21st Century GIA Opal Diamond Cocktail Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning diamond and opal cocktail ring is crafted in solid platinum, weighing 10.3 grams and measures 24mm x 13mm high. Showcasing a prominent four-prong set cosmic GIA certif...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$1,190Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Platinum 1.65ctw Oval Cabochon Fiery Opal w/ Diamond Sides Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Fiery Very Nice Play of Colors - 9.8x7.9mm / 1.51ct (exact) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant C...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$1,358Sale Price|20% Off
Solid Platinum 2.8ctw Oval Cabochon Opal & Diamond Sides Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Very Play of Colors - 8.6x7.2mm / 2.57ct (exact) (12) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Estate Platinum Large Opal Cabochon Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 24.38ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A commanding platinum cocktail ring centered by an exceptional 22.87 carat natural opal, notable for its substantial scale and vivid play-of-color. The opal displays a luminous body ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Mid century opal old European cut diamond platinum cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This enchanting Mid Century opal and diamond cluster ring is a romantic 1960’s design, beautifully centered by a cabochon cut opal measuring approximately 11.90mm x 8.50mm. The opal ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Mid-Century Opal and 1.50ctw Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This mid-century platinum oval opal and diamond halo ring is a rare and romantic estate jewel, centering a large oval opal measuring 13.5mm by 10.5mm with a bright white body color a...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
14.22 Carat Boulder Opal and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Platinum Ballerina Ring Featuring A 14.22 Carat Oval Boulder Opal with Stunning Blue and Green Pattern. Accented by 0.90 Carat Total Weight Round and Baguette Cut Diamonds of SI Clar...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 5.19ctw Oval Colorful Fiery Jelly Opal w/ Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Jelly Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Fiery Orange Color w/ Full Beautiful Play of Colors - 13.1x8.9mm / 3.73ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genu...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$1,198Sale Price|20% Off
Classic Solid Platinum 3.31ctw Oval Cabochon Opal Diamond Halo Right Hand Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Nice Play of Colors - 13.7x9.7mm /2.96ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Bri...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.73 Carat Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This elegant platinum ring centers a mesmerizing 1.73 carat oval-cut black opal displaying vivid electric green and deep blue play-of-color with exceptional contrast and movement. Th...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$1,838Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum & 18k Gold Cabochon Black Opal w/ Diamond Open Interlocking Knot Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Blue Color on Black Background - 10x8mm - 2.2ct (exact) (21) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut -...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Vintage Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum This cocktail ring is crafted in 900 platinum and features a 4.53-carat oval cabochon Australian opal as the center stone. The o...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
3.40 Carat Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This striking platinum cocktail ring centers a captivating 3.40 carat oval-cut natural opal displaying vivid electric blue and green play-of-color with remarkable depth and movement....
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
One-of-a-Kind 9.29 Carat Australian Boulder Opal Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This striking one-of-a-kind ring centers a mesmerizing 9.29 carat Australian boulder opal displaying vivid electric blue and green play-of-color with exceptional natural vibrancy. Th...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco 18k Gold Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Altrincham, GB
A bright Art deco period opal and diamond ring. Clusters of brilliant cut diamonds flank a central Australian white opal. The stones are set in an 18ct gold ring with platinum settin...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 18k Gold & Platinum Opal & Diamond Flower Cluster Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Altrincham, GB
A fantastic Art Deco period flower cluster ring, set with a fiery opal centre and diamond petals. The opal displays an array of colours- blue, red, orange, green, yellow and purple- ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
6.88 Carat Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
An extraordinary statement ring showcasing a mesmerizing natural black opal weighing approximately 6.88 carats, displaying vivid flashes of electric green and deep blue play-of-color...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 3.32 Carat Oval Dark Gray Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Dark Gray Opal and Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring. The center securely Hand set with a 3.32 Carat Oval Dark Gray Opal. Accented either side ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.62 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.626 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.98 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known for exhibiting fla...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
6.60 Carat Mexican Fire Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Centered on a vibrant 6.60 carat Mexican fire opal, this striking ring displays a rich orange body color enlivened by flashes of green and subtle play-of-color that shift beautifully...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Vintage Opal and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat at the centre of a sparkling halo of diamonds is a gorgeous opal. The opal has wonderful colour. The diamond halo totals approx 32pts. The stones are set in platinum and the ring...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Certified 4.83 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Centered on a captivating 4.83 carat certified natural black opal, this striking ring displays a vivid play-of-color, with flashes of green, blue, and vibrant red shifting across the...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
"Artisan Platinum Cocktail Ring with 3.67ct Opal and Diamonds"
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite cocktail ring features a fine 3.67 carat crystal opal from Australia. It is set in platinum with diamond baguettes. The opal has gorgeous play-of-color, exhibiting spe...
Diamond, Opal, Multi-gemstone, Platinum
1.27 Carat Black Opal and 0.70 Carat Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.27 carat cabochon black opal and 0.70 carat diamond, platinum trilogy ring; part of our diverse collection of black opal jewelry. This stun...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.14 Carat Opal and Baguette Diamond Platinum Estate Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Vintage Opal and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 3.14 Carat Opal Gemstone. Accented either side by ....
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Mid-Century 4.55 Carat Black Opal and 1.5 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A fab Mid Century Australian black opal and diamond ring. With a fabulous play of color, flashing between electric blue and green, this captivating cocktail ring is smartly surrounde...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$480Sale Price / item|20% Off
Custom Engagement Ring Made-to-Order Starting at 6k, Virtual CAD Design Deposit
By Rock N Gold Creations
Located in San Diego, CA
Bespoke Custom Engagement Ring – Made to Order A custom engagement ring is not simply made, it is thoughtfully brought to life, capturing emotion, intention, and a love story unlike...
Rhodolite, Yellow Sapphire, Green Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Spinel, Tanza...
Mid-Century Precious Opal Diamond Platinum French 1950s-1960s Cocktail Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
French Mid-Century Detachable Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Platinum, circa 1950s–1960s. The composition reveals an almost organic sensibility: the vivid pear-shaped opal—its surf...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Art Deco Opal and OEC Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Art Deco Opal and OEC Diamond Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .80 Carat Opal. Surrounded by .75tcw Old...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$2,980Sale Price|20% Off
Striking Black Opal & Diamond Ballerina Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Striking Black Opal & Diamond Ballerina Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this ring features a 2.16 carat black opal framed by a ballerina-style halo of round and baguette d...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 5.12 Carat Australian Black Opal and Marquis Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Vintage Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Vintage Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 5.12 Carat Australian Blac...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Platinum 0.54ct Diamond and Black Opal Ring MF22-031726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Rare and distinct, this piece features a 4.65-carat black opal carrying blue and green flashes across a dark base. It is set high on a 2mm platinum band and held by four slim claw pr...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 3.12 Carat Oval Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Vintage Oval Black Australian Opal and Diamond Platinum Solitaire Cocktail Vintage Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 3.12 Carat Oval Austr...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
French Belle Epoque opal diamond cluster ring in 18k gold and platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Opal diamond cluster ring in 18 karat gold and platinum. Ring centered with a large cabochon-cut opal, 3.40 carats. The opal has a yellow color and plays of green, yellow, orange and...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
$2,128Sale Price|20% Off
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ethiopian Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this ring features a 2.50 carat Ethiopian opal framed by a ballerina-style halo of round and baguette diamonds tot...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Delicate Jelly Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Delicate Jelly Opal & Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum Crafted in platinum, this ring features a 0.61 carat jelly opal framed by a halo of round diamonds totaling 0.43 carat total ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Edwardian Opal Diamond Demantoid Garnet Platinum 18K Gold Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped opal cabochon - white in body color with spectral play-of-color Measuring 6.5 x 9.5 mm - bead set with a halo surround of demantoid garnets Bead set with add...
Diamond, Garnet, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Estate Platinum Cabochon Green & Australian Opal Emerald Cocktail Ring 20.52ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A highly individual and expertly composed ring executed in platinum, centered by a richly saturated green opal cabochon and encircled by a precise arrangement of natural Australian ...
Emerald, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1920s, 1.27ct
Located in Port Saint Lucie, FL
An exquisite and highly collectible fine jewelry piece, this striking ring is crafted in platinum and centers on a luminous square-cut opal displaying vibrant green flashes and excep...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, 14k Gold
12.35ct Black Opal & 3.08ct Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Opal 12.35 ct. & 3.08 cts. diamonds Color/Clarity: Natural Opal Certifications: GIA Size: 8.25 Creator: Unknown Metal: Platinum Weight: 21.09 grams Period: Modern A sh...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Revival 4.10 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A brash black opal cocktail ring. Perfect for a statement piece, this mysterious, Art Deco-inspired ring features an exotic, 4 carat Australian gemstone with a fabulous play of color...
Diamond, Onyx, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Australian Opal and Rose-Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This late Victorian/early Edwardian-era cocktail ring features a natural oval Australian opal weighing approximately 7.77 carats, displaying a multi-color "play of color" in a pinfir...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Investment GIA 4.75ct Black Opal Diamond Halo Ring - .900 Platinum - Rare
Located in Media, PA
A masterwork of fine jewelry, this exquisite ring features a GIA Certified 4.75ct Natural Black Opal. Renowned for its deep, dark body tone, this opal exhibits a vibrant, multidimens...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Platinum 2.0ct Diamond and Opal Cocktail Ring MF28-021926
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Not for the conventional collector, this platinum cocktail ring makes its presence known through its commanding scale and uncommon gemstone character. At the center, a 9.5-carat oval...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$5,107Sale Price|20% Off
Striking Black Enamel Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 5232838009
Located in Bloomington, MN
Striking Black Enamel Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 5232838009 Crafted in platinum, this bespoke ring centers on an oval bezel-set opal displaying vivid flashes of blue, ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, Enamel
Vintage Art Deco Opal Diamond Ring Sz 6 Platinum Engagement Bridal Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco opal & diamond ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 900 platinum. Center set opal measures 8.5mm. single cut diamonds total an estimated 0.30...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
A Magnificent 11.71ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply stunning 11.71ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum ring, approx 20-30 years old. The star of the show is unquestionably the magnificent and immense central Opal -...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
A Superb 3.17ct Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply Gorgeous 3.17ct Mexican Fire Opal & Diamond Platinum ring, approx 20-30 years old. The star of the show is unquestionably the central incredibly glassy fire Opal - the b...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Platinum 0.36ct Diamond and Opal Ring MF04-122925
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A captivating 1.08 carat Opal with a warm, orange hue makes a statement on this exquisite ring. The center stone is also surrounded by marquise-cut Diamonds totaling 0.36 carats, whi...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$1,591Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum 1.61ctw Oval Gray Opal Diamond Pave Accents Ring Nice Play Of Colors
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Gray Base / Nice Play of Green & Blue Colors -10.8x8.8mm (approx.) - 1.41ct (exact) (10) Natural Genuine ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.60ct FINE Top Grade Australian Black Opal & Diamond Three Stone Platinum Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Australian Black Opal And Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring. 1.60 Carat Total. This ring features a top grade 1.32 carat Australian black opal with top play of colour....
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Platinum Natural Fire Opal & Diamond Halo Cocktail Statement Dome Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Platinum Natural Fire Opal & Diamond Halo Cocktail Statement Dome Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 5.89 grams Opal: 10.5 x 6.5 natural fire cabochon opal. No crazing. Height: 11.5mm...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
21st Century Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A mesmerizing GIA-certified black opal cocktail ring featuring a vibrant double cabochon displaying rich, earthy flashes of blue and violet fire. The striking oval center stone (18.4...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 1.48 Carat Opal and 3.03 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1945
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.48 carat opal and 3.03 carat diamond, platinum ring; part of our opal jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impressive vintage opal a...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
6.50ct Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Ring - Magnificent!
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply extraordinary 6.50vt Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum ring, approx 20-30 years old. The star of the show is unquestionably the central Opal - the background colo...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.17ct FINE Australian Black Opal & Baguette Diamond Five Stone Platinum Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Australian Black Opal And Diamond Platinum Five Stone Ring. 1.17ct Total. This ring features an exquisite 0.92 carat Australian black opal with top play of colour. Sho...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
4.36 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Double Halo Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Double Halo Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 4.36 Carat Black Opal Gemstone. Surrounded ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 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.