Two Stone Engagement Ring. 0.50 TCW Old Euro Cut Diamond Geometric Platinum JVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Diamonds Total Center Diamond Weight: Approx 0.50 Carats Color: J Clarity: VS2 Cut: Old European Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Total Additional Diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Thee Stone Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.3gr
Located in SE
It is often difficult or impossible to get an accurate characteristics of the weight , color and nature of inclusions without removing the stones from the settings to be weighed and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
6.59 Carat Imperial Topaz Cushion Cut Three Stone Diamond Platinum Ring 18K Gold
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A romantic, collector level three stone ring crafted to honor past, present, and future, this 6.59 carat cushion cut Imperial topaz diamond ring is handcrafted in a refined combinati...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Topaz, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold,...
Vintage Platinum 1.26tcw Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Its platinum setting adds a refined, timeless feel, enhancing the diamonds without overpowering them.
Diamond, Platinum
2 stones Ring natural 0.6 Sapphire Diamond solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US6 / 2.3 g
Located in SE
It is often difficult or impossible to get an accurate characteristics of the weight , color and nature of inclusions without removing the stones from the settings to be weighed and ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The pearl’s rich, natural overtones create beautiful depth and contrast against the bright white platinum setting. The surrounding diamonds add refined brilliance, enhancing the eleg...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 6.27ct Star Ruby Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
This piece has a timeless, collector-oriented feel that highlights the natural beauty of the star ruby without distraction. Weight: 10.6 Grams Stone: 6.27ct Star Ruby Measurements: ...
Star Ruby, Platinum
GIA 4.04 carat diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Delicate single cut diamond accents flank the center stone, offering subtle brilliance that enhances the composition without competing for attention.
Diamond, Platinum
Mid Century sapphire diamond platinum cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The platinum setting provides a cool, enduring framework that elevates the stones’ natural radiance and ensures lasting durability.
Sapphire, Platinum
Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Ring, Gübelin Certified
By Jacob & Co.
Located in New York, NY
This exceptional Jacob & Co. platinum ring showcases a Gübelin-certified Colombian emerald of remarkable presence, complemented by an exquisite diamond setting that reflects the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Openwork 6.52ct Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is a beautifully refined gemstone piece, centered by a remarkable 6.52 carat aquamarine accented by 0.10ctw of diamonds in an elegant openwork platinum setting.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Aquamarine in Platinum Engagement Ring. 1.60ct Round Natural Aquamarine Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Aquamarine Stone Cut: Round Cut Stone Weight: Approximately 1.60 Carat Style: Art Deco This exquisite engagement ring showcas...
Aquamarine, Platinum
GIA Certified 2 Carat Radiant Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The Cathedral-style setting raises the center diamond, creating a striking silhouette that showcases the alluring sparkle of each stone.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 0.9ct Round Solitaire Three-Stone Bypass Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The delicate integration of these side stones graded G-H for color and SI1-SI2 for clarity, enhances the ring's overall visual impact without overshadowing the masterpiece at its cen...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 4.04ct Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Delicate single cut diamond accents flank the center stone, offering subtle brilliance that enhances the composition without competing for attention.
Diamond, Platinum
Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Each side of the royal blue sapphire has a cluster of round, baguette and marquise cut diamonds in a platinum setting. Ring Size 8 (Sizable)
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$5,040Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine Diamond Halo Ring. 2.40ct Emerald Cut Aquamarine Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.40-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.6-Carats Secondary Sto...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Heart Engagement Ring. 0.80ct Heart Shape Diamond Ruby Accent Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Altogether, these accent diamonds weigh approximately 0.20 carats, complementing the center stone without overwhelming it. Handcrafted in platinum, the setting offers enduring stren...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 2 Carat Radiant Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The Cathedral-style setting raises the center diamond, creating a striking silhouette that showcases the alluring sparkle of each stone.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.31 Carat Emerald Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The Cathedral-style setting raises the center diamond, creating a striking silhouette that showcases the alluring sparkle of each stone.
Diamond, Platinum
$8,288Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1ct Oval Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of oval diamonds weighing 1 and ...
Diamond, Platinum
$6,724Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 0.81ct Emerald Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of emerald diamonds weighing 0.8...
Diamond, Platinum
$11,580Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.5ct Cushion Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of cushion diamonds weighing 1.5...
Diamond, Platinum
$13,991Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.7ct Pear Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of pear diamonds weighing 1.7 an...
Diamond, Platinum
$7,864Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.2ct Emerald Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of emerald diamonds weighing 1.2...
Diamond, Platinum
$7,911Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.2ct Oval Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of oval diamonds weighing 1.2 an...
Diamond, Platinum
$8,433Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.2ct Princess Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of princess diamonds weighing 1....
Diamond, Platinum
$22,064Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 2.27ct Round Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of round diamonds weighing 2.27 ...
Diamond, Platinum
$29,510Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 2.01ct Oval Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of oval diamonds weighing 2.01 a...
Diamond, Platinum
$13,386Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 1.51ct Cushion Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of cushion diamonds weighing 1.5...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.5ct Marquise Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The brilliance and fire of the center stone are beautifully complemented by a row of shimmering side stones, each expertly set in a delicate prong setting for maximum light exposure.
Diamond, Platinum
5 Carat Engagement Ring. Cushion Diamond Accent Platinum Engagement Ring L VS2
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Antique Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 5.10-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Primary Stone Color: L Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS2 Clarity Jewelry Type:...
Diamond, Platinum
$16,640Sale Price|20% Off
3.50 Carat Oval Cut Emerald Engagement Ring. 1TCW Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Secondary Stones: Diamonds Center Emerald Weight: 3.50 Carats Additional Diamond Weight: Approx 1.08 Carats Center Stone Cut: Oval Cut Accen...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2 Carat French Cut Natural Sapphire Wedding Ring. Platinum 3.10mm Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
The platinum setting adds a cool, luminous finish that perfectly complements the depth of the sapphires.
Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Ring with Colombian Emerald, AGL Certified
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Emerald Weight: 12.25 ct Origin: Colombia Enhancement: Minor (traditional) Certification: AGL Report Signed: Cartier Setting: Platinum & Gold Condition: Excellent
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.80 Carat Aquamarine Engagement Ring. Pear Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: Approx 1.80 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Pear Shape Secondary Stones: Diamond, Sapphire Secondary Stone Weight: Sapphires Approx. 0.60 C...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum, Gold
Pink Kunzite Ring. 2.80ct Emerald Cut Natural Kunzite Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Kunzite Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.80-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Primary Stone Color: Pink Hue Color Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Weight:...
Kunzite, Diamond, Platinum
1 Carat Emerald Ring. Emerald Cut and Round Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Emerald Primary Stone Weight: 1.00 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Emerald Cut Secondary Stones: Diamond Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.08 Carats Total Secondary Stone C...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Tiffany Engagement Ring. GIA 1ct Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Platinum H VS1
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Carat Weight: Approx 1 Carats Color: H Clarity: VS1 Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Certification: GIA Jewelry Type: Ring / Engagement Ring Style: Prong Set, Solit...
Diamond, Platinum
4ct Engagement Ring. GIA Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum KVS1
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 4.20-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Primary Stone Color: K Color Primary Stone Clarity: VS1 Clarity Jewelry Type: En...
Diamond, Platinum
$4,160Sale Price|20% Off
Aquamarine and Ruby Halo Ring. 2.60ct Round Aquamarine Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Aquamarine Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2.60-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Cut Secondary Stone: Ruby Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 0.70-Carats Secondary Stone Cu...
Diamond, Ruby, Aquamarine, Platinum
Mid-Century Opal and 1.50ctw Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Towson, MD
The diamonds are generously sized for a halo setting, giving the platinum ring a bold and luminous presence that frames the opal beautifully without competing with it.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Marquise Shape Engagement Ring. 0.50ct Diamond Sapphire Halo Ring Platinum I SI2
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum, the ring offers durability and a luminous setting that highlights both the diamond and sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 0.90ct Emerald Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of emerald diamonds weighing 0.9...
Diamond, Platinum
1.50 Carat Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Ring Platinum LSI1 Engraved
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 Carats Additional Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.12 Carats Cut: Old European Cut Color: L Clarity: SI1 Jewelry Type: Engagement R...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.22ct Cushion Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of cushion diamonds weighing 1.2...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Platinum Engagement Ring, 3.81ct Round Brilliant Diamond
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Framing the center stone, baguette and transitional cut diamonds introduce clean lines and subtle architectural detail, enhancing the ring’s structure without detracting from its sim...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 3.01 carat oval cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Dating to the early 2000s, this ring reflects a classic yet confident design aesthetic—clean lines, strong proportions, and timeless appeal without excess.
Diamond, Platinum
$760,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 22.60 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
The ring is crafted in platinum, providing a clean and durable setting that enhances the diamond’s natural brilliance while maintaining a timeless and understated aesthetic.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.62 carats no heat sapphire diamond platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Surrounding the sapphire is a graceful constellation of thirty-eight round brilliant cut diamonds, delicately set to enhance brilliance without overpowering the center stone. Their b...
Diamond, Green Sapphire, Platinum
GIA 3.15ct Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Prong Engagement Ring Platinum J SI1
Located in New York, NY
The center diamond is secured within an elegant platinum prong setting that maximizes light performance while allowing the stone to remain the undeniable focal point.
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum Natural 1.10ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring – Classic Six Prong
Located in Victoria, BC
Mounting Metal: Platinum (stamped PT) Setting Style: Six-prong solitaire with pierced gallery Shank Width: ~2.30mm (shoulders) tapering to ~2.60mm (base) Ring Size: 5.75 (resizeab...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA 0.96 carat diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Its crisp color and lively presence create a focal point that feels luminous, graceful, and enduring. Accenting the center stone, a subtle arrangement of single and old mine cut diam...
Diamond, Platinum
Classic 1.38 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
Graded an H color, the stone faces up completely crisp, icy, and bright white, perfectly complemented by the silvery, neutral tone of the pure platinum setting.
Diamond, Platinum
18k White Gold Amethyst Ring. 1.90ct Round Cut Amethyst Engagement Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Amethyst Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.9-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Cut Jewelry Type: Cocktail Ring Jewelry Style: Prong-Set Metal: Platinum, 18K White Gold Ri...
Amethyst, White Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA 0.80ct Oval Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating, GIA-certified center stone of oval diamonds weighing 0.80 a...
Diamond, Platinum
1.55 Carat Old European Cut Platinum Ring. Diamond Accents Engagement Ring K VS1
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 1.55 Carats Additional Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.24 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamo...
Diamond, Platinum
$70,400Sale Price|20% Off
AGL Certified Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant three-stone ring features a natural emerald-cut emerald weighing 4.91 carats, displaying a rich green color and classic rectangular proportions. The emerald is accompani...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring. GIA 0.90ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring GVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Carat Weight: Approx 0.90 Carats Certification: GIA Color: G Color Range: G–H–I Clarity: VS2 Clarity Range: VS1–VS2 Cut: Old European Cut Seco...
Diamond, Platinum
$10,240Sale Price|20% Off
Platinum Halo Engagement Ring. GIA 1.10ct Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring G SI1
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6 US, Resizable Certification: GIA Certificate Color: G Color Clarity: SI1 Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Cushion Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite halo-styl...
Diamond, 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.
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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.