2.55tcw 18K Asscher Cut Emerald & Diamond Ring - Deep Green Split Shank Halo
Located in Jupiter, FL
The rich green color and semi-transparent clarity of the emerald are beautifully showcased, surrounded by a full diamond halo. Dazzling diamonds adorn the split shank and accent the ...
Diamond, Emerald
Contemporary Heart Shaped Diamond Solitaire Split Shank Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Few shapes in the world of fine jewelry carry as much meaning as the heart, and this diamond solitaire ring delivers that sentiment with effortless elegance and warmth. Featuring a b...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum GIA 2.81ctw Oval Tanzanite w/ Diamond Sides Split Shank Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Tanzanite - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Excellent Color - Blue Violet Color - 2.75ct (exact, certified.) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete ...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
14k White Gold Split-Shank Engagement Ring with GIA Certified Natural Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - Primary Stone(s): Diamond - GIA Report #: 5336121387 - Origin: Natural - Clarity: SI2 - Color Grade: E - Cut: Round - Color: White - # of Stones: 1 - Total...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,160Sale Price|20% Off
GIA 0.65 Cushion 18K Gold Cushion Cut Natural Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This 18K White Gold handcrafted Women's engagement ring showcases a 0.65 carat GIA Certified Cushion Cut diamond accompanied by twenty (20) Round Brilliant Cut diamonds on a split sh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Stunning 1.05 ct Ideal Cut Oval Diamond Halo Ring W/ Split Shank
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 1.05 ct Ideal Cut Oval Diamond Halo Ring with split shank in 18k Yellow Gold – GIA Certified Crafted in elegant 18k yellow gold, this halo ring features a captivating 0.75...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
【Lustre Arc】Split-Shank Aurora Tahitian Pearl Statement Ring
By The Pearl Vogue
Located in New York, NY
This Aurora Platinum-Grey Tahitian Pearl Ring showcases an exquisite platinum-grey Tahitian pearl with a mesmerizing mirror-like luster. The pearl's refined sheen reflects an elegant...
Diamond, Black Pearl, White Gold
Pear Shape Diamond Engagement Double Halo Ring with Split Shank, 1.08 Carats
Located in Honolulu, HI
The ring has a split shank set with 22 round brilliant diamonds for a total of 44 diamonds totaling ~0.22 carats, G in color and VS in clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Diamond Cocktail Statement Unique Split Shank 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Emerald Diamond Cocktail Statement Unique Split Shank 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Genuine Emerald & Natural Diamonds 20.85 CT Emerald 1.75 CTW Diamonds 8.56 Grams...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Split Shank Ring with Halo & Black Diamond Center - Size 6.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a 14k White Gold Split Shank Ring with One ~0.30ct Black Diamond Center Stone, and Forty-Three ~0.02ct Diamonds as Accent Stones. 43x Round Diamonds J/I2, ~0.02ct/ea Size -...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.19tcw 14K Natural Emerald-Oval Cut & Diamond Halo Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This is an exquisite, natural emerald and diamond halo split shank ring. The gorgeous setting lets sit an excellent quality emerald with beautiful color and very good eye clarity.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.01 Carat Marquis Diamond Engagement Ring with Pavé Halo Split Shank Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Surrounding the marquis stone is a sparkling pave halo of round white diamonds, framing the center stone beautifully. The split shank is also embellished with pave diamonds, adding e...
Diamond, Platinum
TJD 0.50 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond 14KT Gold Split Shank Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Bring charm to your look with this diamond ring. The ring is crafted from 14-karat rose gold and features Round Brilliant 76 and Baguette - 22 white diamonds, Prong set, H-I color I2...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
J. Birnbach GIA 5.83 Carat J VS2 Oval Diamond Split Shank Solitaire Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in platinum and sized at 6, the ring is both refined and impactful. Key Details - 5.83 carat oval diamond, GIA certified J VS2 - Pavé diamonds, 0.60 total carat weight - Pl...
Diamond, Platinum
12.10 Carat Pink Tourmaline Split Shank Cocktail Ring with Diamonds White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The vibrant rectangular modified brilliant-cut pink tourmaline is set in split shank design adorned with dazzling round-cut diamonds.
Tourmaline, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$1,112Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamonds 0.40 carats 18KT White Gold Flower Cluster Split Shank Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
A natural diamond cluster split shank modern anniversary ring is a beautiful and elegant piece of jewelry that is perfect for marking a special occasion or milestone in a relationship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,112Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Diamonds 0.40 Carats 18KT Yellow Gold Flower Cluster Split Shank Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
A natural diamond cluster split shank modern anniversary ring is a beautiful and elegant piece of jewelry that is perfect for marking a special occasion or milestone in a relationship.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold 0.17ct Baguette Cut and 0.31ct Round Diamonds Split Shank Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 0.17ct Baguette Cut and 0.31ct Round Brilliant Diamonds Split Shank Ring Style: Split Shank Ring Material: 14k White Gold Diamond Details: This ring features approxim...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Elegant 18k White Gold 1.81ctw Oval Emerald & Diamond Solitaire Split Shank Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Rich Green Color - 8x6mm - 1.26ct (approx.) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G/...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Bold Geometric Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning ring features a bombé design, pavé-set with brilliant white diamonds and accented with bold, curving black enamel patterns. Approximately 3.00 carats of diamonds; they...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
TJD 0.75 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Split Shank Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
With one look of this Beautiful Round Split Shank Diamond Engagement Ring crafted in 18 kt white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GRS Cert. 2.5 Carat Oval No Heat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS Certified 2.5 Carat Oval Cut No Heat Sri Lanka Blue Sapphire & Round Halo Diamond Split Shank 18K White Gold Ring. Details: Item Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 6.09 G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Gemistry 1.7 Ct. Oval Ruby & Diamond Split Shank Solitaire Ring, 14K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Split shank ruby ring. Ruby and diamond solitaire ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.68 Carat Natural Vivid Pink Sapphire Diamonds Ring 18 Karat Split Shank Mod*
Located in New York, NY
Pink Sapphire & split shank deco 1.98ct. Natural Pink sapphire ring.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Orloff of Denmark, 5.10 Carat, Split Shank, Blue Spinel Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hua Hin, TH
Orloff of Denmark's very own 'Neptunian Moonlight' An extraordinary 5.10 carat blue spinel set in 950 platinum. The split-shank ring which the gem is set upon is adorned with wonderf...
Diamond, Spinel, Platinum
Butterfly White Champagne Diamond Pave Set Split Shank 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant Butterfly Multi-Diamond Pave Ring. This exquisite ring features a butterfly design adorned with sparkling diamonds. The intricate detailing of the butterfly's wings adds a to...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 1.0 CT Round Diamond 14KT Yellow Gold Split Shank Classic Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Give a touch of glamour to your fine jewelry collection with this diamond Ring. Crafted in 14KT yellow gold. This split shank ring is studded with 71 single cut & brilliant cut r...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Regal Diamond and Emerald Split Shank Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald statement ring in 18K gold with diamonds which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with octagon cut emerald in center...
Emerald, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Luxle Round and Baguette Diamond Split Shank Band Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Rendered in 14K white gold, this band ring dazzles with 6 baguette diamonds and 25 pave set round diamonds in a chic split shank design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond 5/8 Ctw Diamond Split Shank and Milgrain Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Surrounding this central beacon, the ring's split shank divides gracefully, lined with diamonds that dance harmoniously in a shared prong setting, each adding to the collective glow.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
GRS Cert. 2.5 Carat Oval No Heat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Split Shank Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GRS Certified 2.5 Carat Oval Cut No Heat Sri Lanka Blue Sapphire & Round Halo Diamond Split Shank 18K White Gold Ring. Details: Item Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 6.09 G...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary Pavé Diamond Negative Space Split Shank Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Step into modern elegance with this stunning negative space motif ring, artfully crafted in polished 18 karat yellow gold. This contemporary design creates a striking balance between...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Regal Diamond and Emerald Split Shank Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Emerald statement ring in 18K gold with diamonds which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with octagon cut emerald in center...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
TJD 0.50 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond 14K White Gold Split Shank Fashion Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Stunning with color and sparkle, this split shank wide wedding ring proclaims her sophistication.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.37 ct Pear Cut Rubellite Tourmaline Ring with Diamond Halo and Split Shank
Located in Nashville, TN
This stunning example is a vivid pink-red pear cut tourmaline set in the center of a bright diamond halo. Its filigree setting is supported by a diamond accented split shank.
Tourmaline, Rubelite, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Diana M Platinum 8.38 Cts Tw Diamond Engagement Ring with Split Shank Band
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Platinum engagement ring featuring a center 6.88 ct oval cut diamond(#GIA 2165680950) (H-VS2) with 1.50 cts tw of diamonds on a split shank band
Diamond, Platinum
1.50 Carat Old Mine Diamond Split-Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A split-shank solitaire engagement ring featuring a 1.50 carat “new” old mine cut diamond, handcrafted by Bracken Jewelers in Los Angeles, California.
Diamond, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
$297Sale Price / item|50% Off
Silvorra Emerald and Diamond Halo Split Shank Bypass Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
Located in New York, NY
This refined emerald and diamond open bypass ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver.
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver
3.85-ct Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Split Shank 18k Gold Ring by Nancy Phillips
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Sourced for its superior brilliance and vivid blue-violet color, the center stone is elegantly complemented by channel-set round white diamonds flanking the split-shank band. Expert...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18.06 Carat AAAA Tanzanite 18K White Gold Split Shank Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Framed by 2.5 carats of dazzling diamonds and set in sculptural 18K white gold with a split filigree shank, this ring is timeless and regal.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Cut Aquamarine and Diamond Split Shank Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
This stunning split shank halo ring captures elegance with a fresh, modern allure.
Diamond, Aquamarine, White Gold, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Pear Cut 2.1Ct Emerald 0.5Ct Diamond Split Shank Bypass Ring
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Diera, Dubai
18K White Gold Pear Cut 2.1Ct Emerald 0.5Ct Diamond Split Shank Bypass Ring features pear cut emerald set in prong setting with micro pave diamonds set on the split shank style open ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Oval Cabochon Emerald Ring 4.63ct Diamond Split Pave Shank 0.85ct
Located in Carmel By The Sea, CA
18K White Gold Oval Cabochon Colombian Emerald Ring 4.63ct, Diamond Split Pave Shank 0.85ctw, Size 6.5 Description: Crafted in 18-karat white gold, this ring contains one oval caboc...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Cert 1.07 Carat Brilliant Cushion Cut Bezel Diamond Split Shank Ring 5.25
By H & H Jewels
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 1.07 Carat Brilliant Cushion Cut Diamond Split Shank Ring This engagement ring inspires the sentiment of a fairy tale.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Palladium
18K TT Gold Colombian F2 Emerald and Double Diamond Halo Split Shank Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This magnificent ring features a captivating emerald-cut Colombian emerald, elegantly framed by a dual halo of dazzling diamonds, with the inner halo accented by warm gold prongs, al...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Two Tone Gold 1/2 Cttw Diamond Kite and Split Shank Ring
Located in New York, NY
The band itself, with its innovative split shank design, envelops the finger in elegance, balancing the bold kite pattern with delicate grace.
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold 2ctw Fiery Round Diamond Large Oval Shaped Split Shank Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (64) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong & Pave Set - H-K Color - VS2-I1 Clarity - 2.0ctw (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 2.0 (approx.) Material: ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,760Sale Price|20% Off
14 Karat White Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Pave Halo Split Shank Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
This brand new ring consists of a vibrant, natural pink 6.11 mm sapphire gemstone weighing 1.00 carat and is surrounded by a halo of diamonds that are set to a split shank.
Pink Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
1.58 ct. Fire Opal and .15 ct Diamonds Split Shank 18k Gold Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Specifications: - 18k Yellow Gold - Split Shank - 1.58 carat Fire Opal; Oval Cut - Diamond pavé signature wrap/pavé basket; 0.14 carats total - Size: 6.5
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Squared Double Diamond Halo Split Shank Cocktail Ring in White and Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 6.5 This exquisite diamond ring features a dazzling double halo design with a unique split shank design.
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, Rose Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
14k White Gold 1.20ct Large Round Diamond Bubble Bead Journey Split Shank Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (9) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 1.20ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k White Gold Total Weight: 8.6 Gram...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.15 Carat Marquise Cut Ruby and Diamond Split Shank Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A special engagement ring style showcasing a long marquise cut ruby, set in a chic intertwined halo design micro-pave set with round brilliant diamonds. A truly beautiful piece of je...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Aqua Double Halo 18K White Gold Ring Aquamarine Diamond 1.8 Carats Split Shank
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The diamonds are G-H color and VS clarity. The ring has a total diamond weight of 0.41 carats.
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Butterfly Brilliant Cut Pave Set Diamond Split Shank 18K Rose Gold Cute Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Butterfly Brilliant Cut Pave Set Diamond Split Shank 18K Rose Gold Cute Ring 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.13 CT Diamonds of H Color VS Clarity Size 6.5
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
GIA Certified Round Diamond Cts 0.55 with Three Row Split Shank Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The three row split shank design, adorned with round diamonds (0.51 cts), adds sophistication and elegance to the centerpiece.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Marquise Shape Blue Sapphire Black Onyx Diamond Halo Split Shank White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
The shiny black onyx surrounds the sapphire and forms marquise shape. There are 58 diamonds surrounding the onyx and on the split shanks.
Diamond, Onyx, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Square Shaped Men's 14K White Gold Ring with Split Shank and Round Diamonds
Located in Old Tappan, NJ
14K white gold men's ring with 23 prong set round brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 0.54 carats total. Finger size is 10.5 and can be sized up or down by up to two sizes. Diamonds ar...
Diamond, White Gold, 14k 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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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.