Pear Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat
Located in Wailea, HI
Pear Shaped Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18k One Pear Shape Ruby weighing 1.28 carats [beautiful color and clarity] Fourteen Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing .80 carats approximat...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Pear-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pear-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring Description: This elegant bypass-style ring is crafted in platinum and features a "Toi et Moi" (You and Me) design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Pear-Shaped Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pear-Shaped Diamond with French-Cut Ruby Halo and Diamond Ring Description: This ring is crafted in solid 14k white gold and features a sophisticated pear-shaped design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Diamond and Pear-Shaped Ruby Three-Stone Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Marquise Diamond and Pear-Shaped Ruby Three-Stone Cluster Ring Description: This multi-stone ring is crafted in platinum and white gold, featuring a central 0.57-carat marquise-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold 1.1Ctw Pear-Shaped Rubies & Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with this stunning 18k Yellow Gold Studded Cocktail Ring, featuring two exquisite pear-shaped rubies totaling 1.1ctw, beautifully complemented by 0.9ctw of spar...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Pear-shaped Ruby Cts 0.58 Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At its heart, a 0.58 ct pear-shaped Burmese ruby radiates deep crimson warmth, complemented by 12 round diamonds (0.05 cts), a baguette diamond (0.02 cts), 4 tapered diamonds (0.08 c...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
2 Carat GIA Certified Pear-Shaped Diamond Double Ring 18KT Gold Bespoke British
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This exceptional bespoke double diamond ring has been expertly designed to be worn either together as a striking paired set or separately for refined versatility. Handcrafted and des...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
GIA 1.45 Carat Pear Shaped Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Crown Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian sapphire, ruby and diamond crown ring. circa 1870. GIA certified pear shaped Burman natural no heat ruby and cornflower sapphire set an 18k yellow gold crown setting with a...
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Peach Orange Morganite & Diamond Ruby Pear Shaped Halo Set 14K Rose Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Present your loved one with this brilliant halo engagement ring that features a pear-cut peach color morganite center stone with round diamond and ruby halo crafted in gold. This mag...
Diamond, Morganite, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
8k White Gold Pear-Shaped Orangy-Red Ruby Cts 3.40 Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The two fancy-shaped diamonds (0.49 cts) sparkle with E color and VS clarity, adding a stunning contrast to the rich ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three Stone Oval and Pear Shaped Ruby Ring in 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Setting
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
Elegant 14K yellow gold right hand ring with 24 pavé set round brilliant-cut diamonds 0.50 carats total weight. The ring features two pear shape rubies and one oval shape center rub...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophia D. Pear Shape Toi et Moi Ring with Diamond and Ruby
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A Sophia D "Toi et Moi" ring featuring a pear shaped diamond with an approximate weight of 2.19 carats and a pear shaped ruby with an approximate weight of 3.00 carats surrounded wit...
Diamond, Ruby
Certified 5 Carat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
*ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES FOR USA CLIENTS.* A stunning 5 carat certified natural, Burma Ruby, vivid red color and transparent. The center piece is...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern 14K Yellow Gold Floating Ring with 1 Ct Pear Shaped Ruby & Diamond Halo
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This modern ring features a stunning pear-cut ruby weighing approximately 1 carat, set in rich 14K yellow gold. The ruby, measuring about 6.7x4.7 mm, is framed by a halo of round bri...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,523Sale Price|20% Off
Pear Shaped Mozambique Ruby Cocktail Ring With Pave Diamonds in 14k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Fiery and bold, this cocktail ring features a rich pear-shaped Mozambique Ruby framed with glittering pave diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pear cut Ruby (No Heat) and Pear cut White Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A refined Natural Mozambique Ruby (No Heat) and White Diamond Band Ring in 18K Gold, featuring vivid pear-shaped untreated rubies, celebrated for their rich natural red color and exc...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Certified Natural Emerald Zambian Pear Shape Ring With Oval Ruby And Diamonds
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
.* Crafted in 18K white gold, this unique ring features a 0.51 carats of round-cut diamond pavé set, a 0.58 carat oval-cut ruby on one side and a natural Zambian pear-shaped emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
1.36 Carat Pear Aquamarine Diamond and Ruby Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The feature stone interlocks with an array of eight pavé set diamonds in relief in a segmented pear-shaped setting, creating a symmetrical shaped setting.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Statement Ring with Natural Opal Ruby and Diamond, featuring Pear
Located in Jupiter, FL
Introducing our exquisite Natural Opal, Ruby, and Diamond Statement Ring, a testament to unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
18KT Yellow Gold Ring with Pear and Baguette 0.90Ct Diamond 0.51Ct. Ruby
By Effevi
Located in New York, NY
Classic 18 karat yellow gold ring. This " V" shaped ring is set with 2 pear shaped diamonds and 1 pear shaped ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,072Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Switzerland Pear Cut Ruby Three Stone Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Antinori Di Sanpietro GRS-Certified Pear Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold Embrace the splendor of Antinori Di Sanpietro's craftsmanship with this exquisite three-stone ru...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$15,600Sale Price|40% Off
GIA Certified 3.51ct Pear Shape Ruby and 1.01ct Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Toi et Moi Ring featuring an Pear shape Ruby weighing 3.51 Carats complimented with a Pear Shaped Diamond weighing 1.01 Carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18k Yellow Gold Burmese Ruby Pear Cts 0.64 and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Handcrafted in radiant 18k yellow gold (2.46 grams), this engagement ring features 30 round diamonds (0.07 cts), 1 baguette diamond (0.03 cts), 3 marquise diamonds (0.12 cts), 1 prin...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Retro Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
Metal: 18 karat yellow gold Gemstones: Pear-shaped rubies: Approximately 2.80 carats Diamond pavé: Approximately 0.80 carats Square-cut rubies: Approximately 0.50 carats Ring Size: 7...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Pear Shape Pigeon Blood Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This lovely pear cut ruby engagement ring is set with a 1.00ct natural ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Burmese Cushion Ruby & Pear Diamond 18k Gold Ring, AGL & Gübelin Certified
Located in New York, NY
Primary Weight(s): 7.15 ct (ruby); 6.22 ct (diamonds) Origin: Burma (Myanmar) — ruby Color/Transparency: Saturated red; fine crystal Shape/Cut: Cushion-cut ruby; pear-shaped diamonds...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Sophia D, 1.30 Carat Pear Shape Center Diamond and Ruby Ring set in Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
1.30 carat pear shaped diamond ring with 1.20 carat rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Opal Ruby Diamond Statement Ring Pear Dark Opal Halo Cocktail Ring 18K
Located in Jupiter, FL
Introducing our exquisite Natural Opal, Ruby, and Diamond Statement Ring, a testament to unparalleled beauty and craftsmanship.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold
Certified Natural Mozambique Ruby Ring Pear Shape Diamond 7.13 Carat GRS
Located in Great Neck, NY
An extraordinary Mozambique ruby and diamond statement ring showcasing a magnificent 7.13 carat natural pear-shaped ruby, beautifully positioned at the center of a bold and luxurious...
Star Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, P...
4.30ct Diamond and Ruby Vintage Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage diamond and ruby ring is truly one-of-a-kind! The glamorous double leaf design features stunning pear-shaped center rubies, accented with sparkling round brilliant cut a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Pear-Shape Ruby & Diamond Toi et moi Ring – 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Two pear-shaped rubies in a 14k yellow gold toi et moi setting, surrounded by diamonds. The tapered band is studded with more rubies and diamonds for a colorful and sparkling show fr...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring A ballerina ring featuring a pear-shaped ruby surrounded by round and baguette-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Pear Cut Ruby and Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
this stunning ring is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a captivating 0.52 carat pear-shaped gemstone at its center.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Mixed-Cut Diamond Floral Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ruby is framed by a blooming, floral-inspired halo that alternates between round brilliant-cut and pear-shaped diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
4 Carat Pear Statement Ruby and Diamond Ring Modern Nobility Modern Classic
Located in Mumbai, IN
How the Diamonds Work Together on the Ring Seen on the hand, the approximately 4 carats of Ruby Red pear shape diamonds read as a single ribbon of light rather than individual pieces.
Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$12,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA-Certified Pear-Shaped Natural Yellow Diamond Floral Cocktail Ring in 18KGold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This stunning GIA-certified ring showcases a natural pear-shaped yellow diamond at its center, surrounded by natural white diamonds that form a graceful petal-like design.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Pear Ruby Natural Diamond Wave Band Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This gemstone band ring features an alternating double row of pear-shaped natur...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
At the front, a floral motif is formed by four pear-shaped rubies arranged as petals, their red tones contrasting against the warm gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 0.19 Carat Pear Ruby and 0.25 Carat Diamond Band Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Key Attributes Ruby Weight: 0.19 Carat Ruby Cut: Pear Shape Total Diamond Weight: 0.25 Carat Diamond Count: 44 Round Diamonds Diamond Color: H–I Diamond Clarity: I2 Setting Style: P...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage bypass ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, showcasing two vivid pear-shaped rubies with a combined weight of approximately 1.45 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.30 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully crafted ruby and diamond cluster ring. A pear shaped natural Burmese ruby possessing a playful pinky undertone sits at the centre of the piece and is frame...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous pear shaped ruby and diamond cluster has a heart shaped feel to it.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
1960’s Platinum Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Aventura, FL
This extraordinary 1960's cocktail ring showcases the bold glamour of mid-century design with a stunning pear-shaped diamond and vibrant ruby centerpiece.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Angara Natural Two-Stone Square Ruby & Pear Diamond Open Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Symbolizing two souls becoming one, this 14k white gold two-stone open ring is a brilliant token of love. It showcases a prong-set square ruby on one end of the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
BVLGARI Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
The ring has oval and pear-shaped ruby cabochons with diamonds weighing appx. 1.80 carats (G–H color and VS clarity).
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
ARAYIAN 3.87 carats Ruby and Diamond Ring with certificate
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Gold (18k): 5.01 grams Ruby (Pear): 3.87 carats Diamonds (Oval): 0.52 carats Diamonds (Square): 0.16 carats Diamonds (Round): 0.31 carats A 3.87-carat Mozambique pear-shaped ruby fo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$10,000Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald cut Ruby (No Heat) and Pear cut White Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Surrounded by brilliant natural pear-shaped white diamonds, the design enhances the ruby’s intensity with elegant sparkle and balance.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,023Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.13 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Pear Engagement Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
3.13 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Pear Engagement Ring in 14 Karat White Gold This design showcases a rich red ruby center stone embraced by a double halo of sparkling pear-cut diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$6,278Sale Price / item|20% Off
3.13 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Pear Engagement Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
3.13 Ct Natural Ruby Diamond Halo Pear Engagement Ring in 18 Karat White Gold This design showcases a rich red ruby center stone embraced by a double halo of sparkling pear-cut diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold 3.3ct Burmese Ruby and Diamonds - Statement Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Exquisite Natural Pear Cut Burmese Ruby & Diamond Ring in White and Yellow Gold One of our most luxurious rings, this magnificent pear-shaped ruby ring features a stunning, 3.3-...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
2.10 Carat Ruby, Diamond and Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
18 kt., one cushion-shaped ruby ap. 2.10 cts., 2 pear-shaped diamonds ap. .75 ct., 50 baguette & tapered baguette diamonds ap. 3.00 cts., ap. 7.5 dwts. With AGL report no. 1091096,...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Ruby Band with Natural Diamond Accents in Solid 14K Gold Six Pear Shape Ruby
Located in Columbus, OH
Specifications: Item Type: Ring Center Stone: Ruby Treatment: Heated Weight: 6-1.15cttw Shape: Pear Hardness: 9 Metal: 14k-2.234g Diamond Count-Weight: 7-0.23cttw SKU: 15509 / AJR...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$13,000Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald cut Ruby (No Heat) and Pear cut White Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Flanking the line of Rubies, are meticulously matched pear-shaped natural white diamonds, arranged in a clean linear formation on both sides.
White Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
32X23 MM PEAR Amethyst , Diamond & Ruby 14 Kt Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, 1960's
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a timeless cocktail ring featuring a stunning 50 Ct measuring 32 X 23 Pear-shaped Amethyst and diamond with Ruby Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A sculptural and sophisticated vintage swirl ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, showcasing a vivid pear-shaped ruby weighing approximately 1.12 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring. GIA 1ct Burma Ruby Diamond Accent Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Flanking the ruby are two pear-shaped diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.30 carats, creating a graceful taper that enhances the central stone.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Natural Unheated Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Natural Unheated Ruby and Diamond Ring, Certified by GRS Laboratory, features 3.00 Carat Cushion Shape, No Heat Ruby, intense red color, surrounded by 12 Pear Shaped diamonds totalin...
Ruby, 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.