Platinum 1.37ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF29-021026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring is incredibly chic. It features a pear-shaped Diamond center stone and additional Diamonds accenting the band together, it possesses a total weight of 1.37 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum 1.85ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF03-012826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring is filled with captivating details. At the center, a pear-shaped 10.41 carat Burma Ruby offers a uniquely elegant point of view.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Starburst Pear Shape Ruby Ring in Tapering 14K Yellow Gold Setting with Diamonds
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold ring with natural diamonds weighing 0.26 carat total with two pear-shaped natural rubies weighing 0.21 carat total.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$7,880Sale Price|20% Off
Toi Et Moi Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Inspired from the French "You and Me", this gorgeous two-in-one ring is the essence of true love! Created in 18 karat white gold, it features one 'side' with a pear-shaped sparkling ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Diamond Baguette and Ruby Ring LARGE
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Ruby Baguette and Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An unusual and highly decorative Georgian ring dating to the late 18th century, set with a principal natural ruby and a principal pear-shaped diamond within an asymmetrical cluster o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.50 cts Cushion Emerald and Ruby Two-stone Ring
By Leibish and Co. USA Inc
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your style with this exquisite two-stone ring featuring a dazzling 4.50ct cushion-cut emerald, complemented by a pear-shaped ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold
$11,199Sale Price|30% Off
GIA 4.91 Ct Purplish Pink Oval Shaped Cabochon Cut Unheated Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning centerpiece is encircled by a double halo of vibrant yellow and sparkling colorless VS/SI clarity round cut diamonds, enhancing the ruby's unique allure. Complementing...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid Century Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
The hand assembled piece centres on a single pear shaped ruby which has been 3 claw set and surrounded by a double halo cluster of round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Retro Era 14KT Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This bold retro era cluster ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and set with richly colored pear shaped rubies paired with round cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 7 GAI Certified- This lovely ring features one pear shaped ruby (5 mm x 4 mm) surrounded by 28 baguette diamonds and 11 round brillia...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified Burma Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautifully unique cocktail ring boasts a bright emerald cut Burma ruby measuring 7.22 x 5.60 x 4.62 mm and weighing 2.01 carats, surrounded by 8 pear shaped diamonds, 6 oval an...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive Victorian ruby ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated marquise shaped setting displays a central 0.50ct cushion cut claw ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Estate Sapphire, Ruby and Diamond Ring 7.16 Carat Center "Red, White and Blue"
Located in Wailea, HI
Flanking the center gemstone are two pear-shaped Rubies, approximately 0.35 carats in total, adding a touch of color to the already magnificent ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Three-Stone Pear Ruby Criss-Cross Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Adorned with three pear-shaped rubies, this 14k white gold three stone ring is an eye-catching piece.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
14K White Gold Art Deco Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This is a 14k white gold Art Deco Ruby and Diamond ring. The center stone is a pear-shaped 6 x 4-millimeter ruby with an approximate weight of 0.60 carats mounted in a bezel setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$17,500Sale Price|73% Off
AGL Certified 7.32 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Centered upon a 7.32 Carat Cushion shaped Ruby, accompanied by AGL certificate stating it is heated. Flanked by Pear shaped Yellow Diamonds weighing 0.80 Carats. Surrounded by 12 ...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,041Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Pear-Shaped Diamond Open Band Wrap Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Contemporary Pear-Shaped Diamond Open Band Wrap Ring in 14 Karat White Gold This open ring design is a fusion of elegance and edge, featuring a stunning sequence of graduated pear-c...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,552Sale Price / item|20% Off
Contemporary Pear-Shaped Diamond Open Band Wrap Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Contemporary Pear-Shaped Diamond Open Band Wrap Ring in 18 Karat White Gold This open ring design is a fusion of elegance and edge, featuring a stunning sequence of graduated pear-c...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Pear cut Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exceptional cocktail ring is a celebration of elegance and artistry, centered around a mesmerizing pear-shaped Fancy Intense Greenish Yellow natural diamond that radiates vivid ...
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified Platinum 6.27 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent combination of Ruby with heart shaped diamonds makes this ring spectacular!
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
14 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5 This stunning ring features one pear shaped ruby (7 mm x 5 mm), ten round brilliant cut diamonds, 14 baguette diamonds set...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
2.01 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Designed with pear shaped ruby in center and halo of Clustered diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to wear it on your wedding or style it with any of your basic outfit to give it a ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This elegant design features two vivid pear-shaped rubies totaling approximately 1.03 carats, each framed in a scalloped halo of brilliant round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cushion Shape Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Cushion Shape Burma No Heat Ruby and Pear Shaped Diamond Ring. Circa - 1960's Approximate Ruby Weight - 3.84 CTS Size - 5.5 AGL Certification
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pear shape and Round Brilliant cut White Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
An elegant amalgamation of beautifully shaped white diamonds, created to make a one-of-a-kind ring that catches a glimpse.
White Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold 0.57ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF23-050726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A 2.50 carat pear-shaped Ruby center stone offers a bold pop of color, while Diamonds totaling 0.57 carats offer endless sparkle.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.37 Total Carat Ruby and Diamond Ladies Ring GIA
Located in New York, NY
6.37 Total Carat Ruby and Diamond Ladies Ring. GIA Certified. -Metal Type: 18K White Gold -3.62 Carat Oval Cut Natural Ruby, GIA Certified -Ruby Measurements: 11.42 x 9.24 x 4.23 m...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold 1.89ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF15-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A pear-shaped 8.0 carat Ruby cabochon adds a stylish pop of color to this impressive luxury ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
The surface is set with a mosaic of gemstones in varied shapes, creating an organic, almost fluid pattern across the width of the ring. Pear- and oval-shaped rubies in red tones are ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
24k Gold Ring for Women with Pear-Cut Emerald and Diamonds
Located in İstanbul, TR
Emerald (0.88 carats) and Diamonds (0.06 carats) Crafted with timeless elegance, this 24 karat gold jewelry piece draws inspiration from the ancient civilizations of Anatolia, wher...
Diamond, Emerald
Enlightenment Celestial Crown Tiara Diamond Baguette and Ruby Ring
By Ri Noor
Located in Houston, TX
Introducing the "Enlightenment Elegance" Fine Jewelry Collection – an exquisite ensemble meticulously crafted from the timeless allure of baguette diamonds and the resplendent radian...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Pear shape Natural White Diamond and Pink Diamond Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A captivating GIA Certified Pear-Shaped White Diamond and Pink Diamond Ring handcrafted in 18K Gold.
White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White and Rose Gold 0.30ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF25-050726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
An understated design makes this ring incredibly chic. Simple and elegant, a 2.36 carat pear-shaped Ruby adds a pop of color to the center of the design.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Ruby & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful 18k white gold ruby and diamond cluster dress ring. The ring is set to the centre with a 0.54ct pear shaped ruby in a 3 claw setting which disperses a deep red hue throug...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,500Sale Price|21% Off
Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Statement Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Impressive custom made ring featuring a large cabochon pear shaped emerald surrounded by prong set cabochon rubies and diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Magnificent 4.8ctw Mozambique Ruby Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This elegant ring centers a 4.81-carat natural ruby from Mozambique, pear-shaped and faceted, certified untreated and unheated by C.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White Gold Multi-Stone Sapphire and Ruby Diamond Double Flower Ladies Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold Multi-Stone Sapphire and Ruby Diamond Double Flower Ladies Ring This stunning Sapphire Ruby Flower Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship Material: 18k ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Exquisite 18K Gold Double Split Cocktail Ring with Fine Burma Rubies and Diamond
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite piece features: Two Matched Pear-Shaped Burma Rubies 5.40 Carats Total Weight: At the heart of the ring are two perfectly matched pear-shaped rubies sourced from the l...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,160Sale Price|20% Off
18 karat 8ct Diamond and Ruby Dome Ring White Gold
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Quality designer Ruby and Dome Ring with made in 18 Karat white gold with a bezel set ruby surrounded in a dome of diamonds.
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
AGL Certified 6.55 Carat Unheated Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
True Collectors Ruby Cushion Cut Ruby weighing 6.55 Carats, certified by AGL as unheated and from the mine of Myanmar or widely known as Burma. Burmese Rubies of this size and prove...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Pigeon's Blood No Heat Ruby Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This gorgeous 18k white gold ring features a vivid-intense color no heat pear-shaped ruby weighing 1.02 carats, framed by round brilliant and rose-cut pear-shaped diamonds, together ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
1950's Ruby Diamond Cocktail 18k White Gold Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Presenting a mesmerizing ruby and diamond ring that captivates with its stunning design, featuring a brilliant pear-shaped ruby encircled by a vibrant double halo of diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Tiffany & Co., AGL 2.00 Ct Burma Ruby and Diamond Ring, Platinum and 18K
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautifully classic ring by Tiffany & Co. boasts a beautiful 2 carat cushion cut Unheated Burma Ruby flanked by two pear shaped brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Beautiful 3.02 ct GIA Certified Natural Burma Ruby & Diamond Ring, Platinum
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
-Center Stone: GIA-certified natural ruby -Ruby Weight: 3.02 carats (heat-treated) -Side Stones: GIA -Certified pear-shaped natural diamonds -Total Diamond Weight: 1.00 carat -Di...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco ruby diamond ring in 18 karat gold and platinum, synthetic rubies
Located in PARIS, FR
It is flanked by two pear-shaped synthetic rubies. The gems are set in platinum within a pavé of rose-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum
ARAYIAN 2.07-Carat Ruby ring with Diamond
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
Gold - 4.79 grams Ruby - 2.07 carats Diamond (pear) 14 pieces - 1.12 carats Diamond (rounds) 24 pieces - 0.26 carats AGL certified A stunning 2.07-carat ruby forms the centerpi...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,404 / item
Pear Ruby Open 14K (18K Custom) Gold Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Pear Ruby Open Gold Band Ring showcases a vibrant pear-shaped ruby elegantly set in solid 14K gold, creating a refined balance of modern design and timeless beauty.
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$192,000Sale Price|20% Off
Important 10.21 Carat Mozambique Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring GRS Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and important ruby and diamond ring centered on a vivid 10.21 carat natural ruby of rich red color, elegantly fashioned in an oval mixed cut and accompanied by a prestigio...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Sophia D. Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Platinum Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A three stone ring with 0.92 carat cushion cut center ruby flanked with 1.03 carat pear shaped diamond and accentuated with 0.43 carat small diamonds set in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GRS Certified 1.95 Carat Pigeon's Blood Burmese Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
This magnificent ring features a 1.95 carat heated Burmese ruby and 1.26 carat in total of mixed cut colorless diamond; 10 round brilliant cut, 8 marquise and 2 pear shaped diamonds ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Certified 1.35Carat Ruby & Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Embrace the allure of the IGI Certified 1.35 Carat Pear-Shaped Ruby Ring and revel in the sophistication it exudes.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Nouveau Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
A single slim pear shaped diamond sits slightly risen at the centre of the face and is surrounded by a single row of square calibrated rubies possessing a perfectly matched vivid red...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Platinum Flower Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb oval shaped ruby weighing 2.05 carats takes center stage of this flower themed ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18 Karat Gold 9.50 Carat Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
This eternity band ring is crafted in marquise shaped rubies and pear shaped diamonds that gives it a touch of perfection and makes it look extremely gorgeous.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold 8.95 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Modulation Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The ruby is surrounded by a cluster of diamonds in halo form and a few pear-shaped diamonds forming the petals of the flower.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k 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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Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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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.