Vintage Platinum Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1970s, Europe
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage platinum cluster ring featuring a large round natural pearl set within a radiating surround of natural diamonds.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Antique 1.07 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Dutch 1.07 carat diamond cluster ring in 14 karat yellow gold; part of our internationally made jewelry and estate jewelry collections This s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alphabet Initial-N-Letter Personal Diamond 0.11 Carat 9Kt Yellow Gold Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A must-have in today’s personalisation jewellery trend, this refined piece forms part of the Illustrious Alphabet Collection by Hasbani Diamonds London. Each initial is expertly craf...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
1.69 Carat Diamond and Rose Gold Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1.69 carat diamond and contemporary 18k rose gold cluster ring; part of our diverse diamond estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Moonlight Cluster Diamond Ring: 0.66 Carat Diamonds in 14k White Gold
By ZIORO
Located in Paramus, NJ
Diamonds: Adorning the ring are 30 meticulously chosen diamonds, selected for their brilliance and quality.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1950s 14k Yellow and White Gold Diamond Cluster RIng
Located in Lexington, KY
- 14k yellow and white gold - .33 ct round cut G/H color VS2 clarity diamond - Size 5 - 1950s This is a gorgeous diamond cluster ring from the 1950s made in 14k yellow and white...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Light Brown Diamond Cluster Ring 0.77 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Light Brown Diamond: 0.77 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing available upon...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,542Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Floral Cluster Ring with Sapphire & Diamonds
Located in Portland, England
Fully hallmarked for 18ct gold, this ring is a timeless classic. Details: • Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold (hallmarked), size: P (UK), 7.5 (US) • Weight: approx. 5.13 grams • Center Stone:...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial-Q-Letter Ring 18 Kt White Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial -Q- Letter Ring 18 Karat White Gold A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke...
Diamond, White Gold
Boucheron Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, French, circa 1970
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set centrally with seven round old cut natural unenhanced Burmese rubies in open back claw settings with an approximate weight of 2.50 carats...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial, E, Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial - E - Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke and ...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Tanzanite Cluster Ring With Diamonds 3.01 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Gemstones: Tanzanite, Diamond Tanzanite: 2.92 Carats Diamond: 0.09 Carats Total Carat Weight: 3.01 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Natural Diamond ring .80ct 14kt Gold Raised Cathedral Cluster*
Located in New York, NY
.80ct Natural round Cut Diamond Ring vs-2 clarity G color. 14kt white gold 5.5 Grams Depth: 9.8mm Ring is 11mm wide Current ring size: 8.25 May professionally resize, please i...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18 Carat Gold Old Cut Diamond Round Cluster Dome Ring, Circa 1940's
Located in London, GB
This handmade vintage domed ring is set with a 0.29ct old cut diamond in the center beautifully surrounded by 8 diamonds weighing approximately 0.78ct all pavé in a 18 carat white go...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Light Brown Diamond Cluster Ring 0.77 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Light Brown Diamond: 0.77 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 US Custom sizing available upon...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Diamonds Ring Sterling Silver 925 and Black Diamonds Square Cluster Design
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Sterling Silver 925 Ring with Natural Black Diamonds Cluster Design and Groove texture Black Diamonds approx 0.43 carat Weight 5.40 grams Finger Size 6 Design area is approx 14 x 1...
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
Men's Diamond Cluster Pinky Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Mens diamond pinky ring in 14k yellow gold with a high polish finish. The diamond is flush set and weighs approximately 0.15 carats. The diamond is G-H in color and SI1 in clarity. T...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire And Diamond Cluster Ring Size 7. 1.00 total diamond weight 0.18 total sapphire weight 9.25 grams total ring weight *This ring can be resized at your lo...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.00 Carat Late Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
In the centre of this impressive ring is a beautiful 3.00 carat round brilliant diamond. It has been estimated as I-J in colour and VS1 in clarity. It is grain set and surrounding ar...
Diamond, Platinum
10K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Floral Cluster Ring, 0.5ct
Located in Sewickley, PA
Crafted in 10k white gold the ring features a round floral style cluster at the center.
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
Natural Tanzanite Cluster Ring With Diamonds 3.01 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Gemstones: Tanzanite, Diamond Tanzanite: 2.92 Carats Diamond: 0.09 Carats Total Carat Weight: 3.01 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1.09 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.09 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 0.38 Carat Ruby and 2.46 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive ruby is encircled by six individually claw set modern brilliant round cut diamonds. The tapering, elevated pierced decorated shoulders of this ruby flower cluster ri...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Alphabet Initial-J-Letter Personal Diamond 0.10 Carat 9Kt Yellow Gold Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A must-have in today’s personalisation jewellery trend, this refined piece is part of the Illustrious Alphabet Collection by Hasbani Diamonds London. Expertly crafted in gold and set...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Modern Fancy 9.39cts Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This Sparkling fashionable Estate black & white Diamond long cluster cocktail ring crafted in 18K rose gold.
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring –2.06 Carat IGI Certified
Located in Antwerp, BE
This exquisite 14KT Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring showcases timeless beauty with a double halo design, meticulously set with 29 natural brilliant-cut diamonds totaling 2.06 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial S Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke and skillfully hand-crafted jewellery is gaining momentum. Strengthen that pers...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Floral Halo Twist Design
Located in London, GB
Beautiful diamond cluster ring crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, featuring a classic floral halo design. At its centre, a brilliant-cut diamond is surrounded by a halo of smaller st...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Contemporary 0.86 CTW Diamond Opal Platinum Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped opal cabochon measuring 9.0 x 12.0 mm Black in body color with strong violet and blue play-of-color Prong set with a halo surround of round brilliant cut di...
Blue Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$648Sale Price / item|20% Off
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial, L, Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke and skillfully hand-crafted jewellery is gaining momentum. Strengthen that pers...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$648Sale Price / item|20% Off
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial, C, Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke and skillfully hand-crafted jewellery is gaining momentum. Strengthen that pers...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$648Sale Price / item|20% Off
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial, M, Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke and skillfully hand-crafted jewellery is gaining momentum. Strengthen that pers...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Brilliant 0.35ct Natural Diamond Cluster Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This dazzling diamond cluster ring is crafted in luxurious 18K white gold, featuring 49 natural round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.35 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,987Sale Price|29% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14k yellow gold emerald and diamond ring, containing 1 round emerald weighing .60pts. and 15 round full cut and 9 baguette diamonds weighing of very fine quality weighing 1.00pts....
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
14k Diamond Cluster ring. Graduated 1ctw diamonds in 2 rows prong set band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1990s Size: 5 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Mid-century Beautiful 14k TWO row Diamond Cluster ring / wedding b...
Diamond
1.25ctw Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: emerald, 1 stone european cut 7 x 5.75 mm approximately 1 total carat diamond round brilliant cut 1.25 - 1.75 mm approximately .25 total carats GH color/ SI1-I1 clarity Ring...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1890s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian era, this stunning cluster ring features a beautiful blue sapphire at the centre enveloped by a halo old cut diamonds. The cushion cut sapphire weighs 0....
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alphabet Initial, H, Letter Personal Diamond 0.12 Carat 9Kt White Gold Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A must-have expression of the contemporary personalization trend, this Illustrious Alphabet Initial Ring by Hasbani Diamonds London is crafted in 9-karat white gold and set with natu...
Diamond, White Gold, 9k Gold
Alphabet Initial, G, Letter Personal Diamond 0.10 Carat 9Kt Yellow Gold Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A must-have expression of the contemporary personalization trend, this Illustrious Alphabet Initial Ring by Hasbani Diamonds London is crafted in 9-karat yellow gold and set with nat...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold
Alphabet Initial, F, Letter Personal Diamond 0.10 Carat 9Kt Rose Gold Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A must-have expression of the contemporary personalization trend, this Illustrious Alphabet Initial Ring by Hasbani Diamonds London is crafted in 9-karat rose gold and set with natur...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 9k Gold
Alphabet Initial, I, Letter Personal Diamond 0.10 Carat 9Kt White Gold Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A must-have expression of the contemporary personalization trend, this Illustrious Alphabet Initial Ring by Hasbani Diamonds London is crafted in 9-karat white gold and set with natu...
Diamond, White Gold, 9k Gold
Alphabet Initial, C, Letter Personal Diamond 0.11 Carat 9Kt White Gold Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A must-have expression of the contemporary personalization trend, this Illustrious Alphabet Initial Ring by Hasbani Diamonds London is crafted in 9-karat white gold and set with natu...
Diamond, White Gold, 9k Gold
Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Cluster Cocktail 2.31 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This spectacular ring is finely crafted in solid 14K White Gold. The ring is studded with round brilliant cut diamonds and tappered diamonds. The diamonds range from VS2 to I1 clari...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.50ct Opal and 0.75ct Natural Diamonds Cluster Ring in Platinum
Located in London, GB
1.50ct Opal and 0.75ct Natural Diamonds Cluster Ring, Set Platinum This gorgeous Opal and Diamond ring is a classic piece of jewellery. The centre stone is a 1.5ct Opal surrounded by...
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Vintage 0.41ct Diamond Cluster Ring in 14k Gold, Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage European 0.41 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set cluster ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collections.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Cluster Ring Set In 18ct Yellow & White Gold, 0.85ct
Located in London, GB
This stunning ring features a cluster of brilliant-cut diamonds set in 18ct yellow & white gold. The design highlights the brilliance of the diamonds. A timeless piece, perfect f...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
6.72ct Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring in Silver, Contemporary Design
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
The 6.72 Carat Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring epitomizes luxury and refined craftsmanship, combining the timeless allure of diamonds with the vibrant beauty of rubies. This ring featu...
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
White Gold Cluster Ring set with 27 White Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
White gold ring set with 27 white diamonds with a total of approx. 1.6 carats. Color G Clarity VS1 - SI Cut very good. Brilliant shining is natural and not digitally inserted. We ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
.50ct Natural Ruby Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring 14kt Gold 67121*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
.50ct natural rubies ring .03ct natural diamonds 14kt yellow gold 3.8 grams size 7.75 13 x 12 deck 8mm depth
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Sapphire and 2.76 Carat Diamond Rose Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.45 carat blue sapphire and 2.76 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold and platinum set cluster ring; part our antique jewelry and estate jewelry...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$632Sale Price|20% Off
18kt Gold Flower Single Cluster Natural Diamonds Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Metal: 18kt White Gold Gemstone: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliant Total Carat Weight: 0.26ct Number of Gemstones: 7 Setting Style: Pressure/Cluster Average Color: F-G Average...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial-W-Letter Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial -W- Letter Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke ...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial -Z- Letter Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial -Z- Letter Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke ...
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
$472Sale Price|20% Off
18kt Gold Flower Single Cluster Natural Diamonds Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Metal: 18kt White Gold Gemstone: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Brilliant Total Carat Weight: 0.16ct Number of Gemstones: 7 Setting Style: Pressure/Cluster Average Color: F-G Average...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Tanzanite Cluster Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Miami, FL
A vibrant vintage 14K white gold cluster ring showcasing natural tanzanites that test in the tanzanite/aquamarine range on the Presidium Gem Tester. The center oval tanzanite measure...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold
$648Sale Price / item|20% Off
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial B Letter Ring 18 Kt Yellow Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial -B- Letter Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespok...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial-P-Letter Ring 18 Kt White Gold
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Personal Jewellery Diamond 0.10 Carat Initial -P- Letter Ring 18 Karat White Gold A truly captivating trend happening in the jewellery and luxury fashion world. Personalised, bespoke...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k 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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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.