$74,480Sale Price|24% Off
6.56 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Ring with Swiss Certification
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and impactful three-stone ring centered by a natural Colombian emerald weighing 6.56 carats, accompanied by a Swiss gemological report from C. Dunaigre. The emerald is fa...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
6.07 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Ring with Swiss Certification
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and highly collectible three-stone ring centered by an exceptional natural Colombian emerald weighing 6.07 carats, accompanied by a Swiss gemological report from C. Dunaig...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$70,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.02 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Ring in Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and refined three-stone ring centered by a natural Colombian emerald weighing 3.02 carats, accompanied by a GIA Emerald Origin Report. The emerald is cut in a classic oct...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$62,800Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.01 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Ring in Platinum and 18K
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and elegant ring centered by a vivid Colombian emerald weighing 4.01 carats, presented in a beautifully balanced design that highlights both color and structure. The emer...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
9 Ct Cushion Colombian Emerald & Diamond 2.5 Ct Ring Platinum Ring, Estate
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring 9 Carat Cushion Colombian Emerald & 2.48 Ct Diamond Ring platinum, Estate, Unisex Large 9 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, with no color enha...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.97ct Natural Emerald (F1) Trillants Diamond Ring Platinum 12414*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 3.97ct Natural Emerald Cut Emerald Diamonds Ring. Report # 2211186968 F1 - Low Oil Treat 9.8 x 9.4 x 5.1mm 1.10ct Natural Trilliant Diamonds H-color Si-1 clarity. Pla...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.62ct Natural Emerald Diamonds Ring 14kt 'F1'*
Located in New York, NY
Halo Green. 1.62ct. Natural Emerald Ring GIA Certified: #6214622811 (To Accompany) 7.59 X 7.71 x 5.07mm Full cut Round Cut brilliant Clean Clarity & Transparent (F1) Vivid...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$66,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5ct Colombian Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant ring features a striking emerald weighing 4.92 carats, accompanied by a GIA report confirming its Zambian origin and clarity enhancement (F2). The emerald displays a ri...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$5,040Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian Emerald And Diamond Ring. Cushion Emerald Three Stone 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Age: Edwardian, Vintage Year: 1910 Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Primary Stone Weight: Approx 0.70ct Secondary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stone Cut: Old Europe...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$33,280Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring. AGL 1ct No Oil Emerald Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Certification: AGL Certified Primary Stone: Colombian No Oil Emerald Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.00-Carat Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Sto...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$14,080Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring. GIA 1.80ct Emerald Diamond Cluster Platinum
Located in New York, NY
A stunning vintage-inspired cluster engagement ring featuring a GIA-certified approx. 1.80-carat natural Colombian emerald. This exceptional gemstone, known for its vivid green hue a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$9,360Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Emerald Halo Ring. 1.50ct Colombian Emerald 0.60TWC Diamond Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Ring Size: 6.75 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Emerald Stone Cut: Asscher Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite geometric platinum ring showcases a vibrant approx...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
$7,120Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Emerald Halo Ring. GIA 0.50ct Asscher Cut Diamond Ring Platinum J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Ring Size: 6.25 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: VS2 Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Emerald Stone Cut: Asscher Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite Art Deco-insp...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 1.19 carat old mine cut diamond emerald platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Art Deco engagement ring centers on a captivating 1.19 carat old mine brilliant cut diamond, certified by GIA #1232903910, radiating a soft, romantic glow with its warm...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$16,640Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Aquamarine Ring. 16ct Emerald Cut Aquamarine Diamond Accent Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: approx 16 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: approx 0.50 Carats Total Jewelry Ty...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
One of a kind 6.50ct emerald diamond cocktail ring PLATINUM
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Emerald this color is rare to find, bright green with stunning jardin! The ring is made in platinum and accompanied by VS diamonds in size 8. **All items leave our premises with a c...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Certified 8.32 carat Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Try this show stopping platinum, emerald, and, diamond cocktail ring. The ring is set with a 8.32 cts. center emerald cut F1 emerald and two rows of stunning F -G - VVS diamonds wei...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
BULGARI Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Trombino Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A commanding expression of BULGARI’s bold Roman aesthetic, this exceptional Trombino ring is centered by a vivid Colombian emerald weighing approximately 8.40 carats. Cut in a classi...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
BULGARI 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Double Emerald Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
A bold and unmistakably sculptural creation from BULGARI, this striking bypass ring embodies the house’s distinctive dialogue between strength and sensuality. Crafted in a harmonious...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Classic Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Classic Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this three-stone ring features a vivid emerald-cut emerald at the center accented by tapered baguette diamonds at...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Refined Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Refined Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this refined ring features a vivid 0.54 carat emerald at the center, framed by 1.20 carats total weight of diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,660Sale Price|20% Off
Vivid Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vivid Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this ring centers on a richly colored 1.48 carat emerald in a classic three-stone design. Step-cut diamond accents ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 1.75 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a navette style ring centering a baguette cut emerald weighing approximately 0.45 carat total Set in a milgrain bezel and flanked north to south by old European cut diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$5,840Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Diamond Ring. 0.90ct Round Emerald Five Stone Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
"A timeless expression of balance and elegance, this five-stone emerald and diamond ring showcases a classic alternating design that has remained beloved for generations. Set with pr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum, Art Deco Style Calibrated Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Emerald Target Ring Platinum Circa 2000 A striking Art Deco–style ring showcasing timeless elegance and bold geometric design. Crafted in luxurious platinum, this statement piece...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Halo Engagement Ring. 0.40ct Pear Shape Emerald Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Weight: Approx 0.40 Carats Primary Stone Shape: Pear Secondary Stone: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approx 0.40 Carats Secondary Stone Cut: Ba...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA-Style Certified 4.46 Carat Colombian Minor Oil Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and timeless ring centered around a certified natural Colombian emerald of exceptional presence and vivid color, thoughtfully mounted to highlight both its rarity and refi...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
$31,200Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Approx. 5 Carat MINOR OIL Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning platinum ring showcases a vivid green emerald-cut natural emerald certified by GIA (Report No. 2231454309). The gemstone exhibits exceptional transparency and a rich, s...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Design Old Mine Diamond Emerald Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A refined Art Deco-inspired ring crafted in platinum, centered with a beautiful 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond graded H color and SI2 clarity. The center diamond is surrounded by vi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$552,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 18 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined and powerful statement ring centered around a magnificent GIA-certified 18.47 carat emerald cut diamond, showcasing the timeless elegance and architectural beauty that defi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$46,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2.00 Carat F Color Internally Flawless Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined and highly elegant diamond ring centered around a GIA-certified 2.00 carat emerald cut diamond, showcasing exceptional clarity and a timeless step-cut profile. Graded F co...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$288,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10 Ct. Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An important and highly impressive emerald cut diamond ring centered around a GIA certified 10.46 carat natural diamond, offering exceptional presence and refined step-cut elegance. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
7.20 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring Platinum
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A substantial and refined diamond eternity band featuring sixteen emerald cut diamonds, expertly bar-set in platinum for a clean and architectural appearance. The ring is composed o...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$8,800Sale Price|20% Off
Estate 2.75 Carat Emerald 0.44 Carat Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant estate three-stone ring is a refined expression of timeless design and vivid natural beauty. Expertly crafted in platinum, the ring showcases three natural green emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Mauboussin black pearl, ruby and emerald cluster ring, French, 1957.
By Mauboussin
Located in London, GB
Mauboussin pearl, ruby and emerald cluster ring. Set to centre with a black pearl in a half-drilled open back setting, further adorned with nine rectangular baguette cut natural unen...
Emerald, Black Pearl, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum 1.0ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF12-030226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This exquisite ring will never go out of style. Diamonds totaling 1.0 carats shine brightly from their place within the intricate Platinum setting. At the center, a stunning 3.20 car...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Emerald Diamond Ring - 900 Emerald Cut 1.23ctw GIA
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Metal Content: 900 Plat 100 Irid Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .39ct Cut: Emerald Certified by: GIA Report Number: 6227175483 Natural Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.66ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF38-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This 900 platinum ring holds a 5.25-carat emerald, square in outline and carved at the center. Each corner of the green stone is secured by a prong, framing it while protecting its m...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 1.30ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF18-030226
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This dazzling ring is chic and incredibly sophisticated. A 1.35 carat Emerald center stone adds a vibrant pop of color, while Diamonds totaling 1.30 carats provide the perfect amount...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Platinum 1.30ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF30-030326
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This antique ring is incredibly chic. Exquisitely crafted, sparkling Diamonds totaling 1.30 carats allow it to effortlessly catch the light. Emerald accents totaling 0.60 carats add ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely emerald and diamond cluster ring crafted at a time when the Art Deco style was at the height of design. A square shaped natural emerald possessing a vivid green...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
$71,960Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER Paris Tutti Frutti St Petersburg Ring In Platinum With Carved Gems &
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Tutti Frutti cocktail ring designed by Cartier. This is an exceptional and very rare cocktail ring, created in Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier. The fabulous colorful ri...
Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
$22,800Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Cut Natural Green Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum 900
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautifully handcrafted platinum ring centered by a natural transparent green emerald weighing approximately 1.59 carats. Surrounding the center stone are approximately 1.49 cara...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 18K White Gold, Platinum, Emerald, and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine vintage white gold, platinum, emerald, and diamond cocktail ring. In 18 karat white gold. With a central square emerald cut 0.62± Ct emerald in a gold bezel setting surround...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage 3.20 Carat Emerald 4.10 Carat Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.20ct emerald and 4.10ct diamond, platinum ballerina ring; part of our vintage jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum GIA F1 1.80ct Zambian Emerald and Marquise Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Platinum GIA F1 1.80ct Zambian Emerald and Diamond Ring, showcasing a vivid green 1.80 carat GIA-certified emerald of Zambian origin, graded F1 for minor clarity enhancement....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. GIA Certified 2.25 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless Tiffany & Co. three stone engagement ring crafted in platinum, centered by a magnificent 2.25 carat natural emerald cut diamond of exceptional quality. The center ston...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,024Sale Price|20% Off
Striking Emerald & Diamond Ring in 900 Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Striking Emerald & Diamond Ring in 900 Platinum Crafted in 900 platinum, this ring centers on a vivid .71 carat emerald framed by tapered baguette diamond accents for a clean, b...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 3.42 carat old European cut diamond emerald platinum target ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A breathtaking Art Deco target ring centered around an exceptional 3.42 carat diamond, radiating timeless elegance and bold geometric beauty. The cushion-shaped diamond displays a ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,344Sale Price|20% Off
Luminous Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Luminous Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this ring centers on a vibrant 1.19 carat oval emerald accented by tapered baguette diamonds totaling 0.30 carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,128Sale Price|20% Off
Striking Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Striking Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this ring centers on a vivid 0.86 carat emerald framed by tapered baguette diamonds totaling 0.35 carats. The ri...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$4,256Sale Price|20% Off
Vibrant Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vibrant Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this cocktail ring features a 1.84 carat emerald framed by diamonds totaling 0.59 carats total weight. The vivid ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Edwardian emerald diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Edwardian ring captures the refined romance and delicate craftsmanship of the early 20th century. At its center rests a beautifully proportioned emerald-cut emerald, w...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco inspired 1.97 carat emerald diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking modern ring inspired by the bold geometry of the Art Deco period, this elegant design centers on a vivid 1.97 carat emerald cut emerald. The clean step-cut facets highligh...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,000,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 21.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Rin
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional high jewelry ring centered around a GIA-certified 21.60 carat emerald cut diamond of remarkable presence and refinement. The center stone, measuring nearly 20 mm in l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 5.05 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Vintage Oval Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 5.05 Carat Oval Green Emerald Gemstone. Acc...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 6.68tcw F2 Columbian Emerald GIA and Diamond 3 Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed F2 Columbian Emerald GIA and Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 6.68tcw F2 Columbian Emerald GIA. Set...
Diamond, Emerald, 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.