GIA Certified 18K Gold Bezel Solitaire Ring 4.70-carat Burma sapphire No Heat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Introducing an extraordinary piece of fine jewelry: the GIA Certified 18K Yellow Gold Bezel Set Solitaire Ring, showcasing a meticulously carved 4.70-carat Burma sapphire. This gemst...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Band with Natural Diamond Accents in Solid 14K Gold Six Pear Shape Ruby
Located in Columbus, OH
Celebrate love with a twist—this exquisite band features six glowing pear-shaped rubies, each bezel-set to showcase their regal shape and brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Kai Gloria 1.50ctw Pear AAA-grade Natural Aquamarine Ring in 14K Solid Gold
Located in Newport Beach, CA
The Kai Gloria 1.50ctw Pear Aquamarine Ring is a contemporary celebration of simplicity and elegance.
Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold, Fancy Orange-Yellow Diamond, and Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
An 18 karat yellow gold and diamond ring centering a fancy orange-yellow diamond of pear shape, bezel set within a mounting that is pave set with near colorless round brilliant diamo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Featuring A Bezel Set Pear Shaped Sapphire Weighing Approximately 0.50 Carats Accented By 18 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds of VS Clarity and H Color Totaling...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Unity Diamond Ring Set
By bo•be jewellery
Located in COTTESLOE, AU
Embrace the beauty of unity with the 18 Karat Gold Unity Diamond Set of Rings. - Set in 18 karat white gold with a gleaming yellow gold bezel - Each ring showcases a pear-shaped ...
18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Emerald Cabochon Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
The emerald is bezel-set and framed by a halo of round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.32 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 1.27 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
This elegant Peter Suchy Workshop engagement ring features a GIA certified 1.27 carat bezel set pear shaped diamond, beautifully set in luxurious platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Green Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
An Antique Style Emerald and Diamond Gold Ring Inspire in the early 1900's The 18K yellow gold ring is bezel-set with a pear-shaped 0.85 carat natural Colombian emerald medium green ...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold
16.65tcw 18K Natural Amethyst & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Indulge in the best quality there is with this stunning, high quality amethyst and diamond 18K two-toned ring. A effervescent purple color is evenly distributed in this AAA+ quality ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.34 Carat Diamond Platinum Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Simply gorgeous one of a kind wide cocktail ring with a pear shaped Diamond center. The center stone is a bezel set GIA certified 1.34ct. diamond.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.43ct Diamond and Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The vintage solitaire engagement ring is ornamented with a stunning feature bezel set 0.95Ct pea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1930s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Unisex Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ruby is flanked on either side by bezel set Old European round cut diamonds. The ring shoulders integrate with the main setting and blend seamlessly with the plain ring shank.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern Gold 4.75 Carat Natural Royal Blue Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18K White Gold Diamond & Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring – Approximate 4.75 CTW A striking retro cocktail ring crafted in 18K white gold, featuring an elegant arrangement of f...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Aquamarine An Diamond Filigree "V" Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k yellow gold ring. This stylized filigree "v" style ring is bezel set at the point with a pear shaped faceted, pale blue color aquamarine, approximately 1.03 CTS, and decorated wi...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Fancy Coloured Diamond Dress Ring
By bo·be jewellery
Located in COTTESLOE, AU
Embrace the beauty of nature with the Bloom Diamond Ring. Crafted in lustrous white gold, this ring showcases: • 2 pear brilliant cut fancy brown-yellow diamonds • 1 oval brilliant ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18KT Florentine Engraved Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Ring
Located in Lynchburg, VA
This luxurious cigar band features one gorgeous Brazilian Paraiba Tourmaline weighing .59 carats. Paraiba Tourmalines bear the element copper, turning them a rich, littoral shade of ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Favero Rose Quartz and Diamond Gold Offset Cocktail Ring
By Favero
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Favor Rose Quartz & Diamond Cocktail Ring crafted from 18K white gold, featuring a teardrop shape rose quartz cabochon set within a bezel of diamonds. Marked 18K a Favero's logo M...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring. 2.20ct Emerald Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite emerald and diamond halo ring showcases a stunning approx. 2.20-carat Emerald Cut Emerald at its center, elegantly bezel-set in luxurious 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Sheet: Finger Size: FR 55 / US 7 (resizable upon request) Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰), French assay marks Center Gems: 1 round pink sapphire (≈ 0.20 ct) Surround: 9 p...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow & White Gold 0.37ctw Sapphire w/ Diamond Wavy Freeform Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Burnish Set - G/H Color - SI1/SI2 Clarity - 0.12ctw (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Pear Cut - Bezel Set - Da...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Brazilian Alexandrite Untreated 0.90 Carat And Diamond Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
The center stone is paired with additional floating round-cut bezel-set diamonds totaling 0.15 carats, and crafted from 18k yellow gold.
Alexandrite, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Leaf Motif with Fancy Coloured Diamond Ring
Located in COTTESLOE, AU
Set in 18 Karat White Gold, this captivating ring takes a classic style and elevates it with a nature-inspired twist. The delicate leaf motif adds a touch of organic charm, while the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Green Tourmaline Teardrop Ring in 14 Karat Rose Gold with Diamond Ring Guard
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Tourmaline-adorned teardrop ring with bezel set diamonds. 14k rose gold fully hallmarked. Set of Two rings SI-VS Diamond Two 1.75mm Diamond Two 1.5mm Diamond Approx 1.4mm band width ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Pear Shape Diamond Bezel Set 14-Karat Pendant Necklace In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Rose Gold Natural Pear Shape Diamond Bezel Set Pendant Necklace Material: 14k Rose Gold Diamond Details: The center stone is a natural, pear shaped diamond weighing approximate...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Rachel Koen Emerald 1.30cttw & Diamond 1.80cttw Band Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Absolutely gorgeous ladies green emerald and diamond band ring. The ring features one spectacular pear cut green emerald weighing 1.30 cttw as a center stone with bezel setting.
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,150Sale Price|58% Off
14k White Gold and Diamond Four Leaf Clover Ring, App. 1.33 TCW
Located in Fairfield, CT
14k white gold ring. This spectacular ring is a four leaf clover motif, set with pear brilliant cut diamond "leaves", approximately 1.18 TCW, Si clarity, J to K color, prong set arou...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Platinum Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A regal 1.98 carat pear shape ruby is bezel set in the center of this elegant ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 5.49 Carat Red Tourmaline Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The bold centerpiece is beautifully complemented by 0.22 carats of natural round brilliant diamonds, bezel-set in symmetrical clusters on each side, enhancing the ring's balanced des...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.71 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring, 18k Gold, GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
The center diamond is set in a delicate bezel setting giving it a unique and contemporary look.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
0.71 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring, 18K Gold, GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
The center diamond is set in a delicate bezel setting giving it a unique and contemporary look.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
0.71 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring, 18K Gold, GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
The center diamond is set in a delicate bezel setting giving it a unique and contemporary look.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1980s 8.82 Carat Emerald and 1.58 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated, multi-stranded setting displays a feature bezel set 8.82 Ct pear cut emerald. The emerald is framed by a total of twenty-three individually claw set baguette ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 4.37 Carat Pink Tourmaline Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Accentuating the center stone, 0.22 carats of round brilliant diamonds are bezel-set in graceful clusters on either side, adding a touch of sparkle and balance to the piece.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond and White Gold Domed Cocktail Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Exquisite domed diamond cocktail ring. In the center of a graceful motif, a round brilliant cut and two pear shaped diamonds are bezel set while the rest of the ring is generously p...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Vintage Fred Paris Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Engagement Ring
By Fred Paris
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the Toi et Moi style this gently curving solid bombé style ring is bezel set in 18 karat yellow gold with a pear brilliant cut diamond opposite a mirrored emerald of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Rebecca Ring with Brown Diamond from K.Mita
By Keiko Mita
Located in Washington, DC
K. Mita’s one of a kind Rebecca Ring is a sculptural exploration of contrast, texture, and meticulous craftsmanship. Hand fabricated in 18K yellow gold, the ring centers a warm, 0.46...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Natural Emerald Cocktail Women Ring with Diamonds in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Designed with pear cut emerald each set with halo of diamond in center making a statement ring that makes it a perfect fit to wear it on your wedding or style it with any of your bas...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Modern May Birthstone Emerald Diamond Open Ring in 14k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Designed with a pear cut emerald set on one side and diamond set on other side making a open ring that makes it a perfect fit to wear it on your occasion or style it with any of your...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.20ct Diamond Ring MF10-011526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The 18K yellow gold band holds a 0.85 carat bezel-set pear-shaped diamond at its center, acting as the focal point.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K .57ct Rose Cut Champagne Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold ring featuring a bezel set rose cut pear shape diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,296Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Solid White Gold Emerald Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring Gift for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Designed with pear cut emerald set in center and diamond set beside of the emerald making a three stone engagement ring that makes it a perfect fit to wear it on your occasion or sty...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Rose Gold .39ct Champagne Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K rose gold ring featuring a bezel set rose cut pear shape diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Glamarous Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring for Mens in 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Blue Sapphire Gemstone Weight - 2.1 cts Gemstone pcs - 1 Gemstone Shape - Pear Gemstone size - 8 x 7 mm Diamond Weight...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine Blue Sapphire and Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Blue Sapphire Gemstone Weight - 1.4 ct Gemstone pcs - 1 Gemstone shape - Pear Gemstone size - 7 x 7 mm Diamond Weight ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy GIA Certified 2.91 Carat Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
A timeless masterpiece that captures the elegance of this 2.91ct pear shaped pink sapphire. Bezel set and mounted mounted in a setting created out of 18k white gold which is accented...
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K White Gold Shield Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
The center bezel-set diamond is .20 carat. The face of the ring is encrusted with white and fiery diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. 18k Gold & Platinum Accent Diamond Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The band features a full circle of round diamonds set in smooth platinum bezels, evenly spaced around the exterior of the ring, with pear-shaped openings on the interior to let light...
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Natural Blue Sapphire Diamond Women Ring for Wedding in Solid 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Sapphire Gemstone Shape - Pear Gemstone Size - 7 x 5.5 mm Gemstone Pc - 1 Gemstone Weight - 1.55 cts Diamond weight - ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.13 Carat Diamond Sapphire Gold Scalloped Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond and sapphire 18k gold engagement ring. Oval cut diamond center stone bezel set and accented by pear shape blue sapphires on each side with extra fine quality round brilliant ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.90 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The ring band is equally majestic with oval cut flat pear shape polki diamond solitaire set in bezel setting with the element of outer layer forming another triangle adding depth to ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$2,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural Red Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring Gift for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 18K Solid White Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 0.94 ct Gemstone pcs - 2 Gemstone shape - Pear Gemstone size - 6.5 x 3.5 mm Diamond weight - 0...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Gold, Sapphire, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage gold, sapphire, and diamond ring In 14 karat yellow gold. With a central bezel-set 1.50ct± oval mixed cut natural sapphire surrounded by 2 pear cut diamonds and 12 r...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
3.59 Carats Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A striking deso design platinum ring showcasing an impressive approximately 2.89 carat pear-shaped rose cut diamond in a refined bezel setting.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$8,736Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold GIA Certified Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
With a color grade (Green) and GIA Certificate number 2125281020. Also includes 2 pear shape, prong set diamonds, and 48 round cut, bezel set diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Art Deco Style Natural Ruby Cab Black Onyx Ring Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant ring composed of a big Natural Ruby cabochon measuring 19x28mm surmounted by a brilliant cut Diamond in a Black Onyx ring and set in a 14k white gold bezel...Th...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
3.15 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Vintage-Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The uneven triangle cut flat polki diamond solitaire set in bezel setting surrounds the bigger center uneven pear shape polki solitaire of the same setting forming the round shape o...
Diamond, Silver, 14k 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.