Art Deco 14K Gold and Platinum Diamond and Gem Set Charm Bracelet
Located in Venice, CA
Next, the elephant charm is diamond encrusted with single cut diamonds and a row of caliber cut sapphires for the saddle. Tests as platinum. The next charm is from the Victorian er...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Black Spinel Initial Bracelet White Enamel 14K Gold Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Customization Options Available with any A–Z raised gold initial Choice of ruby, emerald, blue sapphire, black spinel, and additional gemstones upon request Birthstone personalizatio...
Black Spinel, Spinel, 14k Gold, Enamel
Emerald Initial Bracelet White Enamel 14K Gold by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Customization Options Available with any A–Z raised gold initial Choice of ruby, emerald, blue sapphire, black spinel, and additional gemstones upon request Birthstone personalizatio...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Enamel
Yellow Gold Earrings with Diamonds and Paraiba Tourmalines
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for another gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganites. You can contact the artist to order them in white, yellow or rose gold, you can also ord...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, ...
$1,750Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 Carat SI/HI Diamond Wedding Clip-On Earrings 14 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Choose from: Different gemstone types (e.g., sapphire, ruby, tanzanite) Custom shapes, sizes, and settings Metal options (yellow gold, rose gold, white gold) Engraving for personal m...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Collar Necklace of 18K Gold Openwork Plaque Links Set w Diamonds & "Big 3" Gems
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
The colored gemstones are set in yellow gold bezels and are approximately 2mm. There are 8 rubies, 5 emeralds and 6 sapphires. The combined weight of all 19 "Big Three" stones is e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
$2,288Sale Price / set|20% Off
1 Carat SI/HI Diamond Wedding Clip-On Earrings 18 Karat White Gold Fine Jewelry
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Choose from: Different gemstone types (e.g., sapphire, ruby, tanzanite) Custom shapes, sizes, and settings Metal options (yellow gold, rose gold, white gold) Engraving for personal m...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Heart Charm Pendant White Enamel 14K Gold by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Product Details Metal: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Natural White Diamonds Setting: Irregular Cobblestone Pavé with Contrasting Oxidized Detailing Accent: Signature White Enamel B...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Enamel
1.60 Carats Multi-Color Rainbow Gemstone Stud Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Nikabell fine Jewels
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
A vibrant pair of rainbow gemstone earrings featuring a colorful combination of emerald, ruby, blue sapphire, amethyst, and tourmaline, with a combined gemstone weight of 1.60 carats.
Tourmaline, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Amethyst, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Emerald Diamond Heart Charm Pendant 14K Gold White Enamel by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
**Product Details** - **Metal:** 14 Karat Yellow Gold - **Gemstones:** Natural Emeralds with Diamond Accents - **Setting:** Irregular Cobblestone Pavé with Contrasting Oxidized Detai...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Enamel
Every Day Modern Garnet White 14k Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings White Gold 14 K (Matching Ring with Geliodor, Ruby, Blue Sapphire and Emerald Stones Available) Garent 2-3,43 ct Weight 2,04 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss...
Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold
Every Day Modern Emerald White 14k Gold Earrings for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Earrings White Gold 14 K (Matching Ring with Geliodor, Ruby, Carnet and Blue Sapphire Stones Available) Emerald 2--2,36 ct Weight 1,84 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swis...
Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Clip-On Earrings with Diamonds and Paraiba Tourmalines
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for another gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganites. You can contact the artist to order them in white, yellow or rose gold, you can also ord...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, ...
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Custom Earrings with Diamonds and Paraiba Tourmalines
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for another gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganites. You can contact the artist to order them in white, yellow or rose gold, you can also ord...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, ...
18 Karat Yellow Gold Clip-on Earrings with Diamonds and Paraiba Tourmalines
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for another gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganites. You can contact the artist to order them in white, yellow or rose gold, you can also ord...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, ...
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Stud Earrings with Diamonds and Light Pink Morganites
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for another gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganites. You can contact the artist to order them in white, yellow or rose gold, you can also ord...
Diamond, White Diamond, Beryl, Morganite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yel...
44.57 ct Colombian Emeralds, 4.26 ct Diamonds White Gold Retrò Bracelet
Located in Marcianise, CE
Shining retrò bracelet in 14Kt white gold composed of 44.57 ct of stripes of top quality colombian emeralds and 4.26 ct of white diamonds. diamonds 4.26 Kt emeralds 44,57 Kt tot wei...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
18kt Platinum Gold Leather Bracelet Personalized Charms: Custom Made-to-Order
By Rock N Gold Creations
Located in San Diego, CA
We offer a wide range of gemstone types (such as ruby, sapphire, emerald, and more), metal options ranging from 14kt to 22kt in various colors, and the ability to create it for your ...
Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue...
1980s Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Multi-Precious Stone & Diamond Omega Post Earring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
This multicolored "rainbow" layout features hand-selected oval and round faceted precious stones, including deep crimson rubies, lush green emeralds, colored sapphires, and sky-blue...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian 1785 Antique Earrings in 15kt Gold and Enamel with 5.64 Ctw in Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Like the term Victorian (used for jewelry during Queen Victoria's rule), it is accepted in use as a term that refers to certain styles of jewelry. Pearls, sapphires, rubies and garne...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
GIA Emerald Natural Diamond 1.60ct F/VS1 Loose GIA XX $2000 Credit, Inscription
By GIA
Located in San Diego, CA
Exquisite loose 1.60ct emerald-cut diamond certified by GIA with laser inscription number 1175388529. F Color and VS1 Clarity with no fluorescence. The diamond has excellent polish a...
Diamond, Alexandrite, Amethyst, Aquamarine, Blue Diamond, Yellow Diamond...
Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Pendant / Brooch, 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
The powerful trade links, meant they could easily have Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Topaz and others precious stones creating a fascinating style of jewellery.
18k Gold, Silver
Hamsa 0.25 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond 18 Karat Gold Evil Eye Khamsa Bracelet
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
In addition to diamonds, other precious stones such as sapphires, rubies, turquoise, and emeralds can also be incorporated into the design.
White Diamond, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$1,827Sale Price|20% Off
Customized Gold Diamond Bracelet 18 Karat, Letters, Symbols, of Your Choice
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
(complimentary service with no purchase obligation) Choose: -letter/symbol/number combinations -size of the letters: 7 mm or 10 mm -colour of the stones: white, black, brown diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...
$1,827Sale Price|20% Off
Customisable Diamond Jewelry for Her 18 Karat Gold Made in Italy
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
(complimentary service with no purchase obligation) Choose: -any length -letter/symbol/number combinations -size of the letters: 7 mm or 10 mm -colour of the stones: white, black, ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Contemporary Cocktail Dangle Earrings with Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for other gemstones, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or morganites. You can contact the artist to order these earrings in white, yellow, or rose gold,...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yel...
Floral Clip-on Earrings in Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for another gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganites. You can contact the artist to order them in white, yellow or rose gold, you can also ord...
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yel...
Eighteen Karat Yellow Gold Clip-on Contemporary Custom Earrings with Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
The gems can be exchanged for another gems, such as sapphires, emeralds, rubies, morganites. You can contact the artist to order them in white, yellow or rose gold, you can also ord...
Beryl, Diamond, White Diamond, Morganite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yel...
Antique Iberian Diamond Pendant/Brooch 19th Century
Located in OVIEDO, AS
The powerful trade links, meant they could easily have Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Topaz and others precious stones creating a fascinating style of jewellery.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver
27.42-Carat Oval Ethiopian Opal Loose Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A remarkable 27.42-carat natural Ethiopian Opal, expertly cut in an elegant oval shape and offered loose and unmounted for the serious gem collector. Celebrated for its luminous pres...
Opal, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
11.35ct Bluish Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Loose Gem - Merkaba Jewelry BH
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Choose from metals such as platinum, yellow gold, rose gold, or white gold to complement the gemstone’s color. Add brilliance with accent stones like diamonds, sapphires, or rubies, ...
Tourmaline, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
0.85 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Cushion Stud Earrings in 18K Yellow Gold
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Similar earrings can be made with fancy yellow diamonds, white diamonds, pink sapphires, blue sapphires, emeralds, rubies, or other fine gemstones in 18K yellow gold, 18K white gold,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Multi-gemstone, 18k Gold, Yellow...
3.21 Carat Aquamarine Kite Loose Gemstone for Custom Jewelry Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Spectacular 3.21 Carat Aquamarine Kite Loose Gemstone – A Rare Beauty for Custom Creations Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Presenting a breathtaking 3.21 carat Aquamarine kite-shap...
Aquamarine, Beryl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Mint Green Tourmaline Necklace 3.56 Carat Round - Luxury Gift Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Similar to other rare gemstones like unheated Sapphires, no oil Emeralds, Tanzanite, or Star Ruby, this necklace represents an investment in luxury gemstones and unparalleled design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5 Ct Classic Burma Red Spinel – Rare Cushion-Cut Gemstone for Collectors
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Imagine the Possibilities: Statement Ring: Transform this gem into a bold cocktail ring or engagement piece, framed by diamonds and set in platinum, 18K yellow gold, or 18K white go...
Spinel, Platinum, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
28.96 Ct Vivid Pink Tourmaline Oval – Rare Gemstone for Luxury Collectors
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Exceptional 28.96 Carat Vivid Pink Tourmaline Oval Gem: A Rare Treasure for Connoisseurs and a Romantic Gift - Merkaba Beverly Hills. Introducing a gemstone of extraordinary beauty ...
Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2 Cts Deep Blue Gray Color Burma Spinel Emerald Cut Gemstone for Jewellery 6mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
This deep blue-gray example would make an exceptional statement ring, cocktail ring, pendant or pair of elegant earrings.
Spinel
$640Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Rubellite Tourmaline Pear Cut Vivid Red Teardrop Fine Loose Gemstone
Located in Peshawar, PK
Ideal for Fine Jewelry This pear-shaped rubellite is perfectly suited for: • Luxury engagement ring center stone • Statement cocktail ring • High jewelry pendant • Drop earrings...
Tourmaline
Rare 11.23 Carat Mint Green Tourmaline Cushion Cut Gemstone for Bespoke Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bespoke Cuff / Bracelet: Incorporate into an artisanal open-cuff design paired with contrasting fancy color sapphires or rubies. Custom metal options available upon request: Platinum...
Tourmaline, Other
18 Karat Gold Channel Set Pink Tourmaline Baguette Diamond Pendant Necklace
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
The set is also available in Diamonds Baguettes, Ruby, Emerald, Blue Sapphire Note: Please feel free to drop in a message to ask any questions or for more information regarding this...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,880Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Antique Australian Opal 14K Pendant Natural Vintage Necklace Solid Gold Fine
Located in Sylvania, GA
THANKS Specializing in Fine Vintage Antique Designer Jewelry, Pearls, Fine Tahitian Pearls, Black Opals, Natural Rubies, Miners Cut Diamonds, Fine Colombian Emeralds, Sapphires, and ...
Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
A Ruby, Sapphire And Diamond Triple Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
A ruby, sapphire and diamond triple eternity ring, to the centre a band half set with sixteen calibre-cut sapphires weighing 1.23 carat, the other half set with sixteen rubies, weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Multi-Color Granulated Wide Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This gorgeous piece features 2 brilliant-cut Rubies total weight of 0.24 Carat, 2 brilliant-cut emeralds, a total weight of 0.21 Carat, and 2 brilliant-cut sapphires, the total weig...
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, ...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Ruby and Sapphire Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This Multicolour Byzantine style ring features Brilliant cut Diamonds total weight of 0.23 Carat, in the center a marquise cut emerald, two brilliant-cut rubies, and one brilliant Cu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sa...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Pear Sapphire Diamond Wide Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
The stunning ring features in the center an Oval Ruby a weight of 1,66 Carat, 4 Brilliant cut White Diamonds total weight of 0.20 Carat and the sides are decorated with 2 pear-shaped...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage GIA 2.57ct No-Heat Yellow Sapphire Ruby Trilogy Platinum 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Classic Vintage GIA 2.57ctw Unheated Yellow Sapphire Rubies Trilogy Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Ring.
Ruby, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Gold Diamond Emerald Ruby Long Pasha Multi Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat yellow gold Two-tone ring is handmade and decorated with Byzantine-style granulation and a combination of Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires, and a center Emera...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
Blue Topaz 6 Carat Cushion Cut 18 Karat White Gold 0.38 Carat Diamond Halo Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This Ring has been beautifully set in 18 Karat White Gold with a British Hallmark from the London Assay Office.
White Diamond, Topaz, Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
18 Karat White Gold Blue Pink Yellow Sapphires Emeralds Rubies Earrings Aenea
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Earrings handcrafted in White Gold with multicoloured Gemstones Paving: multicoloured Gemstones; White Diamonds; Emeralds; Blue Sapphires; Rubies; Pink Sapphires; Yellow Sapphires ...
Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, White 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.