6.92 Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond East West Eternity Band Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Semi Bezel Set Oval Gemstones 11 Rubies weighing 6.50 Carats 1 Oval Diamond weighing 0.42 Carats Set in Platinum. Also available in Emeralds and Sapphires
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
18 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Rose Gold Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Eternity Band Ring This incredible pigeon blood red ruby and diamond ring is sensational.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,960Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band. Round Diamond French Ruby Wedding Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 US, Resizable Color: G-H Color Clarity: VS1-VS2 Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut, French Cut Style: Art Deco Width Of Band: 2.75mm...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,200 / item
Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Heart Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold. It is hand set in .40 carats Ruby & .32 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold 9.50 Carat Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 9.50 Carat Ruby and Diamond Solitaire Diamond Eternity Band Ring Love is an eternal feeling that fills our heart with joy and enchanting renditions.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
1.54 Carat Round Cut Ruby and Diamond Double-Row Eternity Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Details: Item Type: Eternity Band Ring Metal: Platinum Size: 7.75 Weight: 11.22 Grams Center Gemstone Details: Type: Ruby Carat: 1.54 Color: Pinkish Red Cut: Round Cut Side Ston...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$4,200 / item
Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Heart Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold. It is hand set in .80 carats Ruby & .59 carats of sparkling diamonds. Also available in yellow gold. The ring is a size 7...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
15.84 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby and Diamond Wide Eternity Band Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
17 Gorgeous Rubies weighing 8.94 Carats and 34 Round Diamonds weighing 6.90 Carats. Set in 18 Karat White Gold. Also available in Blue Sapphires and Pink Sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The stones are gorgeous in this band. The rubies are square cut and measure 5pts each and in-between these trios of pink stones are bright round cut diamonds measuring 4pts each. R...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Buccellati Diamond Sapphire Ruby 18K Gold Floral Eternity Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Buccellati Italian 18K Yellow and White Gold Floral Sapphire and Ruby Statement Ring This captivating vintage Buccellati ring embodies Italian elegance and craftsmanship, sh...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18ct Rose Gold Eternity Ring Set With Ruby, Pink Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A vibrant and feminine eternity ring crafted in luxurious 18ct rose gold, set with an exquisite combination of rubies, pink sapphires, and natural diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Tiffany & Co. Legacy Collection Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 4.25 Stunning Tiffany & Co. Legacy Collection ruby and diamond eternity band ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band. French Ruby Round Diamond Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Ruby Primary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.95 Carats Primary Stone Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.55 Carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire
1.80 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring 1.80 Carats of Natural Rubies and 0.996 Carats Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems. Early ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.97 Carat Natural Ruby and Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring 1.97 Carats of Natural Rubies and 0.992 Carats Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning the King of Gems. Early ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Yellow Gold
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. ruby and diamond half-eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity Alternating Anniversary Band with Diamonds and Rubies
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Eternity wedding band in Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Rubies - 10 stones totalin :2.40CT White Radiant Cut Diamonds F/G color VS clarity 10 stones totaling 3.20CT Pave of baske...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Hasbani Diamonds 6 Carat Bespoke Heart GIA Diamond Platinum Full Eternity Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Hasbani Bespoke Heart 6.17 GIA Carat Diamond Platinum Full Eternity Ring This bespoke diamond full eternity ring is the ultimate stunning symbol of everlasting love and exceptional c...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire...
18 Karat White Gold 6.85 Carat Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 6.85 Carat Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring This sensational ruby and diamond band is exquisite.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 6.40 Carat Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold 6.40 Carat Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring This glorious fiery red ruby and diamond band is phenomenal.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Sugarloaf and Diamond Baguette Stackable Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
The Rubies in the ring are all natural and good quality diamond baguettes.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
10k White Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Womens Eternity Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
A stunning 10K White Gold Five Stone, Half Eternity Ring handset with Natural Rubies & Diamonds The three oval cut rubies measure 4mm x 3mm (0.16"x0.12") and two brilliant round cut...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold
Marquise 1.16 Carat Rubies and Round Diamond Eternity Ring in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14k rose gold eternity band with 7 diamonds totaling 0.36 carats and 6 marquise-shaped rubies totaling 1.16 carats
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Art Deco Flip over Ruby Sapphire Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
CONDITION: Pre-Owned - Excellent 10/10 RING SIZE: US 6,25 - IT 13 - FR 53 STONES: Diamonds, VS - G color, ct 0,60; Rubies and Sapphires ct 1.00 WEIGHT: 5 grams * The jewel comes wit...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
9ct Yellow Gold Half-Eternity Ring – Diamonds, Ruby, Emeralds & Sapphires
Located in London, GB
A vibrant half-eternity ring crafted in 9ct yellow gold, set with a harmonious combination of natural diamonds, ruby, emeralds, and sapphires.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
5.96 Carats Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold. It is hand set with 5.96 carats ruby & .93 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to lar...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$8,300 / item
8.77 Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is hand set in 8.77 carats ruby and .45 carats of sparkling diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Authentic 14k Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring with Marquise Ruby and Diamond
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Set with a striking total of 4.09 carats of vivid marquise-cut ruby, the ring radiates playful sophistication. A halo of 0.79 carats of dazzling round-cut diamonds frames the sapphir...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.7 ct Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band 18K White Gold Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby half eternity band in 18K gold with diamonds symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
5.38 Carat Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in Victorian Style
Located in Jaipur, IN
5.38 Carat Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in Victorian Style This Victorian period art-deco style enchanting crimson ruby and diamond band is magnificent.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
Faye Kim 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Ruby Eternity Band Ring, Size 7.25
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Great for stacking, Faye Kim's classic eternity band features bezel-set diamonds and faceted rubies in 18k gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,760Sale Price|20% Off
Eternity Diamond and Ruby Band. Princess and Round Diamond Wedding Platinum 6mm
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6 US, Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Princess Cut, Round Brilliant Cut Style: Art Deco Width Of Band: 6.00mm This exquisite vintage estate-s...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$825Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Solid Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Half Eternity Wedding Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This ruby and diamond vintage-style half eternity wedding ring glows with creative royalty, designed in a graceful crown-inspired pattern.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eternity Ruby and Diamond Wedding Band. Marquise Cut Ruby Eternity Band Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Ruby Secondary Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Eternity Band Jewelry Style: Alternating Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 6 US, Resizable This elegant eternity band feature...
Platinum
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Eternity Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer thin band ring is all handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold and is microscopically decorated all around with gold beads and wires - granulation Byzantine ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, Wh...
Angara Natural Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The overall look of this ruby and diamond half eternity band is exceedingly enthralling and timeless.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Angara Natural Shared Prong Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14K Yellow Gold, this classic ruby half eternity band is a luxurious and timeless beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Natural Square Ruby and Princess Diamond Half Eternity Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The ravishing red rubies are combined with princess-cut diamonds in a half eternity.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Angara Natural Round Ruby and Diamond Eternity Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: The magical allure of rubies and diamonds come together to create this alluring half eternity ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Pear Cut Diamond and Ruby Eternity Ring in 14K Gold by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning eternity ring is crafted from 14-karat gold. It is hand set with .15 carats Ruby and .52 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Brilliant Cut Eternity Full Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Brilliant Cut Eternity Full Band Ring This elegant dark red ruby and diamond round full band is radiating.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Eternity Ring Natural Ruby Full Eternity Band Ring Stacking Everyday Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This gorgeous Ruby eternity ring is one of our best selling rings.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Eternity Ring Natural Ruby Full Eternity Band Ring Stacking Everyday Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
This gorgeous Ruby eternity ring is one of our best selling rings.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Square Ruby and Diamond Channel Half Eternity Band ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Timeless and vibrant, this half eternity band features alternating square cut rubies and brilliant diamonds, set in a sleek channel setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby 14 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and hand set with 4.65 carats ruby. Also available in multi color tourmaline, malachite, rainbow moonstone, peridot, labrad...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Garnet, Labradorite, Peridot, Ruby, Rainbow Moonsto...
18 Karat White Gold 3.39 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Eternity Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat White Gold 3.39 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Eternity Band Ring This sensational scarlet red ruby and diamond cluster band is timeless.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Eternity Seven Stone Ruby and Diamond Wedding Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Say 'I do' in style with this 14k white gold half eternity wedding ring. The round rubies and the round diamonds are alternately prong set for a mesmerizing look.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Spectacular Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Set with 4.0 carats of superb rubies and 2.0 carats of fine white diamonds (F color and VS clarity), this spectacular ring is all about amazing color and playfully unique visual dime...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Floating Ruby and Diamond Semi Eternity Wedding Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Diamond and Ruby Half Eternity Band 18k Solid White Gold Dainty Stackable Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Diamond and Ruby Half Eternity Band Ring in 18K Gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Beautiful 6.95 Carat Ruby & Diamond Eternity Band
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
-Rubies: 3.41 carat, Emerald-Cut, Natural Rubies -Diamonds: 3.54 carat, Emerald-Cut, G/H Color, VS1 Clarity -Metal: Platinum -Ring Size: 6 A sophisticated and radiant jewel, this...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$2,276Sale Price / item|20% Off
Brilliant Ruby and Halo Diamond Eternity Band Ring in 14k White Gold Jewelry
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring showcases a vibrant row of round-cut rubies totaling 1.18 carats, framed gracefully by two delicate pave diamond borders weighing 0.438 carats. Set in polished 14...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Rubies and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold half eternity band features five oval-cut rubies totaling 1.86 carats with incredible deep red color and great clarity each surrounded by a single halo of r...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,000Sale Price|20% Off
Alternating 2.38 Carat Ruby & Diamond Eternity Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in KOWLOON, HK
Prepare to be captivated by the exquisite Alternating Baguette Ruby and White Diamond Eternity Ring, masterfully crafted in solid 18K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Rose Gold 2.75 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Eternity Half-Band Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Rose Gold 2.75 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Eternity Half-Band Ring This lively carmine red ruby half cluster diamond band is charismatic.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Diamond and Ruby Band. Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Platinum Links
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 US, Not Resizable Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Calibre Cut Style: Art Deco This exquisite and rare Art Deco band showcases the timeless elegance...
Diamond, Ruby, 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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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.