$125Sale Price|50% Off
Sterling Silver 3.20ct Amber Solitaire Split Vine Band Ring, Size 7.75
Located in เกาะสมุย, TH
A warm, honey‑lit glow defines this handcrafted sterling silver ring, centered around a 3.20‑carat natural amber cabochon whose smooth, domed surface captures light with effortless s...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage Baltic Amber Cabochon Sterling Silver Ring, Art Nouveau Style
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage Baltic Amber sterling silver ring. The 1 x 0.63 inch amber cabochon is set in a sterling silver frame with flower decoration on one side. A .925 stamp is on the out...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Yellow Amber Cabochon Ring, Latvia, 1930
Located in Boulder, CO
Yellow amber cabochon ring handcrafted in Latvia. This early amber jewelry is quite rare in its traditional Latvian jewelry craftsmanship and all one of a kind. The ring has not been...
Amber, Silver
Vintage Artisan Silver Amber Cabochon Ring, Latvia, Mid-20th Century
Located in Boulder, CO
Rare large amber cabochon ring handcrafted in Latvia. This early amber jewelry is quite rare in its traditional Latvian jewelry craftsmanship and all one of a kind. The ring has not ...
Amber, Silver
Amber Diamond Ring Elongated 14k White Gold and Sterling Silver Antique
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Amber Diamond Ring Elongated 14K White Gold and Sterling Silver Antique This old antique ring is crafted in solid 14K white blackened gold and Sterling Silver for the top. The metal...
Amber, Diamond, White Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Artisan Sterling Baltic Egg Yolk Amber Beetle Bug Ring Adjustable Size 9
Located in Webster, SD
This massive vintage amber bug ring is definitely a statement piece. The body of the bug is comprised of natural, egg yolk colored amber. The amber measures 30x33mm. The face of th...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1920s Silver Amber Ring, Art Deco Style, Handcrafted in Latvia
Located in Boulder, CO
Rare solid Orange-yellow amber ring handcrafted in Latvia. This unique ring was a part of my late grandmothers robust collection of amber jewelry. She brought the pieces over on a ...
Amber, Silver
Sparkling Amber Cocktail Ring with Pave Diamonds Made in 14k Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
14KT:2.8g, Diamond:1.67ct, Silver:7.2g AMBER:14.1ct
Amber, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Modernist Baltic Amber & Sterling Silver Ring, Poland, Circa 1990's
Located in Chatham, CA
Modernist Baltic amber and sterling silver ring - bold style - wide band - flush mount amber setting (trilliant cut cabochon with domed and polished finish - approx. 3.8 carats - 15 ...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage Russian Baltic Amber Cabochon Ring, Floral Silver Bezel, Open Back, Sz 7
Located in Milford, DE
Exquisite Russian pendant, featuring a beautifully-carved genuine Baltic amber cabochon on a stylish silver chain chain. Silver. Ring size US 7 Face dimensions: 2.6 x 1.6 cm / 1 x ...
Amber, Silver
Amber Sterling Silver Statement Ring, Vintage Accented Bezel
Located in Milford, DE
Exquisite sterling silver statement ring with an amber cabochon set in a decorative bezel. Ring size US 7 Marks / hallmarks / etc: 8yan Sterling
Amber, Sterling Silver
Oversized Round Baltic Amber Sterling Silver Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Bezel set Baltic Amber in sterling silver. This is a Large Ring Measuring 1.16 inches in diameter Size 6. This is out of a massive collection of Hopi, Zuni, Navajo, Southwestern, ste...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Handcraft Amber 14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
For any problems related to some materials contained in the items that do not allow shipping and require specific documents that require a particular period, please contact the selle...
Amber, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold
Unavailable
Ring with big sphere and amber silver L
By Kamena Jewellery
Located in Gdynia, PL
Enhance your look with our sphere ring.This eye-catching ring is perfect for those who appreciate bold, modern jewelry with a hint of classic charm. The ring is made of sterling sil...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Scandinavian Modernist Niels Erik From, Amber, Sterling Silver Ring
By Niels Erik From
Located in Pleasant Hill, CA
Centering one round high domed amber cabochon, 8.3 X 7.2 mm, bezel set in a sterling silver modern geometric mounting, 16.6 X 19.1 X 7.2 mm, size: 6, marked: FROM 925S, Gross Weight:...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Natural Baltic Amber Silver Ring Artist Hand Made Design Rings
By MMarte Małgorzata Mieleszko
Located in Warszawa, PL
Natural Baltic Amber Silver Ring Artist Hand Made Design Rings Beautiful, sunny, natural amber with a naturally formed cavity, framed in a sculptural silver form. Tall, majestic, but...
Amber, Silver, Sterling Silver
Natural Baltic Amber Silver Ring Artist Hand Made Design Rings
By MMarte Małgorzata Mieleszko
Located in Warszawa, PL
Natural Baltic Amber Silver Ring Artist Hand Made Design Rings Beautiful, sunny, natural amber with a naturally formed cavity, framed in a sculptural silver form. Tall, majestic, but...
Amber, Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Amber And Marcasite Ring Size 7.
Located in New York, NY
This vintage sterling ring has an intricate sterling silver marcasite design with a genuine amber center. It is size 7-1/2 and measures 1/2” wide. It is in excellent condition.
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s Modernist Minimalist Artisan 950 Sterling Silver Statement Ring
Located in Champions State Gate, FL
This unique amber ring is crafted with fine 950 sterling silver and features a very large piece of organic shaped, cabochon cut, amber. This unique silver ring would make a great vin...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage sterling silver 925 POLAND natural amber modernist ring
Located in Palos Hills, IL
DETAILS • signed ATI 925 POLAND • sterling silver 925 and natural amber • vintage modernist ring MEASUREMENTS • CONDITION • excellent vintage condition with minimal signs...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Amber Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 925 Oval Cabochon
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $20 or Down 2 sizes for $20 Metal Content: Sterling Silver Stone Information Natural Amber Cut: Oval Cabochon Color: Orange Style: Cocktail Soli...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Amber Cocktail Solitaire Ring - 925 Oval Cabochon
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $20 or Down 2 sizes for $20 Metal Content: Sterling Silver Stone Information Natural Amber Cut: Oval Cabochon Color: Orange Style: Cocktail...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Natural Baltic Butterscotch Amber and Amethyst 14K Gold Plated Adjustable Ring
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
- This elegant 14K gold-plated adjustable ring features a 925 sterling silver setting, highlighting an oblong marquise cut butterscotch amber gemstone with a stunning purple amethyst...
Amber, Amethyst, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Large Silver Baltic Amber Stones Elongated Ring
Located in New York, NY
A large Modern elongated shaped Silver jewelry cocktail ring. the ring is encrusted with two natural Baltic Amber stones. Unmarked. Circa: Mid 20th century. Total weight: 12 g. Vinta...
Amber, Silver, Sterling Silver
Silver Amber Ring
Located in Richmond, VA
Vintage sterling ring with oval amber cabochon. Stamped 925. Material: Sterling silver, amber. We recommend storing in a dry place and periodic polishing with a cloth.
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sold
Oval Amber Ring
Located in Richmond, VA
Vintage silver ring with sculptural amber stone. Stamped 925.
Amber, Sterling Silver
Square Amber Ring
Located in Richmond, VA
Vintage sterling ring with square amber detail. Stamped 925.
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Amber Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: sterling silver Ring size: 8 (please allow up to two additional business days for sizing requests) Dimensions: ring top measures 8.20mm wide Weight: 8.63 grams
Amber, Sterling Silver
Fred Skaggs Sterling Silver Amber Arizona Modernist Gentlemens Ring
By H. Fred Skaggs
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Sterling silver and amber gentlemens ring created by H. Fred Skaggs of Scottsdale, Arizona. Large amber stone and setting are amorphic in shape and completely hand made. Stone and si...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Swedish Midcentury Silver and Amber Ring from Emanuelssons Guldsmide, 1965
Located in Stockholm, SE
Swedish midcentury silver ring, with an oval amber stone with facetted sides. Pale yellow color of the stone, beautiful sheen.
Amber, Silver
Niels Erik From, Scandinavian Modernist Ring in Sterling Silver
By Niels Erik From
Located in Skanninge, SE
Niels Erik From Scandinavian modernist sterling silver ring with high cabochon cut amber. Good condition! Ring size 17mm, US 6 1/2.
Amber, Sterling Silver
Native American Artie Yellow Horse Sterling Silver and Amber Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Sterling silver amber ring by Native American Navajo artisan, Artie Yellowhorse. Size 6 3/4 Artie Yellowhorse is known for her contemporary designs combined with exceptional crafts...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Massive Amber and Coral Sterling Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, Sterling, American. This massive hand made ring is a wonderful example of sixties hippie jewelry. The self taught silversmith who made this ring used an interestingly f...
Amber, Coral, Sterling Silver
John M. Morgan Sterling Silver Amber American Modernist Ring
By John M Morgan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Gorgeous piece of amber in pebble form, set in a brutalist setting of sterling silver made by John M. Morgan of Ellensburg, Washington. Ring is a finger size 6.25 - 6.5 due to its un...
Amber, Sterling Silver
John M. Morgan Sterling Silver Amber American Brutalist Ring
By John M Morgan
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Large oval amber cabochon set in a brutalist setting of sterling silver made by John M. Morgan of Ellensburg, Washington. Ring is a finger size 7.5 - 8 due to its unusual design. The...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage Sterling Silver Amber Ring, Size 7
Located in New York, NY
This vintage sterling silver ring has an amber stone in the center that is bezel into a ribbed setting. It is a size 7 and measures 1/2” wide and is in excellent condition.
Amber, Sterling Silver
Vintage Amber & Sterling Flexible Ring, Size 7.5
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring has an authentic large amber stone in the center. The chain band is flexible and made of sterling silver. It is a size 7-1/2 and the ring measures 7/16” x 3/8” ac...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver Amber Fashion Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This fashion ring is a must have for someone who can appreciate the special nature of the amber gemstone. This amber is high quality and has a beautiful fossilized resinous look to i...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Steven Dweck Sterling Silver AMBER Ring 1990s Never Worn
By Stephen Dweck
Located in Wallkill, NY
Fabulous Large Amber Sterling Ring with a Bezel Set Amber- Beaded Motif Surrounding Stone. With a Substantial amount of sterling makes up this Ring Hallmarked Stephen Dweck & Ste...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Amber 14 karat Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
Amber white gold 14 karat and silver old cut diamonds cocktail ring Ring weight 22.80 grams Diamonds weight 0.58 karat Ring size 15 ITA 7.40 US
Amber, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Vintage Baltic Amber Modernist Silver Cocktail Ring, circa 1960
Located in Austin, TX
A striking polished Baltic amber cocktail ring on a shapely modernist sterling silver mount, circa 1960. The large amber has great color and is translucent enough to show lots of var...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Niels Erik From Sterling Silver Ring with Amber
By Georg Jensen
Located in Copenhagen, DK
Niels Erik From Sterling Silver ring with Amber. Ring size is 58 or US 8 1/2 Weight is: 9.71 grams / 0.342 oz.
Amber, Sterling Silver
Amber Dinosaur Ring, Studio VL
By Leslie Chin x Studio VL
Located in New York, NY
One of a kind ring with reverse carved amber cabochon of a dinosaur set into an antique Arts and Crafts setting, circa 1900. The sterling setting has elaborate leaf decoration on s...
Amber, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver
Heidi Abrahamson Natural Amber Sterling Silver Ring
By Heidi Abrahamson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A sterling silver and fall color amber one of a kind ring, created by Heidi Abrahamson of Phoenix, Arizona. Ring stands about 1.5" off the top of the finger and is a size 6. Si...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Heidi Abrahamson Amber Sterling Silver Ring
By Heidi Abrahamson
Located in Palm Springs, CA
A cast sterling silver and amber ring designed by Heidi Abrahamson of Phoenix, Arizona. Ring is a finger size 6 and stands about 1 5/16" off the finger. Amber measures 1 1/8" wide ...
Amber, Sterling Silver
ED WIENER Studio Amber Ring
By Ed Wiener
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Rare amber and sterling silver ring designed by New York jeweler, Ed Wiener. Ring is a size 6 1/2 and has a partially worn mark of Ed Wiener, Sterling on the shank. In very good...
Amber, Sterling Silver
Antique Ring 25ct natural Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø 4.75 US /9.6gr
Located in SE
Luxurious Antique Ring in Renaissance style, band and crown tested solid 18K Gold,not hallmarked, European, ca. XVIII - early XIX centuries. Huge cabochon of natural Light - Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$249
W 27.56 in L 78.75 in
Iris Courtyard Green Purple Cashmere Merino Modern Artisanal Handwoven Scarf
By Studio Variously
Located in Bloomfield Hills, MI
Combining simplicity & elegance with artistic luxury, Iris Courtyard Scarf has been carefully dyed by master artisans to give this beautiful one of a kind effect of colors blendi...
1943 Men Unisex Signet Ring 6ct. Blood stone solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 2.2gr
Located in SE
Unisex type Signet Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with carved shoulders and claw set Blood - stone, color is dark Green color with red dots, measures ca. 12 mm x 8.5 mm x 2.75 mm deep...
Other, 18k Gold
76 Carat Moonstone Oval Cab 0, 31 Carat Diamonds 14kt Solid Yellow Gold Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Big Cocktail ring completely hand-made with a 76 carat Moonstone Cabochon measuring 27x33 mm. surrounded by 62 diamonds totaling 0.31 carats on a solid 14k yellow gold setting weighi...
Diamond, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$375,000
W 0.37 in D 0.25 in L 0.5 in
5.34 Carat Brazilian Alexandrite Oval Loose Gem AGL Certified – Merkaba Jewelry
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ultra-Fine Rare Brazilian Alexandrite Gemstone by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills. Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills proudly presents an extraordinary treasure: a 5.34 carat Brazilian Ale...
Alexandrite, Chrysoberyl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, ...
$1,762 / item
Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring....
Garnet, 14k Gold
$350Sale Price|23% Off
Vintage Sterling Silver Cloisonne Ring with Rose Quartz, 1970s China
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a vintage pink and blue cloisonne sterling silver adjustable ring with a carved rose quartz oval shaped cabochon from the late 1970s. The style is reminiscent of Peking Opera...
Quartz, Sterling Silver
$230Sale Price / item|50% Off
Vintage-Inspired Oval Cut Garnet Cocktail Silver Ring with Halo Zircon Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This Vintage-Inspired Oval Cut Garnet Cocktail Silver Ring with Halo Zircon Jewelry stunning ring features a deep, richly hued oval-cut garnet, framed by a sparkling halo of high-qua...
Garnet, Zircon, Silver, Sterling Silver
$450
H 3.25 in W 1.125 in D 0.88 in
Whiting & Davis Art Deco Gold Plate Pearl Drop Earrings, 1980s USA
By Whiting & Davis
Located in Atlanta, GA
This is a pair of Whiting & Davis pearl and mesh drop earrings. These Art Deco style gold-tone clip back earrings have large simulated pearls decorated with clear pavé rhinestones an...
Pearl, Gold Plate, Base Metal
Antique German halo Ring natural Green Chalcedony Diamonds 18K Gold Ø 9.25/5.32g
Located in SE
German halo-type Ring made ca. early 1930s. Solid 18K yellow Gold band with top of the crown in White Gold. Bezel set natural Green Chalcedony cabochon cut 15 mm x 12 mm x 6 mm deep/...
Chalcedony, Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back into the elegance of the Edwardian era with this stunning bombe/domed oval-shaped ring, designed to provide e...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø 5 US/ 4.4gr
Located in SE
A Ring with crown in White Gold or Platinum on solid 18K Yellow Gold band holding lab -made Red - Pink Ruby accented with 6 rose cut Diamonds. Hallmarked / tested 18K. European made...
Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Fine Substantial Native American Lapis Red Coral Sterling Silver Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Striking estate Native American Lapis Lazuli, red coral sterling silver substantial statement ring 20th Century Provenance: from the estate of a notable NYC psychiatrist and collecto...
Coral, Lapis Lazuli, Sterling Silver
Antique Ring natural 1.2ct. Sapphire Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø6.25US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 18 natural Seed Pearls settings. Fragmented hallmarks, 18K, lokely Swedish or German ring, hand -made ca...
Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold
1956 Ring natural 3ct Blue Chalcedony solid 18K Gold Ø 5.75 US / 2.8 gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring with bezel set natural Blue Chalcedony stone 10 mm x 8 mm x 3.8 mm deep / ca. 3 ct, of fancy cabochon cut. The color is medium Blue, with tiny inclusions inside visible...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This stunning ring is made in 18k yellow gold with natural blue sapphire and diamond. The center of the ring showcases a deep blue oval cut sapphire set inside a bezel setting with a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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.
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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.