Angara Natural 1.45 ct Tanzanite and Diamond Twisted Vine Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Symbolic of the past, present and future, this three stone ring is an exceptional way to celebrate your eternal bond.
Tanzanite, Diamond, Gold
Angara Natural Pear 1.6 ct Amethyst Ring with Diamond Accents in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: The beautiful pear-shaped amethyst is secured in a V prong setting on the lustrous split shank ring. For added elegance, a set of three round diamonds adorns bot...
Diamond, Amethyst, Gold
Antique Ring natural 6ct Amethyst 0.8ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6US/4gr
Located in SE
All Diamonds show peculiar and rare three faceted cut, very reflective and sparkling stones.
Amethyst, Diamond, Silver, 18k Gold
Angara Natural Ruby & Diamond Marquise and Dot Ring in 14K Solid Gold for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: RubyMain Stone Color: Medium RedMain Stone Shape: RoundMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 2.7mmMain Stone Carat W...
Ruby, Diamond, Gold
Antique French Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.25US / 12gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Ruby, Diamond, Rose Gold, Silver, 14k Gold
1925 Men Lord Ring 0.5ct Diamond 0.8ctw Sapphires solid 18K Gold ØUS10 / 8.3 gr
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.75 mm x 3.5 mm deep / ca.0.5 ct. each,color ca F,G /SI.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco Odeonesque Old Mine Cut Diamond Geometric Ring White Gold Signed 1940s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Designed as a three-dimensional rectangular plaque that resembles a picture in a frame, this beautiful geometric ring features two Old Mine-cut diamonds set to the center within a bo...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
AENEA 18 Karat White Gold Blue Sapphires E-F/VVS White Diamonds Flower Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Stones: Blue Sapphires 1,95ct. (135pcs.); White Diamonds 0,31ct. (8pcs.)
Amethyst, White Diamond, White Gold, Palladium
Natural Myanmar Imperial Green Jade Cabochon Ring in 18K White Gold with Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
The beautiful imperial green jade cabochon is set in 18K white gold and diamonds. Mother Nature's stunning, intense green color makes this ring unique and attractive.
Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, White Gold
1924 Art Deco Nordic Ring Diamond Ruby Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.5/1.5gr
Located in SE
Ring created in 1924, the band in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three rows of 12 natural Rubies, Diamonds, and Sapphires.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$8,000Sale Price|20% Off
2.57 Carat Pink Pear Shaped Ruby and Emerald Ring in Diamond Band and 18k Gold
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
The three stones were designed to float on your finger.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Open Heart 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Cuff Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ring Information Diamond Type : Natural Diamond Gold : 14k, 18K (Upon Request) Gold Color : Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold Total Carat Weight : 0.21 ttcw Diamond colour-clarity :...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold, Platinum
Ring Ruby Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Rose White Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Ring of unusual design with three twisted bands of solid 18K Rose, White and Yellow Gold joined together decorated with Rubies ,Sapphires and Diamonds .
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold & Natural Diamond Halo Engagement Wedding Ring, 1.74 CT TDW
Located in Suwanee, GA
It makes an incredible centerpiece for this custom master-crafted ring. Radiating a light all its own, it then has a crown of diamonds with nearly as much total carat weight as the ...
White Gold
1927 Lord Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 6.5/ 6g
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire stone of medium Blue color old diamond cut Ø 4mm x 2 mm deep / about 0.5ct.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 2ct Sapphire 2.8 ct Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.5 US /4.9gr
Located in SE
Cluster ring in solid 14K Rose Gold holding three rows of 32 Diamonds and a natural Blue Sapphire.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Blue Sapphire 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ring Information Diamond Type : Natural Diamond Gold Purity : 14k, 18K (Upon Request) Metal Color : Yellow Gold Stone Type : DIAMONDS, EMERALD, FULL CUT DIAMOND, BLUE SAPPHIRE Weight...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
11.97 Carat Sugarloaf Lavender Blue Chalcedony 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Other Important Details: Setting Style: Sugarloaf center flush frame with triangular diamond pavé shoulders Shank: Wide high-polish white gold, tapered Unique Feature: Sugarloaf pyra...
Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
6.17 Carat High Zircon Solitaire Engagment Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The elevated, platinum ring shoulders are each ornamented with three pavé set eight-cut diamonds, integrating with the main setting and blending seamlessly with the ring shank.
Diamond, Zircon, White Gold
14K White Gold Diamond Curved Band
Located in Venice, CA
All the stones in the ring are natural single cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1918 Berta's Ring natural Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ring Ø 6.75US / 2.24 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
$759Sale Price / item|35% Off
14k Gold Oval Gemstone 8x6 mm Oval Cut Gemstone Ring Gemstone Engagement Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Gemstone Ring is made of 14k solid gold featured with a natural sparkly gemstones and nature diamond.
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Whi...
$701Sale Price / item|35% Off
10k Gold Oval Gemstone 8x6 mm Oval Cut Gemstone Ring Gemstone Engagement Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Brilliant Gemstone Ring is made of 10k solid gold featured with a natural sparkly gemstones and nature diamond.
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Whi...
Vintage Inspired Oval Opal Halo Ring with Heart Motifs in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A beautiful trellis pattern on the gallery completes the timeless look of this three stone opal and diamond ring in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Freshwater Cultured Pearl & Blue Sapphire Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Signifying your everlasting bond, this is a striking three stone ring in 14k white gold. It displays a Freshwater cultured pearl that sits prettily amid two stun...
Blue Sapphire, Cultured Pearl, Pearl, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond Cluster Solitaire Setting, Size 6 for Ladies
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Surrounding the other half of the mounting are four round diamonds set in three-prong settings and a channel setting of three slightly smaller round diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,325Sale Price|25% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Step-Cut Citrine Cocktail Ring, Size 9
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This elegant 14 Karat Citrine Diamond Ring showcases a striking combination of warm golden citrine and brilliant diamonds, featuring a 12 x 10mm square prong-set step-cut citrine as ...
Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Genuine Australian Cabochon Opal, 1.3mm Diamonds, 14K White Gold, 7 1/2
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This ring holds a genuine Australian Opal with three small accenting diamonds around it in a 14 karat white gold ring.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Colombian 6.20ct emerald minor oil ring in 18 karat gold
Located in PARIS, FR
The emerald features a beautiful intense green color, is bezel-set, and is flanked by three baguette-cut diamonds on each side. The emerald has undergone minor oiling treatment.
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
$3,040Sale Price|20% Off
2ct Japanese style minimalist London Blue topaz ring 14KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
2ct Unusual three stone ring with London blue topaz in 14KT yellow gold, stunning modern design Japaanese inspired style, designer unknown.
Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold, 1980s Natural Sapphire, Pink Sapphire & Citrine Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The ring features three natural gemstones arranged in a floral-inspired cluster: a deep blue sapphire, a vivid pink sapphire, and a warm golden citrine.
Citrine, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
Minimalist Beaded 14K (or 18k upon request) Gold Stacking Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ring Information Diamond Type : Natural Diamond Metal : 14k, 18K (Upon Request) Metal Color : Rose Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold Diamond Carat Weight : 2.5ttcw Lead Time : 4-8 Weeks ...
14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Pink Sapphire Heart Accent 14K (18K Custom) Gold Stacked Band Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ideal for everyday wear or special occasions, this stunning piece is as versatile as it is beautiful. Ring Information Diamond Type : Natural Diamond Metal : 14k, 18K (Upon Request)...
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Nottingham, GB
An antique 18 carat yellow gold three-stone dress ring, featuring a platinum claw-set gemstone setting.
Gold, Platinum
1971 Ring natural 30ct. Sphalerite solid 18K Gold ØUS4.75 / 12 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
Antique split band Ring double cabochon Carnelian solid 18K Gold Ø US8 / 1.4gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring of distinctive split - band design with three divided parts decorated with natural Carnelian stone cut round double cabochon measuring 8 mm x 1.5 mm deep / ca. 0.7ct ct.
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique 18th Century Portuguese “Minas Novas” Colorless Rock Crystal Quartz Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Antique Portuguese Minas Novas Ring, Rare Navette Form, 18th Century, Foil-Backed Rock Crystal Quartz, Silver.
1956 Unisex Ring 7ct White Spinel solid 18K Gold Ø6.75 US/ 6gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Spinel, 18k Gold
1937 Nordic Ring Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø8US / 2.85 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Ruby, 18k Gold
1978 Swedish Ring 2ct. Orange Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS7 / 2.75 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Band with Graduating Diamond Cluster in White Gold, 2.06ctw
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Two-Tone Diamond Cluster Ring. The super sparkly ring features a split band and thirty-three brilliant-cut round diamonds.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Vintage Signet Men Ring 5.5ct. natural Onyx solid 18K Gold ØUS9.75 / 3.5 gr.
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Onyx, 18k Gold
Antique Wedding Ring solid 20K Gold Ø 6 US / 3.14 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
22k Gold
Antique Intaglio Signet Ring Carnelian solid 20K Gold Ø US8 / 3.7gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
1920 Antique Ring Rubellite Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 1.8 gr.
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold
Boulder Opal and precious opal ring in silver with gold-plated setting sapphire
Located in Berlin, DE
Materials: 925 silver, 18K gold bezels Stones: Opal 4x9mm, 6x11 mm, round-cut Diamonds 2 mm, Sapphire 3x5mm, Tourmaline 5x5 mm Ring size: 58-59 (ø 18.5 mm), US: 8.5 – resizing availa...
Opal, Sapphire, Gold Plate, Silver
GIA Cert 1.99ct Oval Sapphire in Platinum Edwardian-Style Bombe Engagement Ring
By Eytan Brandes 1
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Weight: The total stone weight is 2.59 carats. The ring weighs 5.3 grams.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1907 Nordic Ring Blue Turquoise Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold ØUS5.25 /1.4gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with three size-matching natural Blue Turquoise stones flanked with 6 gradually sized Seed Pearls set into leaf-shaped clusters.
Turquoise, Pearl, 18k Gold
1945 Signet Ring 3.5 ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 6.5 US / 2.7gr
Located in SE
Initially designed for men but can be used by women if the size id right. Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, G (Gothenburg), Three Swedish Crowns, 18K, date combination is missing becaus...
Onyx, 18k Gold
1940 Ring natural Emerald W.Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø US10/ 4 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
1962 Signet Men Ring 4 ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 12.75 US / 3.52gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Onyx, 18k Gold
1950 Signet Men Ring ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.75 US / 5.51gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Onyx, 18k Gold
1916 Signet Ring 2.75 ct. natural Carnelian solid 18K Gold Ø 7 US / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
Initially designed for men but can be used by women if the size id right. Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, Stockholm ,three Swedish Crowns, 18K, date combination is O7 / hand-made in 1...
Carnelian, 18k Gold
Antique Signet Ring Wilkinson Courtenay 18.5 ct Jasper 18K Gold US 3.75/12.8g
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Jasper, 18k Gold
1954 Signet Men Ring 5ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 10.5 US / 5.38gr
Located in SE
Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, G (Gothenburg), Three Swedish Crowns, 18K, D9 / hand -made in 1954 Used finest condition.
Onyx, 18k Gold
1949 Signet Men Ring 5.5 ct natural Jade solid 18K Gold Ø 10.75 US / 10 gr
Located in SE
Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, Stockholm, three Swedish Crowns, 18K, Y8 / hand -made in 1949 Used finest condition.
Jade, 18k Gold
1954 Signet Men Ring 4.5ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.25 US / 4.25gr
Located in SE
Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, G (Gothenburg), Three Swedish Crowns, 18K, D9 / hand -made in 1954 Used finest condition.
Onyx, 18k Gold
1953 Signet Men Ring natural 4.5ct Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 10.5 US / 5 gr
Located in SE
Crown part is 4mm deep. Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, maker's, G (Gothenburg), Three Swedish Crowns, 18K, C9 / hand - made in 1953 Used finest condition.
Onyx, 18k Gold
$648Sale Price / item|20% Off
Dainty Oval Cut Turquoise & Diamond Solitaire Three Stone Ring in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This three stone ring features a 0.56 carat oval turquoise set in 14K white gold.
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$39,200Sale Price|20% Off
Burma Ruby No-Heat 4.75 Carats Set in Vintage Platinum Mounting, Certified
Located in Northampton, MA
The ring rises 11mm from the surface of the finger. The stone could easily be removed and used to create a ring for a man.
Diamond, Ruby, 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.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.