$1,185Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 carat. The diamond is has G color and s2. Ring size is US 7.2 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size....
Diamond, Gold
$1,887Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.42 carat. The diamond is has G color and vs clarity. Ring size is US 7 (We offer free resizing) Box is not i...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,097Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 carat. The diamond is has K color and s3 clarity. Ring size is US 8 Acid tested to be 9k real gold. We can ...
Diamond, 9k Gold
$5,265Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.9 grams. Totally is diamond about 1.50 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. We can make any size. Box is not included. Please cont...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$877Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 10k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 1.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has I color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 5.2 We can make any size. Box is not inclu...
Diamond, 10k Gold
$1,097Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Dimention is diamond 0.50 carat. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make any size. Acid tested t...
Diamond, Gold
$921Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 14k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 1.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct The diamond is has I color and s2 clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. The box is not includ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Nari Fine Jewels 0.5 ct Pear Shaped Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring 14K Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
Made to Order. This lovely classic with modern flare ring features a champagne colored, rose-cut pear-shaped diamond. The one of a kind diamond is set in full bezel and finished in m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
New Platinum 1.38ctw GIA Pear Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Collet Pendant & Chain
Located in Montclair, NJ
This collet style sliding pendant features a very fine quality, GIA certified, pear rose cut diamond solitaire neatly prong set at the center on an open basket setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Rose Cut Diamond and 9 Carat Rose Gold Solitaire Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This rose cut diamond solitaire is simply stunning. The old mine cut diamond measures approx 80pts.
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
$2,544Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Drop Earring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.2 grams. Totally is diamond 1.35 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. The box is not included. Please contact for any qu...
Diamond, 9k Gold
$320,000Sale Price|20% Off
5.18 Carat Oval Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A beautifully understated and elegant solitaire, this 18K yellow gold engagement ring features a striking 5.18 carat natural oval rose cut diamond as its centerpiece.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Gold Solitaire Rose-Cut Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Solitaire Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold Solitaire Rose-Cut Diamond and Yellow Sapphire Solitaire Fashion Ring This articulate vivid yellow sapphire and diamond ingenious band is elegant.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Lapaix Solitaire Diamond .10ct Rose Cut Engagement Ring Mined 14K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Lapaix Solitaire Diamond .10ct Rose Cut Engagement Ring Mined 14K White Gold Featuring a Gorgeous Colorless .10ct Genuine Natural Mined Rose Cut Diamond Center Each piece begins ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring, Rose-Cut Diamond 0.40ct
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold solitaire ring set with a rose-cut diamond up to 0.40 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 3.5 - EU 14.5(45) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 7.9 mm wide and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,466Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 14.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make any size. Please contact fo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Antique solitaire ring, the head is square in shape and adorned with claws down from a rose-cut diamond on a black enamel backgro...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Natural Diamond 0.06CT 18Karat Rose Gold Baguette Cut Solitaire Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Crafted with precision from 18kt Rose gold, this ring features a Baguette cut 0.06-carat natural diamond in a classic solitaire setting.
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Sterling Silver 1/4 Carat Rose Cut Treated Green Diamond Solitaire Stud Earrings
Located in New York, NY
Finished off with astonishing brilliance, the pair of earrings are articulated with treated green rose cut diamond solitaires to lend luxurious appeal.
Diamond, Sterling Silver
$3,817Sale Price|25% Off
New Made 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.90 ct. The diamond is has G color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. The box is not include...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Gold with 0.5 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, Engagement Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Emerald cut diamond engagement ring set on 14 karat yellow gold. Gemstone: White Diamond Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Cut: Step cut diamond Color: GHI Clarity: VS Weight: 0.5 carat diam...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Lapaix Solitaire Diamond Rose Cut Engagement Ring Mined .10ct 14K White Gold
Located in Dearborn, MI
Brand New Lapaix Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring Mined .10ct Rose Cut 14K White Gold Featuring a Gorgeous Colorless .10ct Genuine Natural Mined Rose Cut Diamond Center Made from...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Lapaix Solitaire Diamond 14K Engagement Ring Mined .60ct Rose Cut Brand New
Located in Dearborn, MI
Brand New Lapaix Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring Mined .60ct Rose Cut 14K White Gold Featuring a Gorgeous Colorless .60ct Genuine Natural Mined Rose Cut Diamond Center Our recyc...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Gold 2.55 Carat Solitaire Rose-Cut and Full-Cut Diamond Bridal Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 2.55 Carat Rose-Cut and Full-Cut Diamond Bridal Ring This impeccable cocktail diamond rose-cut solitaire ring is a prolific design.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond, 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Amazing solitaire ring in 18 kt rose gold structure mounted with a diamond. Diamond 0.32 ct Total weight 2.30 gr RF G GIOF RK.AUEO Italian Size 13.5 Usa Size 6.67 French Size 5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,512Sale Price|20% Off
Solitaire Rose Cut Diamond Ring with Pave Diamond Band in Gold and Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
This elegant solitaire ring features a captivating rose-cut diamond as its centerpiece, complemented by a delicate pave diamond band for added sparkle.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold, Silver
$3,487Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10 grams. Totally is diamond 0.76 ct. The diamond is has G color and vs clarity. Ring size is US 6.25 We can make any size. Box is not inclu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,912Sale Price / item|20% Off
Natural 2.09Ct Emerald Cut Tanzanite Diamond Pave 18K Rose Gold Solitaire Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
2.26 CTW Emerald Cut Tanzanite Diamond Solitaire Ring 18k Rose Gold features emerald cut tanzanite set in center of the diamond pave band ring.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.26 CTW Emerald Cut Tanzanite Diamond Solitaire Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
2.26 CTW Emerald Cut Tanzanite Diamond Solitaire Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold features emerald cut tanzanite set in center of the diamond pave band ring.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian 18k Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire. 0.36ct Old Mine Cushion Cut Buttercup
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem Color: Colorless Band Color: Rose gold Style: Victorian An Amazing Find. You will not find a ring like it anywhere. Vi...
Rose Gold
Dainty Marquise Cut SI/H Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Dainty Marquise Cut SI/H Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold features a marquise cut diamond set in the center of the bypass shank ring making a stackable promise ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Rose-Cut Diamond Ring.
Located in Firenze, FI
Elevate your style with this vintage Rose-Cut diamond ring, a perfect blend of timeless elegance and modern sophistication. Crafted in luxurious yellow gold with a contrasting white ...
Diamond, Gold
Bricks Joaillerie Cognac Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Hamburg, DE
This particular ring features a captivating 1.15-carat brilliant-cut diamond, boasting a warm brown color and SI clarity, as its magnificent centerpiece.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,200Sale Price / item|20% Off
SI/H 0.24 Carat Pear Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Promise Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
SI/H 0.24 Carat Pear Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Promise Ring features a pear-cut diamond, set in a secure three-prong setting in sleek wave-like V shape band.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring An antique ring with a central rose-cut diamond. Made circa 1900 Ring Size: 7.25 Resizable free of charge Metal types: 18K Gold and Silver
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring Ring Size: 4.5 Complimentary Resizing Gram Weight: 6.6 grams Metal Type: 14 karat yellow gold
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
RIng with solitaire ring with rose cut diamond up to 0.60ct 14k gold 2.3 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k gold solitaire ring set with rose-cut diamonds up to 0.60 ct - H/I - SI - ring size US 7.25 - EU 17.5(55) Detailed description The top of the ring is 6.7 mm wide by 7.8 mm high.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Contemporary 18K Rose Gold Old mine-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, 1.56 ct K VS2
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A study in refined simplicity and modern craftsmanship, this elegant solitaire ring is crafted in warm 18K rose gold and set with a single 1.56 carat Old mine-cut diamond of K color ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.19 Ct SI Clarity HI Color Pear Cut Diamond Solitaire 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Effortlessly modern, quietly romantic, and unlike anything you will find in a traditional jewelry store — this pear-cut natural diamond bypass ring is a masterpiece of minimalist fin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Elegant 0.70ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
Elegant 0.70ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14k Rose Gold - GIA Certified This elegant diamond ring, crafted in 14k rose gold, showcases a stunning 0.70-cara...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$110,880Sale Price / item|20% Off
Radiant Cut 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A timeless solitaire designed to sparkle from every angle. This ring showcases a rectangular radiant-cut center diamond secured in a sleek four-prong head, set on a polished 18K yell...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Russian Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique Russian rose cut diamond 14k gold ring centered with single cut rose diamond flanked with several small rose cut diamonds with an estimate diamond weight of 1.5 carats with d...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 0.90 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique Victorian engagement ring showcases an Old Mine-cut diamond measuring approximately 0.90 carats, I-J color and SI2 clarity. The diamond is set within a buttercup, or Bel...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1820
Located in London, GB
Georgian rose cut diamond ring. Set centrally with an oval rose cut diamond in a closed back cutdown setting with an approximate weight of 2.00 carats, to an elegant solitaire design...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Brilliant Cut Diamond Center Ring Solid 18k Rose Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k Rose Gold Diamond Count: 7 brilliant cut Total Diamond Carat Weight: 0.41(center) + 0.11 (additional) carats = 0.52 carats total Diamond Color: Ce...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K .57ct Rose Cut Champagne Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold ring featuring a bezel set rose cut pear shape diamond. The diamond has light champagne color and measures about 6.5mm x 4.3mm. The ring fits a size 6.25 finger and w...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.30 Carat Natural Oval Cut Fancy Brown Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Center Details: 3.30ct Natural Oval Cut Diamond that is Fancy Brown in color and I1 in clarity.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Solitaire Natural Diamond 0.30 Carat Certified HRD Hand Made Rose Gold 18 Karat
Located in MADRID, ES
Very beautiful solitaire ring handmade in 18 karat rose gold, twisted effect and solid base. deal for proposal or anniversary. HRD Certified No. J250000125165. Setting: 4 Round pro...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Circa 1930s 18K Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring, Size 9.5
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning 18K Rose Gold ring with diamond center flanked by white gold. Diamond is approximately .18 points. Ring is hallmarked 750 and is a size 9.5. Ring can be sized by us or your ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 0.35 Cts Heart Shape Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring 18K Rose Gold
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Indulge in the allure of luxury with our exclusive 0.35 carat heart-shaped diamond ring, where every exquisite detail shimmers with the brilliance of sparkling diamonds and gold. Mak...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Gold GIA 1 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
1 carat natural diamond set on 14k yellow gold Certified diamond with GIA grading report. Metal: 14k yellow gold Color: H Clarity: VS1 Diamond weight: 1 carat Approx: 6mm x 4mm ston...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Apx 1.00 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, FI
Vintage roe-cut diamond ring . center round rose cut diamond , approximately .85 carat , I/J color and SI clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,799Sale Price|0% Off
Diamond Polki / Rose Cut Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 0.93 Carat Diamond Polki / Rose Cut Handcrafted Antique Style Ring 18 k Gold 2.09 Silver 0.85 Custom Services Resizing is available. Request Customization
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$13,693Sale Price|47% Off
2.5 carat rose-cut diamond mounted on 18k gold.
Located in Firenze, FI
antique rose cut diamond ring . center diamond weigh over 2.5 carat. 18k gold , sizable to any ring size
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring of Silver topped 9k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
An elegant ring, centered with a softly shimmering antique rose cut diamond set in silver topped 9ct gold. The closed back diamond displays the characteristic gentle sparkle of rose ...
Diamond, 9k Gold, Silver
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer ring in solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold all handmade with Byzantine workmanship and a unique velvet look on the background. This Unisex gorgeous ring features an ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...
J. Birnbach GIA 1.50 Carat D VS2 Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Solitaire
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This 18K rose gold pavé halo ring is a romantic and elegant design that pairs exceptional diamond quality with a warm, contemporary setting. At its center is a 1.50 carat cushion bri...
Diamond, 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.”
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.