1.60 Carat Cabochon Emerald and Baguette Diamond Platinum Vintage Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Platinum and Palladium Vintage Statement Ring. Centering a securely Hand set 1.6 Carat Emerald. Surrounded by Hand set 1.00tcw Baguett...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Exclusive platinum ring with 1.00ct diamonds and emeralds, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Exclusive platinum ring with 1.00ct diamonds and emeralds A ring with an exceptionally beautiful diamond and emerald crimson It consists of a centrally set oval brilliant-cut diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$64,000Sale Price|20% Off
C. Dunaigre 6.82 Carat Minor Oil EMERALD Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
stunning natural 6.82 carat minor oil emerald with tapered baguette diamonds, weighing an impressive 1 ct. This exceptional emerald features fire that captures the eye. Set in a lux...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Kurt Wayne 1.20 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This signed Kurt Wayne emerald and diamond ring is a vibrant and elegant piece from a celebrated American designer. At its heart is a richly colored 1.20 carat oval emerald, bezel-se...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 18K Gold & Platinum Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
Art Deco 18K Gold & Platinum Diamond Emerald Ring featuring a mixed metal (Platinum & 18k Gold) Ring mounted with approximately: 1.29 Carats of numerous near colorless Diamonds three...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco .70 Ct Colombian Emerald . 75 Ct. Diamond Platinum ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Art Deco Elegance This original and quite unique Art Deco ring is dated 1920 ca Hand crafted of solid Platinum in a tasteful horizontal panel with beautiful openwork scroll design mi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 0.40 Carat Emerald 1.52 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.40 carat emerald and 1.52 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of gemstone rings. This stunning, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with an octagonal step cut natural Colombian emerald with minor clarity enhancement in an open back rubover setting with an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco trilogy ring features a central vibrant emerald flanked by two wonderful old cut diamonds. The Emerald is a completely natural stone weighing 0.50 carat and is cut in t...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Yellow Diamond Cluster Platinum Ring
Located in London, GB
An emerald and yellow diamond cluster platinum ring This ring is set to its centre with an emerald cut emerald of 0.88 carats, of a rich and deep vibrant green colour. This stone is...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 0.40ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920s is this beautiful trilogy ring featuring a central emerald flanked by diamonds. The natural Emerald is an classic emerald cut stone weighing 0.40 carat. Each...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Carl Bucherer, Emerald and Diamond Ballerina Ring
By Carl F. Bucherer
Located in Chicago, IL
This fun cocktail ring boasts an emerald cut emerald weighing approximately 3.10 carats surrounded by 28 tapered baguette cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 carats total. Beaut...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1960s David Webb Emerald and Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with an AGL certified, Colombian origin Emerald weighing 4.43 carats, and a GIA certified Asscher cut Diamond weighing 3.10 carats, G c...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$240,000 / item
Emerald Cut 18K Yellow Gold Solitaire Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A masterpiece of sophistication, this 7 carat emerald-cut diamond engagement ring, set in radiant 14k yellow gold, captures the essence of timeless luxury. With exceptional G color a...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Superb Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Halo Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Simply the best of the best. The emerald set in this classic styled platinum ring is of exceptional quality. It weighs just shy of 1 carat, (0.95ct) and has top vivid green color alo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Yellow Gold and Platinum Daisy Ring with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A charming daisy-style ring crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum (950‰), centering on a vibrant cushion-cut emerald of approximately 1.10 carats. The emerald is framed by a single...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Diamond And Emerald Ring. 0.50ct Diamond Emerald Halo Engagement Ring H VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Asscher Cut Center Diamond Color: H Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.26 Carat Old-Mine Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring, GIA
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking emerald-cut emerald, weighing 1.26 carats, commands attention at the center of this classic three-stone ring. The emerald has an amazing intense green color mainly found i...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$71,200Sale Price|20% Off
ICA Certified 14.25ct Zambian Emerald Minor Oil Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A magnificent platinum ring showcasing a certified 14.25-carat Zambian emerald with a rich, saturated intense green hue. This exceptional gemstone has undergone only minor oil clarit...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.41 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating emerald, weighing 1.41 carats, commands attention at the center of this elegant ring. The emerald-cut stone radiates a vivid green hue, drawing the eye with its rich co...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 10.39 Carat Minor Oil Natural Green Emerald Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional 10.39 Carat Zambian Emerald and Trillion Diamond Platinum Ring A striking statement of timeless elegance, this remarkable three-stone ring features a captivating 10.39 c...
Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 4.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage cluster ring features a stunning 4.50 carat emerald at its centre, encircled by a halo of glittering diamonds. The natural emerald is an emerald cut stone rub over set w...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 14.11 Carat Natural Green Emerald Minor Oil Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and majestic creation by Antinori di Sanpietro, this spectacular ring showcases a 14.11 carat cushion-cut Zambian emerald, certified by GRS and classified as Minor Oil — a hig...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1960s David Webb 6.00 Carat Emerald Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Emerald weighing approximately 6.00 carats, and Round Brilliant and Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 4.00 carats. Signed by ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.00ct Diamond baguette emerald green trilogy engagement ring in platinum.
Located in London, GB
2.00ct Diamond baguette emerald green trilogy engagement ring in platinum. Gorgeous green Colombian emerald princess cushion shaped with two baguette diamond step cut on the side tr...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Natural Emerald Diamond Halo Ring. GIA 2.50ct Emerald Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Center Emerald Weight: 2.50 carats Center Emerald Cut: Emerald Cut Certification: GIA Certificate Secondary Stones: Diamond Diamond Weight: 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$44,800Sale Price|20% Off
7.30 Carat Insignificant Natural Green Oval Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exceptional 10.39 Carat Zambian Emerald and Trillion Diamond Platinum Ring A striking statement of timeless elegance, this remarkable three-stone ring features a captivating 10.39 c...
Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Diamond Ring Estate Etched Platinum Wide Band Sz 7.5 Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed emerald & diamond ring crafted in 900 platinum. Center set emerald measures 5.5mm x 4mm. Diamonds total an estimated 0.75 carats (estimated at H-I color ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Diamond and Emerald Cluster Ring Engagement Ring.
Located in San Francisco, CA
This gorgeous retro cluster has amazing gemstones, stunning sparkle, and great design. What a package! Crafted in Platinum, the cluster is made up of 3 Square Cut Natural Emeralds, 0...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Dome Ring with 1.30ct Emerald and 1.30 Ct Diamond Accents, 1930s-40s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Platinum ring with milligrain dome, a central emerald of 1.30 carats and surrounding diamonds for a total of 1.30 carats / Made in Italy 1930s-1940s Ring size US 7.25
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 1.70ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
In this stunning Art Deco trilogy ring a large and vibrant emerald sits between two glittering old cut diamonds. This ring is set apart by its partiularly beautiful fluted fan like b...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$30,880Sale Price|20% Off
ICA Gemstone Certified 5.49 Carat Insignificant Oil Green Emerald Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional three-stone ring features a mesmerizing 5.49 carat natural emerald of nearly square proportions, certified by ICA GemLab as originating from Zambia. Exhibiting an in...
Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum 0.90 Carat Old European Cut Diamond & Natural Emerald Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Art Deco Composition: Platinum Primary Stone: Old European Cut Diamond Carat Weight: Approximately 0.90 Carats Color/Clarity: H / VS1 Accent Stone: Eight French Cut Natural...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$48,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 6.14 Carat Vivid Green Minor Oil Emerald Platinum Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A magnificent statement of refined luxury, this exceptional three-stone ring features a 6.14 carat vivid green emerald, certified by GRS as natural and of Zambian origin. Masterfully...
Emerald, Platinum
Antique Edwardian 1910s Russian Ural Mountains Emerald Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with an AGL certified 7.20 carat Russian Emerald from Ural Mountains accented by Diamonds. Circa 1910s Size 7 1/4
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1970s 7.00 Carat Colombian Emerald and 4.00 Carat Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an AGL certified Colombian Emerald weighing 7.00 carats, set in a Ballerina setting with Round Brilliant and Tapered Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.60ct Ruby emerald diamond engagement ring in platinum.
Located in London, GB
1.60ct Ruby emerald diamond engagement ring in platinum. Beautiful Burma ruby emerald cut 1.20ct total Weight natural untreated. Diamonds total weight 0.40ct F colour VS1 clarity. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum AGL 7.59ctw Colombian Emerald w/ Large Diamond Halo Substantial Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Rectangular Emerald Cut - Prong Set - Green Color - Colombian - Minot - 5.57ct (exact. certified) ** See Certification Details Below for C...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$14,400Sale Price|20% Off
Favero Calla Collection Diamond Halo Statement Ring 1.8ct
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Favero Calla Collection Diamond Halo Statement Ring 1.8ct 18K White Gold Bold, sophisticated, and undeniably luxurious — this Favero Calla Collection halo ring is a striking state...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 0.70 Carat Emerald and 2.42 Carat Diamond, Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.70 carat emerald and 2.42 carat diamond, platinum navette shaped cluster cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and est...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1.35ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This captivating Vintage 1970s cluster ring showcases a vibrant 1.35 carat emerald cut emerald at its centre. Surrounding the emerald, a shimmering halo of old cut diamonds totals 0....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$3,800 / item
Selection of Vintage Eternity Bands
Located in New York, NY
A Selection of Vintage Eternity Bands from our varied collection.. The cuts include French cut, baguette and round and are good quality. The TiffanySapphire shown is comprised of F...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 9.40 Carat Green Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
- 9.40t size natural emerald - GIA certified - Gorgeous VIVID green color!
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, 1950s 3 Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1950s This stunning trilogy ring from the 1950s is a true vintage beauty. The ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald cut wedding band in platinum VS diamonds F color
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning wedding band that would match so many engagement rings. Made in solid platinum with meticulous tiger claws setting style, the ring was custom made to perfection. Size is 6 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
6.00 Carat Colombian Emerald & 2.50 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum with an AGL certified Colombian Emerald at the center weighing 6.00 carats. The ring features 2 Emerald cut side Diamonds weighing appr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 7 Carat Green Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
- 7ct size natural emerald - GRS certified - Gorgeous green color! - Beautiful emerald cut - Insignificant Oil
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Retro Platinum Carre Cut Diamond and Emerald Wedding Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Retro Platinum Carre Cut Diamond and Emerald Wedding Band. This gorgeous carre cut diamond and emerald wedding band is crafted in platinum. The ring features white ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Cut wedding band Platinum 4 carats VS diamonds F color
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning wedding band with half carat diamonds in platinum, totaling approximately 4 carats. Diamonds are VS clarity and F color, certificate and box comes with the purchase, size ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 1.05ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Art Deco era, this beautiful cluster ring centres around a single old cut diamond, flanked by emeralds. The central diamond weighs 0.25 carat, with each of the flanking...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
15.21ct Fine Santa Maria Blue Emerald Cut Aquamarine And Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Top Grade Santa Maria Blue Aquamarine And Diamond Platinum Ring. Stunning platinum ring with a large 15.21 carat fine intense blue Santa Maria aquamarine. A fine colour stone ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 2.82ct Diamond Emerald Anniversary Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous platinum anniversary ring from the Art Deco era. The ring is set with three sparkling old European cut diamonds that weigh approximately 2.82ct. The color of the d...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 1.35 Carat Asscher Cut Emerald & 5.00 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Asscher cut Emerald weighing 1.35 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 5.00 carats. Circa 1950s Size 6, resizable
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 1.38 Carat Oval Cut Emerald and 3.00 Carat Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Oval cut Emerald weighing 1.38 carat set in a Ballerina setting featuring Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 3.00 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco gold ring with diamonds and emerald, circa 1930/1940s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A unique ring made of 18-karat white gold (0.750 fineness) and platinum. The ring is decorated with a square faceted emerald in a beautiful green color with naturally occurring incl...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 10.08 Carat Oval Cut Colombian Emerald Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an AGTA certified Oval cut Colombian Emerald weighing 10.08 carats, flanked by Trillion and Princess cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 5....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
9.88 Carat Natural Colombain Emerald Cabochon and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 9.88 Carat Natural Emerald Cabochon and 2.43 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 8.11 Carat Emerald Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with an AGL certified Zambian Emerald weighing 8.11 carats, and Marquise, Round Brilliant, and Pear-Shaped Diamonds weighing approximat...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Emerald Cut Engagement Ring. GIA 0.50ct Diamond Double Halo Emerald Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Certi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 5.60 carat emerald diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k yellow gold and platinum cocktail ring features a certified 5.60-carat emerald cut emerald with F1 treatment, accented by 32 old European, old mine, and rose cut dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, 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.