Vintage 1970s SANZ 18k Gold Open Diamond Wide Band Ring
By Sanz
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Good, wear consistent with age Era: Mid Century Year: 1970s Metal: 18k yellow gold (XRF Tested) along with hallmark Diamonds: 12 Carat Weight: 0.04 Cut: Round single Colo...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Amanecer Green and White Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in München, DE
Details: Collection: Hechizo Material: 18KT Yellow Gold Gemstones: White Diamonds, Green Diamonds Origin: Made in Spain
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti Platinum .10ct Diamond 3mm Curved Band Ring 6.5
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elsa Peretti Platinum .10ct Diamond 3mm Curved Band Ring 6.5 Metal: Platinum Size: 6.5 Weight: 5.40 grams Band Width: 3mm Diamond: 9 round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight .10...
Diamond, Platinum
Masriera Plique-A-Jour Diamond Ruby Gold Frog Ring
By Masriera
Located in New York, NY
Masriera 18k gold ring, depicting a frog, adorned with Plique-a-Jour enamel, ruby eyes and diamonds. Ring size - 6.25, ring top is 15mm wide. Marked: Masriera, 750, B-4329-B. Weight ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti Platinum One Diamond Curved Wedding Band Ring 5.5
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elsa Peretti Platinum One Diamond Curved Wedding Band Ring 5.5 Metal: Platinum Size: 5.5 Band Width: 2mm Weight: 3.90 grams Diamond: one round brilliant diamond, carat total ...
Diamond, Platinum
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti Platinum .10ct Diamond 3mm Curved Band Ring 5.5
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elsa Peretti Platinum .10ct Diamond 3mm Curved Band Ring 5.5 Metal: Platinum Size: 5.5 Weight: 5.30 grams Band Width: 3mm Diamond: 9 round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight .10...
Diamond, Platinum
Carrera y Carrera 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Dolphin Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
A beautifully detailed 18 karat yellow gold dolphin motif ring accented with 0.12 carats of diamonds. Made by Carrera y Carrera, expert jewelers based in Madrid, Spain.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
Ring 18K Rose Gold with Diamonds ant Peridote
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring 18K Rose Gold with Diamonds and Opal Rose Gold 18K. 10 Diamonds 0.07ct. 1 Opal 1.15ct.
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$5,137 / set
Ring in 18 Karat White Gold and Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Very unique statement piece, very sober mounting, discrete and elegant for every day wearable look.... Weight 14,9 gr 2 ct Size 57 READY TO SHIP *Resizing may be possible. Se...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Jewels 14K Gold Ring with White Diamonds & Emeralds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Snake Ring Metal: 14K Gold Metal Color: Yellow Stone: Round Diamond 0.33 Stone 2: Marquise Emerald 0.19 Length: 7/8" PRADERA is a second genera...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Pradera Ring flower-shaped 18K White Gold and Natural Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Diamonds 2,35ct Weight 17,02gr Size 55 Europe can adapt two sizes If other size request availability, production time 4 weeks PRADERA is a second generation of a family run busin...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, 1992
Located in BILBAO, ES
Bold vintage cocktail ring crafted in polished 18 karat yellow gold, featuring an elegant arrangement of eight oval cabochon-cut sapphires accented by brilliant-cut diamonds. The de...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds & Emerald
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18Kt white gold ring with a total weight of 4.58 grams, diamonds with a total weight of 0.75 carats and an emerald with a total weight of 7.51 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
1984 18K Gold Blue and Yellow Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in BILBAO, ES
An elegant and distinctive bypass ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, featuring a harmonious pairing of pear-shaped blue and yellow sapphires in sleek bezel settings. The two color...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
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!!! (Iberian, Catalan not hallmarked). ...
Diamond, Enamel, Silver, 18k Gold
$3,399Sale Price|20% Off
Six Eyes watching onyx and diamonds Rose Gold Ring
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Six Eyes watching onyx and diamonds Rose Gold Ring Egiptian inspired amulet ring with six eyes of diamonds protecting you.
Onyx, Diamond, Rose Gold
C1690 18K Iberian Bow Form Ring with Table Cut Diamonds
Located in Baltimore, MD
Rare late 17th century seven stone diamond cluster finger ring of bow form from the Iberian Peninsula.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K Gold & Silver Ring with Diamonds, & Emerald
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18Kt yellow gold 2.14 grams, silver 2.59 grams, 38 diamonds 0.31 carats and emeralds 3.53 carats PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of refere...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds & Emerald
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18Kt white gold with a total weight of 7.16 grams, diamonds with a total weight of 1.78 carats and 1 emerald with a total weight of 8.43 Irama Pradera is a Young designer fr...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Jewels 14k White Gold Ring With Diamonds & Emerald
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 14Kt white gold with a total weight of 9.82 grams, diamonds with a total weight of 1.89 carats and 1 emerald with a total weight of 7.70 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K White Gold Ring with Diamonds & Emeralds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K white gold ring with a total weight of 11.06 grams, 190 diamonds with a total weight of 1.35 carats, and 3 emeralds with a total weight of 9.45 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
TIFFANY & Co. Elsa Peretti Platinum Diamond 2mm Curved Wedding Band Ring 5 New
By Elsa Peretti for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Elsa Peretti Platinum Diamond 2mm Curved Wedding Band Ring 5 Metal: Platinum Size: 5 Weight: 3.70 grams Band Width: 2mm Diamond: 9 round brilliant diamonds, carat total weight .06 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Pradera Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Turquoise and 21 Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
The design is enhanced by 21 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling 0.44 carats, graded G colour and ‘Very Good’ clarity, set in a refined central motif that enhances the ring’s sparkle an...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Garzas Ring Solitaire in 18kt gold with diamonds
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Toronto, CA
Every detail reflects Carrera y Carrera’s distinctive approach to sculptural jewelry, where form, texture, and light are in perfect harmony. Handmade in Spain, this ring is a timele...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Contemporary 18K White Gold Diamond Band Ring by ECH jewelry
By ECH JEWELRY
Located in BARCELONA, ES
Single 18K White Gold Diamond Designer Band Ring featuring the maxiFLY emblem from the Essential Collection of ECH jewelry This unisex designer band ring is crafted entirely in pol...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
18 Carat Iberian Cluster ring with Diamonds and Cabochon Ruby
Located in Baltimore, MD
Late 18th century ruby and diamond cluster ring from the Iberian peninsula, with breathtaking cabochon ruby set to a gold octofoil mount set with diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cocktail ring in white gold, blue sapphire and diamonds.
Located in MADRID, ES
Cocktail ring in white gold, blue sapphire and diamonds (briliant cut). Total weight 8.75 gr. This piece is part of a set, earrings with the same design are available. Get in touch ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Contemporary Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds ECH JEWELRY
By ECH JEWELRY
Located in BARCELONA, ES
18K Yellow Gold Diamond Accent Designer Band Ring featuring the Fly emblem from the Essential Collection of ECH JEWELRY. This unisex designer band ring is crafted entirely in polish...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds & Rubies
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K rose gold ring with a total weight of 3.81 grams, diamonds with a total weight of 0.45 carats, and rubies with a total weight of 1.38 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K White Gold Ring with Diamonds & Sapphire
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K white gold ring with a total weight of 4.81 grams, 32 diamonds with a total weight of 0.59 carats, and 1 sapphire with a total weight of 1.10 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ring with Heart Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Accents
Located in BILBAO, ES
An elegant vintage ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, featuring a distinctive heart-shaped gemstone composition. At its center, a vivid green emerald and a deep blue sapphire, bot...
Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.36ct. Pavè of diamonds 0.30ct.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.60ct. Pavè of diamonds 0.22ct.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.18ct. Pavè of diamonds 0.30ct.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.13ct. Pavè of Diamonds 0.20ct.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Pradera Magic Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Magic Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Diamonds 0.27ct. Diamonds Quality G SI.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
CLARISSA BRONFMAN Signature 14k Solid Gold Diamond Rimmed Peace Ring
By Clarissa Bronfman
Located in New York, NY
This signature rim is an all time favorite. Crafted to perfect to fit typically the index/middle fingers perfectly. So comfortable. Suitable for everyday wear, and formal! We are ba...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Folding Moving Butterfly 18k Gold, Silver Diamonds Rubies Sapphires Ring
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines classic with contemporary mounting and styles.
White Diamond, Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Pradera Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold rutilated quartz and Black & White Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Pradera Snake Ring 18k Yellow Gold rutilated quartz and Black & White Diamonds Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Effy Serpenti 14K Gold Ring with White and Black Diamonds & Emeralds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Wrap Snake Ring Metal: 14K Gold Metal Color: Yellow Stone: Round Emerald 0.63 Stone 2: Round Diamond 0.11 Stone 3: Round Black Diamond 0.02 Lengt...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Ring in 18K Rose Gold Diamonds and Blue Topaz
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18K Rose Gold Diamonds and Blue Topaz Rose Gold 18K 20 Diamonds 0.46ct. 1 Blue Topaz 10.20ct.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 1985 Yellow Gold Emerald-Cut Diamond and Sapphire Statement Ring
Located in BILBAO, ES
A bold expression of vintage sophistication, this 1985 yellow gold ring features a striking geometric composition of diamonds and sapphires. At the center, an elegant emerald-cut di...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Gold Ring with Pink and Blue Heart Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in BILBAO, ES
A striking vintage ring crafted in 18-karat yellow gold, featuring two heart-shaped sapphires in a romantic and elegant composition. At the center, a vivid pink sapphire is paired wi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds and Emeralds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k white gold ring with a total weight of 8.51 grams, diamonds with a total weight of 1.09 carats, and emeralds with a total weight of 6.50 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds and Emerald
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k white gold ring with a total weight of 8.83 grams, diamonds with a total weight of 0.32 carats, and an emerald with a total weight of 13.31 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Pradera Jewels 14k White Gold Ring With Diamonds and Emeralds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
14k white gold ring with a total weight of 13.29 grams, diamonds with a total weight of 2.19 carats, and emeralds with a total weight of 6.41 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Carrera & Carrera 18 Kt Yellow Gold Mermaid Ring with 0.26 Cts Diamonds
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in New York, NY
Carrera Y Carrera has built its famous name on figurative designs, an obsession with surface finishes, and a compelling way of seeing beauty in art and nature. This 18 karat yellow g...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pradera Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Natural Turquoise & Brilliant-Cut Diamond
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Diamonds 0,04ct Weight 6,97gr Size 55 Europe and it is resizable If other size request availability, production time 4 weeks PRADERA is a second generation of a family run busines...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Serpenti Jewels 14K Gold Ring with White and Black Diamonds & Emeralds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Wrap Snake Ring Metal: 14K Gold Metal Color: Yellow Stone: Round Emerald 0.63 Stone 2: Round Diamond 0.11 Stone 3: Round Black Diamond 0.02 Lengt...
Diamond, Emerald, Black Diamond, Silver, 14k Gold
Pradera Ring in 18K Yellow Gold and Orange Coral with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
At the centerpiece sits a magnificently carved, fan-shaped natural orange coral, displaying a captivating warm hue and a beautifully fluid ribbed texture that captures the light from...
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Carrera y Carrera Mi Princess Crown Diamond White Gold Ring
By Carrera y Carrera
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Mi Princess Crown Diamond Ring by Carrera Y Carrera. With 23 round brilliant cut Diamonds VS1 clarity, G color total weight approx: 0.38ct This ring comes with Box Cer...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Pradera Ring in 18K Yellow Gold and White Coral with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Highly coveted by jewelry connoisseurs, this rare coral exhibits a subtle, ultra-romantic pastel pink and white blush that epitomizes classic elegance. Diamonds 0,676ct Weight 6,9gr ...
Diamond, Coral, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pradera Ring Yellow Gold with Natural Turquoise and Fancy Yellow Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Irama Pradera is a Young designer from Spain that searches always for the best gems and combines classic with contemporary mounting and styles.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K Yellow Gold Edelweiss Sunshine Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18-karat yellow gold with a total weight of 4.75 g and 35 diamonds with a total weight of 0.32 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K Yellow Gold Edelweiss Sunshine Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, set with diamonds in a circular openwork design with a central floral motif.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Pradera Ring with a Central Sapphire and Little Sapphires and Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Sleekly crafted in 18K white gold these romantic and classic cultivated white pearl ring consist on a pavé-set diamonds, total 1,50 ct and central cultivated pearl A chic, high-sty...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Pradera Jewels 18K Gold & Silver Ring with Diamonds Emeralds & Opal
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18-karat gold weighing 1.72 g, silver 7.56 g, 147 diamonds 0.84 ct, emeralds 21.18 ct and opal 3.39 ct PRADERA is a second generation of a family run business jewelers of r...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k 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.”
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.