Victorian 3.10 Ct Pink Zircon and Diamond Ring, 18K Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Napoli, IT
Lovingly Victorian This very pretty Victorian era ring boasts fine workmanship and beautiful gem set making an understated timeless example for now and ever Hand crafted of solid 18 ...
Diamond, Zircon, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Giardinetti Ring 1ct Emerald Diamond Ruby 14K Gold SilverØ 2.5US/4gr
Located in SE
Ca. middle/late 18th. century ring, 14K Rose Gold band with a 'Giardinetto' (small garden) openwork crown with Silver and Yellow Gold top. Array of foiled back natural Emerald, natur...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US7.5 / 6 gr
Located in SE
Diamonds of rose cut with various diameters, total weight ca 1.5 ct.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
1930 Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS8.25 /5.3gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance - styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and eight rose - cut Diamonds s...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Floral Petal Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer floral ring crafted from solid 18 Karat White Gold. This gorgeous piece features a 0.60 Carat oval cut Ruby center and flower petals decorated with 0.65-carat bri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Exquisite Art Deco Style & One of a Kind Ring w/ 1.02ct Rubies and Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Exquisite Art Deco Style and One of a Kind Ring with 1.02ct Rubies and Diamonds Fancy-Colored Ring in 18k Rose Gold - AIG Certified Indulge in the timeless elegance of this exquisit...
Diamond, Ruby
Antique Ring natural 0.85ct Sapphire 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø6.5US/4.3g
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance - styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Blue Sapphire stone and eight rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$5,016Sale Price|44% Off
Baroque South Sea Pearl Toi Et Moi Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Rhodium Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant "Toi Et Moi" ring is an ode to timeless romance and unparalleled craftsmanship. Nestled within the embrace of 18 karat rhodium gold, two resplendent Baroque South Sea Pe...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Antique Vinaigrette Perfume Ring Amethyst Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Ø 8US/ 5.55gr
Located in SE
Old German ca. 19th cent first half Renaissance styled Vinaigrette or Perfume Ring decorated with natural Amethyst and Diamonds featuring a hinged pierced lid that opens to house a ...
Diamond, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1931 Nordic Ring 0.9 ct Emerald 0.8 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS9.75/5.3gr
Located in SE
Silver clusters hold natural Emerald stone and 10 rose- cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,917Sale Price|20% Off
Natural 1.34 Carat Pear Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Handmade Fine Jewelry
Located in Diera, Dubai
A perfect blend of classy and elegant design Ring featuring 18k White Gold with Diamond. This is must to provide you an eye-catching attention. The ring is a size 7 and may be resiz...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,480Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.17 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
This 1.17 Carat SI Clarity HI Color Pear Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Jewelry features the pear cut diamonds set in the cluster style.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.72ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold US 5.75 / 2.55 gr
Located in SE
Old German ring with ornamental open work crown decorated with beautiful arrangement of 19 natural Diamonds. Hallmarked 585 and worn hallmarks of German maker, hand - made ca. earl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$2,626Sale Price / item|20% Off
SI/H Certified Three Floating Pear Diamonds Open-Shank Ring 18k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
SI/H Certified Three Floating Pear Diamonds Open-Shank Ring 18k White Gold The design is a variation of a three-stone ring set into the open-shank style. The band splits into two end...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,100Sale Price / item|20% Off
SI/H Certified Three Floating Pear Diamonds Open-Shank Ring 14k White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
SI/H Certified Three Floating Pear Diamonds Open-Shank Ring 14k White Gold The design is a variation of a three-stone ring set into the open-shank style. The band splits into two end...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.25 Carat Natural Diamond Three Rows Ring G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 2.25CT G-H SI 14K White Gold, Prong style, 6.4 gram Size 7 width 7 mm 24 Diamonds R7268W ALL OUR ITEMS AR...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1931 Nordic Ring 0.5ct. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US8.5 / 2.76gr
Located in SE
H,I /VS + eighteen rose cut Diamonds of gradual diameters Ø Total weight of Diamonds here ca. 0.5ctw.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1948 Halo Ring natural 2ct Rubellite 0.8ctw Diamonds 18K GoldSilver Ø8US /5.35gr
Located in SE
Natural Reddish Pink Rubellite in Gold bezel: 6 mm x 6 mm x 4mm deep / ca. 2 ct ; inclusions and internal flaws visible under magnification. Eight rose-cut Diamonds in Silver cluster...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique German Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald 0.3ct Diamond solid 18K ØUS7.75/2.4gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, hallmarked 18K . Metal is solid 18K White Gold. Openwork crown 15.5mm x 8.7mm x 4.5mm deep with natural princess cut Emerald 3.2...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1949 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6 / 2.9 gr
Located in SE
Ring with band in solid 18K orange Gold and crown clusters in Silver decorated with mix of four natural old European and rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique German Ring natural 0.3ct Diamond solid 14K Gold Ø US6.5 / 1.5gr
Located in SE
Old German Ring, the band in solid 14K Rose Gold (tested) with crown in White Gold holding bezel set natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4 mm x 1.6 mm deep / ca 0.3 ct, color ca. F,G /...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$2,759Sale Price|20% Off
Marquise & Pear Natural Diamond Sunburst Ring SI/HI 18K White Gold HRD Certified
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Radiant, dynamic, and utterly distinctive, this Marquise and Pear Natural Diamond Sunburst Ring in 18 karat white gold is a celebration of elongated diamond shapes at their most expr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 1.25ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4.5 /5.35gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct greenish Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose - cut Diam...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring Blue Spinel 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø 8US / 5.7gr
Located in SE
Likely Lab made Gobalt Blue Spinel ( made ca. late 19th - early 20th century ) 8 mm x 6 mm with wear to facets of the table. Two rose cut Diamonds Ø 4 mm / 0.25 ct each. All stone...
Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Art - Deco Ring 1.2ct Sapphire Diamonds solid Platinum ØUS 7.25 /3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Sapphire + Diamonds + Platinum Ring from 1900s -1920s. All metal parts of this ring are made of solid Platinum. Crown measures 19 mm x 8 mm x 4 mm. Beautifully oval cut n...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Antique Ring 1.25ct natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø7.5US/2.5gr
Located in SE
Late XIX - early XX century. European Ring with Silver on 18K Gold openwork crown with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, band tested solid 18K . Medium...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1920 Estonian Ring 0.8 ct Ruby Diamonds 56/14K Gold ØUS7.75 / 4.3gr
Located in SE
Old Estonian cluster natural Ruby and Diamonds Ring made between 1919 -1924.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 0.8 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS 6 / 4.55gr
Located in SE
The openwork crown is a bit convex-shaped with sloppy sides for the best fit and measures 15 mm x 15 mm x 4 mm deep. Two natural Diamonds of old European diamond cut Ø 4 mm x 2.75 m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Halo Ring 0.45ct Diamond Sapphires 18K Gold Silver ØUS6.75 /2.9 gr
Located in SE
Very unusual Halo thing, with Sapphires accenting Diamond in the center of the flower.This design is opposite to conventional or stereotypical construction type where Sapphire is in ...
Diamond, Sapphire
Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Nice cluster Ring with the carved band and shoulders. Top parts of openwork crown in White Gold or Platinum holding bezel set natural Emerald stone and twenty diamonds, both of old ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Antique German Ring 0.4 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold Platinum US 7.75 / 2.4 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old German Ring hand-made ica.1920s -1930s. Hallmarked 585 . The openwork dome shaped crown is composite / with top part in Platinum on solid 14K Yellow Gold band. Crown ...
Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold
Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 2.1gr
Located in SE
Rubies and Diamonds Ring in solid 14ct Yellow Gold . 6 baguette cut Rose red Rubies + 10 diamond cut diamonds. Each Ruby measures 2.75 mm x 2.5 mm / 0.065ct each / total 0.065 x 6 =...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.4 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US5 / 2gr
Located in SE
A Ring from 1920s -1930s decorated with natural emerald cut Emerald 4.75 mm x 3.75 mm x 2.1 mm deep ca. 0.4 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with si...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Imperial Russian Ring solid 56 /14K Gold Diamonds Ruby ØUS5.5 / 3gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Imperial period Russian Ring featuring crown decorated with oval cut natural Rubies and rose cut Diamonds. All stones have open backs. Note that this design was mad...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Platinum ØUS 5.5 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
A German ring, Art- Deco period ca. 1920s - 1930s, not hallmarked. Metal of crown tested solid 18K White Gold, band in Platinum. Openwork crown 15mm x 7.5mm x 4mm deep decorated w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring 1.25 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Yellow Gold Silver ØUS6.5/ 2.4gr
Located in SE
Old Ring. Gold, Silver and Diamonds of different hand- cut. Silver on Gold openwork crown with 21 diamond stones. Band tested solid 14K Yellow Gold . Largest stone is an old diamon...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 0.4ct Emerald 0.4ct. Diamond 14K Gold Ø5.75/2.2g
Located in SE
German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1930s. Hallmarked 585 and logo of maker. Crown part is 9.6mm x 5 mm x 4 mm deep. Solid 14K Yellow Gold twisted band 2.2 mm at widest. Top of the crow...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Antique Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine Cushion DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring A distinctively stunning 1900s delight measuring 3/4 inch long and exotically lovely...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$5,308Sale Price / item|20% Off
SGL Certified 2.86 Carat SI/H Marquise Pear Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
SGL Certified 2.86 Carat SI/H Marquise Pear Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold The ring is set almost entirely with large marquise-cut diamonds. The diamonds are a free-flowing pattern...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1930 Ring natural 1.5 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Renaissance styled Swedish ring in solid 18K with two Silver clusters holding two natural rose cut Diamonds ca.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
1955 Ring natural 0.6ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.5 / 2.4gr
Located in SE
A Halo Ring decorated with natural cabochon cut Emerald 5.5 mm x 4.5 mm x 2.3 mm deep ca. 0.6 ct with natural internal flaws and inclusions. Emerald is accented with eight rose cut ...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Flower Ring G SI 14k White Gold 11 Points Each
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.75CT G-H SI 14K White Gold prong style 2.9 grams 5/1...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1929 Nordic Ring natural 0.8ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS7.25 / 2.95 g
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds. Band in solid 18K Rose Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Alliance Ring Sapphire natural Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold frame holding Blue Sapphires and Diamonds set in Platinum or White gold clusters.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1931 old Ring 1ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.5/6.6gr
Located in SE
Nice Renaissance-styled cluster Ring with the carved band, shoulders, and parts of the crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose-cut Diamonds set in...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring natural 6ct Amethyst 0.8ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6US/4gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold and Silver. European, no hallmarks (band and crown tested solid 18K) , hand - made ca. late 19th - early XX century. Crown 20 mm x 17mm x 8mm de...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Antique Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø5.5US/4.3 gr
Located in SE
European Halo Ring with 18K White Gold on Yellow Gold crown featuring natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds of various old cuts. Swedish hallmarks ,18K , maker's hallmarks . Date com...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1917 Halo Ring Natural 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 2.4gr
Located in SE
This ring has a navette or boat-shaped crown with Silver or White Gold clusters melted into a solid 18K Rose Gold base.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 2.2ct Emerald 1.2ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Enamel Ø 5.5US/7.3gr
Located in SE
Center part of the back side of the crown is slightly concave - shaped for best fit when on the finger. Emerald cut Emerald is 8.5 mm x 6.5 mm /ca. 2.2 ct. Emerald is set in 18K Gol...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
1938 Ring Natural 1ct. Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 6.5 / 3gr
Located in SE
This ring has navette or boat shaped crown with Platinum clusters melted into solid 18K Rose Gold .
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1908 Nordic Halo Ring 0.5ct Sapphire 0.6ct Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS5 /4gr
Located in SE
Halo ring with Silver crown on 18K Rose Gold plain band with natural light Blue Sapphire accented with rose cut Diamonds. Made in Sweden band hallmarked 18K , maker's hallmarks. Dat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.5ctw Sapphires 1ctw Diamonds solid 18K Green Gold ØUS 7.75 / 4gr
Located in SE
This old ring has navette or boat shaped crown with White Gold / or Platinum top on solid 18K Green Gold band set with natural Diamonds and Blue Sapphires. European made, dates to ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Halo Ring natural 0.7 ct Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø3.75US
Located in SE
Beautiful old German Halo Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s, with great stones and parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Crown in Platinum Ø 11mm x 5mm deep with claw set Natural Ru...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural Cornflower Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø4.75/1.8g
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period German Toi et Moi Ring made ca. early 1900s in original German Retailer's leather, Wood and Silk Box. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the crown in Plat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring from ca .1920s -1930s with Ruby and 13 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, tested 18K. Crown with Silver /or White Gold top on solid 18K Yellow Gold measures Ø 14 mm x 6 mm...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Halo Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Openwork Crown is a bit convex shaped for best fit on a finger with top part.clusters in Silver holding 7 natural rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring Halo Emerald Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver ØUS 8.25 / 3.6 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds halo Ring set in solid 14 ct Greenish Yellow Gold. Ca. early XX cent, likely German or Danish, it was in possession of a Danish /German family for lo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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.