Unheated Ruby and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Ruby 2.11 carats with Diamond 0.38 carat and Diamond 0.31 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 5.80 grams "W...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$15,840Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 7cts Ceylon Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ceylon Blue Sapphire 7.56 carats with Diamond 0.86 carat Ring set in Platinum 900 Settings (GIA Certified) Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 12.85 grams "W...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1.50 Carat Natural Fancy Brown and 1.30 Carat Diamonds Mod Three Ring 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Classic Three & Accent. 1.30ct. Natural Pear diamond ring Fancy brown color Si-1 clarity 7.6 x 6.2mm Very good Cut / Full cut Brilliant Side round white diamonds: 1.00ct...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 2.65 carats with Diamond 3.01 carats Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 9.62 grams Emerald Width: 0.8 cm L...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fancy Colored Diamond Ring Sz 7 Stacking Band 18k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary fancy colored diamond band crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Fancy colored pear shaped yellow diamond is estimated at 0.20 carats (estimated at I2 clarity). ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl Ring (South Sea) with Diamonds, Light Gold, 12.5 mm, in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in München, DE
A sophisticated ring featuring a magnificent South Sea pearl in a delicate creamy hue, approximately 12.5 mm in diameter. The pearl exhibits a pronounced rosy-silver overtone, an int...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Ring Platinum 0.72 ct 1.11 ct High Quality Gems and handcrafted
Located in Viena, Viena
Great platinum ring, very beautifully crafted with fine rubies (only a few Jardins can be seen when enlarged), oval faceted, approx. 0.72 ct, ct, translucent, brilliance very good, f...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.75 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and refined emerald and diamond ring, centered on a magnificent pear-shaped natural emerald, accompanied by a GIA Emerald Origin Report confirming Colombian origin. The e...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
4 Carat Heart Shape Statement Brilliant White / D color FL/IF Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 4 carats, heart shape, statement ring, diamond ring. A serious diamond ring with disciplined selection—meant to read clean at normal viewing distance. Colour family: Br...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Heart Shape Statement Brilliant White / G color VS Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 3 carats, heart shape, statement ring, diamond ring. A collector-facing piece where proportion and light return are treated as non-negotiable. Colour family: Brilliant ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Statement Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
Designer S.Georgios presents a striking 18 Karat White Gold statement ring centered with a magnificent emerald-cut Blue Topaz weighing 7.94 carats. The vibrant deep-blue gemstone dis...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Diamond Ring 900 Platinum 1.16 0.10 ct in interesting Emerald Cut magnifice
Located in Viena, Viena
rubies in emerald cut, very unusual and then this grandiose color, great platinum ring very beautifully crafted with 3 fine red-pink rubies in emerald cut total approx. 1.16 ct, tran...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Estate Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring 7.16 Carat Center "Red, White and Blue"
Located in Wailea, HI
Estate Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring 7.16 Carat Center "Red, White and Blue" Behold the stunning Estate Sapphire, Ruby, and Diamond Ring - a masterpiece of luxury jewelry that will...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
5 Carat Marquise Statement Type IIa Brilliant White / D color FL/IF Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Type iia, approximately 5 carats, marquise, statement ring, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos. Colour family: Brilliant White / D color....
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 2.60 carats with Diamond 0.84 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.4 cm Length: 2.0 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 9.47 grams "We first opened do...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 4.63 carats with Diamond 1.46 carats Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.0 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 9.1 grams "We first opened d...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald, Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 0.62 carat, Pink Sapphire 0.35 carat and Diamond 0.06 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 4.47 grams "We fir...
Diamond, Emerald, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Oval Opal and Diamonds
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents an exquisite 18 Karat Yellow Gold ring featuring a mesmerizing, magnificant Oval Opal, total weght of 20.60 Carats centerpiece. The of the ring is decora...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Blue Topaz & Diamond RIng Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic Vintage Natural Pear Shape Blue Topaz & Diamond Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Round Shape Center Blue Topaz 24,00 Carat Natural Diamond 0.50 Carat This Ring is from the...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
GIA Certified 0.60 ct Kashmir Sapphire and Diamond Daily Wear Ring in White Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
A brand new blue sapphire and diamond ring by Rewa Jewellery. One of our best seller designs is now available with a Kashmir Sapphire! This ring is perfect for daily wear and easy to...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
Unheated Brown Sapphire, Brown Sapphire and Brown Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unheated Brown Sapphire 2.05 carats, Brown Sapphire 0.78 carat and Brown Diamond 1.15 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.7 cm Ring Size: 54 Total We...
Brown Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby Diamond Ring Platinum 0.51 0.52 ct AAA Quality sooo fine a symbol of love
Located in Viena, Viena
ti amo....a fiery ruby as a symbol of burning love (very small - clear inclusions), approx. 18.7 x 9.5 x 5 mm, approx. 4 grams in weight, Rw 16 mm, very fine platinum jewellery Abou...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3.76 CTW Blue Topaz Diamond Earring Pendant Ring in Solid 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
3.76 CTW Blue Topaz Diamond Earring Pendant Ring in 18K Gold studded with pear cut blue topaz with round cut diamonds. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.15 Carat Pear Statement Brilliant White 18K Gold A Classic Statement
Located in Mumbai, IN
Winter (Kim Minjeong) · In concept photos, a controlled pear outline and balanced brilliant white light keep the focus where it belongs; this $55000 3.15ct pear cut diamond solitaire...
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Oval Yellow Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents an exquisite 18K White Gold Ring featuring an oval cut 1,87 Carats Yellow Sapphire at its center. This vibrant gemstone is elegantly surrounded by white ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Blue Sapphire 2.40 Carats, Pink Sapphire 0.27 carat with Diamond 0.54 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 "Since we first ope...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pear Statement Brilliant White 14K White Gold Classic Charm High Jewellery
Located in Mumbai, IN
Pear, statement ring, diamond ring. A serious diamond ring with disciplined selection—meant to read clean at normal viewing distance. Colour family: Brilliant White. Metal: 14K White...
White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
1 Carat Pear Statement Brilliant White 14K White Gold Pure Sophistication
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. A modern classic that balances presence with polish, engineered for long-term wear. Colour family: Brilliant White. The se...
White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
0.30 Ct Fine Natural Ruby & 2 Ct Finest Diamond 18 Kt White Gold Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite 18 Karat Gold Ring, which showcases a stunning 0.30 Carat natural Ruby alongside 2 Carats of brilliant cut and Pear shape diamonds set in lustrous white gol...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1 Carat Pear Statement Brilliant White 14K White Gold Classic Charm Signature
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos. Colour family: Brilliant White. Metal: 14K White Gold. ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.1 Carat Pear Statement 14K White Gold Graceful Brilliance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1.1 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. A modern classic that balances presence with polish, engineered for long-term wear.
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
5 Carat Pear Statement Brilliant White / J color VS 14K Gold Radiant Elegance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 5 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. Built for clients who judge a ring in motion, not only in perfect studio light. Colour family: Brilliant White / J color. ...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.00 Ct FLAWLESS / D color 18K Gold Solitarie Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite Diamonds solitaire ring in contemporary and essential design, so elegant and refined style . Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of class and light on your l...
Diamond, 18k Gold
2.02 Carat Pear Statement 14K White Gold Everyday Royalty Heirloom
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 2.02 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. A modern classic that balances presence with polish, engineered for long-term wear.
Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
AIGS Certified 1.45ct No Heat Ruby Ring 14kt Raised Mod Deck*
Located in New York, NY
AIGS certified pear shape ruby ring. No heat ruby, red-pink color. 9.2x4.6 mm. .45ct natural side round diamonds. G-color, vs2-clarity 14 karat white gold Depth of ring 7 mm S...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sardegna Coral Brilliant Ring Platinum AAA+ TW Loupeclean
Located in Viena, Viena
Sardegna coral cabochon nobly set in platinum (slightly open on the side) ...great color, AAA+, platinum ring very beautifully crafted with 10 brilliant cut diamonds total approx. 0....
Diamond, Coral, Platinum
2.06 Carat Pear Statement Royal Blue Sapphire 14K White Gold Effortless Elegance
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 2.06 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. A collector-facing piece where proportion and light return are treated as non-negotiable. Colour family: Royal Blue Sap...
Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum GIA Certified Ring with Carat NO OIL Colombian Emerald
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The centerpiece is a vivid green Colombian emerald measuring 13.15 x 9.06 x 5.76 mm, distinguished by its exceptional color saturation, balanced proportions, and most notably its No ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,919Sale Price|20% Off
2.33 Carat Aquamarine Ring Stud in 18k White Gold
By GEM PLAZA
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
18K White Gold Ring with 1 Pear cut of Aquamarine 2.67 carats With 5 pcs of Diamond 0.02 Carat Custom Services Resizing is available. Request Customization
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby Brilliant Drop Ring in 900 Platinum AAA 0.96 ct 2x 0.465 ct W flawless
Located in Viena, Viena
very noble with the two half-carat brilliant drops on the side, ring in 900 platinum, a pink-red ruby of approx. 0.96 ct, very fine color quality, AAA, hardly any liquid streaks, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby Brilliant Drop Ring in 900 Platinum AAA+ 0.96 ct 2x 0.465 ct W flawless
Located in Viena, Viena
very noble with the two half-carat brilliant drops on the side, ring in 900 platinum, a pink-red ruby of approx. 0.96 ct, very fine color quality, AAA, hardly any liquid streaks, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Orange Sapphire & Green Diamods Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer presents an exquisite 18K Yellow Gold Ring featuring a pear-cut 1,60 Carats Orange Sapphire at its center. This vibrant gemstone is elegantly surrounded by green ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.30 Carat Pear Solitaire Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating pear diamond center stone weighing 1.30 , expertly cut to s...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.90ct Pear Solitaire Double Prong Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this captivating diamond ring features a stunning pear diamond meticulously set in a sleek platinum band. With...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.01 Carat Pear Cluster Trellis Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Experience the allure of this stunning diamond ring, which features a captivating pear 2.01 center stone, radiating beauty with its exq...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.82 Carat Pear Solitaire Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating pear diamond center stone weighing 1.82 , expertly cut to s...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.70ct Pear Solitaire with Half Eternity Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This sophisticated diamond ring features a striking centerpiece of a pear diamond, weighing 1.71 and boasting a rich h and SI2. Handcrafted with precision, the ring showcases a beaut...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.01ct Pear Solitaire with Half Eternity Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** This sophisticated diamond ring features a striking centerpiece of a pear diamond, weighing 1.01 and boasting a rich H and SI1. Handcra...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.5ct Pear Solitaire Twisted Square Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Discover a stunning diamond ring that radiates elegance and sophistication, meticulously crafted to celebrate your most cherished momen...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Pear Prong Set Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Discover the allure of this white gold diamond ring, featuring a stunning pear centerpiece weighing 1.01. Graded G and SI2 , this diamo...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 0.96 Carat Pear Prong Set Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Discover the allure of this yellow gold diamond ring, featuring a stunning pear centerpiece weighing 0.96. Graded I and VS2 , this diam...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.01ct Pear Slim Band Prong Set Solitaire Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** A magnificent diamond ring featuring a stunning pear center stone, weighing an impressive 1.01 and boasting a flawless I and SI1. This ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.9ct Pear Prong Set Solitaire Slim Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking pear center stone weighing 0.9. The diamond boasts a beaut...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Pear Solitaire Cathedral Tulip Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone that is a remarkable pear diamond weighing 2.01. Graded I and SI2 , the diamond radiates bril...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$6,745Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.9 Carat Pear Solitaire Cathedral Tulip Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone that is a remarkable pear diamond weighing 0.9...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.50 Carat Pear Solitaire Cathedral Tulip Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating center stone that is a remarkable pear diamond weighing 1.5...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.00 Carat Pear Prong Set Solitaire Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Discover the allure of this platinum diamond ring, featuring a stunning pear centerpiece weighing 1.00. Graded G and SI2, this diamond radiates exceptional brilliance, capturing ligh...
Diamond, 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.