Tahitian Vintage Pearl Ring and Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Tahitian Pearl Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Grey Tahitian Pearl Ring with Natural Diamonds Pre owned- as new condition 18K Gold Two Tone approx 14 grams Hight Quality - well made Tahitian Pearl Ring Two tone Yellow &a...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
【Vine Symphony】Enchanted Garden Aurora Tahitian Pearl & Gemstone Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Tahitian Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Material Tahitian Pearl, 18k Gold, and Diamond Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 8-9 mm Quality: AAAA Nac...
Diamond, Black Pearl, Emerald, Sapphire, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Galaxy Orbit Aurora South Sea & Akoya Pearl Cocktail Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin South Sea Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond, and Akoya Pearls Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 13...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, White Gold
【Crown Radiance】Radiant Halo Aurora South Sea Pearl & Baby Akoya Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Whether worn at grand occasions or as a signature piece, this ring guarantees to draw every eye in the room. Product Information Origin South Sea Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Ma...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Pearl, White Gold
【Conchéa】Flaming Grace Convertible Petal Ring Pendant — 4.15ct Conch Pearl
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Conch Pearl, 18K Gold, and Natural Diamonds Dimensions - Conch Pearl Shaped: Natural Symmetrical Drop Size: 4.15ct Color: Flamingo Pink wi...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
【Jādora】Imperial Blossom South Sea Pearl, Jadeite & Emerald Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin South Sea Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Diamond, Emerald, and Jadeite Dimensions Ring Top Approx. 2.2 x 2.5 cm Pea...
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Tahitian Pearl Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Fine 12mm Tahitian Pearl and Diamond ring. This gorgeous ring features a very fine 12mm Tahitian pearl surrounded by approximately 1.2 carats of mix cut diamonds.
Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
$5,000
Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl & Diamond Ring An 18 karat white gold ring set with a pearl framed by round cut diamonds Ring Size: 7 Resizable free of charge
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
【Jādora】Royal Garden Golden South Sea Pearl Emerald Jadeite Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Diamond-set blossoms and leaves in 18K yellow gold unfold around the pearl, accented by vivid natural emeralds and Grade A Burmese jadeite.
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Pearl And Diamond Ring 14K Gold
Located in Bradenton, FL
14K Pearl And Diamond Ring. 14K yellow gold ring contains 1 round brilliant cut diamond.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
【Vine Symphony】Convertible Blooming Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring Pendant Brooch
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, and Natural Diamonds Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 14-15 mm Quality: AAAA Nacre: Very Thick Color: Whit...
Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
$2,760Sale Price|20% Off
18kt yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds & Pearl
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Pearl & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 7 1/2 (sizable) Ring Width: 0.45 inches (11.4 mm) Total weight: 7.9 grams / 5.1 dwt Stamped: T...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in white gold and features a graceful pairing of a luminous pearl and diamond accents.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Pearl 1.40ct Diamond 18k White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking statement of timeless sophistication, this elegant pearl and diamond ring showcases a luminous cultured pearl as its captivating centerpiece, radiating a soft, satiny glow.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Tahitian pearl and diamond Ring. Marked .585 and weighs 9 grams. The pearl is a 12mm dark grey Tahitian with light green overtones. On the sides are small round diamonds, .50 carats ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Golden Pearl Diamond Rose Gold Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This delightful 15mm Golden Pearl and Diamond Rose Gold Ring features one 15mm Cultured Golden Pearl and 20 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds with a total weight of .53 carats.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Pearl and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Pearl and Diamond Halo Ring Description: This 14K white gold ring features a luminous cultured pearl at its center, framed by a refined halo of tapered baguette and round...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Certified Golden Pearl Diamonds 18K Gold Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Elevate your timeless of beauty and add a touch of charm and class on your look. Stunning ring come in 18k gold with lustrous Golden Pearl of 12mm, in perfect shape, fine quality, vi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
10K Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Ring 4.6g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
10k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Ring. Stamped 10k on the band.
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Vine Symphony】Blooming Duo Emerald Aurora South Sea Pearl Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin South Sea Pearl Jewelry Processed in Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18K Gold, Natural Diamonds, and Emerald Dimensions - Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 12-13 ...
Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
14K Gold Mabè Pearl & Diamond Ring Vintage
Located in Bradenton, FL
Vintage Kabra 14K Gold Mabè Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring. Ring features a Mabè Pearl approx. 16 mm in diameter.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Tahitian Vintage Pearl Ring and Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Tahitian Pearl Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Grey Tahitian Pearl Ring with Natural Diamonds Pre owned- as new condition 18K Gold Two Tone approx 14 grams Hight Quality - well made Tahitian Pearl Ring Two tone Yellow & ...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 18K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring. Fits a 6.50 finger, and weighs 8.33 grams.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
【Crown Radiance】Convertible Emerald & South Sea Pearl Statement Ring Pendant
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Natural Diamond, and Emerald Dimensions Ring Diameter Approx. 2.8 cm Pearl Shaped: Round Size: 14-15 mm Qualit...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Emerald, White Gold
VCA 18K Gold Alhambra Pearl Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Flushing, NY
A Van Cleef & Arpels ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold and centered by a four-lobed floral motif in iridescent white opal. The opal displays soft flashes of pink, green, and blue ...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Love 14 Karat Gold Diamond Pearl Ring
By De Maria Jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
This 14k rose gold ring is adorned with "Love" lettering that's illuminated by 0.10 carats of shimmering round cut diamonds and a freshwater pearl.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
Utopia 18K Gold Diamond Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Utopia 18K Gold Diamond Pearl Cocktail Ring Utopia Jewels 18K Yellow Gold Large Cocktail Ring with Genuine Diamond and Large Round South Sea Pearl Marked: UTOPIA 750 Approximate Di...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,745Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A magnificent 18k white Gold ring set with a South Sea Pearl 13mm and Sparkling round brilliant cut Diamonds 1.25 cts.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
18K Gold Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18k gold, it features a central natural pearl of pristine white, encircled by a halo of old mine-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Mikimoto rose gold Pearl & Diamond ring PRH5473Z2
By Mikimoto
Located in Addlestone, GB
Mikimoto 'Dandelion' collection pearl & diamond ring set in 18k rose gold. The ring features a Akoya pearl with a slight pinkish hue set with a floral design with four round brillia...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage Pearl Diamond Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
CIRCA: 1990s MATERIALS: 14k Gold GEMSTONE: Pearl , Diamond WEIGHT: 8.8 Grams MEASUREMENT: Pearl Diameter - 1/2" RING SIZE: 6.5 HALLMARKS: 14K
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Gold Silver Diamond Australian Pearl Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Retro ring in 9kt yellow gold and silver composed of a central pearl surrouded by diamonds. diamonds 0.62kt pearl 12mm/ 0.47inch tot weight 8.8gr r.f.
Diamond, Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamond Cut: Single Stone Note: (2) small Style: Solitaire with Accents Bypass Measurements Face Height ...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bruner Gold Diamond South Sea Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
14k yellow gold ring by Bruner. Set with South Sea Pearl - 13.7mm, and approx. 2.00ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Pearl Diamond ring Floral diamond cocktail ring 14KT gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
NATURAL DIAMOND -center Cut: Old Mine Color: F Clarity: VS2 Carat: 0.55ct NATURAL DIAMOND(S) Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G (average) Clarity: SI (averge) Carat: 0.10ct NATURAL PEARL...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bvlgari Pearl Diamond 18k Gold Cocktail Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
DESIGNER: Bulgari CIRCA: 1990s MATERIALS: 18K Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Pearl, Diamond WEIGHT: 7.3 Grams RING SIZE: 6.75 - 7 HALLMARKS: BVLGARI, 750
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
$3,500
Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl and Diamond Ring A ring set with a round cultured pearl, accented by round cut diamonds Approximate Weight: 5.2 grams Ring Size: 7 Complimentary Resizing Metal Type: 10 kara...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold
Antique 14K White Gold Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique 14K white gold pearl and diamond ring captures the timeless elegance of a bygone era.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Ruby Emerald Pearl Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Precious ring in 14kt gold and details in white gold composed of a central pearl surroundes by a crown of diamonds, rubies and emeralds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1960s Pearl Diamond 14K Cocktail Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step back in time and embrace the timeless elegance of our 1960s Pearl Diamond 14K Gold Ring. This exquisite piece of jewelry combines classic charm with contemporary versatility, ma...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
Misani 18K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Ring Luxury Designer Pearl
Located in Virginia Beach, VA
The 18K Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring by Misani is a sophisticated Italian-made designer piece that pairs luxurious 18K yellow gold with the exotic beauty of a Tahitian...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Impressive 18k yellow gold ring, with center 13mm South Sea pearl, surrounded with approx. 0.90ctw H/VS diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Yellow Gold Tahitian Pearl Diamond Ring - 14k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Tahitian Pearl Natural Diamonds Carat(s):...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold, Diamond and Tahitian Pearl Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat White Gold Ring Featuring An 11.5mm Tahitian Cultured Pearl Accented By 38 Round Diamonds Of SI Clarity & H Color.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Retro Diamond Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from 18k white gold, the ring's design emphasizes its retro allure.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Pearl & Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This elegant 14K yellow gold ring from the 1980s features a unique design, showcasing six lustrous pearls and seven small single-cut round brilliant diamonds, totaling approximately ...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,898 / item
Chicago Gold Diamond and Pearl Band Ring
Located in Lawrenceville, GA
Gold(14K) : 5.90g Diamonds : (VS clarity & H-I colour) : (Brilliant cut ) : 0.46ct Gemstones : Cultured Pearls : 3.84ct Chicago pearl ring, crafted in gold, the band is studded wit...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
large 18k gold cocktail ring, set with a 20.2mm South Sea pearl, approx. 2.75ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
【Sculpted Geometry】Architectural South Sea Pearl & Diamond 3-Piece Set
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
The ring highlights a 12–13mm Aurora South Sea pearl, surrounded by 0.42 carats of SI quality natural diamonds in a sculptural open-frame design.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold
Diamond Pearl Precious Stone Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Enhance your look with this charming ring in 14Kt white gold and rose gold, composed of diamonds and blue sapphires and emeralds which surround 3 little pearls with a diameter of 2/3...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k yellow gold cocktail ring, with center 13.9mm South Sea pearl, surrounded with approx. 1.80ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold
Gray Pearl Ring 18 Karat Gold Tahitian Pearl Two Tone Gold and Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Grey Tahitian Pearl Ring with Natural Diamonds Bold and Elegant look Pre owned- as new condition 18K Gold approx 14 grams Hight Quality workmanship - well made ring Two tone...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,000
Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl and Diamond Ring A white gold ring set with a pearl accented by diamonds.
Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Bypass Ring 10k
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Cultured Pearl Natural Diamond Carat(s): .02ct...
Diamond, Pearl, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl and diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$4,200 / item
Turquoise Pearl Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Composition Size-US-7 Total Weight-4.02 Gold Weight(Gms)-3.418 Diamond Wt(Cts)-0.46 Pearl Wt(Cts)-2.2 Turquoise Wt(Cts)-0.35
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold
$6,000
Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pearl and Diamond Ring A 14-karat white gold ring set with a pearl accented with marquis and baguette cut diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold
【Conchéa】Empress Orchid Convertible 3-Way Conch Pearl & Diamond Jewelry — 5.2ct
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
Product Information Origin Japan Material Conch Pearl, 18K Gold, and Natural Diamonds Dimensions - Conch Pearl Shaped: Natural Drop Size: 5.2ct Color: Flamingo Pink with Strong Fla...
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Modern flower ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central pearl surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Gold Amethyst, Diamonds And Pearl Ring
Located in Guaynabo, PR
This is an 14K Gold Amethyst, Diamonds and Pearl Ring. It depicts a Violet flower shaped ring with four petals made of amethysts adorned by a diamond in each cardinal point ( 0.60 ca...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, 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.”
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.