19.82 carat Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
19.82 carat Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum Diamond and Boulder Opal Ring features one Elongated Boulder Opal weighing 19.82 carats with Blue and Green play of color accen...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Gorgeous Vintage Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Ring Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Gorgeous Vintage Opal and Diamond Halo Ring certainly has caught my attention! Cause it is AMAZING! Crafted in beautiful Platinum, the design features a wonderful Halo of Diamon...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Large Natural Opal 6.81 carat and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Large Natural Opal 6.81 carat and Diamond Ring in Platinum White Opal and Diamond Ring features a natural White Opal with Oblong shape and with a play of orange, blue, and green, a...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$4,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Opal Esoteric Cushion Cut 18K Gold Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 18k Gold Cushion Cut Halo Engagement Ring is a timeless symbol of love and elegance. Featuring a brilliant cushion-cut diamond surrounded by a halo of sparkling stones...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Opal Triplet and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is a show stopper! The colours of this opal triplet are beautiful. The stone has pairs of sparkling diamonds sat either side which total 40pts. The ring is modelled in 18 C...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a navette shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 15.0 mm White with spectral play-of-color - bead set with halo surround Platinum-topped and prong set with old European cut d...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2.88 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful! Finely detailed Black Opal and Diamond Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 2.88 Carat Black Opal. Surrounded by Marquis and Round Brillia...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Platinum 4.6ctw Oval Australian Opal & Baguette Diamond Wavy Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
MUST SEE IN PERSON! --Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Very Nice Play of Colors - 14x10.1mm / 4.09ct (exact) (18) Natural Genuine...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
17.77 Carat Black Opal Multi Diamond Platinum Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Black Opal and Diamond Solitaire Platinum Statement Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 17.77 Carat Black Opal. Surrounded by Baguette, Mar...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.29 Carat Natural Lightning Ridge Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.294 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.62 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known for exhibiting fla...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 2.51ctw Oval Opal & Diamond Accents Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Very Nice Play of Colors - 11.5x9.4mm / 2.36ct (exact) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Br...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 2.80 carat Australian Opal Ring with pink-red fire!
Located in Big Bend, WI
Antique platinum ring featuring a natural Australian opal weighing 2.80 carats. The opal has a white body color with lots of red-pink play of color. The oval cabochon opal measures a...
Opal, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 4.88ctw Oval Opal & Diamond Halo Large Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Very Nice Play of Colors - 14.6x11.3mm / 4.41ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Ro...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Classic Platinum 5.04ctw Oval Nice Play of Colors Opal & Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - White Color w/ Very Nice Play of Colors - 12.2x10.9mm / 4.67ct (exact) (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.38 Carat Natural Lightning Ridge Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.385 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.62 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known for exhibiting fla...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Priyashi Nahata Opal 0.63ct. Fancy Ring in Platinum.
By Priyashi Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Opulent and timeless, this Opal Fancy Ring in platinum features a luminous opal centerpiece with vibrant iridescence, elegantly set to showcase its natural beauty. A true statement o...
Opal, Platinum
Priyashi Nahata Opal 0.21ct. Fancy Ring with Diamond in Platinum.
By Priyashi Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite Opal Fancy Ring is set in platinum, featuring a captivating opal at its center, surrounded by sparkling diamonds. The vibrant play-of-color in the opal contrasts beaut...
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
Priyashi Nahata Opal 0.51ct. Fancy Ring in Platinum.
By Priyashi Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Opulent and timeless, this Opal Fancy Ring in platinum features a luminous opal centerpiece with vibrant iridescence, elegantly set to showcase its natural beauty. A true statement o...
Opal, Platinum
Priyashi Nahata Opal 0.42ct. Fancy Ring in Platinum.
By Priyashi Nahata
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Opulent and timeless, this Opal Fancy Ring in platinum features a luminous opal centerpiece with vibrant iridescence, elegantly set to showcase its natural beauty. A true statement o...
Opal, Platinum
$5,390Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Watch Australian Opal White Diamond Blue Sapphire Gold Ring, Just Jules
Located in Dallas, TX
One of a Kind Ring by jewelry designer Julie Romanenko (Just Jules) showcasing a magnificent violet-hued natural round Australian opal cabochon with primary red and green fire, bezel...
Opal, Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, G...
Antique Platinum, 18K Gold, Black Opal, & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique platinum, gold, opal & diamond ring. In platinum & 18 karat yellow gold. With a basket-set 3.35± ct black opal (transparency: semi-translucent, color hue: black w/ g...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Antique Garland Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 7.0 mm Translucent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Bezel set in platinum with a diamond halo surround Old Europ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.16 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.164 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.60 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known for exhibiting fla...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$4,950
Platinum Black Opal Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Indulge in the luxurious beauty of our Platinum Black Opal Ring. This exquisite piece features a mesmerizing black opal, radiating with captivating hues, set in a sleek platinum band...
Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified 8.45 Carat Black Opal & Diamond Halo Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified Vintage 8.45 Carat Natural Black Opal & 0.70 Carat Diamond Halo in Platinum 900 Halo Set Cocktail Ring, Size 6.75. Details: Item Type: Cocktail Ring Metal: Platinum 90...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
3.50 Carat Black Opal & Diamond Halo Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 3.50 Carat Australian Black Opal & Diamond Set Platinum 900 Statement Ring, Size 7.75. Details: Item Type: Statement Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size: 7.75 (adjustable) Weight...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA Natural Black Opal 6.23 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA certified Natural Black Opal 6.23 ct and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Natural certified Black Opal Ring features a center Oval Cabochon Black Opal with flashes of Green, Y...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage Platinum High Quality 4.35ctw Opal & Diamond Halo Classic Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Multi-Prong Set - White Color w/ Amazing Play of Green, Blue & Yellow Color - 12.1x10mm / 2.33ct (approx.) (15) Natural G...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Black Opal 15.60 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
Natural Black Opal 15.60 carat and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Large Black Opal and Diamond Ring features Natural Oval Cabochon Black Opal weighing 15.60 carats with flashes o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique French Belle Epoque Platinum Natural Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique French Belle Epoque Platinum Natural Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring. This incredible French Belle Epoque Opal and Diamond ring is crafted in platinum. This gorgeous rin...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$26,500
Australian 7.00ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
If you like your opal bright, here is one that is almost off the charts. This amazing blue-green black boulder opal is of clean, vivid colour, set in an 18K solid gold and platinum r...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Signed Art Deco High Domed 5 Carat Opal And Diamond Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Recently acquired from the private estate of a gemstone collector, this sustainable Art Deco opal cocktail ring is signed with makers marks from legacy jeweler, Traub. Featuring a st...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
11.69 Carat Natural Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 11.96 Carat, Natural, Australian Boulder Opal and 0.46 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are kn...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
8.62 Carat Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive natural Australian opal weighing 8.62 carats takes center stage. It has excellent play-of-color as large and vibrant flashes of color pop off the stones surfac...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum Black Opal & Diamond Bypass Ring - Oval Cabochon 1.52ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $80 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information Natural Black Opal Carat(s): .86ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Stone Note: (Austr...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.82 Carat Natural Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.82 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 2.20 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,200
5.55ct Opal, Diamond Ballerina Cocktail Ring set in Platinum
Located in Toronto, Ontario
Presenting a 5.55ct Opal and Diamond Ballerina Cocktail or Engagement Ring, meticulously crafted in platinum. At Skyjems, our three-generation legacy is woven into every creation, re...
Opal, Diamond, Platinum
Late 19th Century 18kt Gold Diamond And Oval Opal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Gold 750 and platinum 850 thousandths ring set with a claw-set opal cabochon surrounded and shouldered by crowned roses. Circa 1890 Gross weight: 4.70 g. Size 5 1/2
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Nestled amidst vibrant green emeralds, the black opal ring exuded an enchanting allure. The center black opal weighs approximately 9.50 carats and is accompanied with a GIA Black, N...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.86 Carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 0.86 Carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal and 0.81 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Opals are known for exhibiting flashes of rainbow colors known a...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
1.73 Carat Natural Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.73 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 0.09 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Edwardian Opal and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold, and Platinum Top [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.65 grams Diamond Details: .60ct total weight, old...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Judy Geib Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Opal Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Handmade opal ring in platinum and 18k yellow gold by New York jewelry designer Judy Geib. Central cabochon cut 12 x 9mm pinfire opal, horizontally set in an 18 karat yellow gold be...
Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5.38 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ballerina Vintage Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified vintage 5.83 carat black opal and diamond halo ballerina ring in platinum 900. Featuring a center stone that is absolutely captivating, bearing tremendous color, luster...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.78 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
2.78 carat natural black opal and round cut diamond halo ring. Set in a smooth textured platinum 900 ring setting. The center stone bears a rich, vibrant color pattern that radiated ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$18,500
Australian 2.44ct Black Opal, Diamond & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Deep dark and rich, this solid black opal is a standout. Set in a classic styled solid platinum 950 ring with accent brilliant white diamonds. It shows the reds and oranges which are...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$12,980
1.16 Carat Australian Boulder Opal, 18k Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Cute, bright and happy, this fantastic ring is especially for one of those personalities that shines like a star. Colour play is striking from any angle, and the shape just draws you...
Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$32,000
Australian 3.06ct Boulder Opal, Diamond & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Black Opal of this quality doesn’t come along often. It is vivid in its depth of colours, showing the most sought after reds and blues. This stunning black boulder opal is set in pla...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Natural Solid 2.59ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A unique design displaying a stunning black boulder opal and high jewellery grade diamonds. Set in 18K solid gold, this ring is a beautiful design reminiscent of the 1940's jewellery...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$11,400
2.12ct Australian Opal, Diamond, 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
This very cute ring with a strawberry drop shape has 14 brilliant white diamonds and a large stunning dark crystal opal from Lightning Ridge Australia. The top band has been stippled...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$18,500
Australian 2.76ct Dark Crystal Opal, Diamond & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
Dark crystal opal is deep and mysterious. The bright aqua blues and yellows are a rare combination in opal and perfectly highlighted with two trillion cut brilliant white diamonds. S...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$45,000
Enchanted Twilight 6.18 Carat Black Opal Ring
Located in Duluth, US
Gemstone Black Opal: 6.18 Carat Diamond: 2.83 Carat Metal: 900 Platinum Discover the mesmerizing allure of the Enchanted Twilight Opal Ring, a perfect blend of beauty, ra...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$12,900
Australian 0.72ct Crystal Opal, Diamond & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A Princess Bride couldn’t ask for more. This amazingly beautiful Platinum ring is cantered with a rich and vibrant Lightning Ridge crystal opal and surrounded by no less than 52 high...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
7.86 Carat Natural White Opal and Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
White Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring. This cocktail ring is crafted in a platinum setting, featuring a natural 7.86-carat white opal with an oval cabochon cut, secured in a prong s...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
French Art Deco Heart Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful opal and diamond ring crafted in France during the pinnacle of the Art Deco movement. This romantic piece has been crafted from platinum and features a resp...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Opal and Diamond 18 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 hues of fiery red which glow under any light. The diamond halo totals 20pts. The stones a...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Platinum Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Platinum Australian black opal and diamond ring. This is a natural black opal weighing .45cts and measuring about 7.7mm x 5.5mm. The opal has a dark navy blue body color with primari...
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.
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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.