$4,348Sale Price|34% Off
NWT $6, 689 Rare 18KT Fancy Glittering Ruby Princess Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT White Gold Gorgeous Glittering Rare Fancy Ruby Diamond Ring Featuring Magnificent Glittering Red Rubies Surround ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$17,043Sale Price|20% Off
9.23ct Tanzanite & 0.23ct Diamond Ring-Pear Shape-18KT Gold-GIA Certified-Rare
By Carson Gray
Located in London, GB
Tanzanite & Diamond Ring Shape: Pear Gem Weight: 9.23 Diamond Weight: 0.23 Gold: 18K White This virtually perfect blue 9.23 carat pear cut tanzanite, with .23 carat flawless...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby & Diamond Ribbon Bow 18k Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond Ribbon 18k Yellow Gold Bow Celeste Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18th Century Georgian Rare Heart Motif Diamond 14K Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Enchanting and romantic, large antique 18th century Georgian period heart motif rose cut diamond 14K gold and silver topped gold engagement ring Composed of a central Rose cut diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold
4 Carat Pear Statement Fancy pink Diamond Ring - A Rare Miracle of Nature
Located in Mumbai, IN
An extraordinary natural pink diamond jewel. Exceptionally rare. Endlessly timeless.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Diamond Ellipse 18k Gold Bypass Split Ring 51
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Oval Cut Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Split Bypass Ring. Stunning yellow gold ring set with 2 fine oval brilliant cut natural diamonds. Fine jewellery houses lik...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Band Dome Ring US5.5
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$17,500Sale Price|50% Off
NWT $35, 000 Rare 18KT Gold 6CT Gorgeous Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Yellow Gold Large Rare Fancy Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,246Sale Price / item|20% Off
Rare Yellow Black Diamond White 18K Gold White Diamond Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RING 18K White Yellow Gold Black Diamond 0.73Carats/12 Pcs Yellow Diamond 0.92Carats/6 Pcs
18k Gold
$13,547Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Natural Deep Tanzanite 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
18K Solid White Gold Diamond Ring Mainstone: Natural Tanzanite 21.62 Carat Shape: Oval Dimensions: 18.22x14.83 mm Treatment Method: Heat Diamond Color: F-G Clarity: VS2-SI1 Wei...
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Gold
7 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Collector Notes & Legacy Perspective For collectors who already own multiple important pieces, this ring often fills a specific gap: a Ultra-Rare High Jewelry statement construct...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.02 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Sergio Ramos · The pursuit of marginal gains is reflected here: infinitesimal adjustments in cushion symmetry and fancy yellow calibration give this $110000 4.02ct fancy yellow cushi...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
5 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Collector Notes & Legacy Perspective For collectors who already own multiple important pieces, this ring often fills a specific gap: a Ultra-Rare High Jewelry statement construct...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rare Vintage Mauboussin Deep Red Ruby & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Ribbon Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Mauboussin Deep Red Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Ribbon Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 4 carats of Fancy Yellow diamonds in a controlled Engagement Ring form means it can serve as both a commemorative piece for Red-carpet events, milestone celebrations &a...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.49 Carat Pear Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 4.49 carats, pear, diamond ring. Designed to feel like a personal signature: refined, wearable, and unmistakably high-end.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
7 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 7 carats, radiant, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
9.04 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Collector Notes & Legacy Perspective For collectors who already own multiple important pieces, this ring often fills a specific gap: a Ultra-Rare High Jewelry statement construct...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 3 carats, radiant, diamond ring. A serious diamond ring with disciplined selection—meant to read clean at normal viewing distance.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
6 Carat Oval Statement Fancy Yellow 14K Rare Fancy-Color Splendour Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 6 carats of Fancy Yellow diamonds in a controlled High Jewelry Statement Ring form means it can serve as both a commemorative piece for Red-carpet events, milestone cel...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 3 carats, cushion, diamond ring. Created for those who prefer quiet power—brilliance without chaos.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Leon Mege East-West Engagement Ring Features Rare True Antique Cushion Diamond
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
Some jewelry is more than adornment—it is a statement that becomes a part of an identity. Leon Mege East-West solitaire features an elongated 2.04-Carat True Antique cushion diamond ...
Diamond, Platinum
2.22 Carat Pear Diamond Ring Fancy brown pink Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
How to Wear & Style This Diamond Ring Because of its scale and discipline, this 2.22 carats Fancy Yellow diamonds ring can serve almost as a personal signature.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,831Sale Price|20% Off
AJD Fiery RARE 5.1 Carat Reddish Natural Zircon & Diamonds White Gold Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Bright unique glittering Reddish (slight tinge of orangy glitter) 5.1 carats of natural Zircon enhanced with 0.22 carats of white diamonds set in a 14K white gold ring size 7 (sizabl...
Black Diamond, Zircon, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
5 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 5 carats, cushion, diamond ring. Designed to feel like a personal signature: refined, wearable, and unmistakably high-end.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
15 Carat Radiant Statement Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 15 carats, radiant, statement ring, diamond ring. A serious diamond ring with disciplined selection—meant to read clean at normal viewing distance.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
As part of a curated collection of jewelry, timepieces and other real assets, it offers both visible daily pleasure and the quiet reassurance that you own something rare, recognisabl...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10.14 Carat Oval Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 10.14 carats, oval, diamond ring. A modern classic that balances presence with polish, engineered for long-term wear.
Yellow Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
3.02 Carat Oval Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 3.02 carats, oval, diamond ring. A collector-facing piece where proportion and light return are treated as non-negotiable.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
5 Carat Oval Statement Fancy Yellow 14K Rare Fancy-Color Splendour Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 5 carats, oval, statement ring, diamond ring. Built for clients who judge a ring in motion, not only in perfect studio light.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.03 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 2.03 carats, radiant, diamond ring. A serious diamond ring with disciplined selection—meant to read clean at normal viewing distance.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.04 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 3.04 carats, radiant, diamond ring. Built for clients who judge a ring in motion, not only in perfect studio light.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.01 Carat Pear Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 4.01 carats, pear, diamond ring. A modern classic that balances presence with polish, engineered for long-term wear.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gia Certified 1.51ct Rare Asscher Cut Vivid Red Ruby 2.00ct Diamonds Ring 18k*
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified 1.51Ct Natural Ruby Ring Report: 5171034909 Octagonal cut (asscher cut) Excellent color stability Pigeon Blood Red. Excellent cut Clean Clarity Thailand Origin ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 2 carats, radiant, diamond ring. A modern classic that balances presence with polish, engineered for long-term wear.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Diamond Ring Overview & Legacy Story Celebrating the powerful allure of Fancy Yellow diamonds, this Legacy ring showcases approximately 3 carats of Cushion cut diamonds in a lumi...
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$8,750Sale Price|50% Off
NWT $17, 500 Rare 18KT Yellow Gold Large Gorgeous Glittering Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Ring!
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.53 Carat Oval Statement Fancy Pink White Gold Rare Fancy-Color Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 1.53 carats, oval, statement ring, diamond ring. A modern classic that balances presence with polish, engineered for long-term wear.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.5 Carat Radiant Diamond Ring Fancy Yellow 14K Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour
Located in Mumbai, IN
Diamond Ring Overview & Legacy Story This Legacy ring channels the energy of important collection pieces, built around approximately 3.5 carats of carefully matched Fancy Yellow ...
Yellow Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
3 Carat Pear Statement Fancy pink Gold Rare Fancy-Color Splendour Diamond Ring
Located in Mumbai, IN
Approximately 3 carats, pear, statement ring, diamond ring. Designed to feel like a personal signature: refined, wearable, and unmistakably high-end.
Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$831Sale Price|34% Off
VERY RARE Elegant Pinky Natural 1.17 Ct. Sapphire & Real Diamonds Gold Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
This beautiful oval glittering pinky purple 1.17 carat natural Sapphire (8mm x 6.3mm) is surrounded by .25 carats of sparkling real white diamonds set in this lovely 10K white gold r...
Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
$28,400Sale Price|20% Off
Extremely Rare No Heat GIA 5.10 Carat Red-Orange Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Set in platinum and surrounded by 46 round brilliant-cut diamonds, it harkens back to Princess Diana. The total diamond weight is 0.48 carat, and the ring weighs 7.8 grams.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$2,883Sale Price|30% Off
NWT 4, 119 Rare 18KT Gold Fancy Opal Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is this Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold LARGE Glittering and Sparkling Magnificent Fancy Colored Opal and Blue Sapphire White Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
$4,890Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Diamond 18k White Gold Flower Ring Cert
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Socrate Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$24,000Sale Price|56% Off
NWT $55, 000 Rare 18KT Gold Large Boulder Black Opal Fancy Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Items we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Glistening Australian Black Opal and Diamond Gorgeous Pendant. Pendant features a Magnificent Rare Color Cha...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Band Dome Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Pavé Diamond 18k White Gold Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rare Faceted Mexican Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Rare Faceted Mexican Fire Opal Halo Diamond Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
$992Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Rare Vintage Diamond, Sapphire & Opal Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Rare Vintage Diamonds, Honey Opal & Sapphire Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Honey Opal 9.00 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire 6.00 Carat Natural Sing...
Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Rare GIA Certified 7.91 No Heat Afghanistan Ruby 18K Pave Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stones- 1 Cushion Cabochon No Heat Afghanistan Ruby 7.91 ,64 Round Diamonds F-G Color VS1-VS2 Clarity 2.25 Carats. GIA Report Number 2231362473 Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Cabochon Cu...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,000Sale Price|61% Off
NWT $42, 000 Rare Important GIA 18KT Gold Large 5.50CT Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring features an Outstanding Rare Large Fancy Emerald surrounded with Gorgeous Magnificent Outstanding Diamonds!!
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
$35,000Sale Price|68% Off
NWT $110, 000 Rare Important GIA 18KT Gold Large 7CT Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring features an Outstanding Rare Large Fancy Emerald surrounded with Gorgeous Magnificent Outstanding Diamonds!!
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Impressive Rare Yellow Pink Orange Sapphire Tsavorite Diamond White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Marching Bracelet and Pendant Available) Tsavorite 1-0,08ct Diamond 1-RND-0,07-G/VS2A Sapphire 1-0,09ct Orange Sapphire 1-0,07ct Pink Sapphire 1-0,09ct Yellow...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Go...
Designer Rare Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring Crafted in Solid 18k White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Designer Rare Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural emerald of 1.06 carats and diamonds of 0.68 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$36,400Sale Price|65% Off
NWT $104, 000 18KT Gold Rare Gorgeous 11CT Glittering Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is a Rare Important Radiant 18KT Gold Large Rare Fancy Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold
30-Carat D Flawless Type IIA Diamond Ring GIA Certified Rare Investment-Grade
Located in Mumbai, IN
This D Color Internally Flawless diamond ring is a testament to extraordinary rarity and unmatched craftsmanship. Featuring a GIA-certified diamond of the highest D color grade, this...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
CGL Certified 0.40 Carat Russian Demantoid Garnet Round Rare Diamond PT 900 Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
One of the rarest garnet varieties, Demantoid can have a green color that rivals emerald and a fire that exceeds diamond. Demantoids are highly prized by both gem collectors and jewe...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Platinum
$15,600Sale Price|25% Off
7.36 carat Rare Octagonal Cut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring IGI Certified
Located in New York, NY
NYCDBI#58814 /ACATW This stunning 18k Yellow Gold Ring, featuring a breathtaking 7.36ct Octagonal G VS1 Lab Diamond . Certified by IGI (IGI Number: 689505228), this exquisite piece ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 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.”
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.