Leon Mege Elegant Rosary Platinum Solitaire with Pave-Set Podium
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
The gem of the "Flamingo" collection is Leon Mege elegant "Rosary" solitaire centering a stunning round diamond and finished with a crisp pave on the Podium™ base. Surgical-grade pl...
Diamond, Platinum
14 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Flower Station Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamond: 40 round brilliant cut = 0.27cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1-2 Size: 6.75 complimentary sizing available Weight: 3.48 grams
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pave Diamond Wave Cigar Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 88 round brilliant cut = 2.20cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1-2 Size: 9 sizing available Weight: 12.50 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Harry Winston Tryst Single Row Pave Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum
By Harry Winston
Located in San Diego, CA
Harry Winston TRYST Single Row Pave Diamond Wedding Band Style: Band with Diamonds Ref. number: WBDPRD1RTST Metal: PLATINUM PT950 Size: 4 sizable Measurements: 3.3 MM at the wid...
Diamond, Platinum
0.60 CTW Pave Diamond Braid Eternity Band in 14K Gold SI+ Diamond
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in solid 14K gold, this beautifully detailed diamond band features approximately 98 natural diamonds set in a shimmering pavé design that delivers brilliance from every angle...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Pave White Diamond "Love You" Wide Band in 18K White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful white diamond round pave wide band that says "Love You". Handmade in 18k white gold.
White Diamond, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Pave Black Diamond Snake Band
Located in Santa Monica, CA
18K White Gold Pave Black Diamond Snake Band .30 cts. Black Diamonds .02 cts. Brown Diamonds
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Eternity Pavé Diamond Band in 18 Karat Gold, circa 1980
Located in Miami, FL
This modern ring features pavé round diamonds with an estimated weight of 0.70 carats, G color and VS clarity.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
EFFY Blue Sapphire Pave Set Mens Band 14k White Gold
By Effy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Designer: EFFY Metal: 14k White Gold Ring Weight: 7.7 grams Ring Size: 10 Ring Height: 6 mm Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: 35 blue sapphires Sapphir...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Piero Milano Natural Pave Diamond Wedding Band 18k Yellow Gold 0.44cttw
By PIERO MILANO
Located in New York, NY
This 18k yellow gold pave natural diamond ring features three-row sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Diana M. 18K White Gold 10.00 Carat Pave Diamond Cigar Band
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt white gold natural round diamond cigar band weighing 10.00 cts tw, E-F color, VS Clarity Diana M. is a leading supplier of top-quality fine jewelry for over 35 years. Diana M is...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Suzy Levian 18 Karat Two-Tone White and Rose Gold Round Diamond Engagement Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Jewelry Type: Fine Diamond Properties: Natural Diamond Band Width: 2-3 mm, 1-2 mm Stone: Diamond Clarity: SI1-SI2 Diamond Color: White Gold Karat: 18k Total Diamond Weight: 2.20 Cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 1895 Pavé Diamond Full Eternity Wedding Band in 18K White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Meticulously crafted in 18K white gold, the ring features a continuous circle of 37 natural round brilliant-cut diamonds with a total weight of approximately 0.36 carats.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black and White Diamond Pave' Wide Eternity Band 2.30 Carats
Located in Wailea, HI
Our striking Black and White Diamond Pavé Wide Eternity Band, a true masterpiece of elegance and sophistication. Crafted with precision and artistry, this exquisite band features a ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Pave Diamond Cigar Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K yellow & white gold Diamond: 71 round brilliant cut = 3.30cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Ring size: 6 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Way Color Pave Band in 14K Yellow, White and Rose Gold
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
3 Way Color Pave Band in 14K Yellow, White and Rose Gold With full pave natural diamonds totaling 2.50ct 6.73GR
Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,899Sale Price|20% Off
2.5 Carat Tanzanite Pave 18-Karat Eternity Band In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
2.5 Carat Tanzanite Pave 18-Karat Eternity Band In Stock This stunning 2.5-carat Tanzanite Pave Eternity Band is crafted in luxurious 18-karat gold. Featuring a continuous row of br...
Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.50 CTW Black Diamond Pavé Eternity Band in 14K Gold, AAA Quality Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
FEATURES 14K GOLD BAND • Gold Kt: 14K Solid Gold • Band Width: 1.3mm band • Comes in Jewel Frost Packaging FEATURES 14K GOLD DIAMOND BAND • Gold Kt: 14K Solid Gold • Diamond Type: N...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Wide Pavé Diamond Eternity Band
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Houston, TX
Van Cleef & Arpels wide pavé diamond eternity band in 18K yellow gold. The band features 156 round brilliant-cut diamonds that total approximately 7 carats, F-G color and VVS2-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Five Row Pave Diamond 6 Carat Engagement Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ring is designed and created by us here at DeKara Designs.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gabriel 14K White Gold Micro Pave Set 1.50ctw Natural Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gabriel 14K White Gold Micro Pave Set 1.50ctw Natural Diamond Wedding Band with Milgrain This stunning Gabriel Diamond Wedding Band is in excellent condition and is ready to ship! ...
Diamond, White Gold
14k White Gold Pave Diamond Concave Cigar Band with Cascading Bezel Set Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Diamonds: 1 round brilliant cut = 0.33ct Color: H Clarity: VS2 Diamonds: 224 round cut = 4.95cttw Color: H Clarity: SI1 Size: 6.25 Dimension...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural various fall colored diamonds French Cut micro-pave band, 1.35cts
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
This unique diamond band features an assortment of 27 Fall colored micro-pave round diamonds, 2.25 mm each and 1.35 carats total weight set in French cut style 18K yellow gold band.
Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Micro-Pave Pink Diamond .60 Carat Eternity Wedding Band in 14K Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Natural Pink Diamond eternity wedding band set in 14K Rose gold. Pave set brilliant round diamonds are Natural Fancy Light - Fancy Pink VS1-SI1.
Pink Diamond, Rose Gold
Rachel Koen Pave Diamond Ladies Wedding Band 18K White Gold 0.38cttw
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a classic and simple design wedding band. This sparkling 18K white gold ring is highlighted with dazzling 0.38 carat white round diamonds. Diamond color G and VS clarity. ...
Diamond, White Gold
Halo Solitaire Natural Diamond Twisted Pavé Band in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 1.10 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 0.24 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH ★ TH...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Geometric Twist Diamond Pave Band 0.20 Carats in 14K Yellow Gold
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The details for this openwork diamond band are listed below: Metal Quality: 14 karat (stamped) Ring Size: 6 US Band Width: 4.3 mm across the top and tapers to 2.2 mm at the base of ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hand Engraved Platinum 4.86 Carat Five Row Diamond Pave Anniversary Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The band is pave entirely pave set all the way around with 145 F-G VS1 (4.86ct) quality diamonds, and is hand engraved on the sides of the band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Inspired Round Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A round cluster ring pavé set with an old cut diamond in the center weighing approximately 0.80ct, surrounded but 13 eight cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.25ct in open back set...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold London Blue Topaz and Diagonal Pave Diamond Oval Signet Style R
Located in Antwerp, BE
Completed by a minimalist 14K white gold band that tapers slightly as it meets the statement shield plate, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit. 14KT White Gold London Blue Topaz and ...
Blue Topaz, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Rachel Koen Diamond Pave Ladies Wedding Band 18K White Gold 1.40cttw
Located in New York, NY
While the design of wedding rings is becoming more modern in many cases, the tradition and symbolism of the ring is as strong today as it’s ever been. Presenting a classic and elegan...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Leon Megé Soulmates solitaire with compass-style prongs and pave-set podium
By Leon Mege
Located in New York, NY
An important part of the "Flamingo" bridal line is the "Soulmates" cathedral solitaire that puts nothing between the eye of the jealous admirer and the diamond it showcases. Leon Meg...
Diamond, Platinum
5.78 Carat Three Row Pavé Diamond Wedding Band 18 Karat In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White Gold 5.78ctw Three Row Pavé Diamond Wedding Band Style: Women's Three Row Diamond Wedding Band Material: 18k White Gold Main Diamond Details: Approximately 5.78ctw of Pavé...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Diamond Pave Encrusted Band. Women or Men Diamond Dome Bombe Cluster band
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Size: 6 1/2 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Yellow Beautiful Diamond Pave Band. Dome shank. Beautiful collage of diamonds 2mm to 9mm...
Diamond
J. Birnbach 1.00 Carat Total 18K White Gold Diamond Pave Wedding Band
Located in New York, NY
Key Details - 1.00 total carat weight of round brilliant diamonds - 18K white gold - Triple-row pavé setting - Italian-made - Ring size 7.5 Purchase includes ring box and complimen...
Diamond, White Gold
14KT Yellow Gold London Blue Topaz and Diagonal Pave Diamond Oval Signet Style R
Located in Antwerp, BE
Completed by a minimalist 14K yellow gold band that tapers slightly as it meets the statement shield plate, ensuring a comfortable, secure fit. 14KT Yellow Gold London Blue Topaz an...
Blue Topaz, Topaz, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
David Yurman Ladies Eden Partway 18K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Wedding Band
By David Yurman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lady's DAVID YURMAN made polished 18K yellow gold, diamond contemporary-style wedding band with a half-round shank. Engraved with "750". The "David Yurman" trademark (or hallmark) ca...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
David Yurman Ladies Eden Eternity 18K Rose Gold Pave Diamond Wedding Band
By David Yurman
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lady's DAVID YURMAN made polished 18K Rose gold, diamond contemporary-style wedding band with a half-round shank. Engraved with "750". The "David Yurman" trademark (or hallmark) can ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Micro Pave Black Diamond .50 Carat Eternity Wedding Band in Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Black Diamond eternity wedding band set in 14K Rose gold. Pave set brilliant round diamonds are natural black.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Rachel Koen Pave Diamond Ladies Wedding Band 18K White Gold 2.00cttw
Located in New York, NY
A symbol of eternal love, the humble wedding ring has been about for years, older than any of us and still as important as ever. While the design of weddings rings is becoming more m...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Micro-Pave Pink Diamond 1.50 Carat Eternity Wedding Band in 18K Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Natural Pink Diamond eternity wedding band set in 18K Rose gold. Pave set brilliant round diamonds are Natural Fancy Pink VS1-SI1.
Pink Diamond, Rose Gold
Halo Solitaire Diamond Pave Band in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)- Ready to Ship
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 1.00 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 0.43 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH ★ TH...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
4.50 Carat Black Diamond Micro Pave Eternity Band in 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Eternity Band set in 14K Rose Gold. Pave set brilliant round diamonds are natural black.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
2.92 Carat F-G VS Diamond Multi-Row Domed Pavé Band in 18K White Gold
Located in Zurich, CH
Masterfully cast in 5.54 grams of solid 18K white gold, the ring is meticulously set with an impressive 2.92 carats of top-tier round brilliant-cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,680Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Geometric Chevron Pavé Diamond Wedding Band in 14K/18K Gold or Platinum
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Details of this particular ring DEF VS Clarity Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: Total 0.082ct 18K White Gold Gold Weight: 4.50g Total Weight: 4.516g Stamped: Au750 d0.082ct Ring Size...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
$2,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Sculptural Lattice Pavé Diamond Wedding Band in 14K/18K Gold or Platinum
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Details of this particular ring DEF VS Clarity Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: Total 0.232ct 18K White Gold Gold Weight: 4.17g Total Weight: 4.216g Stamped: Au750 d0.232ct Ring Size...
White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18...
1.10 Carat Micro-Pave Fall Colors Diamond Eternity Wedding Band In Rose Gold
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Diamond eternity wedding band set in 14K Rose gold. Pave set Brilliant Round Diamonds are Natural Pinkish-Brown/Orangish-Brown VS1-SI1.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$28,700Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 8.35ct Diamond Eternity Band with Pave 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning natural round diamond eternity band with pave baskets, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 15 round brilliant diamonds, 7.57 carats. Approximately H/I color and VS clarity. Complime...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,180Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Triple Row Pavé Diamond Curved Contour Wedding Band in 14K/18K WG
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Details of this particular ring DEF VS Clarity Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: Total 0.459ct 18K White Gold Gold Weight: 4.26g Total Weight: 4.352g Stamped: 750 d0.459ct Ring Size: 7...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold,...
Wide Pave' Eternity Band with Diamonds, Sapphires and Rubies in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Wailea, HI
Indulge in opulent elegance with our Wide Pave' Eternity Band, a radiant symphony of diamonds, sapphires, and rubies set in lustrous 18k yellow gold. Embracing the finger with a luxu...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
3 Carat Pave Set Diamond 3 Band in 14 Karat White , Yellow & Pink Gold , Size 7
Located in New York, NY
3 Carat Pave Set Diamond 3 Band in 14 Karat White , Yellow & Pink Gold , Size 7 Wide Band Tri-Color Diamond Pave Ring Diamond Eye clean , very fine quality Pave set diamonds There...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Anello a fascia con tre cuori con pavè di diamanti: ct 1.64, smalto e oro 18 Kt
Located in Rome, IT
Anello è un modello a fascia a gradazione, questo consente una migliore indossabilità. L'anello ha tre sezioni con smalto nero con al centro dei cuori con un di pavè di diamanti. Le ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Serpentine Ring in Sterling Silver 925 with Tanzanite & Sapphire by SAKRA
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials: Sterling Silver 925 with polished finish, heat-treated round-cut tanzanite center stone (0.65 ct) in bezel setting, round-cut yellow sapphire in flush setting, and five ro...
Sapphire, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
18K Yellow Gold Dome Ring with Paved Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
The rounded jonc silhouette gives the ring a smooth, substantial presence, while the pavé surface creates a lively interplay of sparkle and color.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sequence Ring in Sterling Silver 925 with Green Amethyst & Citrine by SAKRA
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials: Sterling Silver 925 with polished finish, heat-treated round-cut prasiolite (green amethyst) in bezel setting, claw-set citrine (may be heat-treated), and five round-cut p...
Amethyst, Citrine, Sterling Silver
Adjacent Ring in Sterling Silver 925 with Amethyst and Tourmaline by SAKRA
Located in Geneve, CH
Materials: Sterling Silver 925 with polished finish, untreated round-cut green amethyst (prasiolite), untreated pear-cut tourmaline in bezel setting, and five heat-treated round-cut ...
Amethyst, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver
Marvelous 18k Yellow Gold Ring with 2.6 carat Natural Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
AIG Certified 0.77 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond and Round Brilliant Side Stones Pave Ring in 18K Yellow Gold This fabulous pave ring features a dazzling 0.61 carat round brilli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.