Retro Van Cleef & Arpels rose gold and diamond bombé ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
A Mid-Century diamond and rose gold bombé ring of overlapping leaf design, centered by a row of graduated round-brilliant-cut diamonds, in platinum and 18k.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Stackable 0.58 Carat Garnet Baguette and Diamond Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Stackable Garnet Baguette Ring The ring is 14K Rose Gold There are 0.08 Carats In Diamonds H SI The Center Stone is a Garnet Baguette 0.58 Carats The top measures 1/4" x 2/16" The ri...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1940s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Asymetrical Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Superb and original tank ring, it is set on its top with a fall of 5 antique brilliant- cut diamonds in an asymmetrical way. 2 links are located on both sides and are set with 2 x 2 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 0.75 carat with Diamond 0.04 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 0.4 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 3.54 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 1.51 carat with Diamond 0.06 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 4.61 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 when...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1940s Vintage 0.30ct Ruby & 0.28ct Diamond Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage unisex 0.30 carat ruby and 0.28 carat diamond, 18 carat rose gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse unisex ring collection This fine and impressive vintage ru...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby Diamond Pink Sapphire Rose Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Rose Gold 14K Ring Diamond 86-0,34 ct Ruby 5-0,15 ct Ruby 6-1,16 ct Pink Sapphire 6-1,2 ct Size 7.5 US Weight 7,42 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditio...
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold
0.52ct Baguette Diamond Rose Gold Band Ring by Roshe Jewels
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.52 Carat Baguette Diamond Rose Gold Band Ring This elegant band ring by Roshe Jewels showcases 0.52 carats of baguette-cut white diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Cushion Cut 3.19 Carat Garnet and Diamond Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and Delicate Garnet Ring The ring is 14K Rose Gold There are 0.04 Carats in Diamonds H SI The center stone is a Cushion Cut Garnet 3.19 Carats The top measures 7/16" x 5/16...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$4,725Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Rose Gold 1.3ct Marquise Diamond Triple Floral Bypass Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
14k Rose Gold 1.3ct Marquise Diamond Triple Floral Bypass Ring features marquise cut diamonds making three flowers of different sizes with four marquise set making one flower.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Rose & White Gold Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K rose & white gold Diamond: 1 marquise cut = 0.73ct Color: I Clarity: SI2 Diamond: 32 round brilliant cut = 0.32cttw Color: I / J Clarity: I1 Ring size:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
3.36 Carat Morganite Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.36 Carat Morganite Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Engagement Ring This Morganite ring has a beautiful 2.77 Carat Natural Oval Cut Morganite and measures at 11 mm x 8 mm.
Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,288Sale Price / item|20% Off
14 Karat Rose Gold Ruby Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 14K Solid Rose Gold Gemstone - Ruby Gemstone Weight - 0.48 ct Stone Shape - Marquise Gemstone Pcs - 6 Stone Size - 4 x 2 mm Diamond Weight - 0.8 ct ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring. This gorgeous ring has beautifully cut rose cut diamonds in a cluster design and sits low to the finger.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
COCKTAIL RING- Coral, Saphire and Diamonds in 14kt Rose Gold.
Located in Miami, FL
The entire structural framework is intricately hand-set with 40 antique-style rose-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k...
Crossover Ring Natural Diamonds 14 Karat Rose Gold finger size 8
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Trendy Crossover style Gold Ring 14k Rose Gold approx 7.0 grams Finger size 8 Natural Diamonds approx 0.60 carat I-SI Pre-Owned in great condition Design size on the top is approx 13...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian Peridot and Rose Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous bright peridot stone is complimented beautifully by a halo of rose cut diamonds. The central peridot stone measure approx 1 carat.
Peridot, Diamond, Gold
Diamond Ruby Sapphire White and Rose Gold Grapes Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
PS: THIS POLICY IS NOT APPLICABLE TO ITEMS WITH FIX PRICE, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS ,ONGOING PROMOTIONS AND ITEMS ON SALES. Wonderful ring in 14 kt white and rose gold, in the shape of t...
Brown Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
$3,246Sale Price|25% Off
18k Gold New Handmade Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Cocktail Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.4 grams. Main diamond is 0.39 carat. Totally is diamond 1.02 carat. The diamond is has G-H-I color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Rose-Cut Diamond Double Finger Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
18K Yellow Gold, Rose-cut Diamond Double Finger Ring .49 cts. Diamonds
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.77 Carat Natural Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful halo ring featuring a 0.77 Carat Natural Rose Cut Diamond and 0.90 Carats Diamond accents Ring set in Platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Late Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring (Europe Ca. 1830)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
LATE GEORGIAN ROSE CUT DIAMOND CLUSTER RING (Europe Ca. 1830) Wheel of fire!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Contemporary 0.90 Carat Morganite Diamond 14k Rose Gold Double Halo Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This 14 karat rose gold morganite and diamond double halo ring is built around a 0.90 carat cushion cut morganite measuring 6.01 x 6.06mm, its soft blush pink tone sitting naturally ...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Early-Victorian 9k Rose Gold Polki Diamond Turquoise Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in 9k rose gold and features a striking combination of polki diamonds and turquoise.
Diamond, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 18K Rose Gold 0.30ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF06-051826
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This antique ring is teeming with old fashioned elegance. A 1.0 carat Ruby makes a statement at the center, while a halo of sparkling Diamonds totaling 0.30 carats allow it to effort...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$8,300 / item
8.77 Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This eternity ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat rose gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Rose Gold Design Ring with White and Black Brilliant Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Diamonds: Naturally Shiny Weight: 1.50 carat Shape: Brilliant cut Colour: high white (F-G) and black (enhanced) Clarity: US Quality: Very nice Jewel: Ring Weight: 11 gram Hallmark: ...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
Zorab 18kt Rose Gold Ring with 22.35ct, Oval Cabochon Opal & .72ct, Diamond Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in New York, NY
The entire ring is 18kt rose gold. The ring is stamped Zorab 750.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fancy Diamonds Pave Butterfly Sweet 18K Rose Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 3.10x2.80x2.60cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "13 Brown Diamonds 0.07 CT 332 Fancy Diamonds 1.07 CT 18KR 9.55 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$3,723Sale Price|36% Off
Ring in Rose Gold with 1 Rubellite and Diamonds.
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Thomas Leyser is renowned for his contemporary jewellery designs utilizing fine gemstones. This 18k white gold (7.46g) ring is set with 1x fine Rubelite (facetted, octagonal, 8.5mm...
Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Stunning 0.35ct Natural Diamond Half-Eternity Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Warm glow, endless sparkle. This 18K rose gold eternity ring features 13 round brilliant natural diamonds (0.35ct total), graded G–H color and SI clarity, set in a continuous prong b...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1980s 14K Yellow Gold Rose Quartz Diamond Halo Ring, 6.26ct
Located in Towson, MD
This Vintage rose quartz and diamond halo ring is a stunning example of 1980s fine jewelry craftsmanship.
Diamond, Quartz, Yellow Gold
Cartier Love Collection Diamond Pave Set 18K Rose Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Tysons, VA
Description: A timeless Love ring by Cartier, expertly crafted in solid 18K rose gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Round Diamond Illusion Ring with Halo and Diamond Band in Rose Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning ring gives you that big diamond look without the big price.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Harry Winston Platinum and 18K Rose Gold 0.72ct Diamond Ring #5211
By Harry Winston
Located in Southampton, PA
At the center of the Platinum band, a 0.72 carat heart-shaped Diamond serves as a stunning focal point. Its flanked by Pink Diamonds that are perfectly complemented by 18K Rose Gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
$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
Revolver Tiger Eye Fancy Diamond & White Diamond 18K Rose Gold Gun Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 5.50x0.80x3.80cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "5 White Diamonds 0.06 CT 306 Fancy Diamonds 2.78 CT 2 Tiger Eye Stone 16.21 CT 18KR 15.08 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Preciou...
Diamond, Tiger's Eye, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1ct Blue Diamond Engagement Ring with Natural Diamond Accents in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Columbus, OH
A breathtaking 1.1 carat round blue diamond takes center stage in this captivating engagement ring, kissed by a warm 14K rose gold band and embraced by sparkling earth-mined white di...
Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rutilated-Quartz Mother-of-Pearl Diamond 18k Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating cocktail ring featuring a 33.32 carat rose-cut ruti quartz.
Diamond, Pearl, Quartz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Pink Tourmaline Ring With Diamonds 3.08 Carats 14K Rose Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Pink Tourmaline: 2.92 Carats Diamond: 0.16 Carats Metal: 14K Rose Gold Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Multicolor Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with three multicolor sapphires surrounded by a frame of diamonds.
Sapphire, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Sweet Hearts Carnelian Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels ring from the Sweet Hearts collection is crafted in 18k rose gold and accented with 4 red carnelian hearts and a center brilliant-cut round D-E-F VV...
Carnelian, Diamond, Rose Gold
South-Sea Pearl, Diamonds, 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Beautiful modern ring in 18 karat rose gold mounted with a south-sea pearl in the central part surrounded by diamonds.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Fancy Diamonds Pave Butterfly Sweet 18K Rose Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 3.30x2.50x3.50cm Color: 18K Rose Gold Materials: "104 Fancy Diamonds 1.87 CT 18KR 5.97 GM (WBTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diamond & Gemstone Animal & Fantasy Jewelry Our An...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Giovanni Ferraris White Sapphire 2.32ct & Diamond Cocktail Ring 18K Rose Gold
By Giovanni Ferraris
Located in New York, NY
Giovanni Ferraris white sapphire and diamond band ring crafted in 18K rose gold, featuring 2.32 carats total weight of white sapphires accented by 0.15 carats total weight of sparkli...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
19th Century Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
On each side, three rose-cut diamonds are set on silver. Height : 10 mm, width : 7.2 mm, thickness : 2.8 mm, width of the ring at the base : 1.8 mm.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Certified Natural uncut rose cut Diamond 925 silver eternity ring band
Located in Delhi, DL
-Diamond type- Natural rose cut, natural uncut diamond -Diamond color- white with a tint of grey -Diamond weight- 2.48ctw -Metal- 925 Sterling silver Metal color- oxidized silver...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
9K Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style floral ring features natural rose cut diamonds with soft, romantic sparkle.
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,140Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3-Pique1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.7 (We offer free resizi...
Diamond, Gold
Marquise Diamond Ring 0.40 Carats in 14 Kt Rose Gold
Located in Rutherford, NJ
Set in smooth 14KT Rose Gold and decorated with marquise cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Modern Rose Gold 2.50 CARAT Natural Diamond Eternity Band Statement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modern 18K rose gold eternity band set with 14 natural round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 2.50 CT.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
IGI Certified 1.22ct Diamonds 7-Stone Ring in 18k Rose Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
IGI Certified 1.22ct Diamonds 7-Stone Ring in 18k Rose Gold Delicate yet captivating, this 1.22ct diamond ring in 18K rose gold blends classic charm with modern brilliance.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Georgian Entwined Heart Ring Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Antique Engagement Ring 1820
Located in New York, NY
The combination of Pearls and Rose Cut Diamonds within the entwined hearts creates an antique ring of great beauty!
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Whatever the symbolism of the snake, we won’t deny that they look good absolutely stunning when used as a design in jewellery. Rose Gold 18K Ring (Matching Necklace and Earrings Ava...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold Rainbow Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K rose gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 0.06ct Color: G Clarity: SI2 Dimensions: ring top measures 9 mm wide Ring Size: 6.25 (complimentary sizing ava...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rose Gold Orange Flower Contemporary Cocktail Ring with Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This Orange Flower cocktail ring with diamonds is made of 18-karat rose gold and was featured in an editorial in Vogue UA and other magazines.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Coral, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Snake Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fashion snake ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a coral on the head, two rubies as eyes and all the body is studded with diamonds.
Coral, Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose 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.
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