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
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
4.33 ct GIA Certified Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking cocktail ring showcases a captivating design centered around a vibrant GIA-certified emerald-cut emerald. The lush green hue of the primary stone is complemented by the...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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
Boucheron, Paris Retro emerald and gold cocktail ring
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
A Retro gold cocktail ring comprised of a central emerald flanked by bands of scrolled, invisibly set emeralds, in 18k and platinum. Boucheron, Paris. Atw emeralds 3.15 cts. Boldly ...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Plaque Ring, 1.36 Carat Old European Cut Diamonds
Located in Poole, GB
An Art Deco emerald and diamond plaque ring, set with three old European-cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.36 carats in total, vertically arranged within a geometric calibre-cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sophia D Emerald, Onyx and Diamond Mosaic Ring Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A platinum mosaic ring featuring a 2.75 carat emerald cut natural diamond, framed by 0.46 carats of emeralds, 0.55 carats of onyx and 0.65 carats of natural diamonds. The geometric ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Sophia D 4.26 Carats Art Deco Emerald Cut Ring with Baguette Diamonds
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A platinum ring featuring a 4.26 carat emerald cut emerald framed by 1.08 carats of natural baguette diamonds. The vivid green emerald is surrounded by a geometric diamond border th...
Emerald, Platinum
18K White Gold Baguette Diamond Band Ring, Round Brilliants 1.73 Carat
Located in Great Neck, NY
Baguette and Round Diamond Wide Band Ring 18K White Gold A refined and substantial Baguette cut diamond band ring crafted in solid 18K white gold, featuring a center row of perfectl...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum...
$8,520Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring 4.56ct Emerald Cut Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Exceptional Zambian emerald and diamond ring crafted in luxurious PT900 platinum, featuring a stunning 4.56 carat natural emerald cut Zambian emerald measuring approximately 11.1 x 8...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...
Emerald Cut Diamond Wide Statement Band Ring Round Brilliant 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Emerald Cut and Round Diamond Wide Band Ring 18K White Gold Natural White Diamonds Diamond Cuts: Emerald Cut & Round Brilliant Diamond Color: E–F Diamond Clarity: VS Setting: Prong S...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18...
9.21ct Kite-Shaped Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
A 9.21-carat kite-shaped Colombian emerald takes center stage in this platinum ring — an unusual cut for a stone of this caliber, and one that emphasizes the emerald's depth of color...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 1.96ctw Clean Bright Green Emerald w/ Round & Baguette Diamonds Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Emerald Cut - Prong Set - Clean Bright Brilliant Green - 1.11ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant & Baguette Cut...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
9.07 ct GIA Certified Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
Enhance your collection with this exquisite GIA-certified emerald and diamond cocktail ring, meticulously crafted in radiant platinum. The centerpiece is a captivating oval-shaped em...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
12.49 ct Natural Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite cocktail ring is expertly crafted in platinum, featuring a striking green natural emerald as its centerpiece. The emerald-cut stone captivates with its rich color and ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Edwardian 0.35ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian era, this delightful three stone ring features a beautiful emerald flanked by diamonds. The wonderful green gem has a weight of 0.35 carat and is an old ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$28,000Sale Price|20% Off
NO OIL 4.6 Ct. Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring — GRS Certified
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and elegant ring centered by a vivid natural emerald weighing 4.69 carats, certified by GRS GemResearch Swisslab as a natural emerald of Colombian origin with insignifican...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vivid Green Colombian Emerald & Diamonds in Platinum ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
A truly stunning art deco inspired Colombian Emerald and Diamond ring in platinum PT950 Colombian Emerald: Vivid Green / 1.39ct Dimensions : 8.02mm (L) x 6.8mm (W) x 4.33m (D) 54...
Emerald, Platinum
$54,800Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring 6.17 Carat GIA Certified Emerald
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional Colombian emerald and diamond ring centered on a magnificent 6.17 carat natural emerald of remarkable size and vivid green color. Elegantly fashioned in a classic octa...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring – 6.50 Carat GIA Certified Emerald
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional Colombian emerald and diamond ring centered on a magnificent 6.50 carat natural emerald of remarkable richness and elegance. Beautifully fashioned in a classic octagon...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
MUZO Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring – 7.72 Carat GRS Certified
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and highly important Colombian emerald and diamond ring centered on a magnificent 7.72 carat natural emerald of remarkable size, saturation, and presence. Expertly fas...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring – 5.13 Carat
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant and timeless three-stone ring centered on a magnificent 5.13 carat Colombian emerald of exceptional vivid green color. Beautifully cut in a classic octagonal step cut, the...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band, 9.80ct F-G VS Diamonds, Platinum
Located in Great Neck, NY
9.80 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Band Ring Platinum F-G VS Total Carat Weight: 9.80 carats Diamond Cut: Emerald Cut Diamond Size: ~0.50 carat each Color: F–G Clarity: VS Metal...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Platinum...
$54,800Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring – 4.78 Carat GRS Certified Emerald
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless and elegant emerald and diamond cluster ring centered on a captivating 4.78 carat Colombian emerald. Beautifully fashioned in an octagonal step cut, the natural emerald di...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald Ring – 5.15 Carat Vivid Green Emerald with Trillion Diamonds
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and sophisticated jewel centered on a magnificent 5.15 carat Colombian emerald of exceptional vivid green color. The emerald is elegantly cut in an octagonal step cut, sho...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.99 Carat TW Natural Green Emerald & Natural White Diamond Platinum Ring Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Regal, majestic, stunning. Just a few words that could be used to describe this Platinum ring will look exceptional forever. Emerald cut emerald and VS clarity diamonds. Center stone...
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Emerald and Diamonds in Platinum Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
Platinum ladies ring featuring 4 claw set centre emerald cut natural Columbian emerald with 50 claw set natural single cut and natural round brilliant cut diamonds and 2 claw set eme...
Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Emeralds & Diamonds ring in Platinum
Located in Sydney, NSW
1 x Platinum ladies ring featuring 4 claw set centre emerald cut natural Columbian emerald surrounded by 32 claw set natural single cut diamonds in a halo and 18 channel set natural ...
Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1.10 Carat Diamond and Emerald Platinum Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Diamond and Emerald Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 1.10 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond. Surrounded...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. GIA Certified 4.31 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined and timeless three-stone ring by Tiffany & Co., showcasing an exceptional natural emerald of impressive presence and rich green color. At the center sits a 4.31 carat ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Style GIA 1.78 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Nashville, TN
We made this Art Deco style setting and it sat empty for a bit until the right stone came along. And boy, did it come along! This ring is centered by an absolutely luminous 1.78 car...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Emerald and Diamonds in Platinum Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
A gorgeous Natural emerald and diamond ring in platinum, perfect for all occasions PT950 Colombian Emerald : 1.88ct Diamonds : 0.42ct SI2-I2 (clarity) H-I (Colour) 1.15mm x 0.7...
Emerald, Platinum
2.02 Carat No-Heat Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This striking platinum cocktail ring centers a vivid 2.02 carat natural blue sapphire, displaying rich royal blue saturation and exceptional brilliance. Represented in the trade as u...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1.78 Carat Colombian Muzo "Mariposa" Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
his elegant platinum ring centers a vibrant 1.78 carat emerald-cut natural emerald, displaying richly saturated green color and the refined transparency prized in fine emeralds. Repr...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.80ct Diamond and Emerald Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Art Deco five stone ring features a collection of sparkling old cut diamonds and vivid emeralds. To the centre sits the largest of the three diamonds, weighing 0.40 ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A modern platinum ring set with an emerald cut emerald to the centre, framed by a scalloped cluster of diamonds and further accented by diamond-set shoulders. The design draws on Art...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Style Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A platinum ring set with a rectangular step cut emerald within an elongated octagonal surround of diamonds. The head is designed with geometric openwork, millegrain borders, and fine...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Edwardian Platinum Emerald & Diamond North/South Cluster Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Altrincham, GB
A stunning antique cluster ring dating from the Edwardian period. It rests North/South along the finger, with two diamond cluster points and a dreamy emerald centre. It displays a st...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Muzo “Mariposa” Emerald (Minor Oil) Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This elegant platinum ring centers a vivid emerald-cut natural emerald displaying richly saturated green color and exceptional presence. Represented as originating from the legendary...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$7,920Sale Price|20% Off
Old Euro Aquamarine Engagement Ring. 5.30ct Aquamarine Emerald Cut Diamond Halo
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Carat Weight: Approx 5.30 Carats Cut: Old European Cut Secondary Stones: Emeralds, Diamonds Accent Details: Carré Cut Emerald Halo, Diamond...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$32,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 8.86 Green Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This stunning emerald and diamond cocktail ring showcases a vibrant, GIA-certified 8.86ct oval emerald, beautifully surrounded by delicate half moon diamonds. The emerald’s rich gree...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
French vintage emerald sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking French vintage cocktail ring centers on a richly colored cabochon cut emerald weighing approximately 4.20 carats, displaying a smooth domed surface that emphasizes the ...
Sapphire, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
2.11 Carat Colombian Muzo Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This elegant platinum ring centers a vibrant 2.11 carat octagonal step-cut natural Colombian emerald, displaying richly saturated green color and the refined transparency prized in f...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous Art Deco dress ring. Crafted from platinum, this piece focally features three vibrant green sugarloaf emeralds, elegantly set in a vertical arrangement. This ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA certified 5.83Ct Colombian Emerald Ring with Natural diamonds in Platinum
Located in Singapore, SG
Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring – A Timeless Luxury Features: Main Gemstone - Colombian Emerald Total Carat Weight (1pc) -5.83 Ct Measurement of gemstone -12.91x10.55x5.99 m...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Two-Row Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking two-row ring showcasing a captivating design with a harmonious blend of emeralds and diamonds. A single row of square shaped perfectly matched emeralds posses...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 8.46 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Two-Tone Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An impressive Colombian emerald and diamond ring centered with a GIA-certified 8.46 carat natural emerald of Colombian origin. The emerald is octagonal step cut, displaying a rich gr...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 9.9 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking Colombian emerald and diamond three-stone ring centered with a 9.9 carat natural emerald certified by GIA. The center stone is an octagonal step-cut natural emerald weigh...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Stamped 1970s 3 Stone Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1970s This stunning trilogy ring from the 1970s is a true vintage beauty. The ring is crafted in...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
Gübelin Certified 4.06 Carat No Heat Blue Sapphire Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking blue sapphire and diamond three-stone ring centered with a 4.06 carat natural sapphire certified by Gübelin. The center stone is an octagonal step-cut natural blue sapphi...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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.”
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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.