Antique Ring Diamonds solid 9K Yellow Gold Silver Ø 9 US/ 7.2 gr
Located in SE
European hand -made 19th cent. ring with dome of the crown in Silver on 9K Rose Gold holding 24 rose cut Diamonds average Ø 2 mm / 0. 04ct each , total weight of the stones is ca.0.9...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Silver
1929 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6US/3.7gr
Located in SE
1929 Nordic Renaissance styled Halo Sapphire and Diamonds Ring .Composite Gold + Silver crown with bezel set oval cut natural untreated Blue Sapphire 5 mm x 4 mm x 2.35 mm deep / ca...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1885 Nordic Halo Ring 2.5ct Turquoise 1.5 ct Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø8US /5gr
Located in SE
The Crown has Silver clusters fused with Gold on the bottom. The crown is 17 mm x 8 mm x 5 mm deep with claw-mounted natural Blue Turquoise and 14 rose cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Silver
1944 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.5 US / 1.6 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 11 Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, crowned G (Gothenburg), Maker's marks . Year combination ( a bit fragmented )...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 3ct Tourmaline 2ct Diamonds solid Green 14K Gold Silver Ø 8US / 7g
Located in SE
Carved band in solid 14ct Green Gold (tested) with crown in Silver featuring clusters with natural Green Tourmaline stone Ø 9 mm x 5 mm deep / ca. 3 ct. that looks pretty much like a...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Silver
1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring with twisted solid 18K Gold band and Clover leaf crown decorated with natural Diamonds and Rubies. Swedish hallmarks, 18K, maker GD&Co, city of Malmo. Year mark...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1934 Nordic Ring 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6.25 / 4.55 gr.
Located in SE
Beautiful Diamond Flower Ring, Renaissance styled. Set of Swedish hallmarks, 18K, maker's and date code H8 / hand-made in 1934, city of Malmö. The carved band is solid 18ct Yellow G...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 2.5ct Emerald 1ctw Diamonds 14K Green White Gold Ø 5 US / 4.3gr
Located in SE
Antique ring with crown in White Gold/or Silver on 14K Green Gold band. No hallmarks. Made ca XIX - early XX century. The band was tested 14K Green Gold. Silver or White Gold crown ...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,394Sale Price / item|20% Off
Octagon Emerald 14k gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald ring in 14 karat gold. Octagon emerald ring. May birthstone emerald ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 2.5 g. - depends from size Set with emerald. Color - green octagon cut, a...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
$958Sale Price / item|44% Off
Round ruby flower 14k gold ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k gold Star Anise Flower ring with genuine ruby and diamond. Ruby gold ring. 14 Karat Gold Star Anise Flower Ring. July birthstone ruby ring. Flower ring. Weight: 2 g. Gold - 1...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Victorian Era Pink Gold and Sterling Silver Rubies Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
This Victorian era inspired ring is made in 9Kt pink gold and surrounded by a sterling silver round frame diameter 13mm. It features 7 brilliant cut Rubies which gave a star pattern ...
Ruby, Gold, Sterling Silver, 9k Gold
1912 Ring Red Garnet Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø5US / 1.1gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring with two natural Seed Pearls and one rose cut Garnet of Pyrope variety set in solid 18K Gold band with hand - engraved decor on the shoulders. This ring was made Sweden...
Garnet, Pearl, 18k Gold
Antique Art Nouveau Russian Ring Demantoid Ruby Sapphire 56 Gold ØUS4 / 1.76gr
Located in SE
Antique Art Nouveau period Russian Ring featuring distinctive floral design and high-quality craftsmanship and specific gemstones popular at that time : Russian Ural green Demantoid...
Ruby, Garnet, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s French 18K Yellow Gold Daisy “Marguerite” Ring with 0.40 ct Sapphire & Ros
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Sheet: Finger Size: French 58 / US 8 (resizable upon request) Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰) Center Stone: 1× Round Sapphire, ~0.40 ct Accent Stones: 8× Rose-Cut Diamond...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.35ct Sapphire and Ruby Double Heart Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Victorian double heart crowned ring features a romantic design of two entwined hearts with two beautiful gemstones at their centres, a 0.35 carat ruby and a 0.35 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$958Sale Price / item|44% Off
Tanzanite and Emeralds 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Tanzanite and emeralds 14k gold ring. Round tanzanite gold ring. Tanzanite gold ring. Metal: 14k solid gold. Weight: 1.8 (depends from size). Set with tanzanite, color - light blue...
Emerald, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
Victorian Ruby and Diamond, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
This delicate ring is hallmarked 1902 and is made in 18 carat yellow gold. It features a 0.35 carat ruby in the centre and two 0.15 carat rubies on either side. Surrounding the centr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
1948 Finish Ring Daimonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6.75 US/ 1.7gr
Located in SE
Finish Ring with 7 Diamond stones set in White Gold or Silver clusters on top of solid 18K Yellow Gold band .
Diamond, 18k Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Aquamarine & Sapphire Dainty Promise Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This stunning ring is made from 375 9K (9ct 9Kt) Yellow Gold and handset with Natural Aquamarines (0.5ct) & Sapphires. The Aquamarines are round cut and measure 4.1 mm and the four a...
Aquamarine, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
1907 Nordic Ring Blue Turquoise Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold ØUS5.25 /1.4gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with three size-matching natural Blue Turquoise stones flanked with 6 gradually sized Seed Pearls set into leaf-shaped clusters.
Turquoise, Pearl, 18k Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
The face of the ring is adorned with a captivating array of rose-cut diamonds, each exuding a subtle white hue.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Anello Art Deco Zaffiri e Brillanti
Located in Milano, MI
Art Deco ring set in 18ct white gold and sapphires. If you are looking for a ring that is not too big in size and is elegant and comfortable to wear, this is certainly a great option...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Rose Cut and Brilliant Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions Weight: 10.3 grams Ring size: UK J, US 4.75, EU 49 Head measurement: 2.6cm x 2cm Specifications Metal: White metal, to be confirmed Type: Ring Style: Cluster Period: Vint...
Diamond
Georgian 0.35ct Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1830s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1830s, this beautiful cluster ring is a collection of rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian old cut diamond ruby 9k rose gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Victorian cluster ring centers on a softly glowing rose cut diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carat, displaying a gentle, romantic shimmer with its J color and I clar...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Rose Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is modelled in 18 carat gold and the rose cut diamonds are set in platinum. The total diamond weight of this ring is approx 55pts. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Band Width: 6mm ...
Diamond, Gold
Andre Rivaud rose cut diamond cluster ring, French, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Andre Rivaud rose cut diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a round rose cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with an approximate weight of 0.70 carats, encircled by eight ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage old cut diamond cluster ring set in 18k gold and platinum. The piece is centrally set with a sparkly 2.22 carat old cut diamond which is ten claw set securely. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Kt White Gold Ring , Diamonds & Onyx Rose Cut Modern Cluster Ring
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt White Gold Ring , Diamonds & Onyx Rose Cut Modern Cluster Ring WHITE GOLDEN RING WITH DIAMONDS AND ONYX MATERIAL: 18 kt white gold SIZE: 53 1/2 WEIGHT: 20.2 Gram DIAMONDS:...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring. This incredible Victorian rose cut diamond cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Pink Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Gold and Silver Cluster Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A vintage 14 karat gold and silver ring set with bright rose-cut diamonds in a classic cluster design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
$3,480Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Cut Cluster Setting Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
An elegant ring with a cluster setting Diamond Emerald cut in the centre, with rows of round and Marquise diamonds around.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Diamond Rose Gold Silver Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1830’s all handmade diamond cocktail ring. 14k rose gold cluster cocktail setting with a silver top set with 25 original rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
10 Karat Rose Gold Champagne Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 10K rose gold Diamond: 16 round brilliant cut = 0.65cttw Color: Champagne Clarity: SI1-2 Diamond: 12 round cut = 0.12cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1-2 Ring Size: 7 (please allow...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold
3.37ct Diamond Cluster Emerald Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 18kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 5.22GR • 0.32ct Natural Round Cut Diamond • 0.45ct Natu...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Tambuli-Cut Fancy Diamond Cluster Ring with Baguette Halo in 18k Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
At the center is a captivating cluster of round rose tambuli-cut diamonds, all the stones on the ring together totaling 6.81 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique-Style Polki & Rose-Cut Diamond Floral Cluster 14k Gold Cocktail Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
At the heart of the design is a central round rose-cut diamond, encircled by eight pear-shaped rose-cut diamonds that form a shimmering petal motif. To further enhance its brilliance...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Georgian 18k Gold and Silver Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1820
Located in Firenze, IT
The round rose-cut diamond surrounded by small rose cuts border, within foiled closed-back settings, to trifurcated fleur-de-lys shoulders and a reeded hoop, mounted in silver and go...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
White Diamond Briolette and Rose Cut Floral Cluster Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 4.22 ct. good quality, white and bright white diamond briolettes and rose cut diamond. Handmade in 18k white gold. Ring size 7.5.
White Diamond, White Gold
Victorian fancy yellow rose cut diamond 14k yellow cluster gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Surrounding the center diamond are 19 rose cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.30 carat total.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Rose Cut Diamond Flower Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an elegant 18ct yellow gold diamond ring. An open frame plays host to a cluster of platinum milgrain set rose cut diamonds collectively forming a flower motif.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 15ct rose gold antique diamond cluster ring. The ring features a central 0.45 carat old cut diamond that is surrounded by a further 12 smaller old cut diamonds.
Diamond, 15k Gold
18Karat Rose Gold 4.05 Carat Cushion-Cut Pink Morganite and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Rose Gold 4.05 Carat Cushion-Cut Pink Morganite and Diamond Cluster Ring This impressive peachy pink morganite and diamond ring is alluring.
Diamond, Morganite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Ring Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Cluster Ring by Pass Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
18k Ring Rose Gold Ring Diamond Ring Cluster Ring By Pass Ring 18k solid Rose gold ring.
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
Elegant 18KT Rose Gold Marquise-Shaped Baguette Diamond Cluster Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Product Specifications Metal Type:18KT Rose Gold Metal Weight:3.685 grams Diamond Weight:0.58 carats (Total Weight) Diamond Cut Mixed (Baguette and Round Brilliant) Ring Size:US 7 De...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique sapphire diamond 18k rose gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A timeless antique ring featuring a vibrant cushion cut sapphire, surrounded by luminous old mine cut diamonds in a warm 18k rose gold setting. Center stone: Cushion cut blue sapphi...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$6,512Sale Price|20% Off
18KT Rose Gold Pink Tourmaline & Rose-Cut Diamond Statement Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Product Specifications Feature Details Metal Type 18KT Rose Gold Gold Weight 10.903g Primary Stone Pink Tourmaline (Pear Cabochon) Tourmaline Weight 13.10ct Diamond Weight 2.70ct (To...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pink Sapphire And Diamond Cluster 2.59ct Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 4.72GR • 0.15ct Natural Diamond • 0.24ct Natural Pear C...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold
Rose Cut Diamond and Oval Cut Sapphire Flower Ring
Located in New York, NY
Rose Cut Diamond and Oval Cut Sapphire Flower Ring Description: A striking 14K yellow gold ring showcasing a rich oval cut blue sapphire surrounded by a unique cluster of pear and m...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...
Estate 2.25 Carat Round Cut Diamond Cluster 14 Karat Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Carats: 2.25 Grams: 12g Color: G Clarity: VS Length: 36 Width: 24 Size: 8 Metals: 14k rose gold Origin Europe Retial $4900 Sale $2600
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Rose Gold 1.05tcw Elongated Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian navette ring crafted in warm rose gold, set with approximately 1.05 carats total weight of rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Rose Gold
Ceylon Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1880, Nearly 7 Carats
Located in Northampton, MA
Late Victorian Ceylon Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1880 – Nearly 7 Carats This exceptional late Victorian cluster ring showcases the enduring elegance of 19th-cen...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Silver
Rose Gold Diamond Cluster Illusion Set Ring 0.54 Carat
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A sparkly 18k rose gold diamond ring. The ring comprises of 4 marquise cut diamonds set in a circle with a princess cut diamond set in the middle, creating an illusion of a round dia...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Rose Gold Diamond Edwardian Cluster Cocktail Ring 14k 10k Rose .30ctw Snowflake
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 3 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 4 sizes for $40 Era: Edwardian Date: 1900s - 1910s Metal Content: 10k Rose Gold & 14k Yellow Gold Metal Note: (10k gold top with 14k gold shank) Stone I...
Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold Multi Shape Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K rose gold Diamond: 42 round brilliant cut = .50cttw Color: G Clarity: SI Ring size: 7.5 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing requests...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18K Rose Gold Ring with Dual Tambuli Diamond Clusters and Diamond Halos
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
This unique creation features two central clusters of round rose tambuli-cut diamonds, totaling 3.63 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.05 Carat Diamond Moon Cluster Rose Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This Diamond Ring is a stunning and timeless accessory that can add a touch of glamour and sophistication to any outfit. This beautiful piece of jewelry features dazzling diamonds th...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose 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.