White Gold Blue Topaz Diamond Ring - 14k Pear 14.31ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Blue Topaz Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Carat(s): 14.25c...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Round Diamond GH-SI
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Art Deco Round Diamond Ring Has a simplicity beauty to it, not too gaudy. Diamond is 0.55 carat round GH-SI1 nice average quality Finger size 6 White Gold 3.3 grams. design ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Certified Tiffany & Co Etoile G/VS1 .37 Ct Platinum Diamond Ring Size 4.5
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Dallas, TX
Item Details: • Excellent pre-owned condition • Approximate carat weight: .37ctw • Metal: Platinum 950 • Weight: 9.01 (g) • Color: G • Clarity: VS1 • Ring Size: 4.5 • Setting Style: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Precious 0.50ct Heart-Shaped Natural Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Declare your love with this romantic ring, showcasing a captivating heart-shaped natural diamond in a stunning solitaire setting with a delicate twist band, all crafted in radiant 18...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Tiffany & Co. Platinum Half Circle Channel-Set Diamond Band Ring Size 4.25
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Very minor signs of prior wear consistent with pre-owned status. Hallmarks clear and legible.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany Round Brilliant Platinum Diamond Ring - Size 5.5
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bellevue, WA
Details: Size 5.5 950 Platinum Carat Weight: 0.28 Stone Count: 1 Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Color Grade: F Clarity Grade: VS2 IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This item is a pre-owned piece...
Tiffany & Co. .61 Carat Diamond Knife Edge Engagement Ring and Wedding Band
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
The ring features a center brilliant cut diamond weighing .61 carats. The diamond is H color and VS1 clarity. All Tiffany & Co rings are pre-owned and sold with authentic Tiffany & C...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA-Certified Unheated 2.25ct Peach Sapphire in 14K White Gold Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
We're in love with this boldly included natural sapphire. The GIA report (included with the ring) calls the color "yellowish orange," but in most lights, the color might be better d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Elegant Platinum 950 Ring Setting
Located in רמת גן, IL
Designed for timeless elegance, this refined platinum 950 ring setting offers a sleek and luxurious foundation for your dream centerpiece. Crafted with precision, its high-quality pl...
Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Novo Princess Cut Engagement Ring in Platinum, G VVS1 0.51 Ct
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Honolulu, HI
100% Authentic Tiffany & Co. novo princess cut engagement ring with a 0.51 carat excellent cut diamond center, the diamond color grade is G, and clarity is VVS1. The diamond is set i...
Diamond, Platinum
Classic Platinum 950 Tiffany & Co. Ring Setting
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in רמת גן, IL
A timeless foundation for a masterpiece, this luxurious Tiffany & Co. ring setting embodies sophistication and prestige. Crafted from high-quality Platinum 950, its sleek and polishe...
Platinum
$38,802Sale Price|20% Off
4.44 Carat Round Diamond Solitaire Platinum Bespoke 8 Claw Large Engagement Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
We specialise in offering only exceptional pre-owned diamond rings, chosen for superior craftsmanship, high-quality gemstones, and timeless design.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.90ct Diamond ‘Ballerine’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier comes this stunning solitaire from their Ballerine collection. At its centre sits a 0.90 carat round brilliant diamond graded H in colour and VS in clarity....
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.62ct Diamond ‘1895’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A sparkling round brilliant cut diamond takes centre stage in this classic Cartier ‘1895’ solitaire ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 0.74ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Metal: Platinum Age: Modern, Pre-owned Size: G 1/2 Tiffany & Co. RRP: £8,400
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 0.94ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Metal: Platinum Age: Modern, Pre-owned Size: K
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 3.47ct Solitaire ‘1895’ Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A phenomenal diamond solitaire ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.85ct Diamond ‘1895’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.85 Colour: G Clarity: VVS1 Metal: Platinum Certification: GIA #1146037905 Age: Modern, Pre-owned Designer: Cartier Size...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier ‘1895’ 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A sparkling round brilliant diamond takes centre stage in this timeless solitaire engagement ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.70ct Diamond ‘1895’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A breath-taking 1.70 carat diamond sits central to this ring from Cartier’s ‘1895’ collection. The diamond is of excellent quality, as expected from the masters at Cartier, with a gr...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
A classic engagement ring from Tiffany & Co. It centres a round brilliant diamond which weighs 0.45 carat. It has a certificate from Tiffany & Co, which state the quality as E in col...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 1.29ct Diamond 'Novo' Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
This beautiful solitaire ring comes from Tiffany & Co.'s 'Novo' Collection.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 0.39ct Diamond ‘Harmony’ Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
The original Tiffany & Co. makers marks can be seen along the inside of the band. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.39 Colour: D Clarity: IF Metal: Plat...
Diamond, Platinum
Contemporary 0.80ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1990s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful solitaire ring was created in the 1990s. At its centre sits a glittering rub over set round brilliant diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Retro Solitaire Engagement Ring European .22ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Era: Retro Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .22ct Cut: Eur...
Diamond
Tiffany & Co. Classic Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
This Tiffany & Co engagement is a high popular design. The diamond in the centre weighs 0.40 carat and is of the highest quality. Graded, with a Tiffany & Co certificate as E in colo...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co 0.45 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
This classic Tiffany & Co engagement ring features a 0.45 carat round brilliant diamond. It is a sparkling stone, estimated as G in colour and VS1 in clarity. The diamond is expertl...
Diamond, Platinum
Mappin & Webb 0.50 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Mappin & Webb
Located in London, GB
This authentic, pre-owned diamond engagement ring is signed ‘Mappin & Webb’ with the appropriate hallmarks.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.50ct Diamond ‘C de Cartier’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier, comes this wonderful Diamond solitaire ring from their ‘C de Cartier’ collection.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier 0.70ct Diamond 1895 Destinée Halo Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier and their 1895 Destinée collection comes this haloed solitaire ring. The central diamond is 0.70 carat and is of the highest quality, certified by GIA as ...
Diamond, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 0.51ct Diamond Perlée Solitaire Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Both the GIA certificate and original paperwork come with this stunning ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.51 Colour: E Clarity: VVS2 Designer: Van...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold
$64,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 2 Carat Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite Tiffany & Co. engagement ring showcases a magnificent round brilliant-cut diamond, masterfully set to capture light from every angle. The centerpiece diamond, weig...
Diamond, White Diamond
Tiffany & Co. Natural Round Diamond Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Houston, TX
Elevate your engagement with this exquisite Tiffany & Co. solitaire ring, featuring a brilliant 0.60 carat round diamond, F VS1, meticulously set in luxurious platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
$43,600Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. 2 Carat Round Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
The piece remains in excellent pre-owned condition, reflecting its timeless appeal and superior craftsmanship.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Princess Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
Tiffany & Co ring featuring a 0.33 carat princess diamond diamond. It has been estimated as F in colour and VS1 in clarity and is claw set within a platinum collet. The ring is beaut...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 0.30 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
A Tiffany & Co. icon, set in the jeweller’s time-honoured, six claw, knife-edge setting with a lively 0.30 carat round brilliant cut diamond. Beautifully cut, the diamond has been gr...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Marquise .50ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 5 sizes for $35 or Down 3 sizes for $25 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .50ct Cut: Marqu...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Boodles 1.01 Carat Radiant Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Boodles
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring is by Boodles, with a makers marks. It features a radiant cut diamond in the centre weighing 1.01 carat. It has been certified as D in colour and VVS1 in clarity,...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co 0.42 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, GB
This second-hand designer ring is in mint condition. It is a Tiffany & Co engagement ring with a sparkling 0.42 carat diamond. The round brilliant has been certified by Tiffany & Co ...
Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified 1 Carat Cushion Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Set with a 1.02 ct. Cushion diamond in a brilliant white and yellow 18 k gold setting, it has a timeless yet modern aesthetic. Designed to be layered and mixed for an effortless look...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Princess .25ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Princess Color: J Clarity: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Brilliant 0.51ct Natural Diamond 18K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning 18K white gold solitaire ring features a captivating 0.51ct round brilliant diamond, boasting a superb F color and SI1 clarity, ensuring an exceptional display of light.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Art Deco Sapphire Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
A perfect piece for collectors or as a unique engagement ring. Item Details: Metal: 18K White Gold Main Stones: Hand Cut Blue Sapphires, Solitaire Diamond Diamond Details: 1 brillian...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Marquise .57ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .57ct (carat stamp) Cut: Marquise Colo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 18k Oval .25ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Oval Colo...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Princess .24ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 3 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .24ct Cut: Princess Color: H Clarity: VS2 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$26,388Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1.2 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 1895 Solitaire Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite and timeless engagement ring is an authentic Cartier 1895 Solitaire piece, showcasing a stunning round brilliant-cut diamond as its centerpiece.
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Classic Diamond Solitaire Engagement Band-Ring Set
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bethesda, MD
Certified Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring with a Channel-set Diamond Band in Platinum. The diamond is laser inscribed, matching the ring and the Tiffany diamond certificate. ♦ Design...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Princess .60ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 3 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .60ct Cut: Princess Colo...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.27-ct GIA Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A diamond solitaire with accents and platinum ring of a classic design.
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Princess 0.25ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 4 sizes for $40 or Down 3 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .25ct Cut: Princess ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. 0.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Six-Prong Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in 上海市, CN
Metal: PT950 Platinum Center Stone: Natural Diamond Diamond Weight: 0.20 ct Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Setting: Six-Prong Solitaire Ring Size: EU 51 / approximately US 5.5 Weight: ...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k European Cut Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .05ct Cut: European C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k European Cut Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .05ct Cut: Europe...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .55ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .55ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K Clarit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .45ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .45ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: J Clarit...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 10k Round Brilliant .50ct
By Wilson Brothers Jewelry
Located in Greensboro, NC
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 10k Round Brilliant .50ct Stone Information: Natural Diamond Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: J Clarity: I1 Total Carats: ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Filagree 18K White Gold .25ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Art Deco Filagree 18K White Gold .25ct Diamond Solitaire Ring Size 7.25 Old mine Diamond Marked 18K Front of ring is 9mm in diameter 2.1g 1.3dwt Very good pre owned condition
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Round Brilliant
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .0...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 14k Round Brilliant .31ct
By Wilson Brothers Jewelry
Located in Greensboro, NC
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 14k Round Brilliant .31ct Stone Information:: Natural Diamond Carat(s): .31ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: I Clarity: I1 Total Carats: ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
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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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.