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
Vintage Opal Cabochon Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bezel set oval-shaped opal cabochon measuring 9.0 x 11.0 mm Translucent white in body color with strong spectral play-of-color Accented prong set round brilliant cut di...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Black Opal Stone 1.06 cts in Platinum Ring with Diamonds with GIA Report
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite ring features a stunning oval-shaped natural black opal, measuring 8.86 x 5.54 x 3.76 mm and weighing 1.06 carats. The opal displays captivating play of color, showcas...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.75ct Natural Jelly Opal Diamond Ring Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry Sz 6
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish natural jelly opal & diamond cocktail ring crafted in 900 platinum. Cabochon cut natural jelly opal, 2.75 carats (11 x 8.5mm). The opal is in very good condition and free o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Estate 13.33 carat Natural Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
13.33 carats Natural Opal & Diamond Ring in Platinum Diamond and Opal Ring features a large 13.33 carat Oval-shaped Dome Opal with flashes of Orange, Green, and Yellow, encircled by...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
15.44ctw Rich Purple Blue Australian Boulder Opal Ring Platinum R6723
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ Rich Purple Blue Australian Boulder Opal Ring Platinum ♥ The face of the ring measures 18.9mm in width (East West direction), 25.5mm in length (North South direction), and sits 8mm...
Opal, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 5.05ctw Unique Cabochon Opal w/ Round Diamond Double Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Opal - Oval Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purple, Blue & Black Color - 12.7x10.4mm / 5.05ct (exact) (54) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Boulder Opal with Diamonds Designer Ring 18K Gold Platinum V1107
Located in Osprey, FL
This stunning Australian Boulder Opal Ring is made from 18K Gold and Platinum and is a statement-making piece of jewelry. Its impressive craftsmanship features an impressive natural ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Contemporary 0.86 CTW Diamond Opal Platinum Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped opal cabochon measuring 9.0 x 12.0 mm Black in body color with strong violet and blue play-of-color Prong set with a halo surround of round brilliant cut di...
Blue Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$14,148Sale Price|20% Off
Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
An opal and diamond platinum ring This beautiful opal and diamond ring is handcrafted in platinum. The piece is set to its centre in contrasting yellow gold claws with a round caboc...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Platinum Diamond 3.73 Carat Australian Black Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Our latest design! An entirely handmade ONE OF A KIND elegant and lustrous Australian Black Opal cabochon surrounded by beautiful baguette and round diamo...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 5.1 Carat Oval Jelly Opal and Diamond Statement Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant and finely detailed Vintage Jelly Opal and Diamond Platinum Statement Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Oval Jelly Opal, weighing approx....
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage Statement 3.00 Carat Pear Opal Marquise Diamond and Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed and Elegant Mid Century Modern Platinum Statement Cocktail Ring. Centering a Luminous 3.00 Carat Pear-cut Opal, surrounded by 0.95tcw of Glittering ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s Makers Mark H & T Fabulous, 1920’s piece. Set with beautiful, fiery, natural opal’s & sparkling diamonds i...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
4.60 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Whether worn as a statement piece or as a daily indulgence, this ring is sure to turn heads and spark conversation wherever you go. At its heart lies a captivating 4.60 CT Australian...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Fire Opal Cabochon and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 2.95 ct. fire opal oval cabochon with 0.14 ct. good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 5.75.
White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
8.48 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely fire opal ring coming from the mines in Mexico weighing 8.48 carats. The opal has a bright and lively orange color along with excellent play-of-color with flashes of red, or...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Opal Art Deco Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped jelly opal cabochon measuring 10.5 x 13.0 mm bezel set in platinum-topped gold Transparent white in body color with spectral play-of-color Featuring a halo ...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
1920s White Opal Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. This elegant Art Deco opal ring is set with rose-cut diamonds in a rectangular shape with rounded corners. An Australian cabochon opal is s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Lightning Ridge Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Platinum Lightning Ridge Opal Ring Featuring A 2.30 Carat Oval Australian Opal with Beautiful Blue and Green Play of Color, Accented by 1.10 Carat Total Weight Round Diamonds of SI C...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$16,960
18K Gold Cabochon Opal, Old Mine Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
One of a Kind Opal Elegance: A Ring Beyond Compare. Indulge in opulence with this truly exceptional one-of-a-kind ring featuring an East-West oval cabochon opal cut. This opal's fie...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Opal and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.95 ct. opal oval with 0.80 ct. good quality white diamond baguettes and rounds. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 6.
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Opal and White Diamond Three Stone Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.18 ct. opal oval cabochon with 0.51 ct. white diamond emerald cuts on either side. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 6.25.
White Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco 1.40ct Opal and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous cabochon cut opal sits central in this exceptional ring from the Art Deco era. The 1.40 carat gem is vibrant and alive as it glints in the light. It is encircled by a hal...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Estate GIA 18.81 Carat Opal Diamond 14 Karat Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This eye-catching cocktail ring boasts color with a large oval-shaped fiery Opal offering bursts of red, green, and blue. With the Opal measuring appx. 21.90mm x 17.36mm x 8.63 mm ...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Inspired Platinum Diamond 10.77 Carat Australian Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Our latest design! An entirely handmade ONE OF A KIND elegant and lustrous 10.77 Carat Australian Opal surrounded by beautiful round and baguette diamonds ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Impressive 15.36 Carat Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Simply stunning! This beautiful platinum ring features a large and impressive Australian opal with amazing play-of-color. The opal weighs a remarkable 15.36 carats while having incre...
Crystal, Diamond, Opal, Platinum
9.27 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive cocktail ring featuring a natural Australian black opal weighing 9.27 carats. It has excellent color as various shades of blue and green radiate across the sto...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
6.79 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A very fine and beautifully shaped black Australian opal takes center stage. It weighs 6.79 carats and has a unique color pattern with strong blue-green play-of-color. It is accented...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,297
Art Deco cluster opal ring in platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco cluster opal ring in platinum. This antique cluster ring features a central cabochon-cut opal set in a close setting, surrounded by twelve old-cut diamonds. The opal shows v...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2.96 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning black opal and diamond cocktail ring features a gorgeous 2.96 carat black opal with vibrant play-of-color surrounded by a halo of white diamonds! The black opal is a ph...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Mid-Century White Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This lively mid-century platinum ring features a captivating 5.75-carat oval cabochon white opal at its center, radiating vibrant flashes of color. Encircling the opal are twenty rou...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$5,652
Edwardian Opal & Diamond Cluster Ring On Platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Cluster ring composed of a delicate platinum mounting (hallmark: mascaron), which is adorned in its center with a superb Australian opal cabochon weighing approximately 6.70 Cts, in ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Black opal solitaire ring, circa 1930.
Located in London, GB
Black opal solitaire ring. Set with an oval cabochon natural black opal in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 9.70 carats, to an impressive solitaire design feat...
Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
1.50ct Opal and 0.75ct Natural Diamonds Cluster Ring in Platinum
Located in London, GB
1.50ct Opal and 0.75ct Natural Diamonds Cluster Ring, Set Platinum This gorgeous Opal and Diamond ring is a classic piece of jewellery. The centre stone is a 1.5ct Opal surrounded by...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
1.28 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous cocktail ring features a stunning 1.28 carat black opal set in platinum with brilliant white diamonds. The opal is a bright and lively gem with strong play-of-color tha...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
9.30 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful gem Australian opal takes center stage of this well-made platinum ring. It weighs an impressive 9.30 carats and has excellent play-of-color. The opal has a very strong pi...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.54 Carat Lighting Ridge Black Opal & Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.54 Carat, Natural, Australian (Lighting Ridge) Black Opal and 1.15 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
Retro, 18ct yellow gold and platinum, opal and diamond cluster ring, size O1/2
Located in London, GB
Dainty 18ct gold and platinum cluster ring featuring a central oval white opal surrounded by 0.35ct round single cut diamonds with millgraining to edges of the setting. 12 x single ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum GIA Certified 6.78 Carat Lightning Ridge Black Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Our latest design! An entirely handmade ONE OF A KIND elegant and lustrous Lightning Ridge Australian Black Opal cabochon surrounded by beautiful baguette...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
5.82 Carat Opal Diamond Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Ballerina Vintage Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Australian White Opal, weighing 5.82 Carats, surrounded by Diamonds,...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unique Australian Opal “Double-Color” Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique Australian Opal “Double-Color” Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring A very unique Australian opal featuring what appears to be two different color patterns. The 4.64 carat opal has...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
4.32 Carat Gem Fire Opal Diamond Platinum & Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb gem fire opal takes center stage. It weighs 4.32 carats and has a super gemmy vivid orange-red color excellent play-of-color. Flashes or orange, yellow, green, and red can a...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
7.39 Carat Andamooka Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful and finely detailed Andamooka Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Australian Andamooka White Opal, weighing 7.39 Carats, e...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
8.13 Carat Oval Cut Double Cabochon Lightning Ridge Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This very unique ring features a 8.13 carat oval cut double cabochon Australian Lightning Ridge opal accented by 4.69 carat total weight in fine natural pave-set round diamonds. It i...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,729
Opal Mixed Metal Ring, Platinum & 22 Carat Gold
By Deborah Cadby | Cadby & Co.
Located in Bude, GB
Antique oval cabochon cut natural white opal. Ref: G17005 9mm x 7mm natural white opal Platinum with 22ct gold setting Cadby & Co are a family business that specialise in reusing ...
Opal, Gold, 22k Gold, Platinum, Mixed Metal
ART DECO 1930 Cocktail Ring in Platinum with 6.12cts Australian Opal & Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
An art deco ring with Australian opal. Exceptionally beautiful ring, created during the iconic period of the art deco, back in the 1930. This colorful ring personify the deco period...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Solid 2ct Black Opal VS Diamond Ballerina Style Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Mona Vale, NSW
This amazing ring features a Precious Opal that was mined in Australia. The 2.08ct solid Black Opal displays play of colour in hues of blue and green. The setting is solid Platinum ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
6.23 Carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal and Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 6.23 Carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal and 1.00 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Opals are known for exhibiting flashes of rainbow colors known a...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Rare Faceted Black Pearl, Black Opal, Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning estate cocktail ring centering a 13.4mm rare faceted silvery black freshwater cultured pearl, accented by black opals and diamonds. 20th Century Faceted pearls were first cr...
Diamond, Opal, Black Pearl, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine natural black opal from Australia takes center stage. It weighs 1.84 carats and has great play-of-color as large bright flashes of green, orange, and yellow dance across the s...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
3.67 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb true gem quality Australian black opal takes center stage. The gem opal weighs 3.67 carats and has some of the best play-of-color we have seen this year. Extremely bright an...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$6,814
Vintage Diamond Ring in 6ct Opal, circa 1940
Located in Kendal, GB
A magnificent Vintage statement ring from the early 20th Century adorned with a spectacular natural Opal in the centre weighing approx. 6ct and framed by a halo of pave set Old Europ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified 5.75 Carats Natural Black Opal & Yellow Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
A one-of-a-kind fashion ring, showcasing a GIA certified 5.75 carats black natural opal with a freeform shape and no indications of heat treatment, set on an extremely rare prong set...
Yellow Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
4.83 Carat Superb Australian Crystal Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A simply stunning gorgeous Australian crystal opal takes center stage of this platinum made ring. The opal weighs 4.83 carats and has some of the best play-of-color we have seen in y...
Diamond, 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.