$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
Edwardian 0.30ct Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian era is this delightful three stone ring featuring a central emerald flanked by diamonds. The characterful green emerald has a weight of 0.30 carat and is...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 1.07ct Square Vivid Green Emerald w/ Fiery White Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Square Emerald Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Green Color - Colombian - 0.54ct (exact) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 6 Round Brilliant & 6 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum and 18KY 3.90ct Fine Columbian Emerald 1.01 Cttw Cadillac Cut Diamonds
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Rare! Round brilliant cut 3.90 Carats natural Extra Fine Columbian emerald with AGL Prestige Gemstone Report! This fine gemmy green emerald is "framed" by two Cadillac cut diamonds =...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
New Platinum & Gold 5.6ctw GIA Colombian F1 Emerald Asscher Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Octagonal Step Cut - Dual Prong Set - Excellent Very Lively Green Color - Clean for an emerald - Colombian - Minor Oil - Clarity Enhanced ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.95ct Colombia Emerald & Diamond Platinum Ring - Magnificent!
Located in bangkok, TH
A stunning, wonderful and simply extraordinary ring in solid platinum and featuring a wonderful 3.95ct Colombian emerald of excellent quality. Superb colour - a medium hue of green, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$41,200Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant three stone ring by Tiffany and Co showcases the timeless sophistication and refined craftsmanship for which the house is renowned. Crafted in luxurious platinum, the de...
Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian 0.40ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian trilogy ring features a vivid green emerald at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds. The emerald is a 0.40 carat, old cut stone. The two diamon...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage cluster ring features a vibrant, natural emerald at its heart. The 1.50 carat gem is an emerald cut and is elegantly rub over set into platinum. Surrounding th...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Emerald Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920 This very well-made antique platinum and 14K gold ring features an emerald-cut Colombian emerald of excellent bluish-green color. The emerald is set in a yellow gold beze...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
4.17 Carat Marquise Shape Emerald and Diamond 3 Stone Ring in Platinum
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A stunning ring showcasing a rich, intense Marquise-shaped lush green emerald weighing 4.17 carats. Flanking the center stone are two brilliant pear-shaped diamonds, weighing 1.60 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped 1920s Emerald and Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This stunning trilogy ring from the 1920s is a true vintage beauty. The ring is crafted in...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 7.99 carats Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Gold and Platinum
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This exceptional Art Deco ring is crafted in 18 karat gold and platinum and centers on a magnificent emerald-cut Colombian emerald weighing 7.99 carats, accompanied by a prestigious ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring – 6.7 Carats
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional ring is crafted in platinum and centers on a magnificent square step-cut Colombian emerald weighing 6.70 carats, prized for its rich color, presence, and classical p...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.16ct Colombian Emerald Vintage Cocktail Ring set in Platinum
Located in Addison, TX
GIA Certified 3.16ct Colombian Emerald Vintage Retro Ring set in Platinum Ring Size: 6.25 (can be sized same day for free) Materials: Platinum Primary Stone: Colombian Emerald GIA C...
Emerald, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A timeless expression of understated elegance, this authentic Tiffany & Co. solitaire engagement ring is crafted in luxurious platinum and showcases a beautifully proportioned em...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Mid-Century Platinum, Pearl, Emerald, & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine Mid-Century pearl, emerald, and diamond cocktail ring. In .900 platinum. With a high-set central cultured pearl surrounded by a prong-set emerald and multiple prong-set dia...
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Platinum
$3,885Sale Price|31% 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 Platinum, Emerald & Diamond Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
True to its era this Art Deco diamond ring is crafted in platinum and features a geometric saw pierced, mille-grained and bezel settings set with a central bright green emerald with ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
An Art Deco Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring
Located in London, GB
An Art Deco Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, the square emerald-cut emerald weighing 3.26 carats and accompanied by GPL report stating to be of Colombian origin, with mino...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$26,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant ring is centered with a GIA certified Colombian emerald, weighing approximately 2.5 carats. The emerald displays a vivid green color with strong saturation and excellent...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$22,400Sale Price|20% Off
4 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Band Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
4.00 carats, the stones display a refined D–G color range and VS1–VS2 clarity, offering excellent brightness and uniformity throughout the band. Total diamond weight: approx. 4.00 c...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian green emerald eternity ring platinum
Located in London, GB
This stunning Colombian green emerald eternity band ring features five vibrant green emerald gemstones set in a sleek platinum band. Perfect for adding a touch of elegance to any out...
Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Stamped, Edwardian Style Emerald & Diamond Oval Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Emerald & Diamond Oval Cluster Ring Platinum Stamped Circa 2000 Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian-style cluster ring, a captivating piece that beautifully marri...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Ring with emerald up to 0.80ct and brilliant cut diamonds up to 0.45ct Platinum
Located in The Hague, ZH
Platinum ring with emerald 0.80 ct and brilliant cut diamond 0.45 ct - F/G - SI - ring size U.S. 5.75 - EU. 16.25(51) detailed description: the top of the ring is 8.6 mm wide weig...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Style Square Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A breathtaking grass-green Colombian emerald engagement ring wows with a striking Art Deco style. The platinum setting features a gemstone that glows with a light from within its sou...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful vintage ring centres around a vibrant round emerald surrounded by sparkling diamonds. The central emerald weighs 0.50 carat and is expertly claw set into platinum. Th...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
$11,200Sale Price|20% Off
2 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Handcrafted in solid platinum, this elegant ring centers on a vivid Colombian emerald weighing approximately 2.00 carats, framed by two natural trillion-cut diamonds totaling approxi...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Antique 0.61 Carat Emerald and 1.45 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.61 carat emerald and 1.45 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set ring; part of our 1920s jewelry collection. This stunning, fi...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring GIA Platinum Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An engagement diamond ring made of platinum and featuring a Colombian emerald that comes with a GIA report. The 3.03 carats emerald is octagonal in shape with a step cut that highlig...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Roman Malakov 4.45 Carats Total Emerald and Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A classy and stunning wedding band featuring 24 alternating emerald-cut green emeralds 2.12 carats total and emerald-cut white diamonds 2.33 carats total. Set in a shared prong setti...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GRS Certified Muzo Colombian Emerald and Diamond Antique Platinum Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This exceptional antique platinum ring is centered with a captivating 1.90 carat pear-shape Colombian emerald of highly sought-after Muzo origin, accompanied by a GRS certificate con...
Diamond, Emerald, Green Beryl, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Diamond & Emerald Engagement Ring .80ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning and colorful engagement ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in platinum, this ring features a central .80ct old European cut diamond, which is held within a claw...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Edwardian Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central emerald is so bright and beautiful and measures approx 25pts. Sat either side it are two bright shimmering old mine cut diamonds each measuring approx 5pts. The ring is m...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
French Art Deco 1.72 Carat Emerald 3.51 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 1.72 carat Colombian emerald and 3.51 carat diamond, platinum Art Deco cocktail ring; part of our antique emerald jewelry collection. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
No Oil Colombian Emerald Diamond Micro Pavé Ring in Platinum by Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare and highly refined 0.79 carat No Oil Colombian emerald diamond alternative engagement ring handcrafted in platinum by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. At its center is a natural...
Beryl, Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Toi Et Moi Ring with 0.90ct Emerald & Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center stone: Round brilliant cut emerald Weight: Approximately 0.90 carat Accent stone: Old mine cut diamond Weight: Approximately 0.90 carat Color: H Clarity: SI Accent stone: 26 s...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Ruser Emerald Diamond Vintage Halo Cocktail Ring Gold 18k Platinum 19.85ctw GIA
By William Ruser
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Ruser Design: Cocktail Ring Era: Vintage Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 950 Platinum Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): 17.80ct Cut: Caboc...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 4.25 CTW Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing 2.55 carat - transparent medium green Natural Colombian in origin and displaying minor traditional treatment - set with gold talon prongs Fe...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ring, 2.00ct Emerald & 0.65ct Diamond Halo, 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Art Deco ring is a refined expression of 1930s glamour, where bold color, intricate detail, and architectural balance come together in perfect harmony. At its center i...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
7.55 Carat Peach Tourmaline Engagement Ring – Emerald Cut with Bullet Diamonds
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
7.55 Carat Peach Tourmaline and Bullet Diamonds Platinum Engagement Ring. Luxury Three-Stone Ring – Emerald Cut Tourmaline – Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. A Unique Platinum Engagem...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$54,400Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum 3-Stone Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Set with Matching Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An elegant three-stone engagement ring set, showcasing a striking emerald-cut diamond at the center, beautifully flanked by tapered baguette diamonds. The accompanying contoured wedd...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
54.47 Carat Colombian Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This exceptional ring is centered on a magnificent 54.47 carat Colombian emerald, fashioned as a luminous cabochon and certified by GIA with Minor (F1) clarity enhancement. The emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum GIA Certified Ring with Carat NO OIL Colombian Emerald
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The centerpiece is a vivid green Colombian emerald measuring 13.15 x 9.06 x 5.76 mm, distinguished by its exceptional color saturation, balanced proportions, and most notably its No ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Estate Platinum Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring AGL Certified Gem Emerald ~2.48ctw
Located in Fairfield, CT
Estate Platinum Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring AGL Certified Gem Emerald ~2.48ctw This platinum ring centers on an emerald-cut emerald with a vivid green hue that draws the eye. Surro...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.80ct Emerald Cut Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum engagement ring showcases a captivating emerald cut green emerald at its heart. The luxurious platinum setting enhances the beauty of the 1.50ct GIA-certified...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.64ct Emerald Cut Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum engagement ring features a captivating emerald cut Green Emerald at its center, surrounded by a dazzling halo design. The centerpiece is a 2.08ct GIA-certifie...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.86ct Emerald Cut Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum engagement ring features a captivating 1.40ct emerald cut emerald, showcasing a lush green hue. The emerald, GIA-certified, measures 8.31x6.18mm and is elegan...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.88ct Emerald Cut Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum engagement ring features a captivating emerald-cut green emerald as its centerpiece. The 1.23ct GIA-certified emerald measures 6.29x6.23mm, radiating timeless...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.56ct Pear Shaped Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum engagement ring features a captivating pear-shaped emerald at its center, certified by GIA. The handcrafted design includes a hidden micro pavé halo basket wi...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.60ct Oval Cut Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum ring features a vibrant oval cut emerald at its center, measuring 9.65x7.18mm. The handcrafted design showcases a classic tapered cathedral mounting, enhanced...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA 2.66 cts Natural Colombian Emerald & 2.79 cts Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Celebrate the elegance of this platinum ring, centered with a natural Colombian emerald weighing 2.66 carats. Cut into a refined round shape, the emerald displays a vivid green hue w...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.79ct Emerald Cut Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite platinum engagement ring is a stunning symbol of timeless love. The centerpiece is a vibrant emerald-cut green emerald, measuring 7.93x6.48mm, secured by distinctive c...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.99ct Pear Shaped Green Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite pear-shaped emerald and diamond engagement ring is a masterpiece of elegance and individuality. At its heart is a stunning GIA-certified 1.29ct pear-shaped green emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.10ct Pear Shaped Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite pear-shaped emerald engagement ring is a true masterpiece, showcasing an unmatched green stone color and an elegant tapered shank design. The GIA-certified 1.45ct pear...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.59ct Pear Shaped Green Emerald Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This bespoke green Emerald engagement ring is a statement of elegance and individuality! A fantastic GIA-certified 1.99ct pear shape Emerald is the center of the ensemble. Set in a b...
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.