18ct Gold, Birmingham Hallmarked, Victorian Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Birmingham, Date Letter Worn 18ct yellow gold ring, set with three round-cut sapphires and two old-cut diamonds in alternatin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, 1912 Hallmarked, Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 18ct Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring Hallmarked Chester 1912 18ct yellow gold ring, set with three round-cut sapphires and two diamonds in alternating order.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Chester 1912 Hallmark, Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Gypsy Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Chester 1912 18ct yellow gold ring, set with two round-cut sapphires and three diamonds in alternating order.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian-style 3.64ct Old Mine-cut Diamond & Platinum 3-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
- Victorian inspired three stone diamond engagement ring - Three antique Old Mine-cut diamonds (1.11ct, 1.35ct and 1.18ct) - Totalling 3.64ct - Platinum - Victorian trilogy-inspired...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Band Ring Hallmarked 18ct Gold Engraved 1905 DG to EL Makers Mark L & L 18ct yellow gold ring, set with three round-cut sapphires and two dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Signed 14 Karat White Gold & Diamond 3-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A very fine diamond ring. With three round brilliant cut diamonds prong-set at the center of the band and flanked by six smaller accent diamonds channel set on the shoulders of a 14...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Three-Row Diamond Across Finger Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Three Row Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning Edwardian-era ring crafted from 18ct white gold and platinum.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 3.31 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique five stone diamond ring has been crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1900 This antique five-stone ring, stamped 18ct gold and dated circa 1900, features three rich rubies and two diamonds in a c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.5 Carat Aquamarine Ring
By Istanbul Diamond House
Located in Bayazıt, TR
In 14K white gold, there is 4.5 Carat Aquamarine stone in the center with three diamonds on the both side.
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold, Single Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, Hallmarked London 1987
Located in Brighton, GB
The ring is mounted on an 18-carat yellow gold band that is 2mm wide, and the shoulders are adorned with three natural diamonds on each side, adding a classic and timeless touch.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone 18K White Gold Engagement Wedding Stacking Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 18K White Gold, Contemporary.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.16 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This vintage ring is supplied with three IDGL diamond grading report certificates for the feature stones, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting stones.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.92 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique ring is supplied with three IDGL diamond grading report certificates for the feature stones, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting stones.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold 0.40 Carat Diamond Single Stone Ring Hallmarked 1989
Located in Brighton, GB
Each shoulder is channel-set with three additional brilliant-cut diamonds, offering a subtle graduated sparkle that enhances the central stone.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold and Platinum, Sapphire & Diamond Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Ring 18ct and Platinum Circa 1920s Step into the elegance of the Art Deco era with this striking five-stone ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct White Gold, 1920s 1.20 Carat Diamond Single Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Engagement Ring 18ct White Gold Circa 1920’s Introducing a stunning 18ct white gold engagement ring from the 1920s, featuring a captivating natural diamond centre...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three Rows Marquise Diamond Engagement Unique Wedding Ring Band 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This handmade high quality diamond ring will be a great everyday jewelry, or elegant wedding ring and engagement ring. Product Specifications: - 13 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Trinity Shine 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Three Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Trinity Shine 14K Yellow Gold Three Diamond Ring is a sleek and meaningful symbol of balance, unity, and brilliance.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co Blue Sapphire And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Tiffany & Co Round Cut Blue Sapphire & Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. This beautiful ring is set with three round cut natural blue sapphires measuring 3mm and two ...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
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
Antique Thee Stone Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds 14K Yellow Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.3gr
Located in SE
The Crown is 13 mm x 7.5 mm at axes x 4 mm deep. Three natural hand-cut Diamond stones with open backs: largest is an old diamond round cut Diamond 3.5 mm x 1.7 mm deep ca / ca 0,2 ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Three Rows Marquise Cut Diamond Unique Wedding Ring Band 18k White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise diamond create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Product Specifications: - 13 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three Rows Marquise Cut Diamond Unique Wedding Ring Band 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise diamond create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Product Specifications: - 13 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Rows Marquise Cut Diamond Unique Wedding Ring Band 18k White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise diamond create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Product Specifications: - 13 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Three Rows Marquise Cut Diamond Unique Wedding Ring Band 18k Rose Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Alternating round and marquise diamond create an alluring pattern across the top of this elegant and distinctive ring. Product Specifications: - 13 Round Brilliant Cut High Quality ...
Diamond, 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
TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold 3-Stone Halo Engagement Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Wow her with the scintillating look of this three stone engagement ring. This ring is beautifully designed and studded with 50 round diamonds accentuated in micro-prong and prong set...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,068Sale Price / item|20% Off
VR Jewels Five-Stone Emerald & Diamond Stackable Band Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant five-stone band ring features three oval-cut emeralds totaling 0.66 carat, set in rich 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Oval Ruby and Diamond 3 Stone Ring 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Exuding a fiery brilliance, the GIA certified oval ruby is in perfect harmony with the flanking half-moon diamonds. While the gallery features intricate scrollwo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Solid Gold Diamond V Ring Diamond Chevron Ring Thin Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Chevron Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with a natural white 0.07 ct. diamond in a classic minimal V shape design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Solid Gold Diamond V Ring Diamond Chevron Ring Thin Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Chevron Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with a natural white 0.07 ct. diamond in a classic minimal V shape design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Row Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Accent Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Three Row Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Accent Gold Ring blends contemporary design with classic elegance.
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Three Ruby Round Diamond 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The Three Ruby Round Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Band Ring is a radiant celebration of passion and elegance.
Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Certified Type-A Jadeite three-legged toad 18k gold ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This ring, crafted using a sandblasting technique, is inspired by a green jade three-legged toad, a symbol of wealth and prosperity. The ring features a three-legged toad with an an...
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold
Bold Band 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Three Row Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Make an unforgettable statement with this Bold Band Three Row Diamond Ring, crafted in radiant 14K yellow gold.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2 stones Ring natural 0.6 Sapphire Diamond solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US6 / 2.3 g
Located in SE
Beautiful Two - stones Ring with bezel set natural Blue Sapphire stone oval cut 5.5 mm x 4.5 mm x 3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct. and square pave set old diamond cut natural Diamond Ø 2mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
$602Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Diamond Clover Ring Engagement Ring Stackable Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Diamond Clover Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
3.84 Carat Diamond and Platinum Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 3.84 carat trilogy / three stone diamond and platinum ring; part of our diverse engagement ring collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Certified 2.05 Carat Colombian Emerald in Platinum 3-Stone Engagement Ring
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Eytan Brandes made this classic and elegant three-stone ring to show off a beautiful old European cut diamond, but no sooner did he finish the ring than a dealer in New York made him...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
14k Gold Ring Thin Diamond Half Eternity Ring Stackable Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 14k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique and Vintage 5.74 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting st...
Diamond, Platinum
$632Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Diamond Round Diamond Bezel Set Ring Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$608Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Diamond Round Diamond Bezel Set Ring Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$538Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Diamond Round Diamond Bezel Set Ring Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 14k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$561Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Diamond Round Diamond Bezel Set Ring Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 14k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$854Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Unique Gold Diamond Ring Minimalist Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Unique Gold Diamond Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with natural white diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style 1.78 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate in addition to an independent diamond grading report card for the supporting stones.
Diamond, Platinum
18k Gold Open Bar Diamond Ring Parallel Bar Ring Minimalist Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Open Design Open Bar Diamond Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Open Bar Diamond Ring Parallel Bar Ring Minimalist Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Open Design Open Bar Diamond Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$599Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Pave Diamond Bar Ring Genuine Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality brilliant white diamonds are set in solid 18k gold. Three round diamonds set in a vertical bar to create a modern and contemporary cutting edge look. A solid go...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
$532Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Pave Diamond Bar Ring Genuine Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality brilliant white diamonds are set in solid 14k gold. Three round diamonds set in a vertical bar to create a modern and contemporary cutting edge look. A solid go...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$516Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Ring Halo Diamond Ring Engagement Ring Wedding Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Halo Diamond Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$576Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Ring Halo Diamond Ring Engagement Ring Wedding Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Halo Diamond Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with natural white sparkly diamond Handset by a master setter in our studio.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Thin Diamond Half Eternity Ring Stackable Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality Minimal Style Ring with Diamonds in 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold and Diamond Ring Stackable Ring Unique Diamond Wedding Band
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Diamond Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with a natural white sparkly diamond in a delicate band.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold and Diamond Ring Stackable Ring Unique Diamond Wedding Band
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Diamond Ring is made of 18k solid gold featured with a natural white sparkly diamond in a delicate band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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