CRIERI Classic Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.01 Cwt Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An eternity ring with Vivid red rubies designed by Crieri.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Art Deco Platinum Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby infinity Ring, c. 1920s–30.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
An Art Deco crossover ring crafted in platinum and designed in a sculptural figure-of-eight or eternity motif, the loop set with 14 old-cut diamonds plus additional 4 on the shoulder...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
3.18 carat Emerald Cut Ruby Diamond Eternity Wedding Band in 14K White Gold
Located in NEW YORK, NY
A beautiful and vibrant eternity wedding band style showcasing emerald cut rubies and emerald cut diamonds set alternating to each other in a shared prong 14K white gold mounting. 11...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.82 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Half-Eternity Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 1.82 Carats of Natural Sapphires and 0.996 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
9.87 Carat Sapphire and Oval Diamond East West Eternity Band Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful Ring features 9 Fine Oval Shaped Rubies weighing 9.16 Carats with 1 Oval Diamond weighing 0.71 Carat that can be worn Diamond side up or down. Set in Platinum. Each S...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Angara Natural Prong Set Round Ruby Eternity Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The prong set radiant rubies look magical yet stunning.July Birthstone Ring for Women: Ruby is the July birthstone and the traditional gemstone gift for the 15th & 40th wedding anniv...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
5.14 Carat Oval Emeralds and Diamond East West Eternity Band Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Semi Bezel Set Oval Gemstones 11 Emeralds weighing 4.73 Carats 1 Oval Diamond weighing 0.41 Carats Set in Platinum. Also available in Sapphires and Rubies.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
7.26 Carat Oval Sapphires and Diamond East West Eternity Band Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Semi Bezel Set Oval Gemstones 11 Sapphires weighing 6.86 Carats 1 Oval Diamond weighing 0.41 Carats Set in Platinum. Also available in Emeralds and Rubies.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Angara Natural Half Eternity Seven Stone Ruby Wedding Ring in 14K Solid 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...
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 1940s French Platinum Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bilateral Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning vintage gemstone ring has been crafted in platinum. The full eternity channel setting is ornamented with twelve rubies and twelve sapphires, all square faceted cut.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
4.54 Carat Oval Ruby Shield Diamond Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Whether chosen as an engagement ring, anniversary gift, or collector’s statement, it embodies: Enduring Love – A perfect engagement ring for those drawn to ruby’s fiery passion and...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
17.62 Carat Emerald Cut Sapphire and Diamond Wide Eternity Band Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
17 Gorgeous Sapphires weighing 10.60 Carats and 34 Round Diamonds weighing 7.02 Carats. Set in 18 Karat White Gold. Also available in Rubies and Pink Sapphire
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful ruby and diamond trilogy engagement ring set in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,096Sale Price / item|20% Off
Ruby Eternity 14K (or 18k upon request) White Gold Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Crafted in 14K white gold, this ring features a captivating combination of radiant rubies and sparkling diamonds arranged in an eternity-style design, symbolizing everlasting beauty ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
CRIERI Bold Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1 Ct. Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An eternity ring with Vivid red rubies designed by Crieri.
Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
CRIERI Bold Eternity Ring Band In 18Kt Rose Gold With 1.01 Cwt Vivid Red Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
An eternity ring with Vivid red rubies designed by Crieri.
Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
0.73 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring 0.73 Carats Natural Emeralds and 0.61 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
0.91 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring 0.91 Carats Natural Emeralds and 0.54 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Angara Natural Prong Set Eternity 1.33 ct Ruby Wedding Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: This elegant eternity ring is encrusted with radiating red rubies that are mounted in a shared prong setting.
Ruby, Gold
Antique Gold Silver Serpent Ring, 2.00ct Diamond Emerald Ruby
Located in Lisboa, PT
This Antique Serpent Diamond Emerald Ruby Gold and Silver Ring is a striking example of mid-20th-century symbolic jewelry, created circa 1960s.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Angara Natural Prong Set Square 1.28 ct Ruby Eternity Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: A stunning set of square cut rubies is adorned on this 14k yellow gold full eternity band.
Ruby, Gold
$1,112Sale Price / item|20% Off
Mozambique Baguette Ruby and Diamond Stackable Half Band Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
It has an approximate gross weight of 1.447 grams Pair it with thin 14K white gold bands or a delicate diamond eternity band to create a layered look. This ring are a perfect gift f...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Round 1.35 ct Ruby Semi Eternity Wedding Ring in 14K Solid 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...
Ruby, Gold
Natural 2.91cts Ruby & 0.32cts Diamond Band Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Real ruby diamond emerald cut eternity band ring gold Natural octagon cut ruby with diamond ring red ruby eternity band ring gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Ruby ✦ Gemstone Typ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Diamonds Garavelli Eternity Stackable Band Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
18 Karat White Diamonds Garavelli Eternity Stackable Band Ring - One is not enough !
White Diamond, 18k Gold
0.15 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Ring Made in 18K Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning half-eternity ring featuring a total 0.15 Carats Natural Emeralds and 0.19 Carats of Diamonds made in 18K Gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ring with Rubies and Emeralds
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
The ring is all handmade and has Brilliant Cut White Diamonds total weight of 0.40 Carat, and Princess cut Rubies and Emeralds total weight of 1.35 Carat.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pin...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Greek Key Design Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring features the Greek Key design symbolizing eternity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Greek Key Design Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring features the Greek Key design symbolizing eternity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,063Sale Price|20% Off
18 Karat White Diamonds Garavelli Eternity Stackable Band Ring
By Garavelli
Located in Valenza, IT
18 Karat White Diamonds Garavelli Eternity Stackable Band Ring - One is not enough !
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Triple Snake Ring with Ruby, Diamond, and Sapphire in 15ct Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A captivating antique ring dating to 1890–1900, designed as three intertwined snakes crafted in 15 karat gold, each adorned with a natural and untreated ruby, diamond, and sapphire s...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Classic Oval Cut Ruby and Round Cut White Diamond 14K White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning, timeless and classy eternity Unique Ring. Decorate yourself in luxury with this Gin & Grace Ring.
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds and Rubies Greek Design Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat White Gold Ring featuring the Greek Key design symbolizing eternity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Sapphires and Rubies Greek Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat White Gold Ring featuring the Greek Key design symbolizing eternity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Blue Diamond, Yel...
$3,509Sale Price / item|20% Off
Oval Ruby 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Fiery and full of passion, the Oval Ruby 14K Yellow Gold Eternity Band Ring radiates timeless allure and sophistication.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s Ruby and Diamond Buckle Ring in 18K Yellow Gold – Art Deco Style
Located in Miami, FL
A perfect piece for collectors of fine vintage jewelry, Art Deco rings, or anyone seeking a bold and elegant ruby and diamond ring with historical charm.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Ruby & Diamond Marquise and Dot Ring in 14K Solid Gold for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Intricate milgrain detailing adorns the elegant motifs infusing a touch of vintage charm. This stunning ruby and diamond half eternity band is crafted in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$5,749Sale Price / item|20% Off
Emerald Blue Sapphire Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Emerald Blue Sapphire Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Eternity Ring is a stunning piece that brings together a vibrant mix of emeralds, blue sapphires, and rubies, set in luxurious 14K y...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow...
Natural Marquise Shape White Diamonds Platinum Eternity Band Ring
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This striking Platinum ring features exceptional quality of the same color, shape, and size natural Marquise shape White Diamonds surrounded the ring, delicate halo of scintillating ...
White Diamond, Platinum
Red Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful vibrant red ruby and diamond trilogy engagement ring set in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Granulated Band Ring
Located in Astoria, NY
This S.Georgios design eternity band ring is handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold. The gorgeous band is microscopically decorated all the way around with gold wires, and Granulat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Blac...
Dainty Art Deco 9k Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring Size 6.5
Located in Webster, SD
This stunning ruby and diamond ring is in phenomenal condition.
Ruby, Diamond, 9k Gold
Natural 0.97 cts ruby & 0.46 cts diamond ring in 14k gold
Located in New York, NY
Ruby dot and dash ring gold Natural baguette cut ruby diamond ring gold Ruby eternity band ring Birthstone ring gold Ruby ring gold GEMSTONE DETAILS : ✦ Gemstone : Ruby ✦ Gemsto...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$6,746Sale Price / item|20% Off
Full Pear Diamond Eternity Ring Gift Continuous Diamond 18k White Gold Band
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Full Pear Diamond Eternity Ring Gift Continuous Diamond 18k White Gold Band This ring features pear-shaped diamonds which are set side-by-side, specifically slanted.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,396Sale Price / item|20% Off
Full Pear Diamond Eternity Ring Gift Continuous Diamond 14k White Gold Band
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
Full Pear Diamond Eternity Ring Gift Continuous Diamond 14k White Gold Band This ring features pear-shaped diamonds which are set side-by-side, specifically slanted.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 K White Gold Eternity Ring Pear Shape Tanzanite Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This ring can be combined with other eternity rings. Tsavorite and Diamond and Ruby and Diamond available.
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 K Yellow Gold Eternity Ring Pear Shape Tsavorites Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This ring can be combined with other eternity rings. Ruby and Diamond and Tanzanite and Diamond available.
Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 14k White Gold Pearl & Diamond womens Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Delightful Eternity ring has been set with three Vibrant Cultured Full Pearls and two Sparkling White Diamonds approx 2.5mm (0.1") round cut.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
Baguette Cut Ruby and Round Diamond White Gold Wedding Band
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Crafted by Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica, California. Baguette cut rubies and round cut diamonds are bar-set and alternating in this 14K white gold half eternity wedding ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$18,800Sale Price|20% Off
Modern Round Sapphires, Rubies & Diamonds Ring Set in 18K Yellow Gold
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Multi Color Sunset Fire Eternity Patterns Ring Red Ruby Orange Yellow Sapphire Diamond Eternity Band 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Jewels inspired by the colourful Art Deco movement.
Ruby, Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 18ct Rose Gold Natural Diamond & Sapphire Eternity Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Our stunning seven stone heart design ring is a classic half eternity band made in Rose Gold and handset with three sparkling white Diamonds (0.06ct) and four blue Sapphires each mea...
Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold
$2,240Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby Wedding Band. 2ct Square Burma Ruby Eternity Band Platinum Engraved 2.80mm
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Ruby Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 2-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Square Cut Jewelry Type: Eternity Ring Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 6.5 US, Resizable Presenting a stu...
Platinum
Antique Art Nouveau Gargoyle Ring 18k Gold - Ruby Eyes & Diamond Mouth - Circa
Located in Nicosia, Cyprus
Discover a rare piece of French history with this extraordinary Art Nouveau gargoyle ring (circa 1910). Handcrafted in solid 18k yellow gold, the ring features a masterfully sculpted...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10k White Gold Natural Amethyst & Diamond Womens Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This is a stunning 10K white gold five stone design set with natural vibrant Amethysts & Diamonds The three oval amethysts measure 4mm x 3mm (0.16"x0.12") and the two Brilliant Rou...
Amethyst, Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
REINSTEIN ROSS Stackable Duo Rings In 20Kt Yellow Gold With Rubies & Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
This set has been crafted in solid rich yellow gold of high 20 karats (.835/.999 Au) with a delicate tin brushed finish. The rings are embellished with thirteen natural earth mined g...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
1.06 Ct GIA Round Diamond Round Emeralds Rubies Italian Flag Platinum Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
Italian Flag Lover GIA Certified 1.06 Round diamond, G color, IF clarity, Internally Flawless with Triple Excellent Specs. a stunning classic, incredibly beautiful diamond set in a ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum
7.47 Carat Multi Color Sapphire and Diamond Eternity Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 7.47 Carats of Multi Colored Sapphires and 0.76 Carats Diamond Accents set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Pink Sapphire, Yellow ...
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.
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