Antique Ring Halo Emerald Diamonds solid 14K Gold Silver ØUS 8.25 / 3.6 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Emerald and Diamonds halo Ring set in solid 14 ct Greenish Yellow Gold. Ca. early XX cent, likely German or Danish, it was in possession of a Danish /German family for lo...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Continental Antique Ruby and Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Colour: G, Clarity: VS-SI Tested As: 18ct Gold & Silver Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian 15K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Cluster Mourning Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Georgian diamond, pearl, silver, and yellow gold ring, comprising one Peruzzi cut diamond, and eight half pearls, in silver and 15 karat yellow gold. This arresting Georgian ring...
Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 9K Yellow Gold Silver Ø 9 US/ 7.2 gr
Located in SE
European hand -made 19th cent. ring with dome of the crown in Silver on 9K Rose Gold holding 24 rose cut Diamonds average Ø 2 mm / 0. 04ct each , total weight of the stones is ca.0.9...
Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Silver
Antique Rose-Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique ring features eleven rose-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.25 carats set in darkened silver over 18K yellow gold with a closed back setting in classic late Georgian...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique German Ring 1.4ctw old cut Diamonds solid 12K Gold Silver ØUS8/ 3.6gr
Located in SE
German old cluster Ring hand - made ca. late XIX -early XX cent. with parts in solid 12K Rose Gold with and top of the openwork crown in Silver. Openwork floret/crown is a bit convex...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 10k Gold
Antique German Cluster Ring Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Silver Ø US7.5/ 6 gr
Located in SE
German cluster Ring ca 1920s- 1930s with carved band and shoulders in solid 14ct Yellow /Orange toned Gold with Silver crown holding 7 eight-cut Diamonds. The central setting can be ...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Silver, 14k Gold
Antique Ring 5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Silver Ø 8.25 US/8.8gr
Located in SE
Old 18th - 19th cent. sparkling beauty with dome of the crown in Silver on 18K Yellow Gold holding 19 rose cut Diamonds. Largest stone in the center is Ø 4.5mm / 0. 4ct , 18 around i...
Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Diamond Pearl Ring Moi et Toi 18k Gold Silver Topped Jewelry 9
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian diamond & pearl 'moi et toi' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1910s).
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Design Snake Shape Long Ring with Ruby & Pave Diamonds in Gold & Silver
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt Gold:3.98g, Diamond:4.55ct Slv:10.40gm Ruby:0.60Cts"
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Antique diamond and gold marquise-shaped ring
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian gold and diamond navette ring featuring Old European Cut diamonds, the mount with reeded shoulders, in 18k and sterling silver. Atw diamonds 2.9 cts (center stone 1.14 ct...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$2,112Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 18th Century Gold and Silver Rose-Cut Diamond Ring, Unisex
Located in Vannes, FR
Antique ring crafted in yellow gold (tested) with a traditional silver-topped setting, characteristic of 18th–19th century European jewelry.
Antique Halo Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Ca. 1900s -1920's hand- made Halo Ring with Diamonds. Band in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Openwork Crown is a bit convex shaped for best fit on a finger with top part.clusters in Silver h...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 18k Gold Top Sİlver Natural Cabochon Cut Sapphire And Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is light brown color and s1-s2 clarity. Totally is sapphire 1.95 ct. Ring size is US 7 We can...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Austrian Ring Pearl 0.6 ctw Diamonds 14K Gold Silver Ø US 7.25 /2.9gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Austrian Ring with parts in solid 14K Rose Gold and Silver decorated with a Pearl and natural rose cut Diamonds. Ca. 1900 - 1920s -1930s , period Austrian hallmarks conf...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 3ct Tourmaline 2ct Diamonds solid Green 14K Gold Silver Ø 8US / 7g
Located in SE
Tourmaline and Diamonds Halo Ring from ca. 1900s -1920s or older. Likely German. Carved band in solid 14ct Green Gold (tested) with crown in Silver featuring clusters with natural ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.2 ct. Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Silver Ø US5.75 / 1.3 gr.
Located in SE
European ring from early XX century period with band in solid 14K Yellow Gold with silver bezel holding a Diamond Ø 3.25 mm x 1.9 mm deep / ca.0.2 ct , color ca,G,H /VS , with open b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique 14k Gold Silver 3.63ctw GIA Fancy Brown White Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Rosy Yellow Gold w/ Silver Top Basket Weight: 2.65 Grams Ring Size: 6.0 (We can custom size this ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1.60 Carat Old Diamond Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous diamond cluster heart ring. This romantic piece originally dates back to the Victorian era with the head playing host to a single 0.66 carat round faceted old...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
$2,157Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco with 0.84ct Diamonds & 0.20ct Emerald in 18k Gold & 925 Silver Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
A rare and beautiful Art Deco ring from the 1925-1930 period, crafted in 18k gold and 925 silver, featuring antique-cut diamonds and a central emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 3 Carats old mine diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Antique ring mage of yellow gold 18 Karat and silver.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Halo Ring 0.45ct Diamond Sapphires 18K Gold Silver ØUS6.75 /2.9 gr
Located in SE
Very unusual Halo thing, with Sapphires accenting Diamond in the center of the flower.This design is opposite to conventional or stereotypical construction type where Sapphire is in ...
Diamond, Sapphire
$3,199Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Polki / Rose Cut Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 0.93 Carat Diamond Polki / Rose Cut Handcrafted Antique Style Ring 18 k Gold 2.09 Silver 0.85 Custom Services Resizing is available.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.65 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Silver Ø US 3.25/ 1.59 gr
Located in SE
Fine ring of design that was very popular in Europe in the late 19 - early 20 century period.Combination of Gold, Silver, and Diamonds of old European Diamond cut. Custom hand - mad...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.5ct Diamond Green Enamel solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 5.75 US /3.1 gr
Located in SE
A Ring from ca. late XIX - early XX cent. Shoulders covered with dark Green Enamel, claw set cluster in Silver featuring trillion rose cut Diamond 5 mm x 5 mm x 5mm / ca. 0.5ct. The ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Ring 0.2 ct Diamond 0.2ct Ruby solid 14K Rose Gold Silver Ø US5.25/1.6gr
Located in SE
A Ring from ca. 1920s - 1930s with the band in solid 14K Rose Gold decorated with old European cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm / ca.0.2 ct /color G,H/SI in Silver bezel and old cut Ruby in Rose...
Ruby, Diamond, Silver, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
Double Heart Bow Ring in Gold with Diamond, Antiqued
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Double Heart Bow Ring in Gold with Diamond, Double heart bow ring in 14k gold plated sterling silver with a softly antiqued finish.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Antique diamond & ruby ring, Poland, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antique silver and gold ring with ruby, diamonds and synthetic corundum.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique late Baroque (Rococo), Diamond, Blue Enamel Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique late Baroque Diamond and Blue Enamel Eight pointed Star Ring (Rococo/ Georgian period) A small portion of History, more 250 years old!!!
Diamond, Enamel, Silver, 18k Gold
1.90 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
1.90 Carat Diamond Polki Handcrafted Antique Style Ring This Victorian period art-deco atypical polki diamond ring is marvelous. The uneven triangle and U-cut flat polki diamond sol...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 2.05 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 2.05 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, silver set cocktail ring; part of our diverse 1890s jewellery and estate jewelry collec...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
$960Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Natural Pearl and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
Antique 18K and silver and natural pearl ring. The pearl measures 4.83 mm., and is natural, as opposed to cultured and very slightly out of round.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Art Nouveau Diamond and Pearl Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning 1930s antique pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Sapphire and Diamond halo ring, 9k gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
This antique Sapphire and Diamond halo cluster or target ring is truly a majestic beauty!
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring of Silver Topped 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
The oval arrangement and antique diamond cuts give the ring a graceful, softly romantic character, while the vivid ruby provides a striking focal point.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
$21,000
Antique Crowned heart ring
Located in New York, NY
A Georgian rose-cut diamond ring designed as a crowned heart, in sterling silver and 18k gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Rose Diamond and Pearl Mourning Ring, circa 1770.
Located in London, GB
Georgian hair, diamond and pearl mourning ring. Set with twenty eight round rose cut diamonds in closed back grain settings with a combined approximate weight of 0.14 carats, further...
Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Asymmetric Diamond & Ruby Fleur-des-Lis Navette Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Dinner rings were made to be seen across a table, and this Victorian ruby and diamond fleur-de-lis navette ring was crated for the job. A half-carat old European cut diamond sits at ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Georgian Entwined Heart Ring Rose Cut Diamond Pearl Antique Engagement Ring 1820
Located in New York, NY
Indulge in a magnificent entwined Heart and Bow Antique Georgian Wedding Engagement Ring with gorgeous pearls and sparkling antique Rose Cut Diamonds set in silver atop 18 Karat Gold...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 1900s 1.60 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 12k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Looking Carved Emerald Ring with Black and White Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Get the feeling of being royals with this Antique looking Carved emerald ring with black and white diamonds in silver and gold on shank.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian diamond five stone ring, English, circa 1850.
Located in London, GB
Victorian diamond five stone ring. Horizontally set with five cushion shape old mine diamonds in open back silver cut down settings with a combined approximate weight of 3.00 carats,...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique "Ring of Heavens" or "Bague au Firmament", blue enamel and diamond ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique "Ring of Heavens" or Bague au Firmament blue enamel and diamond ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Silver Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
All the diamonds are set in a Silver top and the ring itself is a 14K Gold shank.
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Sterling Silver Ruby and Diamond Ring Size 5.25- This elegant ring features one genuine oval ruby (7 mm x 5 mm) surrounded by 16 rose cut diamonds a...
Multi-gemstone, Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Enamel Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This gorgeous Antique Victorian rose cut diamond and enamel cocktail ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and silver.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
0.22 Carat Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This ring started life as an antique brooch but has been expertly transformed into a more practical everyday ring by master antique jewellery restorer and re-designer, Gaetano Chiave...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 18k Gold Emerald & Diamond Double Heart Ring, Circa, 1820
Located in Altrincham, GB
A particularly high quality fine example crowned double heart ring dating from the early /mid 19th century. The joined hearts likely a representation of the joining of two lovers. A ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds, and Antique Cupid Love Ring
By Seal & Scribe
Located in San Diego, CA
18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamonds, and Antique Cupid Love Ring MAKER: Seal & Scribe CIRCA: c. 2023 STYLE: Contemporary METAL: 18K Yellow Gold STONES: Diamonds CONDITION: New HA...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Georgian Ruby Ring Rose Cut Diamond Halo 18 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Georgian - Victorian Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring with a gorgeous natural Ruby of stunning beauty surrounded by a halo of 10 sparkling antique Rose Cut Diamond...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Coiled Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Coiled Snake Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Edwardian Mixed Metals Four Old European Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: White Gold, Palladium, Silver Ring Size: 6 Width: 9.30 mm tapering to 1.90 mm Total weight: 5.12grams One ladies handmade filigreed, textured, palladi...
Diamond, Gold, Palladium, Silver, Mixed Metal
Antique Natural Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Natural Pearl Ring Circa 1780 An 18 karat gold and silver ring set with a natural pearl and 44 rose cut diamonds in a chalice motif Ring Size: 4 Resizable free of charge
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1.35 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.35 carat diamond and 15 karat yellow gold, platinum and silver set unisex dress ring; part of our diverse collection of antique engagement r...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver
Antique Victorian 3.64 Carat TW Old-Mine Cut Yellow Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A sunburst of old-world diamonds, hand-cut over a century ago and assembled with meticulous care. At the center, a 1.64-carat old mine cut diamond glows with a warm, light yellow ton...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, French, Late 19th Century
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Ideal for those who appreciate antique jewelry with historical elegance. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰) and Silver (925‰) Gemstones: 3 Sapphires (0.90 carat), 22 Old-Cut Diamonds (0...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 0.32 Carat Emerald and Diamond, 15k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.32 carat emerald and 0.08 carat diamond, 15 karat yellow gold and silver set ring; part of our antique emerald jewelry collection.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Diamond Natural Cat’s Eye Engagement Ring Gold 19th Century
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique Victorian Certified Natural Cat's Eye Quartz and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring in Yellow Gold and Silver, circa 1860s–1880s.
Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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.