All Star
1980s Color Photography
Photographic Paper, Archival Pigment
1950s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Ink, Illustration Board, Pen
1880s Tonalist Figurative Paintings
Mixed Media, Glue, Oil, Acrylic
2010s Pop Art Prints and Multiples
Canvas, Giclée
Mid-20th Century More Art
Cardboard
1970s Contemporary Figurative Photography
Photographic Paper
Mid-20th Century American Posters
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Pendant Necklaces
Sterling Silver
Vintage 1960s American Posters
Linen, Paper
1950s Performance Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Ink, Board
1970s Performance Figurative Prints
Lithograph
2010s American Posters
Paper
2010s American Modern Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Pop Art Landscape Photography
Mixed Media, Archival Paper, Photogram
2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Star Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold,...
2010s Contemporary Portrait Paintings
Canvas, Acrylic
1990s French Posters
Paper
Mid-20th Century Turkish Kilim Turkish Rugs
Wool
2010s Afghan Kazak More Carpets
Wool
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Picture Frames
Paper
1970s Pop Art Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
1970s Pop Art Black and White Photography
Silver Gelatin
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1950s American Mid-Century Modern Dining Room Chairs
Mahogany
Vintage 1960s Posters
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Pendant Necklaces
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s Posters
Linen, Paper
Vintage 1960s American Posters
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Star Sapphire
1930s Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Watercolor
Vintage 1940s Australian Posters
Paper
Vintage 1980s British Posters
Paper
1990s American Paintings
Canvas, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
2010s Indian Contemporary Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold
1990s American Paintings
Canvas, Paint
21st Century and Contemporary English Figurative Sculptures
Brass
1960s Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Ink, Illustration Board, Pen
Early 20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary North American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
Antique Late 19th Century American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sterling Silver
2010s American Modern Drop Earrings
Emerald, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Sri Lankan Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Late 19th Century American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Silk
1940s American Realist Landscape Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Stud Earrings
Diamond, Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Drop Earrings
Diamond, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
2010s Indian Victorian Choker Necklaces
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Antique Late 19th Century American Adirondack Tables
Wood
Antique Mid-19th Century American Political and Patriotic Memorabilia
Silk
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Drop Earrings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
1920s Drawings and Watercolor Paintings
Conté
2010s Chinese Books
Paper
21st Century and Contemporary Cardigans
Vintage 1940s American Arts and Crafts Chandeliers and Pendants
Wrought Iron
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All Star For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a All Star?
Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship
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.
The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design
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.
- What is the Eastern Star ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Eastern star ring is a piece of jewelry worn on the finger that features a five-pointed star made out of various colors of gemstone or enamel. It represents the Order of the Eastern Star, a Masonic fraternal organization founded in 1850. You'll find a range of antique and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a star-cut diamond?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024A star-cut diamond is a diamond with a certain shape and facet arrangement. Specifically, the style features 86 facets and is a brilliant cut that shows off the sparkle of a diamond. In terms of shape, the cut produces a gemstone that resembles a five-pointed star. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of diamond jewelry.
- When did the flag have 42 stars?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022American flags had 42 stars for a very brief period of time following the official statehood of Washington on November 11, 1889. When Idaho became a state on July 3, 1890, the flag had 43 stars. Only a small number of manufacturers produced flags with only 42 stars. You'll find a selection of antique American flags on 1stDibs.
- What is a pink star sapphire?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A pink star sapphire is a rare and unique gem that is characterized by its star pattern and pale red or pink hue. You can shop a collection of expertly vetted gems from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- Is a star sapphire rare?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Yes, a star sapphire is rarer than other types of sapphires. The gemstones get their name from the natural starburst effect that appears on their faces when you view them under a single overhead light. On 1stDibs, shop a range of star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
- How much is a star ruby worth?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Star rubies are the most valuable rubies and are some of the rarest colored gemstones in the world. The price depends on what the gem trader sets it at but can be around $1000 per carat.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023One way to tell if a star sapphire is natural is to shine a flashlight on it while in total darkness. On a genuine star sapphire, the light that reflects off of the stone will be the same color as the stone. Glass and other materials used to create synthetic stones may show reflections in different colors. To be certain of the authenticity of a gemstone, take it to an experienced jeweler or appraiser for an evaluation. On 1stDibs, find a selection of star sapphire jewelry.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 10, 2025Perhaps the most famous painting that has the moon and stars in it is The Starry Night by Vincent van Gogh. Produced in 1889, the painting shows a turbulent landscape beneath a dramatic night sky. Many other paintings have also depicted the moon and stars. Some notable examples include Joan Miró's Femme, Lune, Etoile; Giovanni di Paolo's The Creation of the World and The Expulsion from Paradise; Adam Elsheimer's The Flight Into Egypt and Francisco Goya's Witches’ Sabbath. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of paintings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The term blue star sapphire means a blue corundum stone that displays a six-pointed star when viewed in the light. Blue star sapphires are usually polished cabochons rather than cut gems. On 1stDibs, find a variety of blue star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
- Are star sapphires real gems?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, natural star sapphires are real gems. The star-like reflective effect comes from inclusions present in the gemstones. Keep in mind that some jewelry features man-made star sapphires rather than natural stones, making it important that you purchase from reputable jewelers or online platforms. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of expertly vetted star sapphire gemstone jewelry.
- Are purple star sapphires rare?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023Yes, natural purple star sapphires are rarer than sapphires of other colors like blue. Natural purple star sapphires come in a variety of hues from light lavender to deep violet. Sapphires can even be colorless, or white, although examples are very rare, since the corundum from which they are formed has to have been untouched by any other element. Non-blue colored sapphires are referred to as “fancy sapphires” and can be pink, purple, orange, yellow or green. Shop a collection of vintage and modern sapphire jewelry from some of the world’s top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- Why is Kevin Red Star famous?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertJanuary 27, 2025Kevin Red Star is famous because of his role in the contemporary Native American art movement. He is known for producing paintings that depict Indigenous people in realistic detail. When planning and executing his work, he refers to historical sources and living people to show his subjects in the most authentic way possible. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of Kevin Red Star art.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The Hildebrandt Brothers made the original Star Wars posters. The duo consists of twin brothers Greg and Tim Hildebrandt. Notably, well-known film poster artist Drew Struzan came out of retirement to design the artwork for Star Wars: The Force Awakens in 2015. You'll find a variety of film poster art on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A blue star sapphire has a transparent body with a deep blue color. A blue star sapphire ring’s worth depends on the 4Cs — color, clarity, cut and carat. Prices for a blue star sapphire ring can also differ according to size and time period. These accessories begin at $449 and can cost as much as around $200,000 or more. On 1stDibs, shop a range of vintage blue star sapphire rings.