10K Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring 1 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring 1 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring 1 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring 1 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring 1 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring 1 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold over .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring 1 Cttw
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
Blue Sapphire and Light Brown Diamond Victorian Cluster Ring in 18k/925 Gold
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our captivating Victorian Cluster Ring, a true masterpiece that combines the deep allure of blue sapphires and the unique charm of light brown diamonds.
Brown Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
Vintage Art Deco Granat Bros. 14K Gold Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Art Deco Granat Bros. 14K Gold Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring. This gorgeous Art Deco Granat Bros old cut diamond cluster engagement ring is crafted in 14k...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning 1.58ct Round Brilliant Diamond Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This stunning 1.58 carat round brilliant diamond ring is crafted from 14k White Gold and boasts unparalleled sparkle. The center stone is graded D-E color and SI2-SI3 clarity, with a...
Diamond, White Gold
$4,664Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K Rose Gold Statement Diamond Cluster Wide Band Ring For Women Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Statement Diamond Cluster Wide Band Ring in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 1.4 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cluster Cocktail Dome Band 14k Rd 1.80ctw Stripes Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.10ctw Cut: Rou...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Art Deco Style Floral Cluster Ring & Earring Lover White Gold Set
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Made of dazzling round cut diamond and French cut ruby set on 14k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
5.60 Carats Total Diamond Domed Cluster Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6 This exquisite diamond cluster dome ring is a dazzling celebration of intricate design and luxurious craftsmanship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.50 Carat Natural Diamond Cluster Flower Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.50 Carat 100% Natural Diamonds Cluster Flower Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.50CT G-H SI 14K White Gold prong...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Turquoise and Rose Cut Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Locket Back Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beauty has an incredibly decorative 9ct gold shank and a locket back on the underside of the cluster. Sat on top of the swirling detail is a cluster of five bright turquoise and...
Turquoise, Diamond, Gold
10K Yellow Gold Plated .925 Sterling Silver 1.0 Cttw Diamond Bypass Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Created in yellow plated sterling silver, this beautiful ring boasts a unique bypass cluster design. With a total diamond weight of 1 carat, this piece is embellished with 9 round cu...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, 10k Gold
Edwardian 2.80 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.00 carat Transparent dark blue in color and set in a platinum milgrain bezel Featuring a double halo surround of old Europea...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Red Pink Ruby & Diamond Art Deco Style Floral Cluster 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This Art Deco style Ruby and Diamond Ring is absolutely divine. It’s fashioned from 14k white gold and centered with about 0.2 carat round ruby, set in a lovely openwork surround agl...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Wide Textured Mesh Band Ring with Diamond Cluster Center in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5.25 Absolutely gorgeous diamond clustered ring with intricate 18 karat yellow gold mesh design.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
MAZ 14k Yellow Gold 0.27ctw Star Pave Set Diamond Cluster Textured Band Ring
By Maz
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Star Pave Set - F/G Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.27 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold W...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond & Red Pink Ruby Art Deco Inspired Style Floral Cluster White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A lovely floral ring for anyone who loves antique-inspired jewelry. Made of dazzling round cut diamond and French cut ruby set on white gold. Total of five center diamonds form a flo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.35 Carat Natural Diamond Cluster Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.35 Carat Natural Diamond Engagement Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 0.35CT G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style 2.3 gra...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cluster Natural Diamond Open Cuff Two Finger Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
This striking trio of gold rings features diamond clusters set in 14k solid gold with a textured finish.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum 1940 s Ring Set with 1.34 ct Round Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Platinum 1940 s Ring Set with 1.34ct Diamonds Diamonds: 27 Round cut diamonds. Centre diamond 0.3 ct Surrounded by 1.04 ct Together 1.34ct Diamonds Material: Solid Platinum 0.950 ...
Diamond, Platinum
White Gold Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .33ctw Engagement
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .24ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: K C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
10ct Gold 1970s Diamond Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Sapphire and Topaz Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Dearest Ring 10ct Gold Circa 1970s Makers Mar S A This 10ct yellow gold vintage dearest acrostic ring is a true beauty. It features a daisy-style design with a centre D...
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, Gold, 10k Gold
Art Nouveau Style Emerald and Black Diamond Cluster Ring by NOOI JEWELRY
Located in Dueville, IT
Timeless Elegance in Every Detail This exquisite ring blends vintage charm with fine craftsmanship Featuring a natural round emerald at its heart and framed by rich black diamonds in...
Emerald, 18k Gold
14 Kart White Gold Diamond Cluster Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k white gold Diamond: 56 round brilliant cut = 0.85cttw Color: H Clarity: I2 Ring size: 6.25 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing reques...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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. The ring is made of 45 round VS2, G color diamonds which make up the look of a large center stone surrounded...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Natural White Yellow Diamond 18K White Gold Cluster Flower Ring 1.55cts IGI Cert
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K White and Gold Natural White and Yellow Diamond Flower Ring This gorgeous diamond ring is set in an 18K yellow and white gold mounting. Stamped 18K 750 Size 7 Set with one c...
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
.15 Cttw Natural Diamond Heart Shaped Cluster Ring Size 7 in 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This Luxle 18K White Gold band ring has a heart-shaped structure in the middle which is made up of round full-cut white diamonds in a micro pave setting. The diamonds are I1 in clari...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Two Tone 1/2 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring Size 8.25
Located in Webster, SD
This beautiful 14K two tone ring is the creation of the Fantasy Diamond Corporation. It features 1/2 carats in natural round diamonds set within their patented "endless diamond touch...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring - 14k Rnd .30ctw Bow Etched Milgrain Fancy Brown
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .30ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Diamond Ring Classic Round Shape 18k White Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Yellow Diamond Round Ring. Cluster Design overall very Nice Classy and Elegant Real 18k White & Yellow Gold approx weight 5.1 grams.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heart Shaped Cluster Diamond Wide Ridged Band Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 5 Celebrate love and elegance with this exquisite diamond heart-shaped ring, a timeless piece that radiates charm and sophistication. The heart-shaped centerpiece is ador...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
5 Carat Cluster Fancy Colored Diamond Dome Cigar Band Ring 14k White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This distinctive 14 karat white gold dome cigar ring features a harmonious multitude of bezel set round white diamonds, richly colored round brilliant fancy yellow and brown diamonds...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cluster Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
At the heart of this stunning piece blooms a deep blue sapphire, surrounded by delicate diamond and Sapphire petals in a graceful floral design. Inspired by vintage charm, the intri...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Multi Color Natural Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Open Shank Dome Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
This ring features a cluster of round brilliant cut white and brown diamonds, complemented by yellow sapphires.
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
1.50 Carat Natural Diamond Cluster Flower Ring G SI 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.50 Carat 100% Natural Diamonds Cluster Flower Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in any way Round Cut Diamond Ring 1.50CT G-H SI 14K White Gold prong...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Gold Antique Art Deco .25ct Old Cut Diamond Cluster Plaque Ring R / 8.5
Located in SYDNEY, AU
A breathtaking 18ct gold Art Deco ring with six old cut natural diamonds, bead set side by side in a north to south rectangle shape. Item Details: – Stones: 6 x natural old cut dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,278Sale Price|25% Off
0.96ctt Light Pink Round Diamond Ring 18k Yellow & Rose Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern pink diamond cocktail ring. 0.96 carats total diamond weight. 0.34 carats round Light Pink color and SI2 clarity diamond. Complimented by 28 round Fancy Greyish Yello...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Ro...
Sterling Silver 1/4 Ct White and Black Treated Diamond Halo Cluster Ring for Men
Located in New York, NY
This distinguished cluster ring makes a bold fashion statement, rich with contrasting black and white diamond cluster accents.
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
Sterling Silver 1/4 Ct White and Black Treated Diamond Halo Cluster Ring for Men
Located in New York, NY
This distinguished cluster ring makes a bold fashion statement, rich with contrasting black and white diamond cluster accents.
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
White Gold Diamond Halo Bypass Ring 14k Round .28ctw Flower
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .28ctw Cut: Round Brialliant (center)...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.36ct Vivid Yellow Round Cut Natural Sapphire & Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Natural Vivid Yellow Round Cut Sapphire And Diamond Platinum Halo Ring. 1.36 Carat total. This beautiful ring features a natural 1.22ct sapphire with a stunning vivid yellow colour....
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
.925 Sterling Silver 1.0 Cttw Round & Baguette-Cut Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous navette shaped elongated cocktail ring is crafted in 92.5% sterling silver. One carat total weight of natural, earth mined near colorless I-J color, I2-I3 clarity diamo...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
.925 Sterling Silver 1.0 Cttw Round & Baguette-Cut Diamond Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous navette shaped elongated cocktail ring is crafted in 92.5% sterling silver. One carat total weight of natural, earth mined near colorless I-J color, I2-I3 clarity diamo...
White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
1920s Emerald Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, mascaron hallmark and in 18 karat yellow gold. Elegant antique ring it presents a mounting of round shape decorated in the center in closed setting of yellow gold o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.72 Carats Total Diamond Cluster Concave Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5 This glittering diamond ring is an absolute show stopper. Bright, icy white round diamonds shimmer and shine brilliantly throughout the entire piece, while the polished...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Green Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Green Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring This typical parakeet vivid green emerald cut emerald and round diamond cluster ring is marvelously captivating.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond 0.36 Carats 18KT White Gold Trio Cluster Anniversary Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
This exclusive 18 KT baguette and round diamond 3 cluster designer ring is the ultimate accessory for cocktail parties and special occasions, guaranteed to make a statement and turn ...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Men's 14K Yellow Gold over Silver 1 1/2 Ct Treated Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in luxury with our stunning Men's Black and White Diamond Band Ring. This remarkable piece is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold Plated .925 Sterling Silver, creating an intricate ...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow...
14 Karat White Gold Vintage Single Cut Cluster Diamond Ring '2/3 ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Vintage Pre-Owned ring features a cluster of thirty-two (32) Single cut diamond prong set swirling around in approximate weight of 0.32 Carat round brilliant diamond.
Diamond, White Gold
Black and White Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold with Starlit Night Theme
Located in Miami, FL
Shop this stunning black and white natural diamond cluster ring. Pave' set diamonds in a playful, yet classy geometric star pattern.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Cluster & Red Pink Ruby Art Deco Style Flower Floral 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Artistry and sophistication come together in a flower ring with rubies and diamonds from the Art Deco inspiration. The ring features a round shape center diamond on it surrounded by ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Men's 14K Yellow Gold over Silver 1 1/2 Ct Treated Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in luxury with our stunning Men's Black and White Diamond Band Ring. This remarkable piece is crafted from 14K Yellow Gold Plated .925 Sterling Silver, creating an intricate ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
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.