Unavailable|$104,000
Australian 8.24ct Boulder Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A once-in-a-lifetime gem, this magical boulder opal is beyond belief. The colours are very vivid and clean, with the brightest purples, reds, blues, greens and pinks you will ever se...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$88,800
12.28 Carat Australian Black Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
A classic beauty from a bygone era. This magnificent black opal with its deep mysterious blues heralds from a design era when class and sophistication meant everything. Old world cha...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$59,000
Australian 1.54ct Black Opal, Diamond, 18K Gold & Platinum Ring
Located in MAIN BEACH, QLD
When words are not enough, this ring says it all. Such an amazingly beautiful Solid Black Opal set in 18K gold and with over 1.2ct of high jewellery grade brilliant white diamonds, t...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb fire opal from Mexico weighing 5.06 carats. It has excellent play of color as flashes of orange, green and blue. It is accented by 0.85 carats of diamonds set around it in a...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Superb Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Calling all opal lovers!! We have a very special piece here with a 7.70 carat Mexican fire opal. It has absurd play-of-color, might be the finest I’ve seen in a fire opal, as an arra...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.09-carat White Opal and Diamond Halo in Platinum and Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA certified 4.09-carat white opal with a vibrant array of colors. This Opal comes from the mines in Australia and is cabochon cut to perfection. The Opal is mounted in a thin, but...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Platinum
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive Australian opal weighing 9.37 carats takes center stage and puts on a show! It has great play-of-color as primarily red, along with blue and green, flash acros...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely platinum made ring featuring a 2.95 carat natural Australian opal. It has great play-of-color as bright strong flashes of green, blue and some yellow/orange dance across the...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Marquise Coober Pedy Opal Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Design Collection Our latest design! An elegant and lustrous Australian Coober Pedy Opal surrounded beautifully by diamonds in a handmade platinum setting. Metal- 90% Platin...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive cocktail ring featuring a fine and gemmy Australian black opal! The opal weighs 5.80 carats and has excellent play-of-color and large prominent bright flashes ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$26,000
Australian 8.10ct Black Opal Ring with Diamonds, Platinum & 18ct Gold
Located in QLD , AU
Absolutely captivating, this solid Australian opal from Lightning Ridge will have you spellbound. Complimented with the classically elegant 'Forget me Knot' design of diamond knots o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
14 Carat Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
14 Carat Oval Shape Ethiopian Opal Cocktail Ring in Platinum Size 6 Oval Natural Opal A classic, Cocktail ring Estate Size of the opal 14X10X6 MM, Approximately 14 ct Huge Opal ...
Opal, Platinum
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum 3-Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic 3-stone design, this lovely ring features a fine 3.65 carat fire opal with play-of-color. Fire opals are known for their intense deep red color but rarely show play of colo...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Vintage 3.88 Carat Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, circa 1940
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.88 Carat opal and 0.18 Carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate je...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,990
Platinum and 14 Karats Yellow Gold Opal Diamond Ring
By Jiedy Jewels
Located in Indooroopilly, QLD
The ring showcases an oval cabochon cut solid opal set in platinum bezel setting. 14karats yellow gold band contains four round brilliant cut diamonds on either side. Opal weight: ...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Superb Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Simply stunning! This natural fire opal has a rich intense orangy-red body color with excellent play-of-color which is rare in fire opals. Bright and prominent flashes of red, orange...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive ring featuring a natural black opal from Australia! It weighs 4.42 carats and has excellent play-of-color as large and bright flashes of blue and green can be ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$12,000
Contemporary 18K White Gold Solid Australian Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Waterloo, New South Wales
This one of a kind ring is from Lingjun's earlier creation, featuring a solid black opal from Lightning Ridge, Australia, accent with white diamonds. IMPORTANT: Each ring is made to ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$8,500
Made to Order, 18K Gold Boulder Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Waterloo, New South Wales
This one of a kind ring is from Lingjun's earlier collection, featuring a solid boulder opal from Queensland, Australia, accent with white diamonds. IMPORTANT: Each ring is made to o...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive natural black opal from Australia! It weighs 6.90 carats and has great play-of-color as flashes of blue and green can be seen across the opal which also has a ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring, American, circa 1950
Located in London, GB
Vintage opal and diamond ring. Set with one oval cabochon natural white opal in an open back four claw setting with an approximate weight of 10.00 carats, flanked by twelve round bri...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Blue-Green Australian Opal Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning ring featuring a fine Australian opal weighing 5.66 carats. It shows excellent play of color with bright intense colors of green and blue across the entirety of the opal. ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
AGL 10.99 Carat Black Opal Ring with 4.36 Cts Tsavorite and Diamond in Platinum
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
An incredibly stunning one-of-a-kind ring featuring a substantial and lively 10.99 Carat AGL Certified Australian Black Opal. Every element of this ring delights from all angles. T...
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A fine and natural opal from Australia. It weighs 5.91 carats and has excellent play of color. As you turn the stone large flashes of green and blue will appear and completely cover ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$6,475
4 Carat Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By carpenter and sons
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
A beautiful purple bleu black opal is the center stone in this classically inspired cocktail ring. The center stone is a 4-carat natural black opal with a gorgeous matrix of purple ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Large Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive black opal from Australia! It weighs 17.39 carats and has great play-of-color as flashes of green and blue can be seen across the entirety of the stone. It is ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Mexican Fire Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A deep royal jelly colored Mexican fire opal! It weighs 15.3 carats with a juicy orange color and shows play of color with light flashes of green and blue. It is accented by 6 round ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Modern Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A modern styled platinum ring featuring a 1.15 carat Australian black opal with excellent play-of-color. Large and bright flashes of green, yellow and some blues can be seen across t...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Art Deco 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Opal and Diamond Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds five opals and four diamonds. The diamonds total approx 60pts and all the stones are set in platinum and the band is modelled in 18carat gold. Ring Size: M...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive Australian opal weighing 5.97 carats! It has excellent play of color with a classic pin-fire pattern as it shows flashes of greens, reds, yellows and more! It ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
3.50 Carat Art Deco Opal Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.8 grams Center Opal Details: Type: Opal Weight: 3.50 Carat Cut: Oval Cabachon Side Stone Details...
Opal, Platinum
1970s Platinum Large Fire Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum Opal & Diamond Ring, large opal of rainbow fire, low dome cabochon, 48 round-cut diamonds as double halo, diamonds of H-I color VS-SI clarity, app 4.50 ct tw. Circa 1970. Ri...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Blue-Green Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic Australian opal weighing 5.17 carats takes center stage. It has great play of color as the opal shows bright and strong flashes of blue and green across the entire stone. I...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Gem Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This tremendous ring is the first and last cocktail ring you will ever want to own. A remarkable 12.28 carat black opal surrounded by 4.16 carats of round cut diamonds and a trillion...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely platinum cocktail ring featuring a 4.51 carat Australian black opal. It is a classic blue-green opal with excellent play of color as bright flashes roll across the surface o...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful black opal from Australia takes center stage! It weighs 1.94 carats and has excellent play of color as bright flashes of predominantly red as well as blue and green can b...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Fire Opal Diamond Platinum 3-Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A luscious fire opal weighing 10.95 carats takes center stage. It has a vibrant orange hue with play of color, showing soft flashes of green. It is accented by 2 princess cut diamond...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$7,711
Fire Opal, Purple Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By carpenter and sons
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
A cherry red-orange Fire Opal is centered in this ring and weighs 1.3 carats. The color is a top grade red orange vivid color and VS clarity, extremely rare for this gemstone. The ...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platin...
Unavailable|$7,696
5 Carats Fire Opal Amethyst and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By carpenter and sons
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
A gorgeous 3.5 carat Ascher Cut Fire Opal with a beautiful orange yellow color and I1 clarity. The center stone is accented by 2.5 Carats of rich deep purple Brazilian Amethyst and ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1920s 8.18 Carat Opal and Diamond Earring and Pendant Set
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique jewelry suite set with 8.18 carat white opal and 0.98 carat diamond, crafted in 9 karat white gold and platinum; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collect...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large white Australian opal takes center stage weighing in at 11.67 carats. It shows bright flashes of green, blue, yellow, and orange. It is accented by 0.88 carats of round brill...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique 2.19 Carat White Opal and 2.36 carat Diamond Cluster Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 2.19 carat white opal and 2.36 carat diamond, platinum cluster style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This stunn...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Modern 18 Karat Gold, Platinum, Diamond and Boulder Opal Ring, circa 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Modern 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum, Diamond & Boulder Opal Ring Circa 1990s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible modern ring. Truly a great piece at...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 1930s 7.20ct Cabochon Cut Black Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 7.20 carat black opal and 0.78 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections. This stunning, fine and impressive a...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$750
Platinum Natural Opal and Diamond Ring 4.06 Carat 9g
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Platinum Natural Opal & Diamond Ring 4.06ctw 9g Very elegant for everyday wear !! Approx 0.27 ctw of H, VS diamonds Natural opal approx ct 3.79 100% NATURAL Size 6.25 ...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring 3.01 Carat 10g
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Platinum 18k Yellow Gold Natural Black Opal & Diamond Ring 3.01ctw 10g Very elegant for everyday wear !! Approx 0.30 ctw of H, VS-SI diamonds Natural opal approx ct 2.71 10...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Gem Australian Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb gem quality example of a fine Australian opal. Most likely from a mine in Lightning Ridge, this opal has excellent play of color with bright flashes of predominantly green a...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Sugar Loaf Cabochon Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Exceptional sugar loaf Cabochon Opal and Diamond Ring. Opal stone is gorgeous with a translucent quality housing a fire-y orange glow from within. The blue green matrix on the surfac...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum, 14k Gold
1930s, French, 1.82 Carat Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.82 carat white opal and 0.35 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections. This fine a...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Crystal Opal Diamond Platinum Spiral Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A superb ring hand fabricated in platinum. It features a 2.60 carat crystal opal with brilliant play of color. Bright flashes of red, green and orange dance across the dome of this p...
Crystal, Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A perfect cocktail ring for day and night featuring a gem 4.83 carat black opal. The Australian opal shows bright and strong flashes or blue and green over a deep dark black body col...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.09 Carat Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 2.09 carat opal and 0.89 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and impre...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,100
Original Art Deco 1930s Platinum Diamond and Opal
Located in Miami, FL
• Platinum • 2 tapered baguette diamonds F-VS1 0.50ctw • 4 special cut baguette diamonds F-VS1 0.52ctw. • 1 Australian black opal lighting ridge 5.80ctw. • Size: 6 ¾ • Ring measure...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Georg Spreng - Cocktail Ring Platinum 950, Fire Opal, pink Rubelite and Amethyst
By Georg Spreng
Located in Waldstetten, DE
Striking "Cocktail Ring", a large statement piece, very comfortable to wear, set with a natural Fire Opal, natural pink Rubelite and natural Amethyst. This wonderful ring is designe...
Tourmaline, Amethyst, Opal, Rubelite, Platinum
White Gold 4.63 Carat Oval Black Opal Halo Ring Oval and Round Diamond Accents
By Dianna Rae Jewelry
Located in Lafayette, LA
This remarkable Dianna Rae Original, Mystic Flame, displays an exceptional 4.63ct oval black opal. Mined in Lightning Ridge, a small town in New South Wales, Australia, this exceptio...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Antique Belle Époque Opal and Diamonds Ring Can Be Changed into a Pendant
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: ring and pendant (pictured chain is not included) Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 48 & 15½ , Size US 4½ , Size UK: I Free resizi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$21,827
Art Deco Natural Black Opal Diamond Ring 8 Carat Opal Platinum, circa 1920
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This outstanding Art Deco all Platinum ring boasts an approx. 8ct Black Opal, with a burning iridescent fire within. Flashes of ethereal green and bright blue burn within the stone, ...
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.”
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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.