White Gold Sapphire Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Round .97ctw Two-Stone Bypass SZ 5
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Metal Content: 14k White Gold & 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .54ct Cut: Round Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby 7-Stone Ring Band 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Round Cut 7 Stone Ring Band G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Rubies 1.65CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 2.60 grams 3 mm in wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$12,400
Ruby Ring
Located in บางรัก, TH
18kt white gold ruby ring with diamonds Gold colour & karat: White gold 18kt Weight: 4.275 grams Set with- Stone type: Ruby Shape: Oval Carat: 1.08 (3 Pcs ) Colou...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby, Pearls and Diamonds. July birthstone ruby ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold ring with natural ruby, pearls and diamonds. July birthstone ring Metal: 14k solid gold Weight: 2.2 g. depends from size Central stone: Natural ruby Cut: Oval Weigh...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
$632Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k White Gold Ruby and Blue Sapphire Two Stone Ring with Diamonds for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Blue Sapphire Two Stone Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold featuring natural ruby of 0.49 carats and diamond of 0.14 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby 7-Stone Ring Band 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.65 Carat Natural Diamond and Ruby Round Cut 7 Stone Ring Band G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds and Rubies 1.65CTW G-H SI 14K White Gold Prong style, 2.60 grams 3 mm in wi...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,440Sale Price|20% Off
3 Carat Cushion Treated Ruby and 1 Carat Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
8 X 8 Cushion Cut Approximately 3 Carat Treated Ruby 14 Karat White Gold Ring Size 5.75 Diamond approximately 1 ct Its a treated ruby prong set 14 Karat White Gold: 4.3 gra...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,913Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique fancy Ring solid 18K Rose Gold 25 Rubies Diamonds US 4.75 /3 gr
Located in SE
Old Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with plain band. Round Crown Ø 12 mm x 3 mm deep with slightly convex surface is decorated with 25 pave set natural Rubies and Diamonds, all stones of...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Antique Ring 0.6 ct. Ruby 0.5 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful German Art Nouveau period Ruby and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Silver.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ruby and Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Estate Bold Ring, 2 Oval Ruby 3.00 cttw, Round Diamond 2.26 cttw G-H VS2-SI2, 18K White Gold 6.44g Jewelry Type : Ring Jewelry Style : Bold Metal Type : 18K White Gold Metal Weight ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
1940s 18k Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, 0.15ct Ruby
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Ruby Quality Color Red Cut round mixed Content 0.15 carat Diamond Quality Color (average grades) H Clarity (average grades) P2 Cut Old European round Content (total) 0.30 carat Dim...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
3 Carat Oval Treated Ruby & 1.25 ct Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Size 6
Located in New York, NY
Introducing a truly stunning piece, behold the 3 Carat Oval Treated Ruby & 1.25 ct Diamond Ring in exquisite 14 Karat White Gold.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Pigeon Blood Rubies
Located in Vannes, FR
Details Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 5 grams Ring Size: EU 55 (resizable) Gemstones: Diamonds (2) Cut: Oval Color: E (Exceptional White) Dimensions: approx. 5 mm x 3.2 mm Cut ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Art Deco 3 Carat Diamond and Ruby Tablet or Plaque Ring in Platinum, Circa 1925
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This tablet (aka shield) ring is quintessential Art Deco: the strong geometric pattern with open channels, the varied gem-setting techniques, the way components appear to lap over a...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Pearl, Ruby & Diamond Ring in Gold
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Material :Gold– yellow gold 18 kt 2. Gemstones: Diamonds Precious stones: Ruby, Pearle 3. Design & Style: cluster ring 4.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$956Sale Price / item|31% Off
14 Karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Weight: 3 g.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring No Heat Burma
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 14k, American. This stunning ruby and diamond ring features a spectacular .76 carat No Heat Burma Ruby surrounded by 1.0 carats of superb white diamonds (H color, VS cla...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Ruby, Pearl and Diamond
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 k solid yellow gold ring with natural ruby, pearl and diamond. July birthstone ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring With Ruby, Garnet and Diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k solid gold Wild Orchid ring with natural ruby, garnet and diamonds. July birthstone.
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
14k Gold Ring with Rubies, Diamonds and Opals
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural rubies, diamonds and opals. October birthstone ring.
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 10k Round .12ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .12c...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Round
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $25 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): ...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 9k Round .17ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Specific Year: 1985 Metal Content: 9k Yellow Gold & 9k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Hea...
Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,200Sale Price|20% Off
2.25 ct GIA Certified Burma Ruby and diamond ring
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring features a GIA Certified Burma Ruby 2.25-carat center cushion cut, GIA #2231255803.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Natural Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This contemporary ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,894Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Ruby Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Diamond 11-RND57-0,2-4/5 Ruby 11-RND-0,3 (4)/3 Weight 6.2 gram Size USA 7 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based j...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Ruby & Diamond Cluster Vintage Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Ring Summary ♥ Main Stone: Ruby & Diamond Approx.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 10k Round .49ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Rubies Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .48ctw. Cut: Round Color: P...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Three-Stone Pear Ruby Criss-Cross 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: Medium RedMain Stone Shape: PearMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 6x4mmMain Stone Carat We...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Vintage Ruby Ring. 14k Oval Ruby and Diamond Solitaire ring. Ruby Engagement
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Beautiful Ruby and Diamond Solitaire design ring. Condition: Ruby has small scratches.
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 karat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds. Snowflake Gold Ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone ring. 14k solid gold Total Weight: 3 g.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage 1940s French Platinum Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bilateral Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The French hallmark to the surface of the shank has wear in keeping with age. Ruby Quality Color Red Cut Square Faceted Content 0.90 carat Sapphire Quality Color Blue Cut Square Fa...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring 18k Oval .70ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .60ct Cut: Oval Natur...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Thai Ruby Diamond Gold Dome Ring, AGL Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive ruby weighing 4.50 carats takes center stage of this dome styled gold and diamond ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Retro Ruby and Diamond 14k Rose Gold Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
Product Details: Design: Retro, asymmetrical shape with intricate craftsmanship Center Stones: Two rows of round rubies Total Ruby Weight: Approximately 2.82 carats Accent Stones: S...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
Ruby 14k gold ring. Strawberry ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Strawberry 14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
Orchid flower 14k Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Wild orchid 14 kt solid gold ring with natural ruby and diamonds. July birthstone.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
$1,650Sale Price|25% Off
14K Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Victorian Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
*Pictures have been enlarged to show details* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Ruby Color: Red Shape: Oval & Round Size: 1.3 - 3, 5 x 4 mm.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 5.06ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 4.76c...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.85ctw Ruby & Diamond Oval Cluster Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: ruby oval, 1 stone 5 x 4 mm approximately .40 carat round, 10 stones 1.75 mm approximately .30 total carats diamonds single cut round .9 mm approximately .15 total carats I-J...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Ruby Pinky Vintage Luxury Ring
Located in New York, NY
Details: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Natural Round-Cut Ruby Ruby Size: Approximately 5 mm Ruby Weight: Approximately 0.65 Carats Accent Stones: 10 Round Brilliant-Cut Diamo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Modern Art Deco Style Ruby Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
New contemporary jewel. Our opinion : A ruby-diamond ring in the spirit of art deco, with an intense and vibrant red center stone.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring - 14k Oval 0.74ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $30 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .60ct Cut: Oval Color...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$956Sale Price / item|44% Off
14 karat Gold Ring with Ruby. Gold tulip ring. July birthstone ruby ring
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
depends from size Open ended, adjustable ring Set with gemstones: Ruby: 1 piece, 0.8 ct (7x5mm), red color, pear cut, transparent Sapphires: 7 pieces, 7x0.03=0.21 ct total, roun...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
18 Carat White Gold Ruby Diamond Heart Cocktail Ring
By La Fleur Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
The top quality ruby which make in invisible setting. We set the stone in perfection as we are professional in this kind of setting more than 40 years. The invisible is a highly tech...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$900Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Ruby & Sapphire Five Stone Stackable Band Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant three-stone ring features vibrant round and baguette-cut natural rubies and round blue sapphires totaling 0.52 carats, set in 14k white gold.
Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Pearl Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine Edwardian pearl ring with rubies. Ruby Quality Cut Round Faceted Content 0.18 carat Diamond Quality...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$17,000
Emerald Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Cedar Grove, NJ
Discover the epitome of sophistication with this remarkable 18-karat Yellow Gold 3 Stone Fashion Ring, designed to captivate and impress.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$3,338Sale Price / item|20% Off
Impressive Red Ruby White Diamond White Gold Every Day Diamond Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Pendant Available) Diamond 1-Round 57-0,04-4/6A Diamond 54-Round 57-0,29-4/4A Ruby 4-Round-0,49 Т(3)/3A Weight 2.82 grams Size 6.8 (Adjustable) With...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,312Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Ruby Black Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 36-RND 57-0,25-4/6 Ruby 5-Oval-1,37 ct Ruby 2-RND-0,08 (4)/3 Weight 3.19 gram Size 6.8 With a heritage of ancient fine Sw...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Oval .22ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .21ct Cut: Oval Color: Pinkish Re...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Round .10ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .08ct Cut: Round Color: Pinkish R...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified 2.05 Carat Colombian Emerald in Platinum 3-Stone Engagement Ring
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes made this classic and elegant three-stone ring to show off a beautiful old European cut diamond, but no sooner did he finish the ring than a dealer in New York made him...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.56ct No Heat Ruby 0.88ct Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a gorgeous platinum engagement ring. The ring is centered with a lovely GIA certified oval cut no heat ruby that weighs 1.54ct.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring - 10k Marquise .19ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $35 or Down 2 sizes for $25 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Ruby Treatment: Heating Carat(s): ...
Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$96,000Sale Price|20% Off
3.07 Carat Natural Mozambique Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring NO HEAT
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and highly saturated 3.07 carat natural Mozambique ruby set in a refined platinum mounting with diamond pavé shoulders.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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.