GIA Certified 5.28 Carat Corundum Sapphire and Antique Pear Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Metairie, LA
This one-of-a-kind handmade two stone bypass ring has been forged in solid platinum. It has been adorned with both a GIA certified Natural 1.84ct Antique Pear Brilliant-cut “F” colo...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,400
Flower & Pear-Shaped Diamond Bypass Ring
By Betteridge
Located in Greenwich, CT
Bypass ring, composed of a pear-shaped diamond on one end with a flower mortif featuring pear-shaped 'petals' and a round brilliant-cut diamond center, in 18k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$13,500
1.91 Carat Pear Shape Emerald and Diamond Bypass Platinum Ring GIA
Located in New York, NY
Custom Made estate Emerald and Diamond Bypass Ring. Pear Shape emerald weighs 1.08ct, beautiful color, nice material.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Unavailable|$11,280
18 Karat White Gold Pear-Shaped Blue Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in La Jolla, CA
18 karat white gold bypass ring with 2 pear shape blue sapphires weighing a carat total weight of 1.65 carats and 66 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 0.38 carat total weight.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Unavailable|$4,563 / item
pear-cut diamond stylized bypass snake ring in 18kt rose gold
Located in Valenza, IT
At the forefront of this captivating design is the snake's head, adorned with a stunning pear-cut white diamond. The brilliance of the diamond adds a touch of opulence to the overall...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$2,680
18 Karat White Gold Diamond Pear Rectangular Bypass Ring
Located in La Jolla, CA
This elegant ring is crafted of 18 karat white gold with two pear shaped and one rectangular motifs. It features diamonds totaling 0.43 carat total weight.
Diamond, White Gold
Platinum Bypass Ring with Cognac and White Pear Shape Diamonds and Baguettes
Located in Chicago, IL
Platinum bypass ring prong set with 1.31ct pear shape diamond, H color, I1 clarity and 1.36ct pear shape cognac diamond , SI2 clarity and 14 baguette diamonds weighing approximately...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$12,872 / item
Pear-cut pink tourmaline and aquamarine white diamonds bypass cocktail ring
Located in Valenza, IT
Our Pear-cut Two-Color Pink Tourmaline and and Blue Acquamarine Ring with Diamonds was designed and created to stand out in the most feminine way as possible. Made in Italy by a tra...
Aquamarine, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$25,000
Pear Shaped Emeralds and Diamond Bypass Ring in Platinum and 18 Karat Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Dramatic Platinum and 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring of Matching Pear Shaped Emeralds Surrounded by Diamonds. Emeralds 2.10 Carat and 2.13 Carat; 84 Round Brilliant Diamonds 0.25 Carat To...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$104,000
GIA Certified Fancy Pink and Yellow Pear Shape Diamond Bypass Platinum Rare Ring
Located in Whippany, NJ
Make a remarkable statement with our breathtaking bypass ring featuring two extraordinary pear-shaped diamonds.
Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,675
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A spectacular diamond bypass ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era!
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,574
Floral Bypass Natural Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
From one of Bleau NY's most unique set, a Bypass Ring with Natural Yellow Diamonds and White Diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,967 / item
11, 99 ct Pear-Cut Tourmaline and White Brilliant cut Diamonds Bypass Gold Ring
Located in Valenza, IT
Crafted in 18kt rose gold, this stunning fashion ring is crafted in red gold and features two sizable pear-cut tourmalines complemented by 1,21 ct white diamonds around the stones an...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$4,399
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Bossier City, LA
There are two pear shaped diamonds in a bypass style surrounded by a diamond halo.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$89,500
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Platinum Bypass Ring
Located in Delray Beach, FL
Exquisitely made, custom designed platinum bypass ring featuring 1.52 carats of high quality channel set baguette cut diamonds, centered by opposing blue pear shape sapphire and pear...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,463
Opposite Tear Natural Yellow Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
In one of Bleau NY's newest sets, a Natural Yellow Diamond Bypass Ring complimented by yellow gold. Natural Yellow Diamond - .61ct White Diamond - .36ct Ring Metal - 18kyw
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,599
Vintage Pear Diamond Emerald Heart 14K White Gold Toi et Moi Bypass Ring
Located in Brambleton, US
Vintage Pear Diamond Emerald Heart 14K White Gold Toi et Moi Bypass Ring This stunning estate vintage 14K white gold (tested and guaranteed) piece holds a genuine earth mined heart...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$5,652
Reverse Bypass Tear Shaped Natural Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
In one of Bleau NY's latest collection, a Natural Yellow Diamond ring complimented by Yellow Gold, and opposed by White Gold W/Diamonds. Natural Yellow Diamonds - .65ct Diamonds - ....
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$11,500
Platinum Bypass Ring with Natural Champagne Diamonds 1.53 Carat
By Peter Atman
Located in New York, NY
Excellent quality Platinum Diamond Bypass Ring, set with a matching pair of Natural color Champagne Diamonds 1.53 Carats and 40 round Diamonds 0.76 Carats. We design and manufac...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,840
1.80 Carat Emerald and 1.51 carats Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This awesome bypass ring has 1.80cts of emeralds and 1.51cts of white diamonds, G color, VS2 clarity, set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$11,885
Art Deco Aquamarine Platinum Bypass Ring
Located in METAIRIE, LA
This Art Deco Platinum Bypass Ring features 2 focal European Pear cut Natural Aquamarines totaling 1.41 carats, each securely set in four doubled prongs.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,590
4.12 Carats Emerald Diamond 18k White Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Miami, FL
You'll find it impossible not to be instantly drawn to this ring, with 2.58cts in emeralds & 1.54cts diamonds. Crafted in 18K White Gold. Additional information: Metal: 18K Gold: 5....
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold
Toi Et Moi Bypass Ring GIA Certified 1.46 Carat D VVS2 & VS1 Pear Shape Rose Cut
Located in New York, NY
This modern take on the "Toi et Moi" ring features a pair of rose cut pear shape diamonds, certified as a 0.76 carat D VS1 and a 0.70 carat D VVS2, with high domes characteristic of ...
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$14,390
Art Deco 14k Sapphire & Diamond "Moi et Toi" Bypass Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A striking sapphire and diamond bypass ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era!
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$4,400
GIA 3.94ct Diamond Burma Ruby 18K Gold Arrow Bypass Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This beautiful statement ring frames 1.02ct in Burma (Myanmar) Ruby and 1.46ct t.w. diamonds. Set in 18K Yellow Gold. GIA Certificate: 2221758513 18K Gold: 8.48gr Diamonds: 1.46ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
3.00 Carat Yellow Pear Shape and 1.52 Carat Marquis set in Two-Tone Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
3.00 Carat Pear Shape, GIA Certified Diamond as Fancy Deep Brownish Yellow in color and VS2 in Clarity. The Pear Shape is set in 18K Yellow Gold. GIA Certificate number is 6187137557...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sold|$2,850
14 Karat White Gold Pear Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 14k white gold Pear Diamonds: 2 pear cut diamonds = 0.48cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Accent Diamonds: round brilliant cuts = 0.38cttw Ring size: 7 ½ (please allow two additio...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$6,396
Pear Shaped Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 14k Rose Gold Center Stone Details: Approx. 1.80ctw Triangle Shaped Diamond. Diamond is J/K in color and SI in clarity Diamond Details: Approx. 0.40ctw of round cut diamond...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Unique 18 Karat White Gold 2.66 Carat Diamond Open Bypass Eternity Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Why be like the rest when you can wear this unique open bypass marquise cut diamond eternity band? Crafted in fine 18 karat white gold with 20 VS, F-G quality marquise cut diamonds ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond, Ruby and Pink Sapphire Open Bypass Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
You will be tickled pink with this gorgeous and unique ring! Crafted in 18 karat rose gold with unique, open top bypass style and showcasing the complimetary colors of 5 marquise dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Yellow and White Pear Shape Diamond Halo Bypass Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A very chic and fashionable ring showcasing a pear shape yellow diamond surrounded by a row of yellow diamonds, attached to a pear shape white diamond surrounded by white diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold 1.48 Carat Sapphire and 1.02 Carat Diamond Open Bypass Band Ring
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Invoking soothing feelings, this ring has the colors of relaxing ocean waves. Made in fine 18 karat white gold with 1.48 carats of fine blue sapphires and 1.02 carats of VS clarity, ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.06 Carat Pear Shape Black Diamond Bypass Ring 14K White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
14K white gold ring with pear shaped black diamonds and prong set white diamond accents. The black diamonds have a combined diamond weight of. 2.06 carat and .40 carats in white diam...
Black Diamond, White Gold
0.46ctw Pear Blue Diamond Bypass Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 7.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Sapphire - Carats - 0.40ct Cut - Pear Color - Dark Blue Treatment - Heated - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.06ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color -...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Vintage Pear Cut 1.47 CTW Diamond Sapphire Bypass Channel Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Ring is designed as a curving bypass with a prong set pear cut diamond on one end Weighing approximately 0.26 carat total - H color with SI1 clarity The other end terminates with a p...
Sapphire, Gold
Vintage Maurice Tishman Platinum GIA No Heat Pear Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This vintage, Maurice Tishman, bypass ring is very well crafted in solid platinum and features a GIA certified pear cut sapphire neatly prong set at one end of the bypass design.
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .83 Carat Pear Cut Diamond and Sapphire Triple Bypass Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Modern Hallmarks: FJD 14K 1.035 Composition: 14K White Gold Primary Stone: Pear Cut Diamond Stone Carat Weight: .83 Carats Color/ Clarity: E / I1 Accent Stone: Natural Pea...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire
Vintage Platinum 18k Gold 2.68ct GIA Pear Diamond & Emerald Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent vintage bypass cocktail ring is very well crafted in solid platinum and features a GIA certified pear brilliant cut diamond neatly prong set at the center bypass des...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Yellow Gold Tanzanite and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Pear 3.11 Carat Bypass
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 5 - 5 1/4. Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Genuine Tanzanite Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Color: Purple Cut: Pear Carat: 2.9...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Fancy Intense Pinkish Purple Pear and White Diamond Bypass Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Absolutely stunning 2.01 ct. fancy intense pinkish purple pear shape diamond with a 3.01 ct. F SI2 white pear shape diamond.
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18K Gold Platinum GIA Pear Diamond w/ Accents Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
It features stunning, GIA certified, pear cut diamond neatly prong set at the center of an open basket setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Gold GIA Certified Pear Shape Diamond Bubblegum Pink Sapphire Bypass Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
An Amazing Bubblegum Pink Sapphire and Pear Shape Bypass Diamond Ring That is Out of This World!
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Sold|$135,000
Platinum Pear Cut Diamond and Ruby Bypass Cigar Band
By Marchak
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Marchak Material: Platinum Diamond: 1 pear cut = 3.10ct Color: I Clarity: VVS2 Diamond: 1 pear cut = 3.06ct Color: G Clarity: SI1 Diamond: 108 round brilliant & 10 bagu...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Maurice Tishman Platinum GIA No Heat Pear Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This vintage, Maurice Tishman, bypass ring is very well crafted in solid platinum and features a GIA certified pear cut sapphire neatly prong set at one end of the bypass design.
Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum 18k Gold 6.07ctw GIA Pear Fancy Yellow Diamond Bypass Moi et Toi Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This absolutely magnificent bypass engagement/right hand ring was crafted from solid .950 platinum and 18k yellow gold and features a pair of large, GIA certified, pear cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$128,500
Yellow and White Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
Two rare pear-shaped diamonds intersect in this exquisite bypass ring.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sold|$26,500
Yellow and White Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A sunny 1.08-carat natural fancy light yellow diamond shares the spotlight with a radiant 1.01-carat white diamond in this spectacular "toi et moi" or bypass ring.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Alexander GIA Certified 2ct Toi Et Moi Pear Shape Diamonds Bypass Ring 18k Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern floating diamond bypass open shank toi et moi ring, both stones GIA certified.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
Sold|$4,250
1960s Platinum Diamond and Ruby Bypass Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One platinum (stamped PLAT 24551) bypass style ring, three prong basket set with one 7x4.5mm 0.79 carat pear shaped ruby and one 7.5x5mm pear shaped diamond, approximately 0.75 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Platinum and Diamond Floral Bypass Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
A platinum and diamond floral bypass ring of exceptional quality.
Diamond, Platinum
Sold|$1,800
Yellow Gold Coral and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Ring Featuring A Pear Cut Coral Accented By 14 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Of VS Clarity and H Color Totaling 0.50 Carats.
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine and Diamond Bypass Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Dallas, TX
Aquamarine and Diamond Bypass Ring 18K White Gold. The ring features two pear shape aquamarines (3.23ctw) and pave set diamonds (3.13ctw).
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Tourmaline and White Diamond Bypass Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 2.03 ct. white diamond rose cut pear shape with a 3.12 ct. bright bluish green paraiba tourmaline pear shape. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 6. GIA certificate included.
White Diamond, Paraiba, Platinum
Conch Pearl and White Diamond Bypass Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful Conch pearl pear shape with 1.35 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 5.25.
White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Sold|$15,850
Emerald and Diamond Bypass Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 4.50 ct. emerald pear shape and oval with 0.30 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k rose gold. Ring size is 7.75.
Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold
18K White Gold Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 90 round brilliant cut = 1.86cttw Color: F / G Clarity: VS1-2 Rubellite Tourmaline: 1 pear cut = 6.37ct Ring Size: 6 (please allow up to 2 additiona...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1960's Vintage 3.35 Carats Sapphire Diamond Platinum Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bypass ring centers a pear cut sapphire weighing approximately 2.70 carats - vibrantly royal blue in color Flanked by winding tendril shoulders accented by round brilliant cut and m...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.