. All three stones here...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k 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.”
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.