Antique 3.20 Carat White Opal 0.25 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.20 carat white opal, 0.25 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set ring; part of our diverse opal jewelry collection.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
$1,504Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Opal Split Shank Engagement Ring with Pave Setting 18K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Every piece of opal is unique in its own ways and patterns. We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ---------------------------------...
Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$1,949Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black Opal and Diamonds Ring in 14k Gold. Gold Ring with Opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal and diamonds ring in 14k gold. Genuine opal ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold
$797Sale Price / item|55% Off
Opal Engagement Ring, Oval Opal Ring, 14k Gold Ring with Opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal engagement ring.Oval Opal ring. 14k gold ring with Opal.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
Cabochon Opal Ring. 14k Gold Ring with Opal. Minimalist Opal Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Cabochon opal ring. 14k gold ring with Opal. Minimalist opal ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$5,000Sale Price|20% Off
18kt white Gold Ring with Opal & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Metal: 18K White Gold Stones: Natural Opal & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 6 1/2 (sizable) Ring Width: 1.10 inches (27.9 mm) Total weight: 10.30 grams / 6.6 dwt St...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$797Sale Price / item|55% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Cut: Oval cabochon Weight:...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$3,960Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18k Gold Ring with Black Opal & Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This gorgeous contemporary ring showcases the mesmerizing beauty of natural black opal, meticulously crafted in rich 18kt yellow gold and featuring a captivating 6.05-carat cabochon ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Orange Fire Opal with Pave Diamonds Ring
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Striking orange color, in a uniquely cut organically shaped Fire Opal, embellished with pave diamonds. This opal is exceptionally clear with depth of color, and is enhanc...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Platinum Oval Fire Opal 1.57ct Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Platinum Oval Fire Opal 1.57ct Cocktail Ring with Diamonds Material: Platinum Gemstone details: Approx. 1.57ctw oval cut fire Opal gemstone Diamond details: Approx. 0.81ctw of roun...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Ottilie Platinum Ring with 4.63ct Fire Opal and 0.52ct Diamonds, Elegant Opal
Located in Greeneville, TN
This stunning platinum ring features a mesmerizing 4.63-carat fire opal accented by 0.52 carats of natural diamonds, creating a bold and elegant statement piece.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Aurelie Opal Diamond Ring, 14K White Gold with 1.05ct Opal & Diamonds - Size 6.5
Located in Greeneville, TN
The Aurelie Ring is a graceful blend of elegance and mystique, featuring a luminous 1.05ct opal set in 14K white gold, accented with sparkling natural diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Opals
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural rubies, diamonds and opals. October birthstone ring.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT900 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Black Opal Diamond Ring. PT850 Platinum Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal, Ruby and Diamonds, Turtle Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal, ruby and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Weight: 1.10 ct appr...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 9.75 cts approx Diamonds 0.45 ct approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing i...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 7 cts approx Diamonds 1.25 cts approx Ring size US 7, can be sized One of a kind About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Drawing ins...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Opal Ring with 0.98ct Diamond Halo
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 18-carat YELLOW gold and features an OPAL gemstone set within a halo of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 3.15 carats approx. Diamonds 0.50 carat approx.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,900Sale Price|20% Off
Opal with Diamond Halo Ring 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Opal with diamond halo ring. Center white opal complimented by round brilliant diamonds, approximately G/H color and SI clarity. 18k white gold with filigree work, current ring size ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Opal with Diamond Ring set in Platinum 900 Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Opal 2.72 carats with Diamond 0.97 carat Ring set in Platinum 900 Setting Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 7.74 grams "We first opened doors in 1980...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
"Artisan Platinum Cocktail Ring with 3.67ct Opal and Diamonds"
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ring size 6 Crystal opal, 11.10 x 9.30 x 6.36mm, 3.67 carats 8 diamond baguettes, 1.00 carats total
Diamond, Opal, Multi-gemstone, Platinum
Opal with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Opal 1.68 carats with Diamond 0.29 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 5.03 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
Meghna Jewels 14K Gold Fire Opal Ring, 12.13ct with Diamonds
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 14 karat gold. This beautiful ring is hand set in 12.13 carats fire opal and .36 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Fire Opal, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Elephant Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold Elephant ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds. This mesmerizing ring features two intricately sculpted elephants that come together to hold the glimmering c...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Black Opal Diamond Ring. 18k Yelow Gold Opal Diamond Halo Ballerina Ring Band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Stunning Australian Black Opal Oval Cabochon Halo design ring with Diamond accents.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Syna Ethiopian Opal Yellow Gold Ring with Champagne Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Ethiopian Opal 6 cts approx Champagne diamonds 0.40 cts approx Ring size US 6.5, can be sized One of a kind
Brown Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold
18k Gold Ring with Pink & Green Sapphire, Opal, Diamond
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a pink & green sapphire, opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Jelly Opal, Fire Opal, and Diamonds by Paula Crevoshay
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
Indulge in the ethereal beauty of this exquisite 18K yellow gold ring by Paula Crevoshay, featuring a mesmerizing 6.88-carat jelly opal, 2.32 carats of fire opals, and 1.21 carats of...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
RUCHI Fire Opal with Diamond Rose Gold Prong Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Featuring an 8.86-carat tumble-finish fire opal with a trim of diamonds, this 18k round prong rose gold cocktail ring makes the perfect statement piece.
Opal, Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Italian Yellow Gold Ring with Opal and Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The warm glow of yellow gold perfectly complements the opal’s soft, shifting hues and the subtle brilliance of the diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
23.55Ct. Opal and Sapphire Ring with Brown Diamond Frog
By Cellini
Located in New York, NY
This playful and expertly crafted Ethiopian opal ring is accented with cabochon sapphires, tsavorites, diamonds, emeralds.
Brown Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Emerald, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, White Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Opal, Diamonds and Peridots
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural opal, diamonds and peridots. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural opal Cut: Oval caboc...
Diamond, Opal, Peridot, 14k Gold
18k Gold Ring with Pink Sapphire, Opal, and Diamond Gemstones
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 18-carat gold and features a pink sapphire, opal and a diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Opal, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
Snake 14k Gold Ring with Opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Opal vintage ring. 14k yellow gold ring with blue Opal, rose sapphires and diamonds.
Sapphire, Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring with 2.96ct Black Opal and 14 Diamonds, New
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning black opal and diamond cocktail ring features a gorgeous 2.96 carat black opal with vibrant play-of-color surrounded by a halo of white diamonds!
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Priyashi Nahata Opal 0.21ct. Fancy Ring with Diamond in Platinum.
By Priyashi Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Opal Fancy Ring with Diamond in Platinum. Opal: 0.12 carat, 1X1mm size, round shape.
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals and Diamonds. (Size 9.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
14K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opals and Diamonds. (Size 9.75) New Gender: Ladies.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds. (Size 11.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Australian Opal and Diamonds. (Size 11.75) New Gender: Ladies.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
By Amy Glaswand
Located in New York, NY
This center stone is a slice of multi-hued Boulder Opal surrounded by diamond geometric accents of diamonds Materials: 18 karat gold, diamonds (0.30ct), boulder opal Measuring 20mm ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$1,980Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Gold Signet Ring with Diamonds and Boulder Opal
Located in New York, NY
This center stone is a slice of multi-hued Boulder Opal surrounded by diamond geometric accents of diamonds Materials: 18 karat gold, diamonds (0.30ct), boulder opal Measuring 20mm ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Funny Crab Gold Ring with Opal, Sapphires and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold Funny crab ring with natural opal, sapphires and diamonds. Opal open ended ring.
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Fire Opal with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 2.92 carats with Diamond 0.62 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 8.45 grams "We first opened doors in 198...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
Opal and diamonds 14k gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal and diamonds. October birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Main stone: Natural opal Shape: Oval cabochon Weight: approx ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Fine 8.55ct Australian Opal with 1.88 Carat Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Perfect for occasions like engagements, weddings, anniversaries, or birthdays, this cocktail-style ring exudes elegance and style. The multicolor opal and white diamonds add a touch ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon: Crescent Moon Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Crescent Moon Ring Opal. Half moon opal ring. 14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Fire Opal with Diamond Ring set in 18K White Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Fire Opal 2.99 carats with Diamond 0.48 carat Ring set in 18K White Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 8.17 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ornamental Design Long Ring With Sapphire, Opal & Pave Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
18kt Gold:1.84gms, Diamond:1.35cts, Silver:9.64gms, Blue Sapphire:1.72CT, Opal Doublet:3.10C
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
18 kt. Yellow Gold Ring & Necklace With Opals and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 18 kt. Yellow Gold Ring and Necklace With Opals and Diamonds RING: Diamonds: 8 brilliant cut diamonds together approx. 0.49 ct.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Australian Black Opal with Diamond Halo Statement Ring Blue Green V1213
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Platinum Australian Black Opal with Diamond Halo Statement Ring Blue Green Bright Flash Big Solid Opal V1213 ♥ The item measures 26.4mm in length (North South direction), 20.3mm i...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Mid-Century Platinum Ring with 5.75ct White Opal and 1.25ct Diamonds
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Perfect for those who appreciate the dynamic beauty of opals paired with the brilliance of diamonds, this ring is a dazzling addition to any fine jewelry collection, capturing a sens...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring with 30.00 CTW in Opal & Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Natural Opals & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 6 1/2 (sizable) Ring Width: 1.35 inches (34.3 mm) Total weight: 11.0 grams / 7.1 dwt Stamp...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$574Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Solitaire opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Opal saturn ring. Opal cosmic ring. Metal stamp: 1...
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Lucea New York Australian Opal Ring with Black Diamonds Accent
By Lucea New York
Located in New York, NY
Life in Color Collection Sky blue color Australian Opal ring with black Diamonds set in black rhodium Sterling Silver US size 7.5.
Black Diamond, Opal, Rhodium, Silver, Sterling Silver
$974Sale Price / item|44% Off
Vintage style 14k gold ring with opal
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k solid gold ring with opal and diamonds.Opal cabochon ring. October birthstone ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
$574Sale Price / item|50% Off
14k gold ring with opal cabochon
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with opal cabochon. Multicolor opal ring. Pearl and opal ring. October birthstone ring. Ethiopian opal ring. Metal stamp: 14k Gold Weight: 2.5 g depends from s...
Opal, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
2.54ct Solid Australian Opal with Diamond Halo Ring Platinum 6g+ V1160
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.54ct Solid Australian Opal with Diamond Halo Ring Platinum 6g+ V1160 ♥ The item measures 18.4mm in length (North South direction), 13.9mm in width (East West direction), and stan...
Diamond, Opal, 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 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.