Impressive 31 Carat Oval Garnet and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By DeKaraDesign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The substantial oval garnet is elegantly held in a distinctive four prong platinum setting, with an openwork Art Deco inspired gallery beneath the stone that adds an unexpected sense...
Garnet, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Bombe Platinum Ring, 3 Carats, Circa 1920s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Smaller bead-set diamonds fill the triangular gaps between the lattice and the pierced platinum surround, adding sparkle at the edges without competing with the larger center stones ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Colombian Emerald & 1.2ct Diamond Platinum Ring, GIA 5.50ct
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
GIA confirms the emerald's Colombian origin and F2 clarity enhancement, the moderate oiling standard across the trade for stones at this clarity level. At 15.8 grams total, the ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1950s Platinum Diamond Cluster Ring, 1.33 Carat Centre with Baguettes
Located in Braintree, GB
The shank divides into three plain bands that run round the finger together, a treatment that keeps a large head balanced without adding bulk. Dimensions Size: UK M / US 6¼ / EU 52....
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
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
Edwardian Dome Filigree Ring. 1.40ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring KVS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.40 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond Sett...
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
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
Platinum Halo Engagement Ring. GIA 1.10ct Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring G SI1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 1.10 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: G Color Center Diamond Clarity: SI1 Cer...
Diamond, Platinum
Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring. 2.80ct Diamond Engagement Ring Bow Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Style: Edwardian-inspired prong engagement ring Design: A prominent old European cut diamond is framed by bow-motif shoulders and accented with addition...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. AGL 4.55 carat pink sapphire diamond platinum ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At 4.60 carats it commands the setting, flanked on either side by two clean, white half-moon cut diamonds that add brightness and contrast without pulling focus from the center stone.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 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
French Platinum 2.50 Carat Unheated Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Metal: Platinum 950 Center stone: Unheated Ceylon sapphire, approx. 2.50 carats Additional stones: Diamonds Weight: 6.6 grams Ring size: FR 53 / US approximately 6.25 Origin: France ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2.50ct Engagement Ring. Old European Cut Diamond Accent Leaf Ring Platinum J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 2.50 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Certi...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany Engagement Ring. GIA 1.10ct Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Platinum G VS2
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.10 carats Center Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Center Diamond S...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Engagement Ring. 3ct Round Transitional Cut Diamond Ring Platinum L VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 3.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Transitional Cut Center Diamond Color: Approximately L Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Cente...
Diamond, Platinum
0.60 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring. Cushion Cut Cluster Halo Ring Platinum I VS
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 0.60 carats Center Diamond Cut: Elongated Antique Cushion Cut Center Diamond Color: I Center Diamond Clarity: VS1–VS2 S...
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Star Sapphire & 2.0ct Diamond Platinum Ring, 40ct, Circa 1950s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fifty-six round brilliant diamonds, 2 carats total in G-H color and VS2 clarity, encircle the sapphire in a dense halo, their collective sparkle framing the stone's smooth, glowing s...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ring, 2.00ct Emerald & 0.65ct Diamond Halo, 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted entirely in platinum, the ring possesses the cool-toned elegance and durability favored during the Art Deco period.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 0.87ct I VS Old Euro Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum, the setting provides a crisp, luminous backdrop that beautifully complements the diamonds and reinforces the ring’s timeless vintage appeal.
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century Black Opal & 1.41ct Diamond Platinum Ring, 5.77ct, Circa 1950s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At 14 grams and sized for a 7, the ring wears substantially without excess bulk. Condition is excellent for its age: the platinum retains a bright, well-kept finish, and the opal sho...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Harry Winston Diamond Engagement Ring 1.05ct F VS2 Platinum Solitaire Set
By Harry Winston
Located in Fairfield, CT
The diamond is graded F color and VS2 clarity, displaying a bright white appearance and lively faceting within a classic six-prong setting. The elevated mounting allows light to pass...
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Platinum Cushion Aquamarine Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring Sz 5.75
Located in Winter Springs, FL
The softly elongated proportions and clean platinum setting give the ring a refined, architectural presence, while the scale of the aquamarine offers unmistakable impact without exce...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Platinum and 18K Gold Unisex Watch Face Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Ring size 4.75, adjustable. Product Specifications: Item Type: Unisex Compass Statement Ring Metal: Platinum and 18K Gold Ring Size: 4.75 (adjustable) Weight: 13.08 grams Style: Com...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum 9.35ct Cushion Cut Tanzanite and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Platinum 9.35ct Cushion Cut Tanzanite and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Style: Platinum Cushion Cut Tanzanite and Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Material: Platinum (PT950) Center Stone: Cu...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
Platinum 0.73ctw Diamond Blue Oval Sapphire Center Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Style: Cocktail Ring Material: Platinum Gemstone Details: The main stone is a Blue Oval Sapphire Gemstone.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 4.81 carat emerald diamond 14k yellow gold platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 14k yellow gold and platinum and hallmarked with the weight engraved alongside a purity mark, the ring weighs 6.91 grams, substantial without feeling heavy on the hand.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.00 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum Vintage-Style
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Smaller diamonds trace the openwork in a repeating pattern, catching light in scattered points that frame the center stone without competing with it. The bombé shape and filigree det...
Diamond, Platinum
1.42 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive contemporary emerald ring has been crafted in platinum. The pierced decorated setting displays a stunning feature four-claw set 1.42ct emerald cut...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$496,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 9.18 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Graded F color and VS2 clarity by GIA, this diamond offers remarkable brilliance and clarity, capturing light from every angle. The center stone is beautifully accented with a delica...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA 1 Carat Oval Rose Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Solitaire Ring Platinum G VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Oval Rose Cut Center Diamond Color: G Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Certification: GIA Cer...
Diamond, Platinum
0.55 Carat Old European Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Accent Ring Platinum G SI1
Located in New York, NY
The softly rounded facets of the antique-style cut lend the center stone a distinctive character and timeless brilliance, while the classic platinum setting keeps the design refined ...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,212Sale Price|25% Off
Platinum GIA-Certified 2.24ct Natural Purple Sapphire Diamond Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
The sapphire's mesmerizing violet hue is accentuated by a delicate halo and shank of pavé-set diamonds totaling 0.35 carats, offering just the right amount of brilliance to highlight...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Platinum
Platinum Vivid Blue GIA 8.59ct Ceylon No Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This platinum ring is an exceptionally important and highly collectible gemstone piece, centered by a remarkable 8.59 carat GIA-certified Ceylon sapphire distinguished by its vivid b...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco 3.41ct Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring, 1930
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The diamond’s presence feels understated yet deeply captivating, offering character and warmth unique to stones of this era. Surrounding the center stone, single cut diamond accents ...
Diamond, Platinum
Unheated 2.09ct Burma Ruby No Heat & Diamond Platinum Ring + Certificate
Located in bangkok, TH
n absolutely gorgeous, absolutely lovely unheated, untreated heart shaped ruby from the famed gem mines of Mogok in Burma weighing 2.09ct. The colour is an almost pure hue of red, ty...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
8 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Ring. Natural Sapphire Diamond Halo Platinum Ring G VS
Located in New York, NY
The combination of a remarkable natural Ceylon sapphire, substantial diamond halo, and finely executed platinum setting makes this a truly exceptional statement ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rare GIA Certified Burma Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring Size 6.5 Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite Craftsmanship and Setting: This particular ring, featuring a Burma cabochon sapphire weighing 4.75 carats set in platinum, is a testament to exquisite craftsmanship.
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Engagement Ring Emerald Cut Diamond 6.28cts Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stunning vintage platinum engagement ring featuring an emerald cut diamond, flanked with trapeze cut and bullet cut diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique GIA 1.50ct Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum J SI2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: SI2 Certification: GIA ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Three Stone Ring natural 0.4ctw Diamonds solid 18KGold US5.75/ 2.95gr
Located in SE
Antique three-stone Diamond panel ring. Solid 18K Yellow Gold band and under gallery with face topped with a layer of Silver or Platinum to enhance the brilliance of Diamonds.
Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold, Platinum
Cushion Cut Aquamarine Ring. 1.50ct Natural Aquamarine Diamond Eternity Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Center Aquamarine Weight: 1.50 Carats Center Aquamarine Cut: Cushion Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.30 Carats Total Jewel...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Peridot Double Halo Ring. 3.70ct Peridot Sapphire Diamond Engagement Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Additional diamond detailing along the shoulders extends the sparkle throughout the platinum mounting, enhancing the ring's carefully balanced composition without overwhelming the ce...
Diamond, Peridot, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Filigree and Diamond Ring. 1.50ct Old European Cut Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.50 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secondary Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Platinum GIA 5.28ct Cambodian No Heat Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamond accents add refined brilliance and contrast, enhancing the sapphire without detracting from its bold presence. The platinum setting provides a cool, elegant frame and a durab...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Platinum 0.92ct I-VS1 Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany & Co. Classic Setting solitaire engagement ring in platinum, featuring a 0.92 carat round brilliant diamond, I color, VS1 clarity, excellent cut, polish, and symmetry, in...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1ct Old European Cut Engagement Ring. Diamond Solitaire Ring Platinum K VS1
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS1 Center Diamon...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum Ring, 2.00ct Emerald & 0.65ct Diamond Halo, 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted entirely in platinum, the ring possesses the cool-toned elegance and durability favored during the Art Deco period.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$43,120Sale Price|20% Off
28.96 Carat Oval Pink Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Inquire today, make an offer, or purchase now to add this important pink tourmaline diamond platinum cocktail ring to your collection. Details Creator: Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Platinum
French Art Deco 4.86 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ballerina Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive diamond ballerina ring has been crafted in platinum. The pierced decorated setting displays a stunning principal claw set 2.56ct transitional mode...
Diamond, Platinum
$2,904Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco French Cut Diamond Ring, Platinum, 0.90 ct, Size 6.75
Located in Upland, CA
Stones have been graded, assessed, and measured in their settings; evaluations are limited to what the setting permits.
Diamond, Platinum
W.A. Bolin 2.70ct Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Ring, 1933
By BOLIN
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Some rings rely on complexity. Others need only a beautiful stone and impeccable proportions.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.62 Carat Oval Green Alexandrite & Diamond Platinum Vintage Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Vintage-Style Cocktail / Engagement Ring Metal: Platinum 900 (PT900) — stamped "PT" as visible on shank Shank Style: Polished plain shank with spli...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
$472,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 11 Carat Square Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The setting is elegant, balanced, and designed to showcase the diamond’s exceptional cut and clarity without distraction.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
3.07 Carat Natural Mozambique Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring NO HEAT
Located in Chicago, IL
Certified by American Gemological Laboratories, the ruby is confirmed as natural corundum with no indications of heat treatment — an increasingly rare and highly desirable characteri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Cluster Ring with Ruby and Diamond Halo, 20th Century
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Encircling the ruby, a halo of round brilliant cut diamonds adds dimension and radiance, creating a beautifully balanced composition that enhances the center stone without overpoweri...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum and 1ct Diamond Ring. Old European Cut and Old Mine Accent Ring K VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: 1.00 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: K Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Clarity Seco...
Diamond, Platinum
Oval Cut Sapphire Engagement Ring. 4.60ct Sapphire Trillion Cut Diamond Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Sapphire Center Sapphire Weight: 4.60 Carats Center Sapphire Cut: Oval Cut Secondary Stones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Trillion Cut Diamond Setting: Prong...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Art Deco Asscher Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA 4.09ct F VS1
Located in Fairfield, CT
The slender platinum shank is accented with round brilliant-cut diamonds along the shoulders, adding subtle detail without distracting from the center stone.
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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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
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