Compass Diamond ring RARE 14KT yellow gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
Compass diamond ring with diamonds, sapphire and mother of pearl made in 14KT yellow gold, this ring is very unique. Grams: 5.47 WHAT YOU GET AT STAMPAR JEWELERS: Stampar Jewelers, l...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Diamond Ring 18KT gold Pave Diamond Engagement Ring Rare Find
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Well crafted diamond ring, was popular in France as an engagement ring, the ring is made with two gold 18KT yellow gold and 18KT white gold. The pave diamond setting on shoulders is ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$9,920Sale Price|20% Off
Hexagon Diamond Ring Platinum Rare Diamond Wedding Band Wedding Ring Luxury
Located in Jupiter, FL
Diamond ring made in platinum with rare hexagon diamoands.
Diamond, Platinum
Rare Purple-Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
By Hamilton Jewelers
Located in Princeton, NJ
Stunning 8.49 carat rare purple-pink oval tourmaline gemstone ring with pave diamond halo and diamond set in the shank and under carriage.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Rare Cats Eye Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is complemented by 0.97 carats of round brilliant-cut diamonds which add sparkle and brilliance to the ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
RARE 6ct Emerald Diamond ring 18KT gold
Located in Jupiter, FL
One of a kind huge emerald ring with a center emerald that glows with green hues at 6 carats! Diamonds are weighing almost 1ct and are VS clarity and F-G color. Ring is made in 18KT ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,796Sale Price|43% Off
Georgian Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring Dazzling & Rare
Located in Northampton, MA
This central section trembles slightly due to how it is constructed, which you can see on the underside of the ring. I'm not sure why this section trembles unless of course it is to ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, 15k Gold, Silver
Rare large round emerald diamond ring unisex 18KT
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Rare round large emerald ring with beautiful jardin in 18KT white and yellow gold, an interesting design cocktail ring made unisex style!
Diamond, Emerald
Edwardian .95 Ct Diamond Platinum Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Edwardian rare example made of Platinum, 1910 ca Charming design expressing the eternal elegance of that short era Skilfully hand crafted .90 Ct of Diamonds in total, principle is .4...
Diamond, Platinum
Rare Asscher cut diamond ring VVS1 engagement ring GIA certified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Asscher cut diamond VVS1 clarity and Fancy Brownish Yellow color in 18KT yellow gold, stunning modern design ring with a stunning 1.76 carats diamond! Small diamonds are 0.10 carats ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Rare oval diamond engagement ring 3.03ct GIA certified diamond
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Huge oval engagement ring in 18KT white gold, the center diamond is a stunning 3.03 carats SI2 clarity and G color diamond certified by GIA. This ring is a showstopper with its brill...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage coral diamond ring 14KT untreated coral RARE
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Large coral undyed and untreated red stunning bright color, ring is made in a cocktail style, designer and year is unknown. **All items leave our premises with a certificate in buy...
Coral, Diamond
$8,780Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Alexandrite & Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 2231197425
Located in Bloomington, MN
Rare Alexandrite & Diamond Ring in Platinum- GIA 2231197425 Crafted in platinum, this ring centers on a 1.25 carat Madagascar alexandrite accented by diamonds totaling 0.23 carats t...
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
7.67ct Emerald diamond ring RARE color bluish green cocktail ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning 7.67 carats emerald with bluish green color and gorgeous jardin, made in 18KT gold with 1 carat of natural diamonds VS-SI clarity and F-G color. **All items leave our premi...
Diamond, Emerald
Amethyst Diamond ring 18Kt ring cocktail ring concave cut amethyst rare
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The ring is made with a concave cut amethyst, this beautiful amethyst will sparkle more than any other as the facets of the gemstones are triple those in regular cut amethyst. The di...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Rare Art Deco, Platinum and Diamond Bombé Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Rare Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Bombe Ring, circa 1920s, featuring a 2.30 carat Old European cut diamond surrounded by 4.50 carats of Old European cut diamond pavé.
Diamond, Platinum
Rare Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Platinum Ring
By DeKaraDesign
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Exceptional Handmade Australian Boulder Opal & Diamond Platinum Ring A truly spectacular one of a kind handmade ring, showcasing a magnificent 3.31 carat Australian boulder opal, al...
Platinum
$54,400Sale Price|20% Off
Rare 11 Ct Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An 11.51 ct old mine cut Ceylon sapphire of a vivid blue color is set in a modern platinum and diamond ring. The diamonds are bright white and clean: F-G color, VS clarity. Total di...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Red Coral & Diamond Cocktail ring 18KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Exquisite ring made with natural red coral(undyed 100% natural and certified) diamond halo and 18KT yellow gold as well as silver pieces. Very complex design and a lot of handwork de...
Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Rare color 2.10 carats Emerald diamond ring platinum
Located in Jupiter, FL
Stunning bluish green color on this emerald, ring is made in platinum with 2.10 carats emeralds and 0.30 carats of diamonds VS-SI clarity, G color. WHAT YOU GET AT STAMPAR JEWELER...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Rare Natural Black Diamond White Gold Diamond Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
4.75 carat Black Diamond Ring - 14KT White Gold Diamond RND 8.38 - 8.31 x 7.29mm, 3.48ct. Diamond 2.60 - 2.50 x 1.58mm, Total weight of 20 Stones = 1.27ct. Graded in the setting....
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
Kat Florence 6.29ct Rare Neon Rubellite Diamond Ring, Botswana
Located in Andorra La Vella, AD
An exceptionally rare 6.29-carat “Neon” rubellite takes center stage in this extraordinary high jewelry ring by Kat Florence.
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold
Paula Crevoshay Rare California Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring
By Paula Crevoshay
Located in Carmel, CA
California Tourmaline, Garnet and Diamond Ring; This ring was designed and made by well known designer Paula Crevoshay.
Diamond, Garnet, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Rare Natural Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring with SSEF Certificate
Located in London, GB
A truly special piece for collectors of rare gemstones, an extraordinary engagement ring or a meaningful gift to celebrate life's most memorable occasions.
Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum, 18k Gold
$6,944Sale Price|20% Off
Tanzanite and Diamond Ring Rare Deep Color Tanzanite Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Important Tanzanite ring flanked by a diamond on either side, made with a gentle halo in platinum.
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co Very rare large Rubellite and diamond ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Addlestone, GB
Tiffany & Co Rubellite and Diamond ring. Set in platinum, with a large pear cut rubellite tourmaline of approximately 6.15 carats With a Halo border of 53 round brilliant cut...
Diamond, Rubelite, Platinum
Rare Black Diamond engagement ring 3ct Emerald Cut diamond ring 18KT white gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
What a beauty! So different! Emerald Cut black diamond ring in 18KT white gold, such a slick and modern ring with a character! Ring is size 7 and can be re-sized to any size. Natura...
Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
RARE Fire Opal Diamond ring 18KT Black gold diamond ring CERTIFIED opal Handmade
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This is a very rare ring, it would be hard to find anything in the world even slightly similar to it.
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Royal Blue 6.21 Ct Burma Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This contemporary 18K white gold ring features a rare 6.21 carat unheated Burmese sapphire of a vivid royal blue color.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA certified 4.78ct Emerald cut diamond ring RARE VS1
Located in Boca Raton, FL
One of the most stunning designs and diamonds we came across, this GIA certified VS1/L 4.78 carats diamond is stunning made in modern designe emerald cut ring in 18KT gold, size 7 an...
Diamond, 18k Gold
RARE purple GARNET ring 18KT white gold Diamond Sapphire cocktail ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A unique purple garnet ring accompanied by sapphires and diamonds. This center is a very rare purple garnet weighing 10.58 carats, the ring comes with a certificate.
Diamond, Garnet, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Fancy Light Green Diamond ring 18KT white gold Rare engagement ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
One of a kind engagement ring made with one single fancy light green diamond and a halo of white diamonds VS clarity and F color, this ring is made with extreme character and craftsm...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$40,000Sale Price|20% Off
Fancy Yellow diamond ring sun art deco diamond ring 18KT ring Rare Find
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Showstopper!!!! Sun designer ring with boasting center pentagon diamond and baguette diamonds, center is also made with one single diamond under gallery for extra sparkle! This ring ...
$195,000Sale Price|69% Off
18KT Rare Exquisite Massive Fancy Glittering Paraiba Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Spectacular and Brilliant 18KT Gold Large Massive Gorgeous Paraiba and Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold
$8,000Sale Price|60% Off
NWT $20, 000 Rare 18KT Gorgeous Glittering Yellow Diamond Black Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Fancy Yellow and Black Diamond Ring!
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,901Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rare Customize Tsavorite Diamond White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Necklace and Earrings Available) Diamond 1-RND-0,04-G/VS2A Diamond 20-RND-0,19-G/VS2A Diamond 11-RND-0,03-G/VS2A Tsavorite 28-0,28ct Weight 2.78 gra...
14k Gold
6.20 Total Carat Rare Yellow Sapphire Ladies Diamond Ring
By SEAWAVEDIAMONDS
Located in New York, NY
5.60Carat Rare Yellow Sapphire Ladies Diamond Ring 6.20 Total Carat Rare Yellow Sapphire Ladies Diamond Ring -Metal Type: 14K White Gold -5.60Carat Oval Natural Yellow Sapphire -0.6...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cocktail ring with Rare Pink diamonds and white diamonds, made in platinum
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Made with Rare Pink diamonds and white diamonds - Pink diamonds- 0.16 cts - White diamonds- 0.61 cts Made in 18K Gold & platinum HYT Jewelry is a Fine Diamond and Gemstone Je...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Rare Pink Tourmaline Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring (Matching Earrings Available) 18K White Gold Weight 4,75 GMS Tourmaline -1/4.86 Cts Diamond-38/0.129 Cts Size-52 Step back in time with this exquisite Art Deco-inspir...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold
$4,180Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rare Customize Cognac Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings and Necklace Available) Diamond 3-RND-0,13-G/VS2A Diamond 8-RND-0,08-I/VS2A Diamond 24-RND-0,18-G/VS2A Diamond 52-RND-0,31-I/VS2A Weigh...
14k Gold
$2,901Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rare Customize Tsavorite Diamond White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Available) Size 16 Diamond 1-Round 57-0,03-4/6A Diamond 8-Round 57-0,07-4/6A Tsavorite 19-Round-0,25 2/2C Tsavorite 8-Round-0,07 1/2C Weight...
14k Gold
$3,545Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rare Amethyst White Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Yellow Gold 14K Ring Size 17 Weight 9.77 gram Diamond 48-Round 57-0,5-3/6A Amethyst 1-17,84 2/1A With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based...
14k Gold
Rare 1.90 Carat Russian Demantoid Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Russian demantoids over 1 carat are rare. Total demantoid weight – 1.90 ct. Total diamond weight – 1.02 ct.
Diamond, 14k Gold
$12,600Sale Price|55% Off
NWT $28, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Rare Fancy Lightening Ridge Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring consists of a Rare Fine Magnificent Rare Lightening Ridge Black Opal surrounded with Gorgeous Glittering Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Kashmir GIA 3.97cts Blue Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This GIA certified Extremely Rare Natural Kashmir Blue Sapphire from the Himalaya without any treatments with Diamond Halo, is a special piece, Hand Crafted in solid Platinum with 1...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Rare Art Deco Period Sapphire & Diamond Ring With IGI Report
Located in Media, PA
Title: Rare Platinum Ring with 13.00x10.35mm Lab-Grown Sapphire and Diamond Accents Ring Size 7.5 Description: This bold and modern platinum ring showcases a striking laboratory-g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Rare Customize Ruby Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Necklace and Earrings Available) Diamond 1-RND-0,03-G/VS2A Diamond 8-RND-0,7-G/VS2A Ruby 8-0,09ct Pink Sapphire 19-0,23ct Weight 2.41 grams Size 16...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Rare Raspberry Tourmaline and Diamonds Paradizia Ring R110
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description An exceptionally rare tourmaline of rich raspberry hue is elegantly framed by a halo of diamonds within a majestic setting, finished in matte 14k yellow gold. Distinguish...
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Contessa Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Contessa Vivid Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
Georgian Diamond Rare Navette Cluster Ring 18 KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This unique Diamond navette ring is 1800/30 ca Gorgeously hand made during the time of solid 18 Kt gold/silveru Charming flat navette shaped head composed by rose cut Diamonds givin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$3,950Sale Price|56% Off
NWT $9, 000 Rare Important Fancy 18KT Gold Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Beautiful Rare Important 18KT Gold Large Glittering Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$6,250Sale Price|50% Off
NWT $12, 500 Rare Important 18KT Gold Black Diamond Heart Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare 18KT Gold Rare Fancy HEART Diamond and Black Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$70,000Sale Price|65% Off
NWT $205, 000 Rare Important Fancy 18KT Gold Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring is comprised of a Magnificent Rare Gorgeous Fancy Yellow Glittering Diamond surrounded with Fancy Glittering Diamonds!!!
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$45,500Sale Price|65% Off
NWT $130, 000 Rare Important Fancy 18KT Gold Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring is comprised of a Magnificent Rare Gorgeous Fancy Yellow Glittering Diamond surrounded with Fancy Glittering Diamonds!!!
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$29,750Sale Price|65% Off
NWT $85, 000 Rare Important Fancy 18KT Gold Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Beautiful Rare Important 18KT Gold Large Glittering GIA Certified Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,450Sale Price|40% Off
NWT $5, 750 Rare Important 18KT Black Diamond Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare 18KT Gold Rare Fancy Yellow Diamond Black Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.08ct GIA unheated sapphire PADPARADSCHA diamond engagement ring RARE sapphire
Located in Jupiter, FL
A cocktail ring with a large sapphire at 3.08 carats and 1.33 carats of diamonds in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$2,695Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Black White Diamond White 14k Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 20-RND-0,31-G/VS1A Diamond 15-RND-0,18-G/VS1A Diamond 122-RND-0,36-G/VS1A Size 6 Weight 7,24 grams It is our honor to ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rare Orange Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 3.23ct, 18k Gold, Asia
Located in Buckingham , Buckinghamshire
A SIGNIFICANT DEEP ORANGE SAPPHIRE & DIAMOND HALO RING — 3.23ct CENTRE A commanding and exceptionally rare example of an imperial-orange padparadscha-tone sapphire, securely set...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$5,800Sale Price|20% Off
Rare GIA Certified Burma Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring Size 6.5 Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
In conclusion, a GIA-certified Burma cabochon sapphire ring is more than just a piece of jewelry; it is a rare treasure that embodies luxury, rarity, and timeless elegance.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 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.