$13,200Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Toi et Moi Pear Diamond and Emerald Baguette Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking interpretation of the romantic Toi et Moi design, this platinum ring unites the brilliance of a pear-shaped diamond with the vivid allure of a pear-shaped emerald in an el...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Cut Platinum Engagement Ring, 4.01ct Deep Blue Spinel, Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A collector grade 4.01 carat natural deep blue spinel takes center stage in this refined emerald cut platinum alternative engagement ring by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Chosen for...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Spinel, Platinum
ART DECO 1940 Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 2.34 Cwt Carre Diamonds & Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
An art-deco platinum ring with large sapphire and diamonds. This beautiful ring was created in America during the art deco period, between the 1930 and 1930. The ring was masterfull...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 1.00ct Diamond and Emerald Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A sparkling old oval cut diamond is flanked by natural emeralds in this stunning Edwardian trilogy ring. The central diamond weighs 1.00 carat and is of I colour and VS2 clarity. The...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.10ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1950s, this trilogy ring features a natural emerald at its centre, flanked by a matching pair of round brilliant cut diamonds. The vibrant green emerald weighs 1.1...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Emerald and Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Venice, CA
A beautiful rectangular emerald cut emerald is prong set into a platinum band, embellished with six single cut diamonds that add sparkle to the sides of the ring. The stunning natura...
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, Emerald, Platinum
AGL 7.91cts Colombian Emerald 5.20cts Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An extraordinary AGL-certified Colombian emerald ring showcasing a magnificent 7.91 carat oval cabochon emerald, richly saturated and luminous. Flanked by two cushion-cut diamonds to...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$26,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring 4.00ctw Estate
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent GIA certified emerald and diamond ring is an exceptional example of refined elegance and timeless sophistication. Expertly crafted in platinum, the ring features a s...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Emerald Diamond Ring, 1930s
Located in Monaco, MC
Art Deco Platinum Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1930s. A striking example of 1930s French jewelry craftsmanship, this bague jonc features a natural cabochon emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
A diamond and platinum ring, set with a rectangular shaped emerald
Located in London, GB
Emerald: approximately 1.40 ct, rectangular step-cut US size ring 81/2 (resizeable) Gross weight 14,95 gr (Pt-950) Circa 1960 An elegant cocktail ring of bold architectural design, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3.78ct GIA Emerald Cut Pinkish Purple Sapphire Three Stone Platinum Diamond Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare 3.78 carat pinkish purple sapphire diamond engagement ring, GIA certified and cut in a refined emerald step cut, anchors this architectural three stone platinum design. The el...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
$104,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 8.74 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional GRS certified 8.74 carat natural Colombian emerald set in a refined platinum and diamond ring. The center stone is an octagonal step-cut emerald weighing 8.74 carats,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Platinum Three-Stone Ring 4.10ct Emerald Cut Natural Diamond GIA with Trillions
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
Title Platinum Three-Stone Ring 4.10ct Emerald Cut Diamond GIA Certified Trillion Sides Size 6.5 Description One (1) lady’s platinum three-stone diamond ring containing one (1) emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 2.25 CTW Emerald Diamond Platinum Vintage Scrolling Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a square step cut emerald weighing approximately 0.90 carat - transparent deep green Bezel set and flanked by bezel set marquise cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.44 ca...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Engagement Ring. 1ct Natural Emerald Diamond Round Accent Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Weight: 1.00 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.08 Carats Total Secondary Stone C...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Engagement Ring. 0.90ct Natural Emerald Diamond Baguette Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Weight: 0.90 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.20 Carats Total Secondary Stone C...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Ring. 1ct Natural Emerald Cut Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Weight: 1.10 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: None Jewelry Type: Ring / Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Solitaire Ring, P...
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
Boucheron Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Boucheron
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring A ring set with a sugarloaf cabochon emerald accented by 28 marquise-cut diamonds. Accompanied by an AGL certificate stating the emerald is...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$552,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10.11 Carat G VS2 Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive ring is centered by a GIA-certified emerald-cut diamond weighing 10.11 carats, set in refined 18K white gold and accompanied by a GIA Natural Diamond Grading Report. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$71,600Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 8.69 Carat Colombian Emerald with Trillion Diamond Accents
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional emerald is accompanied by a report from GRS GemResearch Swisslab, confirming its identity as a natural Colombian emerald. The gemstone weighs 8.69 carats and featur...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$392,000Sale Price|20% Off
Important 10.96 Carat Natural Fancy Yellow Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This is a rare opportunity to acquire a truly formidable gemstone. Presenting an exceptionally important statement piece designed for the sophisticated collector: a breathtaking 10.9...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3 Carat D VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional ring is crafted in platinum and centered by a GIA-certified emerald-cut diamond weighing 3 carats, graded D color and VS1 clarity. According to the GIA report, the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,080Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Platinum 0.66 ct Colombia Muzo Green Emerald Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI Platinum 0.66 ct Colombia Muzo Green Emerald Engagement Ring* IGI-certified natural Muzo green Colombia emerald with great color and fire luster weighing 0.66 ct set on the PT...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Platinum 900 Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with Baguette Side Stones
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant and refined, this beautifully proportioned ring is crafted in solid Platinum 900 and showcases a classic emerald cut diamond center framed by clean, architectural baguette si...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$472,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 11 Carat Square Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and highly refined diamond ring centered by a magnificent 11 carat GIA certified square emerald cut diamond, notable for its striking architectural geometry, remarkabl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Certified Columbian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Step cut Octagonal Emerald in this ring is a natural, non heat treated Columbian stone and measures 3.41ct. It is the most stunning green colour. Either side sits a trio of diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1.00ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1970s, this wonderful cluster ring centres around a vivid emerald. The oval cut stone sits at 1.00 carat and is surrounded by a cluster of old cut diamonds. The diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$20,000Sale Price|20% Off
Estate 3 Carat Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking vintage estate cocktail ring, crafted in 14K white gold and showcasing a bold, sculptural design centered on vibrant natural emeralds and a dynamic diamond arrangement. T...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, Gold
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 0.4ct Emerald 0.4ct. Diamond 14K Gold Ø5.75/2.2g
Located in SE
German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1930s. Hallmarked 585 and logo of maker. Crown part is 9.6mm x 5 mm x 4 mm deep. Solid 14K Yellow Gold twisted band 2.2 mm at widest. Top of the crow...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
$312,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 6 Carat Platinum Emerald-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional and elegant three-stone engagement ring by Tiffany & Co., showcasing a finely proportioned emerald-cut diamond framed by classic tapered baguette side stones. A ti...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1990's 3.36 CTW No-Oil Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Three Stone Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing 1.30 carats - transparent deep green Natural Zambian in origin with no indications of oil or clarity enhancement Prong set in gold basket an...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Hemmerle Emerald and Sapphire Ring, ca 1980
By Hemmerle
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Hemmerle Emerald and Sapphire Ring, ca 1980 Hard to find the right words that convey the color and beauty of this Hemmerle emerald ring. Some pieces are just meant to be seen live t...
Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$40,000Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar Heyman GIA Certified 3 Carat Oval Diamond Emeralds Platinum Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined diamond ring by Oscar Heyman, crafted in platinum and set with a GIA certified center diamond complemented by a substantial ensemble of matching accent diamonds. At the ce...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Edwardian French 18k/Platinum Emerald & Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An eye-catching emerald and diamond halo ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold and topped in platinum, this ring features a central 4.5ct Colombian emeral...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$64,000Sale Price|20% Off
David Webb Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum
By David Webb
Located in Chicago, IL
An iconic and substantial ring by David Webb, showcasing the bold sculptural language and rich gemstone combinations for which the house is renowned. The ring features a striking ar...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$62,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.10 Carat Heart Shape Colombian Emerald Double Halo Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant and highly distinctive, this ring centers on a GIA-certified 4.10 carat heart-shaped emerald, of Colombian origin, displaying a vivid green color and beautiful transparency. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 0.25ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 1930s cluster ring showcases a vibrant 0.25 carat emerald at its centre. The emerald cut stone is rub over set into platinum and surrounded by a 1.00 carat total of ol...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Round Cut Emerald Rind in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Round Cut Emerald Ring Material: Platinum 950 Condition: New Emerald: 1.00ctw Diamond: 0.80ctw Clarity: VS1 Color Grade: F Ring Dimension: Size: 4.75 Width: 9 - 9mm Thickness: 1.8m...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$71,200Sale Price|20% Off
C. Dunaigre 3.52 Ct. INSIGNIFICANT OIL Emerald and Trapezoid Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant platinum ring centered by a vivid green emerald of notable presence and quality, accompanied by trapezoid-cut diamond side stones that enhance its architectural balance an...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1939 Ring natural 0.6ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS9 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Three Stones Ring decorated with natural Emerald stone and rose - cut Diamonds. Plain band, openwork bridge and part of the crown in solid 18K. Tops of crown and s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Asscher-Cut 5.50 Carat Emerald & Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This Asscher-cut 5.50 carat emerald and diamond three-stone ring features a vivid green emerald flanked by Kite-shaped diamonds in a sleek platinum setting, radiating timeless sophis...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,344Sale Price|20% Off
Pear Halo Emerald & Diamond Ring in platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Pear Halo Emerald & Diamond Ring in platinum This ring is crafted in 900pt platinum and features prong-set green emerald, with a pear halo design. The emerald weighs 0.55ct. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian 6.56 Carat Cushion Cut Emerald Ring with Trillion Diamond Accents
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant ring showcases a natural Colombian emerald, weighing 6.56 carats, beautifully cut in a cushion shape with a modified brilliant faceting that enhances its depth and vivid...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$216,000Sale Price|20% Off
5.15 Carat Three-Stone Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional three-stone diamond ring showcases timeless elegance and superior craftsmanship, centered around a magnificent emerald cut diamond weighing approximately 3.05 carats...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
Floral Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Floral Emerald & Diamond Ring in Platinum This elegant ring is crafted in platinum and showcases a vivid Colombian emerald at its center, secured in a classic prong setting. The...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$232,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.13 Carat D Flawless Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant high-jewelry ring centered by a GIA certified 4.13 carat emerald-cut diamond of exceptional rarity and purity. Graded D color and Flawless clarity, the center stone repre...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$136,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5.02 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Step-Cut Diamond Baguette Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This refined three-stone ring showcases a 5.02 carat cut-cornered rectangular step-cut Fancy Intense Yellow diamond, certified by GIA, elegantly set with two precisely matched tapere...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$11,880Sale Price|20% Off
3.01 Carat Unheated Ceylon Green Sapphire Emerald Cut Three Stone Platinum Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
3.01 carat unheated Ceylon green sapphire emerald cut three stone platinum diamond ring by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, accompanied by a GIA gem report. Clean step cut geometry and...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Green Sapphir...
$14,000
Emerald Ballerina Ring
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Ballerina Ring A ballerina ring centered by an emerald-cut emerald, framed by baguette and round-cut diamonds Approximate Emerald Weight: 1.96 cts Approximate Diamond Wei...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.43 CWT Natural Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.436 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 1.09 Carats of Diamonds made in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds h...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$8,000
Emerald And Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Emerald And Diamond Ring A ring featuring a center emerald cut emerald surrounded by baguette cut diamonds. Emerald Weight: approximately 1.50 carats Ring Size: 6.5 Complimenta...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA-Certified Square-Cut 7.02 Carat Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This Square-cut 7.02 carat emerald and diamond three-stone ring features a vivid green emerald flanked by shield-cut diamonds in a sleek platinum setting, radiating timeless sophisti...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA-Certified Square Emerald-Cut 5.84 Carat Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This Square-cut 5.84 carat emerald and diamond three-stone ring features a vivid green emerald flanked by half-moon cut diamonds in a sleek platinum setting, radiating timeless sophi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$43,200Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5.73 Carat Heart-Shape Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional GIA certified heart-shape emerald ring centered by a vivid green emerald weighing 5.73 carats, expertly cut to emphasize depth, brilliance, and the iconic heart silhou...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Sophia D Cushion Diamond, Emerald, and Onyx Halo Ring in Platinum
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum, this ring features a 1.81 carat natural cushion-cut diamond at its center, framed by a structured composition of emeralds totaling 0.47 carats and accented with ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 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.