Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond and Ruby Target Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage diamond and ruby ring crafted in 14K white gold, designed with a bold, geometric flair characteristic of the 1940s Retro era.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond, Amethyst & Ruby 14k Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautiful 14k Gold ring from the late 20th century featuring a thick band with a round cut Ruby, Amethyst and Diamond in a caved in circular prong setting.
Amethyst, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring
Located in Queens, NY
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring, featuring one bezel set oval cabochon ruby weighing approx. 3.40 carats, further adorned with 36 pave set round brilliant cut diamonds weighing ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Designer 14K Gold Ring with Ruby, Amethyst, and Diamond Accents
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features a gemstone set within a halo of sparkling RUBY, DIAMOND, AMETHYST.
Diamond, Ruby, Amethyst, 14k Gold
Ruby and Diamond Oval Cluster Ring, 14k
Located in New York, NY
A Ruby and Diamond Oval Cluster Ring made in 14k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Pear Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring, 14k
Located in New York, NY
A Pear Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring made in 14k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and regal statement piece, this vintage ring showcases a magnificent oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 14.46 carats, set in a rich 14K yellow gold bezel.
14k Gold
1960s Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring, 14k
Located in New York, NY
A 1960s Ruby Cabochon and Diamond Ring made in 14k White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Diamond & Ruby Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Diamond & Ruby Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Crafted in 14k yellow gold, this ring features a graceful bypass design set with marquise diamonds totaling approximately 0.75 carats total we...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Halo Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold, this stunning halo ring showcases the allure of a deep red cabochon ruby weighing 2.96 carats.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold Vintage Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Vintage 14kt Yellow Gold 1.20 ct Diamond & Ruby Ring 9.6 Grams Size 5 14k Rose & White Gold Ladies Vintage Retro Style Ruby and Diamond Ring - Size 5 This is a 14k rose and w...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$958Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and Tanzanite 14k Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and tanzanite 14k gold ring. Natural ruby ring.
Ruby, Tanzanite, 14k Gold
$4,880Sale Price|20% Off
1.90 Carat Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring 14K Gold Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
14K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring – 4.90 Carat Ruby Floral Statement Ring Celebrate timeless elegance with this magnificent 14K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Round Ruby and Round Diamond Waterfall Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white gold Rubies: 38 round cut= 2.00cttw Diamonds: 18 round cut= 0.14cttw Color: H-I Clarity: VS1-SI1 Dimensions: the ring measures 15.1mm wide at the...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 marquise red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.16 carats R...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
LeVian 14K Rose Gold Ruby and Round Diamond Halo Ring
By Suzy Levian
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: LeVian Material: 14K rose gold Center Ruby: 1 oval cut= 0.82ct Rubies: 16 round cut= 0.30cttw Diamonds: 40 round cut= 1.25cttw Color: Light Brown Clarity: SI1-SI2 Size: 6.5...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Bypass 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
An elegant 14 karat yellow gold bypass ring comprised of graceful open teardrops each terminating in two oval cut rubies trailing a row of three round brilliant white diamonds. Each ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.31 Carat Burma Ruby and Diamond 14K Gold Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
The ruby originates from Burma, is heated. The ring is crafted in 14K white gold, with a total weight of 2.49 grams, featuring a bezel setting for the centerstone paired with a pavé...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Estate 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring - VHK#302A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring - VHK#302A Item Details: Year: 1970s Ring Size: (Sizable) 5.5 Metal Type: 14k yellow gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.6 grams Dia...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Sapphire Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 3.7 Grams Sapphire Carat Weight: ~0.51 carats Sapphire Measurements: 6.6 mm x 4.74 mm x 2.24 Ruby Carat Weight: ~0....
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$958Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby Spiral Ring, Oval Ruby Ring, Ruby Gold Ring, 14k Gold Ring with Ruby
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby spiral ring. Oval Ruby ring. Ruby gold ring. 14k gold ring with Ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Vintage 14K Gold Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, Approximately 6 Carats Rubies
Located in Plantation, FL
An impressive vintage ruby and diamond cluster cocktail ring crafted in solid 14 karat gold, showcasing a vibrant and dimensional floral burst design. The ring is centered by a richl...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,420Sale Price / item|20% Off
14K Rose Gold Baguette Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby diamond cluster ring in 14K gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your energy and sensuality.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold
Candy Cane 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Baguette Ring, 2.29ct Rubies
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K yellow gold ring with two rows of alternating baguette cut diamonds and rubies
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Twist Halo Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ruby and Diamond Twist Halo Ring in 14k White Gold This ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a 0.54-carat round ruby secured in a prong setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Red Ruby and Diamond Ring, 5.45ct Ruby, 2.3ct Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
RED RUBY RING WITH DIAMONDS IN YELLOW GOLD 14k yellow gold Ring size: 8 Sapphire: 5.45ct, 10x10mm Diamonds: 2.3ct, VS clarity, E-F color Retail: $7,500
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$1,702Sale Price|20% Off
Ruby and Diamond Openwork Milgrain Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Ruby and Diamond Openwork Milgrain Ring in 14K White Gold Crafted in 14K white gold, this elegant ring features a round red ruby accented by near-colorless round diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Oval Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 (resizing available) Total Weight: 2 Grams Ring Height: 9.4 mm Gemstone Specifications: Gemstone: 1 Ruby Shape: Oval ...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Round Red Ruby and Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 2.1 Grams Ring Size: 6.75 Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: 1 round red ruby Ruby Carat Weight: ~ 0.25 carats Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1.0ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF23-050526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This luxury ring will continually make a statement. The detailed 14K Yellow Gold setting is elevated by sparkling Diamond accents totaling 1.0 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Oval Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A refined vintage ring crafted in solid 14K white gold, centering an oval faceted ruby weighing approximately 2.71 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Baguette Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold, centered with an oval ruby weighing approximately 1.27 carats. The ruby displays a rich red hue and is secured in a classic p...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.55ct Diamond And Ruby Claw Ring
By MOV Diamond Jewelry
Located in Fatih, 34
Product Details : • Made to Order • Gold Kt: 14kt • Available Gold Colors: Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold • Gold GR: 4.38GR • 0.43ct Natural Ruby • 0.12ct Pear Cut Natural ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian Moonstone Ruby Diamond and Enameled 14K Gold Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This Victorian ring is like a layered cake, with moonstone, diamonds, rubies, and stunning cobalt blue enamel.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Enamel
$742Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT White Gold Gold Weight : 2.86 Gram Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 39 Natural Diamonds Gem Stone : 2 Ruby Diamond Carat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold 0.65ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF07-012726
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
A 26.23 carat No Heat Ruby cabochon with an intense red hue makes a statement at the center of this impressive luxury ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.83ctw Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 4
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: ruby, 1 stone marquise 6.75 x 3.75 mm approximately .50 carat diamonds single cut / round brilliant 1.5 mm approximately .33 total carats H-I color, SI1-I1 clarity Ring Size...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Diamond Band Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This timeless ring is a beautiful balance of red and white, showcasing a radiant oval ruby at its center. The ruby is flanked by alternating round diamonds and rubies, creating a str...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
IGI Certified 2.78 Carat Diamond and Ruby Ring 14K Gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
IGI Certified 2.78 Carat Diamond Natural Ruby Ring – 14K Gold, 3.71g / 0.12 t oz Timeless passion rendered in precious materials, this ruby and diamond ring presents one of fine jew...
Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1.57ct Diamond and Ruby Ring MF40-051526
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Set in 14K Yellow Gold, it features a 2.29 carat Ruby center stone surrounded by an array of sparkling Diamonds totaling 1.57 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14k White Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring – 2.31 ct
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 14k white gold ring showcases a vibrant 1.70 ct ruby at its center, beautifully accented by 0.61 ct of smaller rubies and sparkling 0.25 ct of round diamonds.
Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 7 #23314
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 7 JAGi Certified- This stunning ring features one oval cut natural ruby accented with 46 sparkling brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$537Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Oval Ruby And Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 2 Gram Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamonds Stone : 10 Natural Diamonds Gem Stone : 1 Ruby Diamond Carat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$537Sale Price|20% Off
14K White Gold Oval Ruby And Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT White Gold Gold Weight : 2.05 Gram Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamonds Stone : 10 Natural Diamonds Gem Stone : 1 Ruby Diamond Car...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ruby Marquise Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Marquise Band Ring Stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ruby & Diamond Marquise Band Ring featuring 1 marquise-cut ruby, 16 princess-cut rubies, and 32 brilliant r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond, Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 14K yellow gold, the ring bears clear hallmarks inside the shank.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage This beautiful vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold and it is also numbered inside of the shank.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.70 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Engagement Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2.70 Carat Ruby and Diamonds Engagement Ring 14k Gold. What a beauty!
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold .45ct Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Vintage 14K white gold ruby and diamond ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round pinkish-red ruby weighing .45cts.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$958Sale Price / item|44% Off
Genuine Ruby 14k Gold Ring, Ruby Engagement Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Genuine ruby 14k gold ring. Ruby engagement ring. Ruby vintage ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
14K Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Victorian Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.98 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$742Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Diamond And Ruby Accented Snake Bypass Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Material : 14KT Yellow Gold Gold Weight : 2.88 Gram Ring Size : EU-54, US-7, UK-N½ (Diameter-17.2mm) Set with : Diamond Stone : 39 Natural Diamonds Gem Stone : 2 Ruby Diamond Cara...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Band Floral Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Filigree Ring featuring an 8×6 mm natural oval ruby, accented with sparkling round and baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Pink Rose Gold Diamond Ruby Filigree Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Pink Gold Antique Ruby & Rose-Cut Diamond Filigree Ring Exquisite Antique 14K Pink Gold Ruby & Rose-Cut Diamond Filigree Ring featuring 16 rose-cut diamonds and 16 natural round ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solitaire Natural Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
This exquisite 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring is the perfect blend of luxury and elegance.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cabochon Ruby and Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7 Total Weight: 7.8 Grams Gemstone Specifications: Gemstones: Ruby, emerald, diamond Emerald Carat Weight: ~0.70 carats ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
14K Pink Gold Rose Diamond Ruby Filigree Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
14K Pink Gold Antique Ruby & Rose-Cut Diamond Filigree Ring Exquisite Antique 14K Pink Gold Ruby & Rose-Cut Diamond Filigree Ring featuring 7 rose-cut diamonds and 12 natural round r...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$1,219Sale Price / item|30% Off
14k gold ruby and multicolored gemstones ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ruby and multicolored gemstones ring. Ruby and Multicolored Gemstones 14 Karat Gold Ring.
Tsavorite, Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold
14K White Gold Ruby Diamond Ring Band Estate
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
This 14K white gold ring features 15 natural oval rubies totaling 5 carats and 22 brilliant round diamonds totaling 1 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Filigree Estate Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Elegant 14K yellow gold filigree ring featuring a vivid oval ruby accented with brilliant round and baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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.”
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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.