Platinum 0.30ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF25-051526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A 2.07 carat Colombian Emerald makes a statement at the center of this exquisite ring. The classically elegant design is further elevated by sparkling Diamonds with a total weight of...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.60ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF15-051526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A ring built almost entirely around the pull of emerald. Fresh and cool to the eye, the 1.24-carat center stone sits right at the center with four prongs securing its corners. Trilli...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.56ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF35-051826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
The symbolism long attached to emeralds, particularly renewal, loyalty, and protection, lends this ring a more personal significance. This platinum piece carries a 1.10-carat round e...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.50ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF20-051326
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring is designed to make a statement. Set in Platinum, it includes a vibrant 5.34 carat Emerald surrounded by sparkling Diamond accents totaling 0.50 carats. It features ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.90ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF04-052126
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Like the blades of a pinwheel caught mid-turn, the diamonds surrounding this rings center stone spread outward in a shifting radial arrangement. Round and marquise diamonds totaling ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$44,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond & Green Emerald Contour Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Diamond & Green Emerald Contour Ring Elegant Tiffany & Co. Platinum Contour Ring featuring a certified natural green pear-shaped emerald weighing ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$4,460Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 1920's Art Deco Diamond & Emerald Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Art Deco 1920's Shield Ring Over 1.00ct Brilliant Old Cut Round Diamonds & French Cut Emeralds The Beautiful Diamonds average H Color SI Clarity 21.5mm Long x 14mm Wide ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco style 4.48 carat emerald diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Art Deco style emerald and diamond ring is a sophisticated vintage-inspired design from the 2000’s, centered by an impressive emerald cut emerald weighing 4.48 carats....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Emerald & Diamond Shield Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Antique Emerald & Diamond Shield Ring in Platinum This antique ring is crafted in 900 platinum and features green emeralds totaling 0.40ctw, arranged in a shield-style design wi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Emerald & Diamond Shield Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Antique Emerald & Diamond Shield Ring in Platinum This antique ring is crafted in 900 platinum and features a striking shield-style design with richly colored green emeralds tot...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco diamond and emerald ring, French, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond and emerald ring. Set to center with one square French cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 1.55 carats, flanked by two natural ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$35,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co Platinum Three Stone Ring with Emeralds and 1.30ct VS1 Diamond
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Tiffany & Co. three-stone ring showcases the house’s timeless elegance and masterful craftsmanship in a striking platinum setting. At its center sits a beautifully...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum dog head hallmark. Highly characteristic of its era, this white gold and platinum ring features a setting adorned at its...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$81,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 2.45 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary Tiffany & Co. emerald cut diamond solitaire engagement ring featuring a magnificent 2.45 carat natural diamond of exceptional rarity and quality. Among Tiffany &...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 2.15ct Emerald & 1.27ctw Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Discover the exquisite allure of our Ballerina Style Cocktail Ring, a stunning masterpiece crafted in luxurious platinum900. At its heart lies a captivating 2.15ctw emerald, radiatin...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
5.30Carat Natural Cushion Emerald Diamonds Ring Platinum Split Shank Fine Green*
Located in New York, NY
Split Shank Raised Cosmopolitan. 4.10ct. Natural Emerald Ring Emerald, Brilliant Cushion cut 9.5 x 9.4mm Diameter Transparent & Vivid Green 1.20ct. Diamonds. Round & f...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian INSIGNIFICANT Emerald and Diamond Ring Circa 1920
Located in London, GB
A striking Art Deco emerald and diamond ring, centred on a certified 3.31 carat Colombian emerald of vivid green hue, framed by two concentric octagonal borders of sparkling old-cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
【Énigma】GIA Certified Imperial Verde Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
An emerald of remarkable presence. At the center of this platinum ring rests a 3.036-carat Colombian emerald accompanied by a GIA Origin Report confirming its Colombian origin. Disp...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Pavé Emerald & Diamond Ring in 900 Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Pavé Emerald & Diamond Ring in 900 Platinum This ring is crafted in 900 platinum and features pavé-set emeralds scattered among round diamonds in a wide band design. The emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
David Webb Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Cage Ring DW08-041626
By David Webb
Located in Southampton, PA
This David Webb cage ring is simply mesmerizing. The creative design features a detailed tiger within a gilded cage. An Emerald cabochon at the top adds a striking pop of color, whil...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum Colombian Emerald with Diamond Halo Wide Band Ring Vivid Green V1212
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Platinum Colombian Emerald with Diamond Halo Wide Band Ring Vivid Vivid Green with Certificate V1212 ♥ The item measures 12.4mm in length (North South direction), 11.3mm in width (...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
MICHELE DELLA VALLE Ring Platinum GIA Cert 10.50 Sapphire, Emerald's & Diamonds
By Michele della Valle
Located in Miami, FL
This Cocktail ring features a natural 10.50-carat Ceylon blue sapphire, accompanied by a prestigious Colored Stone Report from the Gemological Institute of America (GIA #2233885302)....
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum 0.36ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF14-041026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A classic three-stone design makes this luxury ring simple timeless. The ornate Platinum setting adds extra vintage elegance to this stylish piece. At the center, a 0.86 carat Emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 1.90ct Sapphire and Emerald Ring MF13-050626
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A detailed Platinum setting makes this ring exquisite from any angle. At the top of the design, a 1.90 carat Sapphire cabochon is perfectly paired with Emerald cabochons with a total...
Sapphire, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.46ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF17-041026
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring is simple, elegant, and understated. A vibrant 1.47 carat Emerald makes a statement at the center, while Diamond accent totaling 0.46 carats provide plenty of extra ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.13ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF13-041426
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This understated ring is an ideal way to add a touch of luxury to any ensemble. The dynamic Platinum setting showcases Emeralds totaling 0.76 carats and Diamond accents totaling 0.13...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.65ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF41-050726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A breathtaking 6.91 carat Emerald adds a stylish pop of color to this luxury ring. Crafted from Platinum, the detailed setting features Diamonds totaling 0.65 carats in an abstract f...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
16.85 Carat Platinum Emerald Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Platinum ring with 16.85 carat fine emerald and 2 half moon diamonds weighing 1.01 carats and 0.48 carats or round brilliants. 13.15g, Size 7.5 (sizable)
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
5.41 Carat Vivid Green Colombian Muzo Emerald & Old Euro Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS-certified 5.41 carat cushion-cut "Vivid Green" minor oil Colombian emerald in 18K white gold three-stone ring. Flanked by two old European-cut diamonds totaling 1.50 carats. Ring...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
An 1960s Platinum Ring with a Cabochon cut emerald and Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A stunning platinum ring featuring a large sugarloaf cabochon-cut emerald (app. 12 ct, 15.7 x 11.5 x 9.5 mm, moderate oil, possibly Russian, NEL certificate E2620920). The rich, velv...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Aletto Brothers Colombian Emerald, Diamond, Platinum and Gold Ring, Circa 2000
Located in London, GB
A Colombian emerald and diamond ring, set with a 2.40 carat cushion shaped step-cut emerald, in an 18 carat yellow, gold four-claw setting, accompanied by GIA certificate 5172407807,...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Estate Platinum Cabochon Emerald Baguette Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully composed ballerina-style cocktail ring crafted in platinum and centered by a remarkable natural cabochon emerald displaying a richly saturated glowing green hue. Surrou...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$398,400Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent 10.36 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking statement of timeless sophistication, this exceptional ring showcases a breathtaking 10.36-carat emerald-cut diamond, accompanied by a prestigious GIA report. The center s...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art-Deco Designed Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds in Platinum cocktail ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
Platinum ladies ring featuring bezel set centre emerald cut natural Columbian emerald surrounded by 32 claw set natural single cut diamonds and 12 channel set natural fancy rectangul...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$632,000Sale Price|20% Off
Magnificent 10.02 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring, GIA E/IF
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and exceptional masterpiece centered on a breathtaking 10.02 carat emerald-cut diamond, certified by GIA as E Color and Internally Flawless. Displaying remarkable transparency...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
7.67 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum and Yellow Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
A magnificent statement of elegance and rarity, this exceptional ring showcases a vibrant 7.67 carat natural Colombian emerald at its center. The richly saturated transparent green e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
9.55 Carat GRS Certified MinorColombian Emerald Ring in Platinum and Yellow Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable expression of elegance and rarity, this exceptional ring features a stunning 9.55 carat natural Colombian emerald of extraordinary presence and vivid green color. Expert...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$238,400Sale Price|20% Off
4.73 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring GIA Flawless E Color
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Measuring an impressive 10.74 – 10.81 mm, the diamond displays extraordinary brilliance, transparency, and fire, representing the pinnacle of classic white diamond quality. Diamonds ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$148,000Sale Price|20% Off
4.20 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring GIA E VVS1
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The elegant emerald-cut center stone displays the hallmarks of an elite step-cut diamond — extraordinary transparency, crisp mirror-like facets, and remarkable presence. Measuring 10...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$38,400Sale Price|20% Off
Agl Certified Natural Green Minor Oil Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Experience the rare allure of true luxury with this extraordinary 2.88 Ct Natural Green Emerald & Diamond Ring, masterfully crafted to captivate from every angle. At its heart gl...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$784,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 30 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare masterpiece of exceptional scale and elegance, this extraordinary ring centers on a breathtaking 30-carat emerald-cut diamond accompanied by GIA Report The diamond is graded ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Platinum Old Cut Diamond Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Bold geometry, vivid green accents, and one of the finest old-cut diamonds I’ve encountered make this extraordinary platinum ring an unforgettable statement piece. Centered by an app...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Ring with 4.84 Carat Minor Oil Colombian Emerald
Located in Chicago, IL
A captivating expression of rarity and sophistication, this exceptional platinum ring showcases a stunning natural Colombian emerald weighing approximately 4.84 carats. Celebrated fo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 5.45 carat emerald diamond platinum cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco emerald and diamond cocktail ring is a captivating jewel from the 1930’s, crafted in platinum with a bold and elegant presence. Centered by a GIA-certified 5.45 carat e...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage diamond emerald platinum snake ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage snake ring is a captivating jewel from the 2000’s, crafted in platinum with a beautifully detailed arrangement of diamonds and emeralds. The snake motif has long been as...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
3.59 Carats Rose Cut Diamond Emerald Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A striking deso design platinum ring showcasing an impressive approximately 2.89 carat pear-shaped rose cut diamond in a refined bezel setting. Framed by a vivid halo of channel-set ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$516,000Sale Price|20% Off
10.02 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring – Internally Flawless, GIA Certified
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary and highly important diamond ring centered by a magnificent 10.02 carat emerald cut diamond of exceptional purity and presence. Certified by GIA as E Color and Inte...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.83 ct Natural Vivid Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.83 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 1.01 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds ha...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.41 ct Natural Muzo Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a GRS Certified 1.41 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 0.06 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of year...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
EXCEPTIONAL 7.9 Carat VIVID GREEN COLOMBIA NO OIL Emerald Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
At the heart of this remarkable ring is a highly important 7.94 carat natural emerald certified by GRS Gemresearch Swisslab as possessing the coveted “vivid green” color designation ...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.87 ct Natural Muzo Green Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a GRS Certified 1.87 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 0.75 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of year...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cocktail Ring - Art Deco 5.50 Carat Emerald & 2.85 CTW Diamond Platinum.
Located in Miami, FL
This is an extraordinary, museum-grade Art Deco statement ring masterfully sculpted in solid platinum. Possessing a substantial metal weight of 18.1 grams, this monumental piece repr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1950s Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Platinum ring set with an octagonal-shaped emerald weighing approximately 8.50 carats, further set with round diamonds. Very fine millegrain workmanship. Size 5 1/2. Can be sized ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Old Mine Cushion Diamond, Emerald and Single Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Vintage Old Mine Cushion Diamond, Emerald and SC Diamond Platinum Ring. Centering a securely Hand set .81 Carat Old Mine Cushion Diamond; co...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
7.10 Carat Round Emerald and Baguette Diamond Platinum Vintage 1970s Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Round Emerald and Baguette Diamond Platinum Vintage 1970s Mid Century Modern Solitaire Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 7.10 Car...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$160,000Sale Price|20% Off
14.8 Ct Colombian Emerald & Trillion Diamond Three-Stone Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary and highly impressive Colombian emerald statement ring showcasing a vivid natural emerald weighing approximately 13.85 carats, elegantly flanked by two trillion-cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Solid Platinum 900 Natural Diamond and Natural Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum 900 Natural Diamond and Emerald Ring Metal Type: Solid Platinum 900 Total Item Weight: 7.4 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (Resizable) Dimensions: Length: 17.0 mm x Width: 13.0 mm x H...
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.