Early Victorian 1.72 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 1.72 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, silver set ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections This fine and impres...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1950 This vintage platinum cluster ring is bezel-set with a cabochon cut midnight blue sapphire surrounded by ten sparkling old mine cut diamonds (H-I-J color, VS1-SI1 clarity...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1954 Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold US 7.75 / 4.7gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K White Gold featuring natural emerald cut Emerald 6 mm x 4 mm x 4.25 / ca. 0.7 ct accented with eight old diamond cut Diamonds Ø 1.5 mm / 0.02 ct each, tot...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Portuguese Ring Diamonds solid 19K Gold Silver ØUS6.5 /3.4gr
Located in SE
Antique Portuguese Renaissance styled Ring decorated with 21 natural Diamonds. Hand -engraved band, crown in solid 19K and top of the crown in Silver. Band Hallmarked with Portugues...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6US/3.55gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance - styled cluster Ring with band, carved shoulders and and back side of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Blue Sapphire stone and six rose - cut Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1940 Ring 0.1ct Diamond solid 18K Gold ØUS 5 / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Ring with band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with shoulders and cross- haired bezel in Platinum/or White Gold featuring natural old European diamond cut Diamond Ø 2.75 mm x 2 mm deep / ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring A platinum ruby and diamond ring set with an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 2.63 carats Approximate Weights: Old Mine Cut Diamond: 2.63...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring 0.55 Diamonds solid 14K Gold 4.25US/ 2gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds ,band in solid 14K Yellow Gold (tested) .Crown with top custers in Silver or White Gold set with 11 old diamond cut Diamonds. No hallmarks. Larger st...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 1ctw Diamonds solid Silver Ø US5.5 /2.5 gr
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, Silver
1954 Nordic Ring natural 0.9ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7/ 3.8gr
Located in SE
72 Years old Classic Cluster Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum decorated with three natural Light / Medium Blue Sapphires and Diamonds of old European Diamond cut..
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1968 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US6.75/ 2.9gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K White Gold featuring natural princess cut Emerald 2.75 mm x 2.15 mm / ca. 0.11 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with eight...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1967 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US6 / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K White Gold featuring natural emerald cut Emerald 5mm x 4.25mm x 2.3mm deep / ca. 0.42 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented wit...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Diamond Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
True to its era this Art Deco diamond ring is crafted in platinum and features a domed setting with a geometric saw pierced, mille-grained and bezel settings set with a beautiful old...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Nouveau 2.25 Ct Solid Australian Opal Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
1895 The New Art was born in Paris Art Nouveau jewellery was a short-lived period of design that focused on women and nature and was worn by only select members of society It only la...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Antique Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS8/ 2.5gr
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, Sapphire, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring 2CT Sapphire 2.00CTW Diamonds Silver & 14K
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
This item is offered on consignment on behalf of a client; all serious and reasonable offers are presented for consideration, and we work diligently to achieve a mutually agreeable o...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Danish Ring 1ctw. Diamonds 14K Green/White Gold ØUS8
Located in SE
Danish ring made ca. 1920 - 1930s. Solid/tested 14K Green Gold band + 14K White Gold face with ornamental open work set with 15 diamonds. Under x 10 magnification some diamonds sho...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Italian Halo Ring Sapphire Diamonds 12K Ø 7.75US / 4.2gr
Located in SE
Italian Halo Ring with natural Blue - Green Sapphire and 12 rose-cut Diamonds. Hand-made between the 1920s - 1930. sItalian hallmarks : 486,500, NA ( Naple s) band's metal tested 12...
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Silver
Antique Alliance Ring natural 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø8.25US
Located in SE
Fine Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Green Gold band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Old Mine Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1920
Located in London, GB
Old mine diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond, F colour, VS1 clarity, with a weight of 2.01 carats, in an open back claw setting, encircl...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring 0.65ct Sapphire 0.2 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø3.75 US/ 2gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Sapphire and Diamonds Ring,hand - made ca. 1920s - 1930s. Band and part of openwork crown in solid 18 ct Yellow Gold with face and clusters in Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø US7.5 / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Old cluster ring ,fine example of early XX century design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$620Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring .28ct 18k White Gold Antique Original, 1920s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920's Vintage Art Deco .28ct Diamond 18K White Gold Engagement Ring Made to Look Like a 1 Carat Solitaire Ring for Way Less 100% Natural Mined Dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1916 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US7/ 2.2gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring featuring natural princess cut Emerald 3.5mm x 3.5mm x 3mm mm ca. 0.4 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with eight old diamond cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Halo Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US6.75/ 3.7gr
Located in SE
Vintage 1950's Halo Ring featuring natural oval diamond cut Emerald 7 mm x 4.5 mm x 2.75 mm ca. 0.85 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with ten equa...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Halo Ring 0.7ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Rose Gold Ø8US/ 2.85gr
Located in SE
Color Blue of medium intensity, demonstrates internal structure typical for natural stones. All Diamonds of old mine cut : 8 stones circa Ø 2.75 mm x 2mm deep / 0, 12 ct each + 2 on...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose 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.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 1 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6 / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old European Diamond cluster Ring with carved shoulders in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with Silver clusters on top of the crown holding nine rose-cut Diamonds that seem to have a reddish ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
1958 Halo Ring natural 0.7ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø9.5US/3.7gr
Located in SE
Renaissance styled Halo Sapphire and Diamonds Ring with carved ornaments on the shoulders. Composite Gold + Silver crown with bezel set oval cut natural medium Blue Sapphire 6.25 mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Art Deco Sugarloaf Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This principal stone sits proud whilst being surrounded by a halo of bright white round faceted old mine cut diamonds, enhancing the central gem's allure.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1917 Sigrid's Ring Diamonds Sapphire 18K Gold Ø US7.5 / 2.47gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with the top of the crown in White Gold decorated with a row of natural Diamonds and Blue Sapphire. Swedish hallmarks, 18K( Yellow Gold), maker's, Sto...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold US 9.25/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Old ring with ornamental open work crown, band tested solid 14K Rose Gold . No hallmarks, ca. late 19th - early 20th cent. Crown with stones is 18 mm x 8 mm at axes x 4.5 mm deep....
Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1989 Halo Ring natural 0.75ct Sapphire 0.24ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS6 / 2.4gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, maker initials. Year combination P10 / made in 1989. Floret / crown...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring Sapphires Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.5 / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
This ring has a beautiful arrangement of natural Sapphires and Diamonds set on an openwork navette or boat-shaped crown with Platinum clusters melted into a solid 18K Yellow Gold bas...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.3ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Ø US6.5 / 1.5gr
Located in SE
Old German Ring, the band in solid 14K Rose Gold (tested) with crown in White Gold holding bezel set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4 mm x 1.6 mm deep / ca 0.3 ct, color ca. F,G /...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose White Gold Ø US7.75 / 2.04gr
Located in SE
European Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s with crown in White Gold on 14K Rose Gold band. Nine Diamonds : largest is bezel set old European oval cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm x 3 mm x 2.66 mm deep...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1939 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum Ø 3US / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid Platinum with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, "P" for platinum , crowned head (Stockholm), Maker's marks . Year combination (...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1977 Halo Ring solid 18K Gold 2.45ct Sapphire 0.7ct Diamonds Ø6.5US/5.6g
Located in SE
British Cluster Halo Ring set with oval cut natural untreated Sapphire surrounded with 12 old European cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 6.25US / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring featuring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with top in Platinum decorated with natural Blue Sapphires and Diamonds . Likely British, hand -made ca. early 1920s -1930s. Hallmar...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 1.75ctw Emeralds 0.44ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø
Located in SE
Beautiful cluster Ring in solid 18K Gold featuring three natural Green Emeralds and 4 old European cut Diamonds set in Platinum claws.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Alliance Ring 1.3 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø5.25US/2.9gr
Located in SE
Fine old German Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds mounted in Platinum clusters on solid 18K Yellow Gold band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art - Deco Ring 1.2ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS 7.25 /3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Sapphire + Diamonds + Platinum Ring from 1900s -1920s. All metal parts of this ring are made of solid Platinum. Crown measures 19 mm x 8 mm x 4 mm. Beautifully oval cut n...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring 0.45ct Diamond Sapphires 18K Gold Silver ØUS6.75 /2.9 gr
Located in SE
Very unusual Halo thing, with Sapphires accenting Diamond in the center of the flower.This design is opposite to conventional or stereotypical construction type where Sapphire is in ...
Diamond, Sapphire
Antique Ring Diamonds Blue Enamel solid 18k Gold Ø 6US /5.2gr
Located in SE
Great looking ring with an attached floret of seven old diamond cut Diamonds pave set in white Gold clusters and surrounded by 12 Blue Enamel panels smoothly conforming down the shou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
1930 Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS8.25 /5.3gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance - styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and eight rose - cut Diamonds s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
1949 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6 / 2.9 gr
Located in SE
Ring with band in solid 18K orange Gold and crown clusters in Silver decorated with mix of four natural old European and rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1931 Nordic Ring 0.5ct. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US8.5 / 2.76gr
Located in SE
The design of this old Diamond Ring is quite unusual - the central silver cluster/ setting is kind of loose and it can rotate /move itself to any side / angle around.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1984 Ring natural 1.6ct Sapphire 0.33ct Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US6.25 / 4.2gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold featuring natural light Cornflower Blue Sapphire of oval cut 7.25mm x 5.75mm x 3.8mm deep / ca. 1.6 ct .that demonstrates color zoning...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a marvellous emerald and diamond cluster ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald 0.3ct Diamond solid 18K ØUS7.75/2.4gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, hallmarked 18K . Metal is solid 18K White Gold. Openwork crown 15.5mm x 8.7mm x 4.5mm deep with natural princess cut Emerald 3.2...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique Nordic Ring natural 5ctw Sapphire 0.6ct Diamond 18K Gold ØUS8.25 /4.53gr
Located in SE
Antique cluster/cocktail Ring, Swedish hand-made with fifteen clusters in White gold boasting natural Ceylon Sapphires and a natural Diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.72ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold US 5.75 / 2.55 gr
Located in SE
Old German ring with ornamental open work crown decorated with beautiful arrangement of 19 natural Diamonds. Hallmarked 585 and worn hallmarks of German maker, hand - made ca. earl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural 0.85ct Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø6.5US/4.3g
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance - styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Blue Sapphire stone and eight rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1904 Toi et Moi Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K GoldØ3.25/2.3gr
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period Swedish Toi et Moi Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted frame with claw set two old oval cut natural Ceylon Sapphires of Cornflower /Light Blue color 3 mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1951 Ring natural 1.75ct Yellow Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS7.25 / 4.25gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Yellow Sapphire and 12 Diamonds in White Gold settings. A bit fragmented Swedish hallmarks, 18K, crowned head (Stockholm). ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1957 Nordic Ring natural 0.6ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8/ 3.65gr
Located in SE
67 Years old Classic Cluster Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum decorated with three natural Light / Medium Blue Sapphires and Diamonds of old European Diamond cut..
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Colour Change Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This antique Edwardian ring features the most beautiful colour change sapphire which has been surrounded by diamonds. The handmade platinum and 18 karat yellow gold ring centres on a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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 cluster rings are timeless accessories. While they might have been considered more popular in certain eras than in others, they’re versatile and belong in any jewelry box.
Featuring a diamond or other central gemstone surrounded by smaller stones, the cluster rings’ distinguished look makes them a popular choice for engagement rings or, for a fancy night out, an accent piece for jewelry lovers everywhere.
The style of cluster rings has changed over time even if the defining attributes have remained intact.
Georgian-era jewelry — named for the monarchies of the four King Georges — features cluster rings that are often characterized by a grouping of central stones into rose-like shapes. (The stones are set off by the setting’s blackened metal.) Diamonds came into fashion during the late Victorian period, and late Victorian cluster rings were most often set in yellow gold. Jewelers of the Art Deco period embraced geometric shapes, and Art Deco cluster rings feature emeralds, sapphires and other colorful stones.
Cluster rings for future brides have been in and out of the spotlight, but cluster-style engagement rings have been experiencing a consistent revival of sorts since at least 2011, when Kate Middleton began wearing Princess Diana’s sapphire and diamond ring, which was made by Garrard in the 1980s. For your special day, whether you prefer vintage engagement rings or contemporary pieces, a cluster ring can deliver some sparkle if a diamond solitaire is out of your budget. (See our engagement ring buying guide for insight and expert tips to help you find the perfect ring.)
On 1stDibs, find many ruby cluster rings, gold cluster rings and an extraordinary range of other antique and vintage rings today.
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.