Unavailable|$28,537
G.Minner Unique Emerald Diamonds Gold Ring
By G.MINNER
Located in Colmar, FR
A yellow gold ring set in the middle with a stunning Zambian Emerald surrounded by 3 princess cut diamonds and 13 brilliant cut diamonds on each side.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$2,700
18K White Gold Emerald & Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Kowloon, HK
18K White Gold Emerald & Diamond Snake Ring Total Weight - 8.36 GM Emerald - Round & Princess Cut Embrace the allure of elegance with our stunning 18K White Gold Emerald & Diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Unavailable|$11,800
18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Wide Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
A very well made, uniquely designed 18 karat yellow gold wide ring featuring a center section adorned with 4 rows of expertly invisibly set seamless princess cut diamonds lined with ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,340
3.20 Carat Diamonds and 2 Carat Colombian Emerald French Ring
Located in Saint-Ouen, FR
Made in yellow gold 18k, diamonds and one Colombian Emerald. Hallmark for gold 18k (the eagle head). The diamonds cut are round brilliant cut and Princess cut. they are very good qua...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,595
14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Baguette and Diamond Eternity Band
By Alberto Juan
Located in New York, NY
14K yellow gold eternity ring set with 10 princess-cut diamonds and 10 baguette-cut emeralds. Diamonds: 0.55 carats total weight; G-H color and SI-1 clarity.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$685
Two-Tone Gold Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
A comfortable and wearable 14 karat two tone gold ring featuring princess cut ruby, emerald and blue sapphire and accented with 14 single cut diamonds at approximately G color, I1 cl...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$14,970
4.66 Carat Emerald Diamond White and Rose Gold Ring
By Imp Jewellery
Located in Toorak, Victoria
Minimal natural inclusions translucent in nature making this exceptional clarity for an emerald. Four channel set princess cut diamonds set in each shoulder; F-G Colour, Si1 Clarity ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$887
Francesca Grima Emerald Yellow Gold Invader I Ring
By Francesca Grima
Located in London, GB
"Invader I" ring in yellow gold and emeralds by Francesca Grima ・Polished 18ct. Yellow Gold ・Motif length 2cm ・Motif width 1cm ・2 Princess-cut Emeralds (0.04cts) French ...
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,355
18K White Gold .78ct Diamond and Emerald Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Material: 18k White Gold Ring Size: 6.5 Gemstone: Emerald, Diamond Princess Diamond Princess Weight: 0.78 CT Emerald Weight: 0.70 CT Cut: Princess Cut Diamonds Stone Color: Green
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$16,141
MAIKO NAGAYAMA 1.06 Carat Natural Emerald and Sapphire Engagement Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This modern British-London Hallmarked 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with highest quality of diamonds and 1.06 carat of rare natural Emerald and princess cut sapphires is from MAIKO ...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,600
3.25ct Emerald, Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Adorned with a mesmerizing Colombian emerald and accentuated by princess cut rubies and diamonds, this ring exudes opulence and elegance.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$30,500 / item
2 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring White Gold Diamond Bridal Ring
Located in Orlando, Florida
2 CT Natural Colombian Emerald Engagement Ring, Halo Emerald Ring, 18K Gold Green Emerald Wedding Ring, Art Deco Bridal Engagement Ring Product Details ↣ Jewelry Type - Rings ↣ St...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$33,157
2, 78ct Emeralds & Diamonds 18k White Gold Ring
By Ara Vartanian
Located in London, London
Designed exclusively by Ara Vartanian, this 18k White Gold Ring features four Emeralds, in a Princess cut, with a total weight of 2,89ct (two carats and eighty-nine points), one Bla...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,175
Antique Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
There are sparkling baguette and round diamonds in the center surrounded by channel set emeralds. There are Princess cut emerald on the shank for a delicate accent.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$12,000
1.65 Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring GIA Certified
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Platinum Engagement Ring w/ Solitaire Emerald Cut Diamond (GIA Certified) & Accent Stones Platinum Band Accented by Delicate Design Intricate Diamond Gallery Accented by Pla...
Diamond, Platinum
2.50 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14K yellow gold. 100% natural earth mined Emerald. Princess cut emerald, 2.50 carats. Round brilliant cut diamonds, VS clarity and G color.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,229
2.50 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Key Features: 14K yellow gold. 100% natural earth mined Emerald. Princess cut emerald, 2.50 carats. Round brilliant cut diamonds, VS clarity and G color.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$17,200
Platinum Handmade Sapphire, Emerald And Diamond Kaleidoscope Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
It features invisible set diamonds, precision bright cut-set diamonds, bezel-set gemstones, four princess-cut diamonds nested within a single bezel, and an additional stone nestled b...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$980
18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby Diamond Openwork Band Ring
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
The ring has a princess cut emerald at center with 2 rubies on the sides and 10 diamonds around.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$15,120
4.85 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Indulge in luxury with our exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring, boasting a stunning 3.10 carat round-cut emerald and 1.75 carats of baguette and princess-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$20,250
2.60 Carat Heart Shaped Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is centered on a very unique heart shape emerald with a bufftop table weighing 2.60 carats and flanked by eight princess cut diamonds, mounted in 18 karat yellow gold and p...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 4.85 Carats Vintage Cocktail Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Art deco style cocktail emerald and diamond ring
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Eternity Band, Channel Set Solid Gold Ring, May Birthstone Eternity Ring
Located in New York, NY
Princess cut Emeralds set in 18k yellow gold! A beautiful channel setting holds these natural emeralds securely in place in solid 18k yellow gold.
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Mozafarian 0.45 Carat Emerald Pear & Diamond, Yellow & White Gold Capricorn Ring
Located in London, England
This refined piece features a 0.06 ct princess-cut white diamond and a 0.45 ct pear-shaped emerald, set in 18k yellow and white gold, with a total weight of 7.03 g.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Pyramid Cocktail AIG Certified Ring
By Intini Jewels
Located in Milano, IT
Origin: Brasil • Natural diamonds: Princess cut, 16 pieces / 1.60 carat. Color grade: G-H.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$30,000
2 tcw Round Diamond and Emerald Double Halo Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Round Center stone is embellished on top, surrounded with a cluster of princess cut vivid green emeralds and round diamonds, continuing onto the delicate shank.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
6.19ct Octagonal Cut Columbian Emerald and Diamond Ring Platinum with Gem Cert
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Enquire for resize options. Emerald Details: Cut: Octagonal Cut Carat: 6.19ct Diamond Details: Cut: Princess Cut Carat: 0.30ct total Clarity: VS2 Colour: G Ring Size: UK O or US 7...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,800 / item
2ct Emerald Cut Diamond Illusion Engagement Ring Set in 18kt Gold
Located in BANGKOK, TH
Emerald Cut Diamond Illusion Ring, using baguette, round and princess cut diamonds to create the illusion of a 2ct Diamond, at a fraction of the price.
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,125 / item
1ct Emerald Cut Diamond Illusion Engagement Ring Set in 18kt Gold
Located in BANGKOK, TH
Emerald Cut Diamond Illusion Ring, using baguette, round and princess cut diamonds to create the illusion of a 1ct Diamond, at a fraction of the price.
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$13,400
1.65 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond and Ruby 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
An absolute show-stopper featuring a beautiful 1.65 carat emerald cut diamond surrounded by 7.74 carats of gorgeous princess cut rubies.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 18K Yellow Gold 3.00 CTW Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring 15 Gra
Located in Houston, TX
Estate 18K Yellow Gold 3.00 CTW Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring 15 Grams One Fine Quality Princess Cut Natural Colombian Emerald, Weighing Approximately 1.00 Carat Total ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
7.74 Carat Cushion Cut Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Nassau, BS
One of a kind 7.74 Carat Cushion Cut Colombian Emerald and Diamonds in Gold. *RING* One (1) eighteen karat (18kt) white gold Emerald and Diamond ring featuring; one heart prong set ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2. 65 Radiant Cut Emerald Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring in 14 karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Handmade in 14k white gold this beauty features a princess cut emerald with approximately 2.65 CT surrounded by approximately 1.01 CT in round brilliant cut diamonds Gold Purit...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold
Neil Lane EGL heavy 14K WG 3.91CT Emerald Cut Diamond Wedding Ring w/2.01CT Ctr
By Neil Lane
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
This includes an EGL USA certified 2.01CT Emerald cut center diamond (SI-2 clarity/G color) & multiple Round/Princess cut side diamonds (VS-1 clarity/F color).
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,560 / item
Toi et Moi Emerald Cut and Princess Diamond Engagement Ring 1.00 Carat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 2 Diamond stone open ring displays two mixed cut diamonds, one emerald cut the other princess cut. Available in 14k White Gold, 18k White Gold, 14k Yellow Gold, 18k Yellow Gold...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$2,280 / item
Toi Et Moi Emerald Cut and Princess Diamond Engagement Ring 1.00 Carat
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This mixed cut diamond ring displays 2 beautiful cut diamonds each 0.50 ct. a emerald cut and a princess cut. Consisting of 1.00 ct. tw.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.1 Carat Three-Stone Princess and Emerald Cut Engagement Ring White Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous Three-Stone Engagement Ring Features .75 ct Princess Cut Center Stone Color: Appx H Clarity: Appx I1 Supported by Two Accent Emerald Cut Diamonds Total Weight of Accents = 0...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$13,359
Diamond Ring Multi Shape Emerald Cut White Gold Eternity Ring Wedding Band
Located in Toronto, ON
Size US 7 Diamond cuts : Round Brilliant, Pear, Emerald cut, Radiant cut, Trilian cut, Half moon, Trapezoid, Princess cut.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,000
9 Carat White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Cape Town, ZA
Item Attributes: Metal Colour: White Weight: 3.7g Size: P ( 7 ¾ ) Center Stone Attributes Number of Stones...
Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$17,995
Richard Krementz Platinum 9.8ct Aquamarine Diamond Ring Designer Estate Cert
By Estate Jewelry
Located in Brambleton, US
To finish off this piece there are 68 fiery round cut diamonds (VVS2-VS1, EF) and 2 princess cuts (SI1-SI2, GH). Total estimated diamond weight is 1.44ct (as per appraisal).
Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum
Unavailable|$22,500
GIA Certified Diamond Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
Solitaire Ring, center stone is a emerald cut diamond with a weight of 2.01ct H/VS2, 10 princess cut diamonds on the mounting approx. 0.97ct F-G/VVS-VS.
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$245
14 Karat Gem Stone and Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Jackson Heights, NY
Miracle and grace, this elegant, exquisite and exceptional ring features 3 princess-cut 0.1o-carat emerald, 0.10-carats citrine, and 0.10-carat garnet arranged diagonally and embelli...
Citrine, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$26,229
Art Deco French 56 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring Platinum, circa 1930
Located in Lancaster , GB
The princess cut stones are clear, bright VS 1 clarity - H colour stones.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Invisible 1.72 Carat Diamond, Midcentury, 4.70 Carat Tourmaline, 18 Karat Gold
Located in Aliso Viejo, CA
Mid Century, Circa 1935, 18 karat white gold diamond ring with a center emerald cut tourmaline. Tourmaline measures, 11.80-7.90 x 5.30 millimeters having a total weight of approxim...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$510,000
GIA Graded 19.01 Carat Fancy Vivid Orangy Yellow Vs2 Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Warrington, PA
Absolutely Outstanding GIA Graded 19.01 carat Emerald Cut Fancy Vivid Orangy-Yellow Vs2 Diamond four prong set in a Platinum Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable|$10,960
Yellow Sapphire Ring, 5.55ct Unheated Platinum Ceylon Sapphire GIA Certified
Located in Tampa, FL
New platinum custom Ceylon sapphire ring containing a mixed princess cut natural yellow sapphire measuring 12.58 x 8.78 x 5.37 mm weighing 5.55 carat.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,070
Vintage Circa 1970s Parti Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18 Carat White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
The six princess cut diamonds are estimated to weigh 0.30 carats, are H to I colour and VS clarity grades.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$1,850
StyleRocks Rainbow Gold Ring
By StyleRocks
Located in Sydney, AU
The rainbow is comprised of 10 princess cut stones each measuring 2mm in diameter - sapphire, iolite, amethyst, pink tourmaline, pink sapphire, ruby, citrine (orange), citrine (yello...
Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Iolite, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, ...
Unavailable|$32,000
Blue Sapphire and Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum emerald cut blue sapphire ring set with tapered baguette princess cut yellow diamonds in a pave diamond band.
Unavailable|$3,470
Estate 14k Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An additional four princess cut diamonds rest in channel settings on each shoulder, with a total weight of 0.50ctw.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$5,180
Araya 0.20 Carat Diamond Princess Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Mumbai, HM
An ARAYA classic, this 0.20 carat princess cut diamond eternity ring is the perfect addition as a stacked ring, or simply worn on it's own.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Hi June Parker Yellow Gold Tonal Green gemstone Cocktail Ring total 1.37 Carats
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
Other sizes available upon request 14k yellow gold Princess cut green sapphires 1.37 cwt Chrome Diopside round stones 1.18 cwt Hand-Made with love in NYC using recycled gold Ple...
Green Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$4,200
0.50 Carat Diamond Solitaire Three-Stone Ring in White Gold
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Clarity: VS-2 Color: F Depth: 70.0% Table: 63.8% Two prong set emerald shaped cut diamonds Measure 3.20 x 2.20 x 1.80 mm (depth est.)
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$95,000 / item
Art Deco 4 CT Certified Natural Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Orlando, Florida
Our collection features a wide range of natural gemstones, including emeralds, sapphires, aquamarines, ruby, tanzanite, and diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Sold|$28,244
Diamond and Princess Cut Emerald Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Diamonds are G/H in color and VS in clarity Gemstone details: Approximately 0.45ctw of princess cut emerald stones. Material: Platinum Ring Size: 6.5 Ring Measurements: 0.82″ x 0.68″...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Colombian Emerald Asscher Cut Princess Cut Diamonds Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
It is set in its centre with a beautiful bluish green emerald from Colombia weighing around 1.30ct. It is shouldered with Asscher and princess cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
14k Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald & Invisible Set Princess Cut Diamonds Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
14k Gold Emerald Cut Emerald And Princess Cut Diamond Ring 5.8 Grams Ring Size 5.75 Green Emerald 6x4mm Princess Cut Diamonds 0.75 Carats Total Weight Color: F-G Clarity: Si1 T...
Diamond, Emerald, 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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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.