French 1950s Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Asymmetrical Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
The top of this tank ring is asymmetrical, set on the roll with a row of calibrated verneuil rubies in the center of two rows of 8/8 cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Geometric, this tank ring has on its top three stepped patterns set with rose-cut diamonds, shouldered by natural pearls.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, ...
French 1940s Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : Sublime, this diamond tank ring is in excellent condition and presents a very nice quality setting.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...
Cartier 18k White Gold Tank Moonstone Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant Cartier Tank Moonstone Ring is a striking example of the refined, architectural design language that defines the iconic Cartier Tank collection. Expertly crafted in luxu...
Moonstone, White Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
French 1940s Red Gems Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
A stunning tank ring; the top of this tank ring features two bridges, one set with 10 vintage-cut diamonds on a platinum setting and the other with 10 red gems.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Circa 1930s 18k Gold Estate Natural Rose Cut Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
đź’Ž Antique Circa 1930s 18k Gold Estate Natural Rose Cut Diamond Tank Ring In very good condition. Total weight is 11.5 grams.
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,720Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition.. Total weight 8.3 grams.. Diamond totally about 0.65 carat.. Clarity is diamond G-H color and vvs-vs... Ring size is US 6.2.. We can make any size.. Please co...
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 karat yellow gold tank ring - Ruby & Diamond - Retro bow ring - Vintage bombé
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely bulky single Cut diamond ring. This Ruby Tank ring is made in 18 k Yellow gold, which turned some what orangy during the years.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,413Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10 grams. Totally is diamond 1.35 ct. The diamond is has G color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. Please contact fo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,983Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.1 grams. Totally is diamond 1.30 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 6 We can make any size. The box is...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Continental Art Deco Retro Emerald Diamond Tank Style Ring in 18K Gold
Located in San Francisco, CA
A striking Continental Art Deco tank style ring crafted in 18 karat gold, centered by an emerald cut natural emerald measuring approximately 3/8 inch by 1/4 inch, framed within an ar...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1940s Platinum, Rectangular 2 Carat Baguette Edge Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The ring is adorned with a double row of sparkling natural diamonds, elegantly framed by a dazzling edge of baguette-cut diamonds that enhance its luxurious appeal.
Diamond, Platinum
French 1940s 3 Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum dog's head hallmark. Massive antique ring, it is set on its top with large platinum claws of 3 antique brilliant-cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$3,159Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.2 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.60 ct. Totally is old cut diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1 cla...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Cartier Tank Francaise 18K Yellow Gold 2.00cttw Round Diamond 11mm Wide Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Tank Française ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, designed with the signature architectural lines inspired by the iconic Tank Française collection.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,159Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Amethyst Decorated Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 12.3 grams. Totally is diamond 1 ct. TOP PART 14K GOLD. The diamond is has H-I color and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is amethyst 10 ct. Ring size ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18 karat solid gold tank ring set with natural authentic diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely bulky brilliant Cut diamond ring. This Tank ring is made in 18 karat solid Yellow gold and marked with a 0,750 mark.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Tank Ring in Rose Gold with 1.80 ct Diamonds
Located in PARIS, FR
This vintage Tank-style ring is crafted in solid 18K rose gold (750/1000) and showcases bold design with timeless elegance.
Rose Gold
18 k yellow gold tank ring - real rose cut diamonds - Retro estate bulky ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely bulky Rose Cut diamond ring. This Tank ring is made in 18 k pinkish Yellow gold and marked with a french eagle head mark.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Retro French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Tank Ring
Located in New York, NY
Retro French 18 Karat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Tank Ring Size 9.5 c.1940s
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 karat yellow gold tank ring - rose cut diamond - Retro bow ring with stars
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely bulky Rose Cut diamond ring. This Tank ring is made in 18 karat rose gold and set with ten rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Retro French 18 Karat White Gold and 2.50 Carat Diamond Tank Ring
Located in New York, NY
Retro 18k White Gold and 2.50 Carats Transitional-cut Diamond Tank Ring c.1940s 12.5 grams Made in France Size 7
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
TIFFANY & CO. Retro 1940s 14k Yellow Gold, Ruby & Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Retro 14k Yellow Gold, Diamond & Ruby Tank Cocktail Ring 1940s Here is your chance to purchase a beautiful and highly collectible designer ring.
Diamond, Ruby
French, 1950s, 6 Carats Tourmaline Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Impressive tank ring, it presents a mounting in the shape of bridge and with steps, decorated with brilliant- cut diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond Cocktail Tank Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The tank style of the ring is a unique design that is sure to make a statement wherever you go.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18 karat yellow gold tank ring - Ruby & old cut Diamond - Retro Vintage bow ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely bulky old European Cut diamond ring. This Ruby Tank ring is made in 18 karat Yellow gold and marked with an 18k mark.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 1930s Retro 14K White Gold 2.1ctw Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond ring in white gold, comprising one large, brilliant cut diamond, flanked by two old cut diamonds and set with a further twelve round cut diamonds, to a raised ope...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1940s Retro Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Large Gadroons Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion: This model of tank ring was very popular for engagement rings at that time.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Retro 1940s 18k Rose Gold Ruby Diamond Tank Ring, 7.35ct Total Weight
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Retro tank ring is a striking embodiment of 1940s design, where strength, symmetry, and rich materials take center stage.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French 1940s Ruby Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Patriotic Tank Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Geometric, this tank ring is set on its top of a blue sapphire, a white diamond and a ruby.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Y...
$4,212Sale Price|25% Off
Old Vintage 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.7 grams. Totally is Center Rose cut diamond 0.81 carat. Totally is side old cut diamond about 2.10 carat. All Diamond is 2.91 carat. The d...
Diamond, Gold, Silver
$2,544Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.9 grams. Totally is diamond 1 carat. The diamond is has G-h-I color and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.40 carat. Ring size is US 5.5 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1940s Platinum 1.35tgw Old Cut Diamond & Sapphire Odeonesque Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco diamond, sapphire, and platinum ring, comprising nine old European cut diamonds, in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$2,544Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 8k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 12.3 grams. Totally is diamond 1.10 carat. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.12 carat. Totally is ruby 0.10 carat. Ring size is US 7.75 (We offer ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
$3,861Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1950s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 14 grams. Totally is all diamond about 1 ct. The diamond is has I-J color and s2-s3-Pique 1-2 clarity. Ring size is US 5.5 We can make any si...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$4,212Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 14k Gold Top Silver Handcrafted Natural Diamond Bant Style Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 13.9 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 1.20 ct. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 1.20 ct. The diamond is has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$3,246Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Handcrafted Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.75 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 10.5 We can make any size. Please...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$6,801Sale Price / set|25% Off
New Made Handcrafted 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 11.5 grams. Totally Center rose cut diamond 0.50 carat. Totally is side old cut diamond 2.62 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J color and vs-s1-...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$4,695Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 16.2 grams. Totally is diamond 1.50 ct. The diamond is has G-H-I color and vvs-vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 2 ct. Ring size is US 10.2 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,018Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.4 grams. Totally is diamond 1.15 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is emerald 1.30 carat. Ring size is US 7. W...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
Art Deco 1940s 18K Gold & Platinum 4.78tgw Sapphire and Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Ring designs in this period had often taken inspiration from WW2, in particular tanks and their tracks, which is where the term “tank” ring comes from, and these rings are characteri...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage French Mid-Century 18K Yellow Gold “Tank-Style” Diamond & Ruby Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A striking example of mid-century French design, this solid 18K yellow gold ring (hallmarked “750”) presents a bold “tank” silhouette.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 karat solid yellow gold tank ring - Authentic rose cut Diamonds - Art Deco
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely bulky rose Cut diamond ring. This Tank ring is made in 18 karat Yellow gold and marked with a 0,750 mark.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
French Retro 1.14 Carat GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Retro 1.14 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring composed of 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s, 18ct Rose Gold, Three Row Ruby & Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cocktail Ring 18ct Rose Gold Stamped Circa 1940s Introducing a stunning vintage 18ct stamped rose gold cocktail ring, adorned with natural rubies and diamonds. The ring f...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
$2,281Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1930s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Baguette Cut Ruby Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.15 ct. The diamond is has F-G color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make any size. Please cont...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
$1,887Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Sapphire Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.9 grams. Totally brilliant cut diamond is 0.50 carat. The diamond is has Ice color and s2-s3-Pique 1 clarity. Totally is diamond 0.75 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
$2,764Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Oval Cut Sapphire Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/Ä°stanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has I color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 9.75 Totally is sapphire 2.16 ct. Please c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18ct White Gold, 1930s French Stamped, Two Row Diamond & Ruby Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Cocktail Ring 18ct White Gold French Stamped Circa 1930s Behold this stunning vintage 1930s tank-style cocktail ring!
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Retro 14K Rosy Gold GIA Old European Diamond & Ruby Cocktail Tank Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European/ Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - N Color - VS1 Clarity - 0.83ctw (exact, certified) ** See Certification Details Below for ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
TANK model ring with brilliant cut diamonds up to 1.50ct 14k gold 13.8 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k white gold ring with brilliant-cut diamond up to 1.50 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 8.5 – EU 18.5 (58) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 8.2 mm high...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Art Deco 1940s Retro Platinum & 14K Rose Gold 1.2tgw Ruby and Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
This sensational ring is set to the centre with a round, old European cut diamond.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
Deco Retro 1935 Tank Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 2.53 Ctw Diamonds Sapphires
Located in Miami, FL
Diamonds: Mounted in the center, with 1 round European cut diamonds, 0.95 carat, white colorless G/H color, SI-1 clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Heavy 18 karat yellow gold tank ring - ruby carré cut - Retro estate bulky ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Two carré cut rubies flank these lovely diamonds, they bring the right amount of colour and spectacle to this tank ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Bague Tank ornée de deux diamants
Located in PARIS, FR
Bague Tank en or 18 carats (750 millièmes) et platine, sertie de deux diamants taille ancienne de 0,60 carat l'un et 0,65 carat pour le second.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
French 1940s Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Retro Knot Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Our opinion : A voluminous and massive model of diamond tank ring. Specialized in antique and creation jewelry since 1975, we deliver all our jewel with their certificate of authent...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
A mid-century sapphire and diamond tank ring
Located in London, GB
A bold sapphire and diamond tank ring on sale at Bentley and Skinner, the London jewellers by appointment to His Majesty the King.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs. Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.