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
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
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
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
Magnificent 8.60 Carat Colombian Emerald Ring with Trillion-Cut and Pavé Diamond
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
An extraordinary expression of refinement and rarity, this exceptional ring is centered on an impressive 8.60 carat natural Colombian emerald, certified by the GIA and noted for Mino...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2 Carat GIA Certified Pear-Shaped Diamond Double Ring 18KT Gold Bespoke British
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This exceptional bespoke double diamond ring has been expertly designed to be worn either together as a striking paired set or separately for refined versatility. Handcrafted and des...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
MUSEUM QUALITY 22 CARAT Colombian VIVID GREEN Emerald Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A spectacular GIA Certified Platinum Engagement Ring featuring a 22 total carat weight of natural gemstones. At its center shines an exceptional Natural Oval Cut Green Emerald, weigh...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$25,600Sale Price|20% Off
Double Platinum Diamond Half-Eternity Band
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Featuring 14 beautifully well-matched diamonds totaling 4.40 carats, this elegant half-eternity band is expertly crafted in platinum. The diamonds are near-colorless with an average ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco 1.80 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined cluster ring crafted during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. At it's heart lies an emerald cut emerald, boasting a vibrant green colour tone whilst being...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Cetified 4.80 Carat Emerald Ballerina Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional platinum ring featuring a natural Colombian emerald of approximately 4.8 carats, accompanied by 1 carats of round brilliant diamonds. The diamonds are VS in clarity an...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$18,800Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Roulette Wheel GIA Certified Diamond Emerald & Onyx Engagement Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Monte Carlo Art Deco roulette wheel engagement ring centers on a 1.50 carat diamond GIA certified as D color, the highest grade attainable. Beautifully cut, allowing amazing fire...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring c. 1925
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1925 This finely crafted Art Deco platinum ring of classic three-stone design is centered with an excellent Colombian emerald displaying a vivid bluish-green hue. The emerald ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
AGL Certified Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant three-stone ring features a natural emerald-cut emerald weighing 4.91 carats, displaying a rich green color and classic rectangular proportions. The emerald is accompani...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
An Art Deco 3.3ct Colombian Emerald And Diamond Ring Circa 1930
Located in Firenze, IT
Ring centered with an oval emerald approximately 3.3ct in a multi-lobed frame set with old-cut diamonds. Millegrain-set to a platinum. Numbered 2057. Emerald dimensions: approximatel...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$21,600Sale Price|20% Off
6.00 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Eternity Wedding Platinum Band
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant full eternity band is meticulously set with 22 natural emerald cut diamonds, for a total diamond weight of approximately 6.00 carats. Each diamond is carefully selected ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 1.41ctw Diamond Marquise Cut Vivid Green Emerald Flower Spray Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamond - Center - 0.47ctw (exact) (8) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant ...
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
Platinum & Gold Art Deco Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald Ring
Located in Aventura, FL
This striking Art Deco ring is masterfully crafted in a refined combination of platinum and gold, weighing 6.8 grams. At its center, three brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 0.99 ct + 0...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Gold, Platinum
Vintage 3.20 Carat Emerald 4.10 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.20ct emerald and 4.10ct diamond, platinum ballerina ring; part of our vintage jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive emera...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum ballerina Ring with 5.20 CTW in Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This vintage ballerina ring is masterfully crafted in platinum, featuring a striking center emerald-cut natural emerald of approximately 2.80 carats. The vivid green emerald is surro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Diamond Emerald Platinum Wedding Anniversary Stacking Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This beautifully crafted Platinum diamond and emerald band features a striking center row of alternating princess-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.30 carat and five vivid square...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Peter Suchy Gia 3.00 Carat Emerald Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic three stone emerald cut diamond ring. 3.00ct emerald cut center stone mounted in a platinum setting accented with one .63ct and one .58ct. All three stones are independently ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.51ct Diamond and Emerald Three-Stone Ring MF17-110525
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This three-stone ring carries the profound symbolism of a relationship's past, present, and future. At its heart is a 1.15-carat emerald, its rich color flanked by two emerald-cut di...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Antique Hallmarked Platinum & 18kt Gold Ring with Colombian Emeralds and VVS Old
Located in Aventura, FL
This exceptional antique ring is beautifully crafted in platinum and 18kt yellow gold, featuring a graceful alternating pattern of five natural old European cut diamonds (totaling 2....
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 9.17 Carat NO OIL Emerald Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A magnificent natural emerald weighing 9.17 carats, certified by GRS (Report No. GRS2018-068154), originating from Zambia. This striking gem displays a vivid, rich green color and an...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum 0.36ct Diamond and Emerald Ring MF61-101625
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This radiant luxury ring is a piece that will elevate any jewelry collection. A bold Platinum setting beautifully showcases the vibrant 1.03 carat Emerald center stone. Diamond accen...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 3.15ct Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This exquisite platinum ring features a captivating 3.15 carat emerald-cut diamond at its center, graded J in color and VS2 in clarity. The clean, architectural lines of the emerald ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Cert. 2.59 Carat Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA-certified 2.59 carat minor oil Colombian emerald cocktail ring set in 18K yellow gold prongs, surrounded by round brilliant and baguette diamonds totaling 0.45 carats in platinum...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$15,840Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 1.14ct Green Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring. A beautifully crafted vintage ring in 18K yellow gold featuring a GIA-certified green emerald weighing 1.14 carats at its center. T...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Emerald Diamond Ring 17.45ct Carats Platinum High Jewelry Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This spectacular 12.72-carat Natural Zambian Emerald is the centerpiece of a bold platinum cocktail ring weighing approximately 20 grams. The emerald shows vivid green color, strong ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Bespoke 3Carat Pear Diamond 18K Gold GIA F VVS Hasbani Engagement Solitaire Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This bespoke exquisite oval-shape diamond ring is a refined statement of luxury, meticulously handcrafted by Hasbani Diamonds London, renowned second-generation high-jewellery design...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
Platinum & Gold Emerald Diamond Rosetta Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum & Gold Weight 5.8g Emerald Cabochon Approx. 3ct Diamond Approx. 2ct Rosetta Ring Size 6.5
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Platinum
Cabochon Emerald Cluster Diamond Ring
Located in Bethesda, MD
Platinum Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, featuring a center round cabochon emerald weighing 1.00 carat, surrounded by 8 round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.35 carats. size 7 ½ c...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Emerald and Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Platinum toi et moi style ring featuring a striking design with an deep green emerald and white diamonds. The emerald and diamonds are set in a bypass style, creating a captivating c...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.82 CT GIA Cert. Colombian Green Emerald in Vintage 18k YG/Plat Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
2.82 CT GIA Certified Colombian Green Emerald in Vintage 18k YG & Platinum Diamond Ring This remarkable vintage ring is a true showcase piece, uniting bold design with and excep...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
A refined example of early 20th-century craftsmanship, this Edwardian ring (circa 1900s) is beautifully crafted in 18kt yellow gold with platinum accents. The ring features a center ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 7.94 Carat COLOMBIAN INSIGNIFICANT OIL Emerald and Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional ring is centered by a striking 7.94 carat natural emerald, certified by GRS, displaying a rich and vibrant vivid green color. The stone is elegantly fashioned in an ...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Cabochon Emerald Diamond Platinum Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful deep green cabochon emerald weighing 3.67 carats is the center piece of this stunning platinum gypsy ring. The ring is further embellished by 2 baguette and 2 round brill...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$108,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.03-carat GIA-certified Fancy Intense Yellow diamond ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A 4.03-carat GIA-certified Fancy Intense Yellow diamond, Cushion Modified Brilliant, glowing with a rich, natural golden hue and graded VS1 for exceptional clarity. Its beautifully e...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mid-Century Emerald Diamond Three Stone Ring Platinum Portuguese 1950s-1960s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Mid-Century Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring in Platinum, Portuguese, circa 1950s–1960s. Crafted in mid-20th century Lisbon, this jewel is centered on a captivating old mine-cut...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$2,560Sale Price|20% Off
IGI Platinum 0.59 ct Colombia Emerald Antique Art Deco Style Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*IGI Platinum 0.59 ct Colombia Emerald Antique Art Deco Style Engagement Ring* IGI-certified natural intense green Colombia emerald with great color and fire luster weighing 0.59 ct...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Carved Mogul Emerald Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped emerald cabochon weighing approximately 3.76 carats total Transparent medium green in color and carved 'Mogul' style with flower motif Prong set in platinum ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$520,000Sale Price|20% Off
extraordinary GIA Certified 10.38 carat emerald-cut diamond ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary GIA Certified 10.38 carat emerald-cut diamond, graded G color and VS2 clarity, showcasing exceptional brilliance and perfect proportions (14.63 × 10.51 × 6.79 mm). T...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
David Webb 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Platinum, Cabochon Emerald, Diamond Bombe Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
A deep hue green emerald cabochon set in an oval halo of round brilliant white diamonds is the focal point of this bombé cocktail ring, which features quilt-like crosshatching made o...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art deco Platinum Round Diamond & Emerald Ring
Located in Aventura, FL
This striking platinum target ring showcases a bold, perfectly symmetrical round design crafted with exceptional precision. At its center rests a brilliant-cut diamond of 0.96 carats...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 5.51Ct Colombian Emerald Cut Emerald Ring
Located in San Diego, CA
This is a rare large Colombian Emerald. The color saturation is superb while maintaining beautiful transparency. It is set in a vintage yet classic style ring with a delicate halo a...
Emerald, Platinum
Emerald shield ring. Platinum Shield Ring Emerald Cabochon and Diamond wide band
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Art Deco Shield Ring. Emerald cabochon and Diamond bezel set into Platinum. Appraised at $6150 Details: 11.4grams 1ctw Natural Emerald, 1/4ctw Diamonds Size 7
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.20 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Square Ring with Emeralds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum and 18k yellow gold with an Asscher cut Diamond, accenting Emeralds, and a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.80 carats....
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Platinum Colombian Emerald Cabochon Mens Ring with Diamond Accents - Size 11.25
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a Platinum Colombian Emerald Men's Ring with Diamond Accents. The Emerald is a Top Quality Natural Colombian Emerald with Minor Clarity Enhancements, as is Industry Standard....
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Platinum 7ct Carved Emerald & Diamond Ring Brazil F1 GIA
Located in Winter Springs, FL
An exceptional and original Art Deco ring crafted in platinum and centered by an extraordinary carved marquise emerald of approximately 7 carats. The stone exhibits a beyond excepti...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Report Certified 5.81 Carat TW Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
GIA report certified 5.31 carat E VVS1 emerald-cut diamond platinum engagement ring circa 1960. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: This stunning 5.31 carat emerald-cut diamond set between a pair...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 2.45 Carat D VS1 Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
An ultra-rare and truly special example of Tiffany & Co.’s renowned craftsmanship, this ring centers an extraordinary 2.45-carat Emerald Cut Diamond, the most coveted and hard-to...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier Signed Art Deco Colombian Emerald Onyx & Diamond Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A rare vintage original, Cartier signed. Art Deco ring, circa 1930, bearing the French HP hallmark, centering an exceptional 4.50-carat center Colombian emerald of remarkable color s...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
$32,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Antique Platinum Emerald and Diamond 1 Carat Cluster Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional antique Tiffany & Co. ring showcases a striking natural emerald set at the center of an elegant platinum cluster design. The vibrant green emerald is accented by...
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.