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 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 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
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
Victorian Enamel, Pearl, and Diamond Flower Ring of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking 14k gold bouton ring (circa 1870-1880), centered with a silver flower accented with an old mine cut diamond and rose cut diamonds, surrounded by a garland of half pearl le...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.20 carat blue sapphire and 0.32 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewel...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow 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 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 2 Carat Rose Cut Pear Diamond Georgian Revival Engagement Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: New Era: Georgian Revival Year: 2020s Metal: Silver Topped 18k Gold Diamond: Carat Weight: 2.00 Cut: Antique Rose Cut Pear Color: O-P Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 6.75, sizin...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut and Ruby Floral Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut and Ruby Floral Ring.
White Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Style 5.35 Carat Emerald Rose Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Cast in 18-karat gold & sterling silver. This beautiful ring is handmade in 5.35 carats emerald & illuminated with 4.31 carats rose cut diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be re...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
15.00 Ct Untreated Tourmaline 3.00 Ct Mine antique Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Surprisingly Beautiful This outstanding antique ring is Victorian transitional Edwardian period 1890/1900 ca Large statement ring designed upon the main stone as classy cluster to s...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Colombian Emerald and Diamond Flanked Solitaire Ring, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
Antique Colombian emerald and rose cut diamond flanked solitaire ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver
1900s Antique Diamond and Pearl Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k rose gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Natural Mexican Fire Opal and Rose Cut Diamond Flower Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This beautiful antique Victorian ring features a natural Mexican fire opal measuring approximately 1.00 carat, surrounded by a halo of twelve rose cut diamonds totaling approximately...
Diamond, Fire Opal, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Art Deco 0.20 ct diamond and ruby ring, 1920s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
An old gold ring in the Art Deco style made of yellow gold (approx. 0.700) with silver elements (0.990). Made in the 1920s in Germany. A centrally placed round diamond in an "old" ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - GIA.
Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Victorian 15kt Gold and Silver Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1890s
Located in Braintree, GB
A fine late 19th-century Victorian sapphire and diamond ring crafted in 15kt gold with a silver-topped setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Cabochon Sapphire Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.85ct Old Cushion Cut Diamond Signet Ring, 1880s.
Located in London, GB
This Victorian signet ring centres around a characterful old cushion cut diamond. The 0.85 carat stone has a colour of I and clarity of VS2 and is set into silver. Encircling the cen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Diamond and Yellow and Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique diamond band ring has been crafted in 14k yellow and rose gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Italian Halo Ring Sapphire Diamonds 12K Ø 7.75US / 4.2gr
Located in SE
Italian Halo Ring with natural Blue - Green Sapphire and 12 rose-cut Diamonds. Hand-made between the 1920s - 1930. sItalian hallmarks : 486,500, NA ( Naple s) band's metal tested 12...
Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, Silver
$2,614Sale Price|20% Off
Antique German Rose-Cut Ring .
Located in Firenze, FI
A true vintage treasure 💍✨(1920-1930) This antique ring features a mesmerizing central rose-cut diamond framed by an intricate openwork halo design. The delicate craftsmanship and t...
Pink Diamond, Silver
Antique 19K Yellow Gold and Silver Opal and Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking and ornate ring featuring a central oval opal with a captivating play of colors. The opal is surrounded by marquise-cut rubies, adding a vibrant contrast, and accented by ...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby
Antique Looking Carved Emerald Gold Ring With Rose Cut Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Antique looking Carved Emerald with Rosecut Diamond Dome Ring with a star motif on top making it a pretty cocktail ring. The bottom and the shank are all hand carved with pave diamon...
Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Rhodium
Antique ring with diamonds and emerald, Austria-Hungary, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
A beautiful antique gold ring with a refined design, crafted from 14-karat yellow gold (0.585 fineness) and sterling silver (0.950 fineness).
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Ruby, Blue Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A highly unique antique ruby, blue sapphire and old cut diamond triple cluster ring set in 18k gold and silver.
Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Turquoise Cabochon Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Heart Bow Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a carved heart-shaped turquoise cabochon measuring 7.0 x 9.0 mm Opaque vibrant robin's egg blue in color - with bow motif halo surround Featuring single and rose cut diamon...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling 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 Toi & Moi Diamond Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold & Platinum
Located in Firenze, IT
Early 20th century work "Toi & Moi" ring in yellow gold 750‰, platinum 850‰, claw-set old-cut diamond and brilliant-cut diamond, rose-cut diamonds to the surround. Finger size:...
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Georgian ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1800.
Located in London, GB
Georgian ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut ruby in a closed back grain setting with an approximate weight of 0.50 carats, encircled by...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold US 9.25/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Old ring with ornamental open work crown, band tested solid 14K Rose Gold . No hallmarks, ca. late 19th - early 20th cent. Crown with stones is 18 mm x 8 mm at axes x 4.5 mm deep....
Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1.07 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Dutch 1.07 carat diamond cluster ring in 14 karat yellow gold; part of our internationally made jewelry and estate jewelry collections This s...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Opal and Old Mine Diamond
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Opal and Old Mine Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Georgian Diamond Solitaire Ring, White and Black Enamel, 18th Century
Located in NEWARK, GB
You cannot help but be enchanted by this superb antique mid 18th century Diamond solitaire ring.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian 6.03 Carat Fire Opal, Emerald, Ruby & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold & silver Fire Opal Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18K Gold and Silver 2.15ctw Old European Cut Diamond Double Row Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, silver, and yellow gold ring, comprising twelve old European cut diamonds, in silver and 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 0.80 Carat Sapphire 1.25 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1895
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.80 carat sapphire and 1.25 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set triple cluster ring; part of our collection of Victo...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Double Heart Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Gold Old Mine Diamond Ruby Sapphire Double Heart Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 0.39ct Ruby and 0.63ct Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 15k yellow gold with a silver setting.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Era 15 Carat Carved Emerald Beetle Motif Antique Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Victorian 15-carat carved emerald and round cut diamond halo in 18k gold and silver.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Late Victorian Unheated 3.50 ct Ceylon Sapphire & Rose-Cut Diamond ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
French size 56 (US 7¾) and fully resizable, this ring bears a gentle antique patina—surface wear is consistent with age, yet no chips, dents, or repairs are present.
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Toi et Moi Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
C1780 18K Multi- Stone Giardinetti Ring w/ Rubies Emeralds and Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Late 18th century giardinetti ring, other wise known as "little garden" ring artfully set in silver and 18K gold. Giardinetti rings were first crafted in the 17th century when there ...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Edwardian Two Gold Tone Diamond Trinity Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
This three stone diamond ring features a center diamond measuring approximately 0.95 carats.
White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver
$1,722Sale Price|40% Off
Glittering Extraordinary Clear 10.35 Ct. Natural REAL Zircon & Diamond Ring
By Aria Jewelry Design
Located in Raleigh, NC
Brilliant glittering stunningly beautiful natural 10.36 carat Cambodian Zircon (12.7mm x 11mm) enhanced with teeny tiny little white diamonds set in this sterling silver ring size 8 ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Zircon, Sterling Silver
100 Year Old Antique Edwardian Era Opal and Diamond Flower Halo Ring
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Style: Opal and Diamond Ring Total Weight: 3.1 Grams Ring Size: 5.5 (resizable) Gemstone Specifications: Center Gemstone: O...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Napoleon III Toi et Moi Ring, 0.50ct Diamond & Pearl, France
Located in Firenze, IT
Toi et Moi ring in yellow gold 750 thousandths and platinum 850 thousandths, centered on a white button pearl and an old-cut diamond, underlined by scrolls set with rose-cut diamonds...
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Cabochon Cut Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.28 carat opal and 0.39 carat diamond, yellow gold and silver set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.60ct Diamond Twist Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.60 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum and silver set twist ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Giardinetti Ring 1ct Emerald Diamond Ruby 14K Gold SilverØ 2.5US/4gr
Located in SE
Ca. middle/late 18th. century ring, 14K Rose Gold band with a 'Giardinetto' (small garden) openwork crown with Silver and Yellow Gold top. Array of foiled back natural Emerald, natur...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique Vinaigrette Perfume Ring Amethyst Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Ø 8US/ 5.55gr
Located in SE
Old German ca. 19th cent first half Renaissance styled Vinaigrette or Perfume Ring decorated with natural Amethyst and Diamonds featuring a hinged pierced lid that opens to house a ...
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Ring Blue Spinel 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold Ø 8US / 5.7gr
Located in SE
Beautiful antique Blue Eye - Ring hand - made in Europe ca. late XIX - early XX cent.
Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, Silver
$11,100
Georgian Diamond Button Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This 'button' was delicately altered to become a ring during the 19th century with the addition of a yellow gold shank which has been silver topped and set with small rose cut diamon...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique German Ring natural 0.72ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold US 5.75 / 2.55 gr
Located in SE
Old German ring with ornamental open work crown decorated with beautiful arrangement of 19 natural Diamonds. Hallmarked 585 and worn hallmarks of German maker, hand - made ca. earl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Antique German Ring Emerald Diamond solid 14K Yellow Gold Ø 6.75US / 3gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period German Ring with Emerald and Diamonds. Eye - shaped crown measures 14 mm x 6 mm x 5 mm deep. Emerald is oval cut 3 mm x 2.5 mm x 1.5 mm deep / ca. 0.15ct . There are...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 0.80ct Sapphire and 1.23ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.80 carat sapphire and 1.23 carat diamond, 18 carat yellow gold, silver set twist ring; part of our antique jewellery and estate je...
Diamond, Sapphire, 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.
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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.