$60,000Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Victorian Style Approximate 7.50 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Vintage Victorian style rose cut diamond high jewelry ring. Center round rose cut diamond, approximately 7.50ct.
Diamond, Silver
Kyanite, Carnelian, Pearls, Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, CE
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central kyanite surrounded by four flowers of carnelian with a pearl and, all around, a frame of diamonds and rubies.
Carnelian, Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Kyanite, 9k Gold, Rose 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
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
Alexandrite with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Alexandrite 0.93 carat with Diamond 1.46 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.1 cm Length: 1.2 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 4.41 grams Alexandrite Width: 0.4 cm ...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage cocktail 18k Rose Gold Snake Ring, 6.30ct Old European Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A unique vintage 18k rose gold cocktail snake ring set with 21 old European cut diamonds.
Diamond, Rose Gold
$34,800Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage Victorian Style Apx 4.50 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Vintage Victorian style rose cut diamond high jewelry ring. Center round rose cut diamond, approximately 4.50ct but faces up like a 5ct diamond.
Diamond, Silver
Two-Tone "Star of David" Diamond and Gold Interchangeable Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Unusual and Modern Star of David Ring The ring is 14K White And Rose Gold There are 0.55 Carats in Diamonds F VS The ring can be worn as a "Star Of David" or "Double Triangles" ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18K Rose Gold 8.05 ct White Quartz and Diamond Ring
Located in Vannes, FR
18K Rose Gold 8.05 ct White Quartz and Diamond Ring The contemporary elegance of this 18K rose gold ring lies in its bold design, which beautifully combines soft curves with sophist...
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Morganite with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Morganite 9.64 carats with Diamond 0.65 carat and Morganite 1.06 carats Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 2.5 cm Ring Size: 55 Total Weight: 10.15 grams "W...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 9.58 carats with Diamond 1.03 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.5 cm Length: 1.8 cm Ring Size: 54 Total Weight: 10.91 grams Ruby Width: 0.9 cm Length: 1.3 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late Rococo Rose Cut Diamond Heart Ring, circa 1760's
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: late XVIII century Ring size: 6 ½ Weight: 3,3 gr The ring dates to the late 1700s and is considered an example of Rococo jewellery, as it features a teardrop setting that e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Mattia Cielo 7.50 carat diamond 18k rose gold ringstack cocktail ring
By Mattia Cielo
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Four hundred fifty-seven round brilliant cut diamonds, weighing approximately 7.50 carats in G-H color and VS clarity, are pavé-set across a sweep of curved rose gold arches that ris...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Retro Rose Gold Old Cut Diamond Abstract Spiral Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 12k - 14k Rose & White Gold Total Weight: 8.5 Grams Overall Width: 23.36mm (0.92") (top of the ring - north to south), 2.6mm (bottom of the shank) Overall Height: 5....
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Rose Gold Diamond Ring - 14k Round Brilliant 1.00ctw Floral Cluster
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: Fancy ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Single Diamond Wedding Band, 14k Solid Yellow Gold Band, 0.1 Carat Diamond
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Single diamond low profile wedding band 14k solid yellow gold 3mm x 1.7mm band width 3mm diamond 0.1 carat diamond LEAD TIME: Made to order will take 10-14 days. All of our jewelry...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Tourmaline Rubellite Diamond Ring 14k Rose Gold 7.45 TCW Certified
By Enrico Kassini
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Tourmaline Rubellite Diamond Ring 14 kt 7.45 tcw Certified $5,950 013308 This is a One of a Kind Unique Custom Made Glamorous Piece of Jewelry! Nothing says, “I Love you” more than...
Diamond, Rubelite, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Pear Shaped Citrine & Diamond Cocktail Ring Set in Rose Gold.
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Here is a very elegant ring. Simple yet with an edge in design. The ring is set in 18k rose gold and diamonds.
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
$1,264Sale Price|20% 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
Multi Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Bombe Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 14-karat gold.. It is set with 5.51 carats multi sapphire & 10.41 carats of glittering diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to large...
Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Pink Sa...
Sculptural Italian Black Agate & Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold
Located in Miami, FL
An original graphic ring with undeniable presence. Crafted in 18K rose gold, this Italian modernist design pairs a deep, inky black agate form with crisp diamond accents for a strik...
Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Rose Gold Ring with Cushion Cut Garnet and Diamonds. (Size 6.75)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
14K Rose Gold Ring with Cushion Cut Garnet and Diamonds.
Diamond, Garnet, Rose Gold
Le Vian Chocolate Diamond Wave Ring in 14k Rose Gold
By Le Vian
Located in beverly hills, CA
Le Vian's chocolate diamond wave ring is a mesmerizing piece that showcases waves of sparkle in 14K rose gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 14K Rose & White Gold Old-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring 0.30ctw
Located in Miami, FL
A refined vintage diamond cluster ring crafted in solid 14K rose and white gold, featuring approximately 0.30 carats of charming old-cut diamonds arranged in a soft floral halo.
Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold
$4,720Sale Price|20% Off
Lady's Rose Gold Bustier Diamond Ring
Located in Sausalito, CA
Lady's rose gold corset/bustier ring with black and white diamonds. 70 Black diamonds approximately 1.40cttw. 95 White diamonds approximately .82cttw.
Emerald with Diamond Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Emerald 0.82 carat with Diamond 0.45 carat Ring set in 18K Rose Gold Settings Width: 1.2 cm Length: 0.5 cm Ring Size: 58 Total Weight: 4.24 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 w...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,216Sale Price|20% 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
Tiffany Jazz Band Ring In 18k Rose Gold With Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
-Mint condition -Material: 18k rose gold -Full circle of bezel-set round brilliant diamonds -Carat total weight .57.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Rose Gold Pave Diamond with 1 Ruby Band Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Rose Gold Pave Diamond with 1 Ruby Band Ring This stunning Diamond Ruby Band Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Certified Fancy Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Cocktail Ring in 9K Rose Gold
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
*ALL OUR PRICES INCLUDE PREPAID TARRIFS & CUSTOMS DUTIES FOR USA CLIENTS.* This Cocktail Ring in 9K Rose Gold is bold, sculptural, and undeniably luxurious — this stunning pink ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Rose Gold
6.42 Carat Diamond Pave 18k Rose Gold Domed Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A chic and elegant cocktail ring featuring 6.42 carats of pave-set diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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
18 Karat Rose Gold Oval Sapphire Diamond Band Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K Rose gold band ring is from Riad Collection. This astonishing band ring is decorated by natural oval shape multi-coloured sapphires in total of 4.28 Carat and one natural white d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...
BULGARI Diva's Dream Ring, 18K Rose Gold, 1.10ct Diamonds, Circa 2015
By Bulgari
Located in PARIS, FR
Stunning BVLGARI Diva's Dream ring in 18K rose gold and diamonds, featuring an elegant alternation of triangular mother-of-pearl motifs, delicately accented with brilliant-cut diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1960s Retro Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Openwork Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
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
Contemporary 14K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Ring, 0.90 Carats
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pink Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring This designer inspired ring has 40 Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.35 Carats (Clarity: SI2, Color: F) and 10 Round Cut Pink Sapphires t...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Bulgari B.zero1 Pavé Diamond Ring in Rose Gold
By Bulgari
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Bulgari B.zero1 pavé diamond ring set in 18k rose gold. The ring is set with exactly 144 round brilliant cut diamonds, all of which are spiral set within the ic...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1960s 18 Karat Rose Gold White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose and white golds, eagle head hallmark.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Lapislazuli, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Beautiful retrò ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with two lapus between white gold structures studded with diamonds.
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
DAVID YURMAN 18k Rose Gold VS Diamond Renaissance Ring 0.10CT Size 6.75
By David Yurman
Located in Miami, FL
The 18k Rose Gold Diamond Ring by David Yurman is a refined piece of jewelry that embodies sophistication and style.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Mark Broumand 1.40 Carat Rose Gold Round Cut Diamond Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning diamond ring features a beautiful woven design created in 14k rose gold and accented by 1.40ct of round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural Emerald Gemstone Solid 14k Rose Gold Jewelry White Diamond Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
Metalwork & Band: Crafted from a polished rose gold band, providing a warm metallic base that serves as a beautiful color contrast against the vivid green emeralds Style Category: L...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
3.25ct Morganite Diamond Ring 14k Rose Gold Estate Gemstone Engagement
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish morganite & diamond cocktail ring (circa 2000s) crafted in 14 karat rose gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Morganite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold Oval Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K Rose gold cocktail ring is from Riad Collection.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...
18 Karat Rose Gold Oval Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K Rose gold cocktail ring is from Riad Collection.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...
18 Karat Rose Gold Round Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Vitale 1913
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K Rose gold cocktail ring is from Riad Collection.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...
18k Rose Gold Ring with Opal Stone and Round Cut Diamonds
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Presenting a chic rose gold ring that seamlessly blends couture and fashion.
Diamond, Opal, Rose Gold
Beetle Bug Diamond Pave & Ruby 18K Rose Gold Animal Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This captivating piece is crafted in 18k rose gold, featuring a striking beetle design. The body is adorned with shimmering white diamonds, each with a carat weight of 0.04, creating...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$116,000Sale Price|20% Off
6.4 Carat Cushion Modified Brilliant Diamond Rose and White Gold Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elegant Rose and White Gold ring featuring a 6.4 carat cushion modified brilliant natural diamond as the center stone.
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, 18k 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
Victorian Black Onyx Rose Cut Diamond Panel ring 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Black Onyx and Diamond ring is 1890 ca Skillful hand crafted throughout of solid 18 Kt gold with some silver portion Fantastic wide panel design expressed on a hand ca...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Silver
18K Rose Gold Ring with 0.80 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
With plain shank & bezel halo with 0.80 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in 18K Rose Gold 2 stones baguette cut diamonds 0.10ct each 3 stones princess cut diamonds 0.19ct each Size: 5
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14k Rose Gold Blue Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring, 2.67 Ct
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 14k rose gold ring features a captivating 2.67-carat blue tourmaline, beautifully framed by a halo of sparkling round diamonds totaling 0.50 carats.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1940s Asymmetrical Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The asymmetrical setting of this magnificent tank ring is set on the top with an antique cushion-cut diamond on a geometrical decoration, a vertical line of rose-cut diamonds and a h...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
$2,320Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond ring wide 18KT rose gold Fine Canadian Diamonds VS clarity F color
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fine Diamond ring in 18KT rose gold, very modern diamond ring, diamonds totalling 0.50 carats VS clarity and F color, orginating from Canada.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Foliage Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold foliage ring, set with 0.12 carats of white diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Rose Gold, Diamond, Ruby, and Pearl Butterfly-Form Ring
Located in Queens, NY
18K Rose & White Gold Diamond Ruby Pearl Butterfly Ring, designed as a butterfly, featuring twenty one white gold pave and bezel set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing a total of ...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Vintage 9K Rose Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Size 5
Located in Montgomery, AL
A delicate vintage solitaire ring from the Victorian era, crafted in 9K rose gold and centered with a sparkling Old Mine cut diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Persian Turquoise Ring Rose Cut Diamond Halo Platinum Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
The Turquoise is surrounded by a halo of 30 sparkling Rose Cut Diamonds. The jewels are set in Platinum atop 14 Karat Gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Platinum
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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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.
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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.