18ct Yellow Gold 3-Band Diamond Ring, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby
Located in London, GB
A vibrant and elegant 3-band ring crafted in luxurious 18ct yellow gold, featuring three iconic gemstones emerald, sapphire, and ruby, each set on its own band.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 18K 3.08 Ct Kashmir Unheated Purple Red Ruby 3-Stone Design Engagement Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
*GIA 18K 3.08 Ct Kashmir Unheated Purple Red Ruby 3-Stone Design Engagement Ring* GIA-certified Kashmir unheated Purple Red Ruby weighing 3.08 ct set on the 18K white gold band with...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1910s 0.45Ct Ruby 0.60Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.45 carat ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of our antique ruby jewellery collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Bespoke Halo Mount for 3-5 Carat Yellow White Diamond Oval Shape Platinum Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Double Halo Diamond Engagement Ring Setting Platinum Yellow Diamond Halo for 3–5 Carat Oval Center A stunning double halo diamond engagement ring setting, crafted in platinum, desig...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Eme...
18K Yellow Gold Ruby Three Stone Ring with Diamonds Wedding Gemstone Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and diamond designer three stone ring in 18K gold which perfectly goes with your personality.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
3 Carat GIA Certificate G Color Cushion Diamond Platinum Bespoke Engagement Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A bespoke 3.00 carat cushion cut diamond engagement ring with the perfect combination of elegance and practicality, large enough to make a statement. Skilfully set with eagle claw pr...
Diamond, Platinum
C1780 18K Multi- Stone Giardinetti Ring w/ Rubies Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Gemological details of our giardinetti ring: 3 rose cut diamonds 1 Old cut diamond total .20 carats of diamonds Natural burma ruby, approx. ½ carat Columbian emeralds, cushion cut ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The rubies that sit either side of this stone measure 8pts each.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
3 Carat GIA Certificate E Color Cushion Diamond Platinum Bespoke Engagement Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A bespoke ring with one of the best colors and clarity center diamond, 3.00 carat cushion cut diamond engagement ring with the perfect combination of elegance and practicality, large...
Diamond, Platinum
$712Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Number: 3 Weight: 1.30 Carat (approx.) GEMSTONE(S) II Stone: Natural Diamond Color/Clarity: H-I/I Shape: Round Size: 1.3 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique ruby and diamond ring in yellow gold, comprising of 3 round cut rubies and 2 old cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Ring Size: J or 4 3/4 Band Width: 6.5mm Weight: 2.7g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This antique five-stone ring, stamped 18ct gold and dated circa 1900, features three rich rubies and two diamonds in a c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Halo Ring 10k Round 1.66ctw Three-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.6...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.08 Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond 3-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A classic stylish 3-stone gemstone platinum ring featuring a fine vivid pink sapphire!
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Oval .55ctw Two-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $25 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .52ctw Cut: Oval Co...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Aquamarine 8.50 Carat Bespoke 18 Karat White Gold 3 Carat Diamond Halo Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
A bespoke magnificent 8.50 Carat Fancy Oval Cut Blue Aquamarine Dress / Engagement Ring surrounded by round diamonds half halo on both sides with tapering baguette diamonds also surr...
Diamond, White Diamond, Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Halo Three-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Halo Three-Stone Cocktail Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 4.65 grams Diamonds: 18 round brilliant natural diamonds, approx. 0.55 CTW ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,462Sale Price|25% Off
14K Yellow Gold Solid Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
*Pictures have been enlarged to show details* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Ruby Color: Red Shape: Round Size: 3.5 – 5 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Round .30ctw Floral Two-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .24ctw Cut: Round ...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Red Ruby Diamonds Vintage Style Vertical Three Stone 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A vintage inspired Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring. This yellow gold ring is set vertically to the center with three square shaped rubies in bezel set surrounded by eight diamond h...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$825Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Three stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
*Pictures have been enlarged to show details* GEMSTONE(S) I Stone: Natural Ruby Color: Red Shape: Round & French Cut Size: 2.5 – 3 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$825Sale Price|25% Off
9K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Duo Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Celebrate classic romance with this Natural Ruby and Diamond Vintage-Style Duo Stones Snake Ring.
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Antique and Contemporary 1.00 Carat Ruby 1.84 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique and contemporary 1.00 carat ruby and 1.84 carat diamond, platinum five stone ring; part of our ruby jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 5 Stone Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Red Carpet Vintage 5-Stone Diamond and Ruby Statement Gold Band Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$66,500Sale Price|30% Off
Oval Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Set of 3 Rings in Platinum
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
This listing is for 3 Band Rings. Large and statement Band Rings that can be worn separately for every day or any occasion.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
18K White Gold Illusion Cluster Three Stone Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Cluster ruby diamond three stone ring in 18K gold which perfectly goes with your personality.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Diamond & Ruby Five-Stone Band - 18k Round Brilliant .54ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $50 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $35 Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .27ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Princess Cut Ruby and Diamond 3 Row Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bold and elegant, this vintage band ring features a striking three-row design crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. The center row sparkles with princess-cut diamonds, their crisp geometr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Reversible 3 Row Wide Band Style Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This expertly crafted ring gives the illusion of being an all around band with the outer two rows of diamonds flanking the inner row of square cut bright red rubies or square cut ric...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
18 carat gold band set with rubies and diamonds. Hallmarked Birmingham. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 8mm Weight: 3.3g
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Angara Natural Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This elegant round ruby and diamond 3 stone ring is designed in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
$1,344Sale Price / item|20% Off
Statement Oval Ruby and Baguette Diamond Three Stone Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three stone ring showcases three oval-cut natural rubies totaling 0.89 carats, Crafted in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Yellow Gold Alternating 5-Stone Round Ruby and Round Diamond Euro Shank Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14k yellow gold Rubies: 2 round cut: 0.24cttw Diamonds: 3 round cut: 0.44cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 7.75 (please allow two extra shipping days f...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Oval Three Stone Ruby Engagement Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: RubyMain Stone Color: Deep Rich RedMain Stone Shape: OvalMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 6x4mmMain Stone Carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Multi-Gem 3 Carat Baguette Cut Cluster Ruby, Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Charles Krypell
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage multi-gem ring, crafted in 18k yellow gold weighing 12.97 grams. Totaling carat weight is 3.00 CTTW, and is a clustered blend of fourteen red baguette-cut rubies and 28 blue ...
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Spectacular Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Remark: “Color is the heart of fashion!” SIZE: 6 3/4 WEIGHT: 5.8 grams STONES: 2.0 carats total weight of F, VS diamonds and 4.0 carats total weight of Ruby HALLMARKS: ...
Diamond, Ruby, 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 Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: RubyMain Stone Color: Deep Rich RedMain Stone Shape: RoundMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 2mmMain Stone Carat ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
18k White Gold Four Stone Ring w/ 0.16ct Natural Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald Diamond
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful four stone ring with a dazzling 0.04 carat round brilliant natural diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Cut Ruby Three Stone Ring with Diamond Accents in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstones: Rubies and diamonds Diamond Shape: Single cut Diamond Color: F–G Diamond Clarity: VS Diamond Total Carat Weight: 0.04 CTW Diamond Stone Count: ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Accenting the center stone are 3 carats of VS clarity colorless diamonds in baguette shape as well as full-cut rounds, all set in 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Stone Real Ruby Engagement Ring in 18k Solid White Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby Three Stone Engagement Ring With Diamonds Set in 18K Gold featuring natural ruby of 1.72 carats and diamonds of 0.5 carat.
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k Yellow Gold 2.99ctw Baguette Channel Set Ruby & Diamond 3 Row Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (28) Natural Genuine Rubies - Baguette Cut - Channel Set - Rich Deep Red Color - 1.94ctw (exact) (13) Natural Genuine Diamond - Baguette Cut - Channel Set - F/G Color -...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold 3 Row Ruby & Diamond Band Ring Size 5.75-6 #21773
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold 3 Row Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5.75-6 JAGi Certified- This vibrant ring features a distinctive checkerboard style design with three rows of alternating 22 nat...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Antique Crossover GIA 1.10ct Ruby & Old Mine Cushion DIAMOND Three Stone 14K Gold Ring A distinctively stunning 1900s delight measuring 3/4 inch long and exotically lovely...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$1,806Sale Price|20% Off
3 Stone Band Ring With Diamonds Made In 18k White Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
A vibrant celebration of color and craftsmanship, this refined band ring features a trio of richly hued gems — 1.24 carats each of emerald, sapphire, and ruby — accented with 0.32 ca...
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby and diamonds 14k gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Ruby and diamonds 14k gold ring. Oval Ruby gold ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Three stone Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brimming with vintage charm, this Art Deco three-stone ring dazzles from every angle. Three sparkling round diamonds take center stage, exuding timeless brilliance.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold
Angara Natural Two-Stone Square Ruby & Pear Diamond Open Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: RubyMain Stone Color: Deep Rich RedMain Stone Shape: SquareMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 4mmMain Stone Carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Solitaire Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful 3-stone ring . 1.20 ct oval ruby. 4 diamonds, approximately 0.10carats each, G color, Vs clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
18k White & Yellow Gold 3 Row 4.85ctw Ruby Natural Asscher Cut Diamond Ring Band
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k White and Yellow Gold 3 Row 4.85ctw Ruby and 2.96ctw Natural Asscher Cut Diamond Ring Wide Band This stunning 3 Row Ruby Ring is in excellent condition and is ready to ship!
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1905 Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 8.7.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with openwork crown arranged with 19 care cut Rubies and 5 natural Diamonds in Platinum clusters.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
14K White Gold Five Stone Diamond Ruby Engagement Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
DeKara Designs Collection Metal- 14K White Gold, .583. Stones- 3 Natural Round Pigeon Blood Rubies 1.00-1.10 Carats, 2 Round Diamonds H Color SI1-SI2 Clarity 0.44 Carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Style 3/4 Carat TCW Modern Diamond & Ruby Target Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
Art Deco Style 3/4 Carat Modern Cut Diamond & Untested Ruby Target Halo Engagement Ring Center is measuring approximately .70 Carat, Modern Cut, 8 pieces of Diamonds on sides, 3/4 C...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
High Quality 18k Yellow Gold 2.46ctw Ruby Diamond 3 Row 10.9mm Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (24) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Graduated Baguette Cut - Channel Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - Very Nice Diamonds - 1.28ctw (approx.) (11) Natural Genuine Rubies - V...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Ring Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Diamond Approx.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$624Sale Price / item|20% Off
Authentic Ruby Two Stone Ring with Diamonds for Mom in 14k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Authentic Ruby Two Stone Ring with Diamonds for Momin 14K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.49 carats and diamonds of 0.14 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 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.”
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.