Contemporary Portrait Cut Diamond Two-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully unique ring featuring two prominent portrait-cut diamonds.
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Contemporary Portrait Cut Diamond Two-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderfully unique ring featuring two prominent portrait-cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
18k Yellow Gold 2.8tcw Portrait Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage band ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with portrait cut diamonds totaling approximately 2.8 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Marquise Shape Portrait Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have gorgeous navette ring taken from the Edwardian period. This refined piece is crafted from 18ct yellow gold and showcases a single marquise shaped portrait-cut diamond wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Studio made portrait cut natural diamond solitaire 14k knife edge ring.
By RIMA JEWELS
Located in New York, NY
This diamond solitaire ring is a one of a kind studio made jewel constructed specifically for this unique portrait cut diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
18k Two Tone Gold Portrait Citrine & Diamond Large Flexible Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stones:-- 6 Natural Genuine Citrine - Portrait Cut - Bezel Set - Yellowish Orange Color - 13.2x9.6mm (pear cut in center) approx. 127 Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum Black Opal and Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Black Opal and Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco black opal and diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum. This beautif...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Antique Multi Tone Gold Female Portrait w/ Diamond Necklace Carved Cameo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Cameo Shell - Caved - Bezel Set - Salmon Base Color w/ White Carving - 15.007 x 11.57mm (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Se...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 8.65 carats with Diamond 0.46 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 51 Total Weight: 5.72 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when it ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold Cameo Cocktail Ring with 0.32ct Diamonds, 1990
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold cameo ring - ring size US 4.5 – EU 15.5(49) detailed description: The top of the ring is in an oval shape measuring 3.2 cm by 2.6 cm wide by 1.4 cm high Ring size ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Platinum J. E. Caldwell Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By J.E. Caldwell & Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum J. E. Caldwell Natural Black Opal and Diamond Ring. This unbelievable Art Deco J. E. Caldwell black opal ring is crafted in platinum. This ring fe...
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Carved Shell Cameo Lady Portrait Twisted Wire Frame Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Shell - Custom Carved - Peach Base Color w/ White Carving -19.8x15mm (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Single Cut - Prong Set - White Diamond -...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,600Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau extremely rare Carved Portrait of a Lady Flowing Hair Ring
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This piece is extremely rare as it is a Ladies Head, Face and Flowing hair ring. This was done by a master in the Art Nouveau period. It is not signed and RB in script is all that i...
Coral, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Vintage 14k Gold LARGE Hand Carved Lion's Head Soft Pink Angel Skin Coral Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning and bold vintage statement ring is crafted from solid 14k yellow gold and features a large coral stone uniquely mounted at the top of this custom design ring. The stone...
Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.02 Carat Radiant Statement Brilliant White Timeless Brilliance Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Prince Louis of Wales · Crown collections often pair architectural radiant stones with nuanced brilliant white light to photograph beautifully in official portraits; this $175000 5.0...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,636Sale Price / item|67% Off
Spring Breeze X2
Located in Stockholm, SE
Classic diamond ring . Sweet Punk online.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cushion cut sapphire and trillion diamond ring
By Self-Portrait
Located in Andover, GB
A stunning cushion cut blue sapphire and trillion cut diamond 3 stone ring with a microset diamond shank. The centre stone is claw set with rubover set trillion cut diamonds, the ri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Clear Black Portrait Cut Rustic Diamond Ring with Diamond Halo in 18k White Gold
By Loriann Stevenson Fine Jewelry
Located in Santa Monica, CA
4.13ct Fancy Clear Black Portrait cut Rustic Diamond with .37ct Diamond Pave halo and Diamond Pave Band set in 18k Matte Finish White Gold. Size 6 1/2. Diamonds go 2/3 around the ban...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
3 Stone Portrait Cut Olive Diamond Slice with Halo in 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Loriann Stevenson Fine Jewelry
Located in Santa Monica, CA
4.03ct Olive Gray Diamond Slice ring with 1.03ct vs quality Diamond Pave Halo and Diamond Pave double bands in 18k Yellow Gold. Diamond Pave goes to the back of the band where the ba...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.06 Carat Portrait Diamond Eternity Ring in 18k Gold One of a Kind
Located in Edmonton, AB
Eternity band in 18k yellow gold featuring 4.06 its of hexagon portrait diamonds. VS-VS1, HIJ color
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.49 Ct Portrait Diamond Custom Enamel Lovers Eye
Located in Edmonton, AB
1.49 ct GIA certified portrait diamond over a custom enamelled miniature eye with .50 ct 1.7mm Vs1 round brilliants in 18k Yellow gold. The eye in this ring is customizable, with a ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Customizable Enamel Eye under GIA Certified 1.49 Ct Portrait Diamond in 18k Gold
Located in Edmonton, AB
Award winning design this custom and hand painted enamel eye under portrait diamond can be purchased as is or made with your loved ones eye. Portrait diamond is a GIA certified 1.4...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Amethyst Ring with Natural Diamond Accent, Vintage 14k Gold
Located in Fukuoka City, Fukuoka
◆Solid 14kt Gold(shown in picture) ◆Amethyst Weight: 5 CT ◆Diamond Carat: 0.19 CT ◆Diamond Shape: Round mixed ◆Total Weight: 6.6 Gram
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K Malachite and Diamond Kissing Frogs Artisan Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage ring with kissing frogs made from malachite gemstone Circa 1960 Details: Hand carved malachite frogs with intricate chiseling for a life like affect along their bac...
Diamond, Malachite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Green Diamond Slice Double Band Halo Ring in 18k Matte Yellow Gold
By Loriann Stevenson Fine Jewelry
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This double band ring features a 1.19 ct. Yellow Green Kite Shaped Diamond Slice with 0.52 ct. vs quality Diamond Pave Halo set in 18K Matte Yellow Gold. The Diamond Pave goes 1/3 of...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold 9.03 Carat Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Sculptural Statment Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This vintage ring features a rectangular lapis lazuli carving set within an architectural gold design. Circa 1970 Details: 9.03 carat vivid blue lapis lazuli 30 round brilliant diamo...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Venice 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire Cocktail Ring with Diamond and Ruby
By Niquesa
Located in London, GB
A striking geometric pattern of multi-coloured sapphires, rubies and diamonds masterfully compliment the subtle hue within the multi-faceted deep pink sapphire of this cocktail ring....
White Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Portrait Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite Art Deco ring. This early 20th-century piece showcases a striking portrait-cut white diamond at the centre.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Portrait Cut Diamond Fashion Ring 1.56 Carat
Located in Newport Beach, CA
18k Yellow Gold & Portrait Cut Diamond Fashion Ring. This beautiful ring features a rather rare diamond cut, a 1.09ct G/VS2 Portrait Cut Diamond set in 18k Yellow Gold and accent...
18k Gold
Classic Fancy-Cut Mother of Pearl with Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring. The 14K Yellow Gold jewelry boasts with Fancy-cut Mother of Pearl 8 pcs 1....
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 1.01 Carat Rectangular Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Imagine the sparkle that steals the show. This captivating ring features a dazzling 1.01 carat cut-cornered rectangular modified brilliant diamond, boasting an exceptional E color an...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Shell Cameo 18K Yellow Gold 0.10 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
Accenting the top and bottom of the frame are four round-cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.10 carats, adding a refined sparkle to this timeless piece.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Clarissa Bronfman Signature Citrine, 18 Karat Gold, Diamond Turtle Ring
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
Topaz stone, Diamonds, 18 karat Gold. Size 7. Possibly resizable at additional charge.
Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Gold
Victorian Hematite Intaglio Portrait Signet Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant and handsome Antique Victorian Oval Hematite Intaglio Unisex Signet Ring; the Hand carved image depicts a portrait of a handsome man; set in a hand crafted 14K Yellow Gold mo...
Diamond, Hematite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian 2.0 Ct rare Pointed Diamond Solitaire Plus
Located in Napoli, IT
Quintessence of beauty A Stunning, rare, possibly pre Georgian Diamond solitaire ring The beauty and the special charisma pieces of early jewellery have, is incomparable to any other...
Diamond, Gold
1.01ct oval portrait cut light brown diamond mounted on bronze
Located in Miami Beach, FL
This elegant ring features a 1.01ct oval portrait-cut light brown diamond, bezel-set for a sleek, refined look.
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Bronze
Pink Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds, Vintage Style Ring with Ruby Cabochon
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Pink gold ring with ruby and diamonds 14 k pink gold, tested in lab, no hallmark. total weight 4.45 gr Gemstones (all are tested by proffesional gemmologist) Ruby 1.Oval cabocho...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Filigree Black Onyx Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco filigree ring circa 1930s with custom cut black Onyx and 2 round single cut diamonds in a 14k white gold setting. Pierced tops and sides. One 16.3 x 7.2mm black custom cut ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Portrait Cut Diamond Three-Stone Mourning Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Rare portrait cut diamond mourning ring. The portrait diamond is one of the earliest diamond cuts, dating back to the Renaissance.
Diamond
Antique Edwardian Portrait Ring with Rose Cut Diamond Surround 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
The closed back portrait, which is oval shaped, is surrounded by lovely old Rose Cut Diamonds bordering the portrait in a Silver setting completely the incredible design perfectly.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1.41 Carat GIA Certified Portrait Cut Diamond Mounted in an 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.41ct I/SI1 GIA certified portrait cut hexagon diamond set in a handcrafted 18K yellow gold setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Large rose cut diamond diameter 10mm×8mm in octagon shape excellent spark white color no inclousion with total estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats centered in 14k gold solitaire ri...
Handmade Art Deco Platinum Ring 4.11 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond – I/VS2 GIA
Located in New York, NY
This elegant handmade Art Deco ring features a stunning 4.11-carat Old Mine cut diamond, ( Dating pre-1900’s) graded I color and VS2 clarity (GIA certified). The platinum setting, cr...
Diamond, Platinum
Modern Art Deco Sapphires Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum. Octagonal- shaped, this charming art deco ring is adorned with a brilliant-cut diamond in octagonal setting, shouldered with two diamonds. The rest of the border is...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
BUCCELLATI Aquamarine Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage Gianmaria Buccellati cocktail ring is crafted in 18k brushed and textured yellow gold with white gold accents. This ring is set with a faceted oval 7.0mm x 10....
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$34,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Victorian Style Apx 4.50 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Vintage Victorian style rose cut diamond high jewelry ring. Center round rose cut diamond, approximately 4.50ct but faces up like a 5ct diamond. Approximately I/J color and VS clarit...
Diamond, Silver
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring Ring Size: 4.5 Complimentary Resizing Gram Weight: 6.6 grams Metal Type: 14 karat yellow gold
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Revival 0.93 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A most romantic Georgian style rose cut diamond engagement ring. The heart motif adorned with a delightful bow and centered by a charming, 0.93 carat antique diamond glimmering with ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
1938 Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K White Gold ØUS5.75 / 1.9 gr
By GD&Co
Located in SE
Elegant Emerald and Diamonds Ring with curved band in solid 18ct White Gold with bezel set natural emerald cut Emerald stone 4.5 mm x 4 mm x 3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.5 ct of vivid Green...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
W.A. Bolin 18K White Gold Navette Diamond Ring, 1.50 ct, 1943
By BOLIN
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
18K white gold ring set with an old marquise cut diamond approx. 1,50 ct, approx. F-G / VS2, 20 single cut diamonds approx. 0,30 ctw, approx. H-I / VS-SI, Signed WAB for W. A. Boli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold ring with rose cut diamonds estimate weight of 1.5 carats ring head centered with a larger rose cut diamond flanked with smaller rose cut diamonds in detailed work o...
$9,500 / item
18K Rose Gold 1 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Low profile rose cut diamond set on 18k solid rose gold. Cut: Rose Cut Metal: 18k rose gold Carat Weight: 1 ct Natural Diamond Color: I Clarity: VS1
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian 1.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring 18 KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
Amazing Victorian late 1800 Diamond trilogy ring in a classy statement design of the era Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold with Silver portions for the Diamond housing Fine mount stro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Russian Art Nouveau Diamond Gold Unisex Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Made in Moscow between 1908 and 1917 The ring is cast and chased with floral designs in the Russian Modern style of the 1910s. 14K yellow gold, one antique cushion cut diamond (5.9...
Diamond
Antique 18ct White Gold Art Deco Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Fabulous, Art Deco ring. Set with stunning, old european cut diamonds. Arranged in a geometric, bow-style shape. Even the gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 1.16 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring 6.5
Located in Miami, FL
Art Deco Style New 1.16 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring This ring is brand new. It has been created to look like a elegant ring from the Art Deco Era. The Di...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum
VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian classic cocktail ring with opal. Gorgeous antique ring, created during the Victorian period in England, back in the 1880. The beautiful statement cocktail ring has been de...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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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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.