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. Each Ruby measures 2.75 mm x 2.5 mm / 0.065ct each / total 0.065 x 6 =...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Platinum ØUS 5.5 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, not hallmarked. Metal of crown tested solid 18K White Gold, band in Platinum. Openwork crown 15mm x 7.5mm x 4mm deep decorated w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 0.6ct Sapphire 0.75ctw Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold US6 / 5.5gr
Located in SE
A Ring decorated with three rows of natural Diamonds and oval cut Sapphire in the middle. Worn hallmarks 18K on the band, European hand -made ca 1920s -1930s. Band is 9.7mm at wid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique European Ring 2ctw Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø5.5 US/ 6.7gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring decorated with 24 old diamond cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, metal tested solid 18K Gold. Hand - engraved decor on the shoulders, part of the band is planished /hammered ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique German Ring 0.4 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold Platinum US 7.75 / 2.4 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old German Ring hand-made ica.1920s -1930s. Hallmarked 585 . The openwork dome shaped crown is composite / with top part in Platinum on solid 14K Yellow Gold band. Crown ...
Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold
Early 20th Century Double Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning platinum ring from the Art Deco era, is centered with two sparkling old mine cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 2.50ct. Accentuating the center stones are...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4.5 /5.35gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct greenish Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
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
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. All stones have open backs. Note that this design was mad...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
British Alliance Ring 0.45 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.75 / 3.5gr
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, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring 0.8 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS 6 / 4.55gr
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, 18k Gold, Silver
1930 Ring natural 1.5 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Renaissance styled Swedish ring in solid 18K with two Silver clusters holding two natural rose cut Diamonds ca.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø5.5US/4.3 gr
Located in SE
European Halo Ring with 18K White Gold on Yellow Gold crown featuring natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds of various old cuts. Swedish hallmarks ,18K , maker's hallmarks . Date com...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1929 Nordic Ring natural 0.8ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS7.25 / 2.95 g
Located in SE
Crown with clusters in Silver holding 9 natural old diamond cut Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Mosaic Ring Diamonds Ruby solid 14K Gold Silver US6.75/ 5gr
Located in SE
Antique early 1900's fanciest European cluster Ring featuring Silver on solid 14K Rose Gold with Diamonds and Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Spinel, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Art Deco diamond and emerald ring, French, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond and emerald ring. Set to center with one square French cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.55 carats, flanked by two natural ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Alliance Ring Sapphire natural Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold frame holding Blue Sapphires and Diamonds set in Platinum or White gold clusters.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique German Ring Diamonds Sapphires solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 1.1gr
Located in SE
A German Ring, ca. 1920s- 1930s. Band in solid 14ct Yellow Gold with 4 claw set diamond cut Diamonds mixed with 4 diamond cut natural Blue Sapphires. Hallmarked 585. *Crown with...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.65ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Silver Ø US6.5 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
Old German Ring, the band in solid 14K Yellow Gold (tested) with shoulders and top of the crown in Silver holding bezel set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 5 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca ...
Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold
1917 Halo Ring Natural 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 2.4gr
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, 18k Gold
Art Deco Diamond and Emerald Platinum Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning pear shaped ring holds a diamond total of 90pts and the emerald at the centre measures 15pts. The diamonds are old mine cut and are bright and very sparkly. Modelled in...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1918 Antique Halo Ring solid 18KGold 0.9ct Sapphire 0.8ct Diamonds Ø 6US/ 2.4gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural and untreated Blue Sapphire and 16 old European cut Diamonds in White Gold or Silver settings. Natural Sapphire of old European diamo...
Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Danish Halo Ring 1 ct Sapphire 1.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.25/7gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Halo Ring, band, and crown in solid 18K Gold featuring natural Blue Sapphire and 10 old European cut Diamonds. This ring originates from DK, hand-made ca. 1920s -1930s...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Trinity Halo Ring 1.4 ctw natural Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.5US/4.7g
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, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 1.25 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold Silver ØUS6.5/ 2.4gr
Located in SE
Old Ring. Gold, Silver and Diamonds of different hand- cut. Silver on Gold openwork crown with 21 diamond stones. Band tested solid 14K Yellow Gold . Largest stone is an old diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.75 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Old Swedish Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1907 -1917. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the crown in White Gold or Silver with two larger bezel set natural old European cut Diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Ring Two in One Halo Ruby Sapphire Diamonds 14K Gold /ØUS7.25 /3.9gr
Located in SE
I call it a Transformer Ring. Easy to twist bands to demonstrate the Red or Blue bordered with White at any moment. Vintage Gizmo, all metal parts are made of 14K Yellow and White ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Gold Edwardian Pink Topaz and Diamond Ring
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A graceful Edwardian ring with a central old mine Pink Topaz cushion, weighing circa 6 carats, and flanked by small rosecut diamonds - the Pink Topaz has a very lovely hue.
Diamond, Topaz, Gold
1930 Halo Ring natural 0.45ct Sapphire ctw. 0.65ctw Diamonds 18K Gold/ØUS6/2.25g
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds in White Gold / or Platinum settings. Swedish hallmarks, maker is G.A. Dalberg ,Stockholm - a...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Halo Ring natural 0.7 ct Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø3.75US
Located in SE
Beautiful old German Halo Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s, with great stones and parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Crown in Platinum Ø 11mm x 5mm deep with claw set Natural Ru...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
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
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural Cornflower Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø4.75/1.8g
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. early 1900s in original German Retailer's leather, Wood and Silk Box. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the crown in Plat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 5.5 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, 18k Gold, Silver
1927 Ring 1ctw natural Diamond Sapphire solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.75/1.3gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Ring with band in solid 18 k Yellow Gold with top of the crown and parts of the shoulders in Platinum featuring two old European diamond cut Diamonds Ø 3.75 mm x 2....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
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. Not hallmarked, tested 18K. Crown with Silver /or White Gold top on solid 18K Yellow Gold measures Ø 14 mm x 6 mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring Halo Emerald Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver ØUS 8.25 / 3.6 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds halo Ring set in solid 14 ct Greenish Yellow Gold. Ca. early XX cent, likely German or Danish, it was in possession of a Danish /German family for lo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
1908 Nordic Halo Ring 0.5ct Sapphire 0.6ct Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS5 /4gr
Located in SE
Halo ring with Silver crown on 18K Rose Gold plain band with natural light Blue Sapphire accented with rose cut Diamonds. Made in Sweden band hallmarked 18K , maker's hallmarks. Dat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring Bague au Firmament Diamonds Enamel 18K Gold Ø6.75 US / 11.5 gr
Located in SE
Very likely French Ring, a variety of Bague au Firmamen late 18th. -early 19th. cent. From 1775, jewelry with blue enamel backgrounds became popular in Europe, especially in England...
Diamond, Enamel, Silver, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18k White Gold & Diamond Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
Diamonds: One natural early European cut, 5.6mm, I-K colour, VS2 clarity, estimated total weight 0.70ct Four natural old mine cut, 2.2mm, average material, estimated total weight 0....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1929 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6US/3.7gr
Located in SE
1929 Nordic Renaissance styled Halo Sapphire and Diamonds Ring .Composite Gold + Silver crown with bezel set oval cut natural untreated Blue Sapphire 5 mm x 4 mm x 2.35 mm deep / ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A Georgian Period cluster ring containing approximately 1.55 carats total weight old mine and rose cut diamonds and approximately 1.50 carats total weight emeralds set in 14K gold to...
1944 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.5 US / 1.6 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 11 Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, crowned G (Gothenburg), Maker's marks . Year combination ( a bit fragmented )...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Ring natural 1ct Yellow Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.75/2.35gr
Located in SE
Vintage Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold with natural Yellow Sapphire and 8 Diamonds. European, hand - made ca. 1960s -1970s , hallmarked 750, Swedish import hallmarks, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1941 Nordic Channel Ring natural 0.9 ctw Diamonds solid 23K Gold ØUS 7.25 /6gr
Located in SE
Chanel Diamond Ring in solid 23K Yellow Gold. The band is 3.5 mm wide. Platinum or White Gold bezel with five channel set old diamond natural Diamonds / total ca. 0.9 ct. ca.F,G ...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum
1938 Halo Ring natural 0.45 ct Sapphire ctw. 0.65ctw Diamonds 18K Gold/ØUS8/2.9g
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds in White Gold / or Platinum settings. Floret/ crown measures Ø 11 mm x 4.5 mm deep. Natural Sa...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold
1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring with twisted solid 18K Gold band and Clover leaf crown decorated with natural Diamonds and Rubies. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, maker GD&Co, city of Malmo. Year mark...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 9K Yellow Gold Silver Ø 9 US/ 7.2 gr
Located in SE
European hand -made 19th cent. ring with dome of the crown in Silver on 9K Rose Gold holding 24 rose cut Diamonds average Ø 2 mm / 0. 04ct each , total weight of the stones is ca.0.9...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Silver
Georgian Imperial Topaz Diamond distinctive 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
It is the most sought after natural topaz Considered to be the colour of the setting sun, imperial topaz gets its name from the Russian Tsars of the 17th century This awesome antique...
Diamond, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, Gold
1934 Nordic Ring 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6.25 / 4.55 gr.
Located in SE
Beautiful Diamond Flower Ring, Renaissance styled. Set of Swedish hallmarks, 18K, maker's and date code H8 / hand-made in 1934, city of Malmö. The carved band is solid 18ct Yellow G...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.2 ct. Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Silver Ø US5.75 / 1.3 gr.
Located in SE
European ring from early XX century period with band in solid 14K Yellow Gold with silver bezel holding a Diamond Ø 3.25 mm x 1.9 mm deep / ca.0.2 ct , color ca,G,H /VS , with open b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
0.76 Carat Natural Pearl and Diamond 14K Gold Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Behold a stunning ring at an equally enchanting price! This exquisite piece boasts a captivating old mine cut diamond as its centerpiece, encircled by nine lustrous pearls. Allow us ...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold
1920s Nordic Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US /2.2 gr
Located in SE
Old Nordic Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum settings. Hallmarked 18K, Swedish Ring. No year marks, made ca. ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Tribute to the Brilliance of an Edwardian Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
A truly brilliant cluster of white old mine diamonds sets this ring apart from the others of this style, Set in a marquise shape, the diamonds are a tribute to the glitter of the E...
Diamond, 14k Gold
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. Made in Imperial Russia ca. late XIX - earl...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond Emerald Cabochon Flower Ring 14K Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This gorgeous vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold (carefully tested and guaranteed). The center Emerald cabochon is 10mm (3.74 carats), eight more emeralds total ...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique fancy Ring solid 18K Rose Gold 25 Rubies Diamonds US 4.75 /3 gr
Located in SE
Old Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with plain band. 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...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
2.26 Carat Emerald 10.51 Carat Ruby Diamond Colorful Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A scintillating mix of 2.26 Colombian Emerald , 10.51 carat old mine ruby and 0.32 carats of white round brilliant diamond are set together in this eye catching ring. The details of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, White 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 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.