1939 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum Ø 3US / 2.1 gr
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, Platinum
1957 Nordic Ring natural 0.6ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8/ 3.65gr
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
Antique Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 6.25US / 2.1 gr
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
British Alliance Ring 0.45 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.75 / 3.5gr
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, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring 0.1 ct Diamond solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS6 / 2.8gr
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, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Platinum ØUS 5.5 / 3.1gr
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, 18k Gold, Platinum
1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
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, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Halo Ring natural 0.7 ct Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø3.75US
Located in SE
Beautiful old German Halo Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s, with great stones and parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1938 Ring Natural 1ct. Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.5 / 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, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
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, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
1927 Ring 1ctw natural Diamond Sapphire solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.75/1.3gr
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, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1905 Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 8.7.5 / 3 gr
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, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Maximilian Hemmerle 12.00 Carat Emerald Cut Blue Sapphire 950 Platinum Ring
By Maximilian Hemmerle
Located in München, DE
Rather than treating the sapphires as conventional accents, the design places colour at the centre of the composition. The stones form a strong architectural silhouette across the fi...
Blue Sapphire
Antique Halo Ring 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 9US/ 2.58 gr
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, 18k Gold, Platinum
$54,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3.02 Carat No Heat Natural Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Their bright scintillation provides a clean contrast to the intensity of the center stone. Mounted in platinum with refined claw prongs, the setting is bold yet timeless, offering e...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Platinum S-Curve 1.00ctw Diamond Wedding Band
Located in New York, NY
The wave-like setting creates dimension without excess height, giving the ring a substantial, modern presence while remaining comfortable for everyday wear.
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Pt950 Bezel Diamond Wedding Band Ring Sz 9.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Addison, TX
Details Designer: Van Cleef & Arpels Metal: Platinum Purity: Pt950 Hallmarks: VCA Pt950 61 JA826383 Ring Size: 9.5 (EU Size 61) Total Weight: 8.6 Grams Band Width: 3.9mm Center Stone...
Diamond
Estate Platinum Princes Diamond Shared Prong Eternity Band 4.4mm Sz 7 5.70ctw
Located in Winter Springs, FL
Details: • Metal: Platinum • Diamond Weight: Approximately 5.70 carats total • Diamond Cut: Princess cut • Diamond Size: ~3.5 mm each (~0.28 carat per stone) • Color: F–H • Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Asscher Cut Aquamarine Ring. 1.20ct Aquamarine Round Diamond Engagement ring
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Aquamarine Secondary Stones: Diamonds Aquamarine Weight: Approx 1.20 Carats Total Diamond Weight: Approx 0.40 Carats Aquamarine Cut: Asscher Cut Dia...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
1 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Half Circle Platinum Wedding Band
Located in Chicago, IL
Measuring 4 mm in width and weighing 7.5 grams, the band offers a luxurious presence on the finger without overwhelming. Beautifully versatile, this piece can be worn as a wedding b...
Diamond, Platinum
7.57 Carat Total Weight Emerald Cut Shared Prong Diamond Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Ring Specifications: Primary Stones: 19 Emerald Cut Diamonds Emerald Cut Qualities: (D-E color, VS clarity) Accent Stones: 152 Round Brilliant Micro-Pave Diamonds (.45 ctw) Round Bri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
J. Birnbach GIA 2.01 Carat F VS1 Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Solitaire
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum, the setting provides a naturally bright white finish and exceptional durability, making it an elegant and enduring choice for an engagement ring or fine jewelry ...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.85 Carat Old European Cut Ring. Diamond Accent Engagement Ring J VS2
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 0.85 Carats Center Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Center Diamond Color: J Color Center Diamond Clarity: VS2 Secon...
Diamond, Platinum
1.66ct Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exceptional cut provides the allure of a one-carat diamond without the additional cost. The band is adorned with a row of round brilliant diamonds in a micropavé setting, enhanc...
Diamond, Platinum
AGL Certified 10.92 Carat Colombian Emerald Ring
By Provident
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
Thoughtfully designed, the setting allows for a wedding band to sit perfectly flush against the ring.
Emerald, Platinum
Round Cut Amethyst Ring. 1.90ct Amethyst Ring 18K White Gold Hand Engraved Shank
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Amethyst Center Amethyst Weight: 1.90 Carats Center Amethyst Cut: Round Cut Stone Setting: Six-prong setting Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Solitaire Desig...
Amethyst, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Oval Engagement Ring. GIA 1.50ct Rose Cut Diamond Eternity Accent Ring H-I VS1
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in platinum, the Norwell Ring balances the distinctive beauty of a rose cut diamond with refined diamond detailing throughout the setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Ring natural Diamond Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Ring 8.75US / 3.8gr
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 ...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
$5,439Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 0.8 Carat Hidden Halo Oval Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Intricately designed, the ring showcases a unique hidden halo of smaller round diamonds, which are securely held in shared prong settings beneath the center stone.
Diamond, Platinum
$7,460Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Pear Halo Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, showcasing a captivating center stone of pear G SI2 weighing 1.01.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.05ct Pear Halo Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, showcasing a captivating center stone of pear G SI1 weighing 1.05.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 1.53ct Round Solitaire Double Hidden Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The expertly crafted platinum setting features a classic prong design that elevates the central stone, making it the ultimate focal point.
Diamond, Platinum
Mid Century 4.40ct Lab-Created Sapphire & Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Weight of the diamonds are .40 carat (estimated) Metal: The band and setting are a polished white platinum metal, giving the ring a classic and elegant appearance.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond & Sapphire Art Deco Style Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The hand cut and polished irregular facets produce a glimmer and sparkle unlike modern stones with a desirable J color & SI1 clarity. The handmade platinum mounting features a dozen ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
9.03ct GIA Certified Fancy Intense Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
Their exceptional D color, the highest colorless grade on the GIA scale, creates a beautiful contrast against the natural yellow center diamond while allowing its color to remain the...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Retro Van Cleef & Arpels rose gold and diamond bombé ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century diamond and rose gold bombé ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, designed as a sculptural arrangement of overlapping leaves, in platinum and 18k gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.70 Carat Pear Halo Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, showcasing a captivating center stone of pear I SI2 weighing 1.70.
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.05 Carat Pear Halo Cathedral Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elevate your jewelry collection with this stunning diamond ring, showcasing a captivating center stone of pear G SI1 weighing 1.05.
Diamond, Platinum
Unheated 5.19ct Thai Ruby Ring No Heat GIA - World Class!
Located in bangkok, TH
As you can see, this was made when the ruby was in an unprepossessing setting, which has now obviously been changed. It goes without saying that we can re-certificate the stone with ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
6.13ct Round Cut Diamond Engagement Ring GIA J Color SI1 Clarity
Located in New York, NY
A timeless three-stone style, this ring combines classic sophistication with bold center stone presence, making it an exceptional engagement or statement piece.
Diamond, Platinum
J. Birnbach 2.07 carat GIA Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
The baguettes and pavé accents total 0.68 carats, adding brilliance without overpowering the center stone. Crafted entirely in platinum, the setting reflects J.
Diamond, Platinum
18k White Gold 0.72ct Princess Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold 0.72ct Princess Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Style: 18k White Gold Princess Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Material: 18k White Gold Center Diamond: Princess Cut...
Diamond, Platinum, White Gold
J. Birnbach GIA 1.20 Carat D VVS1 Oval Diamond Halo Solitaire Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum, the setting emphasizes the crisp whiteness of the stones while maintaining a timeless and sophisticated profile.
Diamond, Platinum
J. Birnbach GIA 3.02 Carat K SI1 Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Key Details - 3.02 carat cushion cut center diamond, GIA certified K SI1 - French pavé diamonds, 0.36 total carat weight - Platinum setting - Ring size 6 Purchase includes ring box...
Diamond, Platinum
$552,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10.11 Carat G VS2 Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This impressive ring is centered by a GIA-certified emerald-cut diamond weighing 10.11 carats, set in refined 18K white gold and accompanied by a GIA Natural Diamond Grading Report. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Issac Nussbaum 10.14 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Emerald Diamond Ring
By Issac Nussbaum
Located in New York, NY
Discover the epitome of elegance with this breathtaking GIA Certified Platinum & 18K YG 10.14 Carat Natural Fancy Intense Yellow Emerald Diamond flanked by two dazzling emerald w...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Ethereal Blue Majesty 1.85 carats Vivid Sapphire & Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
Behold a piece of timeless elegance, where the deep allure of the ocean meets the pristine sparkle of the stars. This breathtaking ring is centered around a magnificent, 1.85 carats ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
J. Birnbach GIA Certified 3.01 Carat H SI1 CushionCut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Key Details: - 3.01 carat old mine brilliant diamond, GIA H SI1 - Platinum filigree solitaire setting - Size: 6 Purchase includes a premium ring box, original GIA certificate, and...
Diamond, Platinum
J. Birnbach Vintage GIA 4.03 Carat J SI1 Old European Cut Diamond Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Key Details - 4.03 carat European cut center diamond, GIA certified J SI1 - Straight baguette side diamonds, 0.54 total carat weight - Platinum vintage setting - Elegant, balanced d...
Diamond, Platinum
AGL Certified 4.2 Carat Colombian Emerald 18K Gold Octagon Bezel Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18K gold bezel sets a 4.20 carat octagonal emerald cut Colombian emerald. AGL certified minor oil. Made to order, available in ring sizes 5-12. Details Item Type: Statement Ring Me...
Emerald, Platinum
French Retro GIA 17.92 carat no heat sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The stone rises from a domed setting surrounded by an airy, pierced gold lattice, a construction technique that removes excess metal to let light move through the design and keeps a ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.01 Carat D Color Flawless Emerald Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The pavé-set band further contributes to the overall brilliance, while the platinum setting provides a clean and timeless framework that supports the diamond without distraction.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Antique Navette Ring 0.8ct Emerald 1.3ctw. Diamond solid 14K Gold ØUS6.75/ 3.8gr
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, Emerald, Silver, 14k Gold, Platinum
1929 Ring 1ct Blue Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold / ØUS6.5 /1.85gr
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
1966 Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6 /3.9gr
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, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
$132,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 4.00 Carat Vivid Red “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Details: Ruby Weight: 4.00 carats (GRS Certified) Color: Vivid to Deep Red, “Pigeon’s Blood” (GRS Special Award) Origin: Mozambique Side Stones: Tapered baguette-...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
J. Birnbach GIA 1.83 Carat G SI2 Emerald Cut Diamond Hidden Halo Solitaire Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This platinum solitaire ring is a refined and elegant design that combines the clean sophistication of an emerald cut diamond with delicate pavé detailing and a hidden halo.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Art-Deco Shield Ring Two-Tone Sapphire Diamonds 14KGold US7.25/ 1.45gr
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 ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Silver, Platinum, 18k Gold
$280,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 13.00 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The pavé-set band continues this brilliance, adding refinement without distracting from the dominance of the central stone.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Ring natural 0.8ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS6.25 / 2.25gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum decorated with 19 natural Blue Sapphire stones and 2 Diamonds .
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 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.