GIA Certified 1.51 Carat Round East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious yellow gold , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.5 Carat Oval East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious white gold , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 2.7 Carat Cushion East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious yellow gold , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.53 Carat Cushion East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious yellow gold , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 0.7 Carat Radiant East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious white gold , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.51ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant G VS1 weighing 1.51.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 2.01ct Emerald Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of emerald H VS1 weighing 2.01.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.21ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant G VS2 weighing 1.21.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.7ct Emerald Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of emerald H VS1 weighing 1.7.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.2ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant G SI2 weighing 1.2.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 1.7ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant H SI1 weighing 1.7.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 2.01ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant G SI1 weighing 2.01.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 0.79ct Emerald Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of emerald H VS1 weighing 0.79.
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.2 Carat Radiant East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious yellow gold, the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that enhances ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.4 Carat Emerald East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious yellow gold , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.2 Carat Oval East-West Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious white gold , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that ...
Diamond, White Gold
Pear Zambian Emerald Gemstone Cocktail Ring Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
At its heart lies a magnificent pear-shaped Zambian emerald, renowned for its deep green hue and unparalleled clarity.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Pear and Marquise Cluster Ring 1.41 Carats in 18K White Gold
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Centered around a luminous pear-shaped diamond, this ring unfolds in a dramatic arrangement of graduating stones that amplify light, scale, and visual movement.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
From $1,508 / item
Dainty Two Stone Pear SI/H Diamond Minimalist Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Dainty Two Stone Pear SI/H Diamond Minimalist Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold features a modern bypass design curves around two stunning pear-shaped diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.67 Ct Natural Diamond Pear and Marquise Open Band Ring Eternity 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Designed to stand apart from traditional diamond rings, this striking open-band design showcases an elegant arrangement of natural pear, marquise, round, and emerald-cut diamonds tot...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.22 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Cut Open Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A modern interpretation of timeless elegance, this handcrafted 18K White Gold Diamond Ring features a striking pear-shaped natural diamond paired with a smaller pear diamond in an el...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
From $6,074 / item
4.07 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
4.07 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold features pear shaped diamonds are arranged in leaf inspired pattern on the open ends of the bypass ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
From $7,592 / item
4.07 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
4.07 Carat SI/H Pear Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold features pear shaped diamonds are arranged in leaf inspired pattern on the open ends of the bypass ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Double Pavé Band Ring 2.4 Ct. Pear Cut Diamond Statement Jewelry
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
A masterpiece of modern elegance, this stunning pear-shaped diamond ring is crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and designed to captivate from every angle.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.35 Carat Pear Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Handmade Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Surrounding the pear-shaped diamond are delicate accent diamonds, meticulously handset along the band to enhance its allure and add a touch of glamour.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$23,920Sale Price|20% Off
18.59 Carat Pear Aquamarine Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in Platinum, Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Offered by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, this exceptional aquamarine and diamond ring is crafted in platinum and designed in a dramatic toi et moi style, showcasing two vivid blue p...
Multi-gemstone, White Diamond, Diamond, Beryl, Aquamarine, Platinum
18K White Gold Pear Diamond Open Wrap Ring 1.12 Ct SI Fine Statement Jewelry
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Gracefully designed with a modern open silhouette, this 18K white gold wrap ring features an elegant arrangement of pear-shaped natural diamonds that create a captivating leaf-inspir...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.35 Carat Emerald and Diamond Pear Cluster Engagement Ring 18 Kt Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
0.35 carat emerald and diamond pear shaped cluster engagement ring in 18 karat yellow gold This contemporary and classic cluster ring is set with a deep green emerald pear shaped ce...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold 2.01 Ct Pear & Oval Diamond Bypass Open Cocktail Engagement Ring
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
Dramatically modern and breathtakingly bold, this open bypass cocktail ring is crafted in 18K white gold with two graduating arms — one set with cascading pear-shaped diamonds, the o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Bespoke 2.90 Carat Pear D Color Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in London, GB
Bespoke GIA 2.90 Carat Pear D Colour VS Diamond Double Halo Platinum Ring An exceptional bespoke pear-shaped diamond engagement ring, handcrafted in platinum and featuring an impres...
White Diamond, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold, Whi...
7.15 Ct Natural Pear Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Crafted in 18K white gold, the distinctive pear-shaped diamonds create exceptional brilliance and a sophisticated silhouette, making this ring a striking symbol of everlasting love a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.00 Carat F/VS1 Twin Pear Round Shape Halo Diamonds Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Nikabell fine Jewels
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
The design highlights two pear-shaped diamonds totaling 0.50 carats (0.25 carat each), framed by round side diamonds totaling 0.50 carats, creating a balanced and radiant halo effect.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.35 Carat Round East-West Three-Stone Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious platinum , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that en...
Diamond, Platinum
Pear 5.85 Ct Emerald Eternity 0.85 Ct Diamond Accents 18k White Gold Band Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Pear 5.85 Ct Emerald Eternity 0.85 Ct Diamond Accents 18k White Gold Band Ring This eternity band features a continuous row of pear-shaped emeralds, each bordered by round brilliant...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,344Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco Inspired Pear Emerald & Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Wear this ring solo or pair it with a thin diamond eternity band to highlight its elegant pear-shaped silhouette and create a refined, sophisticated look.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gold Drop-Shaped Entourage Ring, 1.15ct Diamonds, 14K Gold, New
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
The pear-shaped diamond adds a touch of sophistication and glamour to the overall design, making this ring a perfect choice for any special occasion.
Diamond, Gold
18K White Gold Pear Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Bridesmaid Gift
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This Pear Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold features pear shaped blue sapphire as central gemstone.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Angara Natural Pear Emerald Solitaire Ring with Diamond Accent in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: A rich green emerald is secured in a prong setting and flanked by sparkling diamond clusters. Designed in 14k yellow gold, this pear-shaped emerald ring looks br...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold
2.22ct Fancy Deep Brown-Pink Pear Diamond Ring with Blue Diamonds - Rare Colors
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
At its heart lies a 2.22-carat fancy deep brown-pink pear-shaped diamond—one of the highest color grades in the spectrum of pink diamonds, certified by GIA.
Blue Diamond, Pink Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum
0.66Ct Pear Certified Diamond Open Cuff Band Ring 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
0.66Ct Pear Certified Diamond Open Cuff Band Ring 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry This contemporary open-band design features four pear-shaped diamonds, arranged in a mirrored formation ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural 1.09 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Indulge in timeless elegance with this exquisite Natural 1.09 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Ring crafted in luxurious 14 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural 1.09 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Indulge in timeless elegance with this exquisite Natural 1.09 Carat Pear Shape Diamond Ring crafted in luxurious 18 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mark Broumand 3.65 Carat Pear Shaped Diamond Eternity Band in 18 Karat Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom created in 18k yellow gold, this stunning diamond eternity band showcases a 3.65ct of pear shaped diamonds graded at E-F in color, VS1-VS2 in clarity.
Solitaire Pear Cut SI/H Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Solitaire Pear Cut SI/H Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry This ring highlights a stunning pear-shaped diamond set in a sleek, polished band, making it ideal for eve...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Solitaire Pear Cut SI/H Diamond Engagement Ring 14K White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Solitaire Pear Cut SI/H Diamond Engagement Ring 14K White Gold Fine Jewelry This ring highlights a stunning pear-shaped diamond set in a sleek, polished band, making it ideal for eve...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 3.30 Carat D/VVS1 Pear Shape 6-Stone Diamonds Ring 18K White Gold
By Nikabell fine Jewels
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Carefully matched for brilliance and symmetry, the pear-shaped diamonds create a refined and graceful 6-stone design with exceptional presence.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 2.01ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant G SI1 weighing 2.01.
Diamond, White Gold
$3,599Sale Price|20% Off
Natural 1.85 Carat Pear Diamond Wrap Ring 14 Karat White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
At the heart of this enchanting ring lies a magnificent pear-shaped diamond, boasting a remarkable 1.85 carats of pure brilliance.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
From $1,924 / item
Pear SI/H Diamond Open Cuff Band Ring 18K White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Pear SI/H Diamond Open Cuff Band Ring 18K White Gold Handmade Jewelry The ring features two beautifully matched pear-shaped diamonds set on an open band, symbolizing balance, duali...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
From $1,539 / item
Pear SI/H Diamond Open Cuff Band Ring 14K White Gold Handmade Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Pear SI/H Diamond Open Cuff Band Ring 14K White Gold Handmade Jewelry The ring features two beautifully matched pear-shaped diamonds set on an open band, symbolizing balance, duali...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold 1.29 Carat SI/H Pear Cut Diamond Cocktail Rings
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
This 1.29 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Cut Diamond 18k White Gold Cluster Ring showcases multiple pear-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,760Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels 3.74ct Pear Shape Emerald Diamond Double Halo Cocktail Ring 18K Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This luxurious cocktail ring features a 3.74-carat, pear-shaped emerald set in 18K white gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 0.9 Carat Oval East-West Three-Stone Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in luxurious platinum , the ring is complemented by elegant pear-shaped side stones that are expertly secured in a three-prong setting, creating a unique east-west design that en...
Diamond, Platinum
18K Rose Gold 0.36 Ct Natural Pear Shape Diamond Toi et Moi Open Ring Jewelry
By Jewel Palate
Located in Deira, AE
A ring that turns every gesture into a moment, two pear-shaped diamonds face each other across an open polished band in a modern toi et moi design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA 1.03ct Oval Halo Openwork Basket Cathedral 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in an elegant white gold basket setting, the openwork design elegantly showcases intricate pear-shaped motifs that enhance the ring's graceful silhouette.
Diamond, White Gold
Estate Platinum Three-Stone Cocktail Ring with 3.62 Ct Round & Pear Diamonds GIA
Located in New York, NY
The ring showcases a 1.1-carat pear-shaped diamond with H color and VS clarity, perfectly complemented by a magnificent 2.52-carat round brilliant diamond boasting L color and I2 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Diamond Four Pear Stone Open Gap Cuff Cocktail Ring 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Bold, architectural, and strikingly modern — this four-stone pear-cut natural diamond open cuff ring is a genuine statement piece.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 3ct Oval Halo Openwork Basket Cathedral 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Set in an elegant yellow gold basket, the openwork design showcases intricate pear-shaped motifs that enhance the ring's graceful silhouette.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$2,264Sale Price / item|20% Off
Certified Natural Pear Cut Diamond Engagement Ring for Her 14kt Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
At its center lies a beautifully cut pear-shaped diamond, gracefully framed by a halo of round brilliant stones that enhance its sparkle and shape.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.21ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant E SI1 weighing 1.21.
Diamond, 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.”
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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.