Angara Natural Three Stone GIA Certified Cushion 2.83ct Citrine Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Three Stone GIA Certified Cushion Citrine Tapered Ring with ScrollworkNovember Birthstone Ring for Women: Citrine is the November birthstone and the traditional ...
Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Cushion 2.5ct Amethyst Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Cushion Amethyst Three Stone Ring with Feather MotifsFebruary Birthstone Ring for Women: Amethyst is the February birthstone and the traditional ge...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Three Stone Sapphire Ring in 14K Gold for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Three Stone Sapphire Knife-Edged Shank Ring with MilgrainSeptember Birthstone Ring for Women: Blue Sapphire is the September birthstone and the tra...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
18th Century Gold and Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18th Century 0.33ct Diamond Ring. The ring is stamped 1733 for the year it was produced and 583 as the purity of gold used to make the ring. The ring features diamonds approx total w...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Round 2.25ct London Blue Topaz Three Stone Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Representing the past, present and future, this London blue topaz and diamond three stone ring is a beauty in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold
Tiffany & Co. Red Ruby Baguette Cut 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Baguette Cut Vivid Red Ruby Three Stone Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold ring set with three vivid red baguette cut rubies.
Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Oval 2.17 ct Emerald Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Oval Columbian Emerald Three Stone Ring with DiamondsMay Birthstone Ring for Women: Emerald is the May birthstone and the traditional gemstone gift...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural Three Stone GIA Certified Round 2.39 ct Opal Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: Three Stone GIA Certified Round Opal Knife-Edge Shank RingOctober Birthstone Ring for Women: Opal is the October birthstone and the traditional gemstone gift for...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified Round 1.62 ct Opal Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Round Opal Three Stone Ring with Reverse Tapered ShankOctober Birthstone Ring for Women: Opal is the October birthstone and the traditional gemston...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
Tiffany & Co. Blue Sapphire Baguette Cut 18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Baguette Cut Deep Blue Sapphire Three Stone Band Ring. A beautifully made yellow gold ring set with three deep blue baguette cut sapphire.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified 3.15 ct Blue Sapphire Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Blue Sapphire Knife Edge Three Stone Ring with DiamondsSeptember Birthstone Ring for Women: Blue Sapphire is the September birthstone and the tradi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified 7.22 ct Swiss Blue Topaz Three Stone Ring 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: GIA Certified Swiss Blue Topaz Three Stone Ring with Diamond - 8.4 CT TWNovember Birthstone Ring for Women: Swiss Blue Topaz is the November birthstone and the t...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold
Angara Natural GIA Certified 2.43 ct Blue Sapphire Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
About Angara:
At Angara, every piece of jewellery is a handcrafted expression of love and individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Faye Kim Platinum Aquamarine Diamond 3-Stone Ring, 4.01ct
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Designer Faye Kim had set this spectacular aquamarine in matte-finished platinum and paired it with two side diamonds. Used in jewelry since at least 500 BC, aquamarine's tropical oc...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Style 2.90 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Platinum Mount
Located in Napoli, IT
Love Token Very beautiful 2.90 Ct Old Mine Cut Diamonds trilogy ring Rare old cut Diamonds set to be find, a fabulous, remarkable trio, hand faceted during 1800, reset along the time...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian 3 Stone Ruby & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian Gold band. set with three gorgeous, natural rubies with little diamond accents in between. Mo...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
$656Sale Price / item|20% Off
Blue Sapphire and White Sapphire Three Stone Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This brilliant three-stone engagement ring is set in 18K white gold.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified 3 stone ring with 3.01ct I VVS2 Oval Diamond
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your special moments with the timeless beauty and impeccable craftsmanship of this 3.01ct I VVS2 Oval Diamond Three-Stone Ring with Trapezoid Side Stones, a true testament to...
Diamond, Platinum
Natural Bubble Gum Pink Spinel & Diamond 3 Stone Cocktail Ring, Glows
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video. Here is a bubble gum pink Spinel and diamond 3 stone ring. The ring is set in 18k white gold, spinel and step cut diamonds. Out of 300cts of spinels (l...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Stamped 1970s 3 Stone Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1970s This stunning trilogy ring from the 1970s is a true vintage beauty. The ring is crafted in...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Beauvince Rumi 3 Stone Engagement Ring (5.54 ct Marquise IVS1 GIA Diamond)
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The Rumi ring is a exquisite jewel with a 5 carat Marquise which measures like at 7 - 8 carat solitaire and faces up like a G-H color diamond. Bright, lustrous and full of fire, this...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, 1920s 3 Stone Emerald and Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This stunning trilogy ring from the 1920s is a true vintage beauty. The ring is crafted in 18ct ye...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, 1950s 3 Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1950s This stunning trilogy ring from the 1950s is a true vintage beauty. The ring is crafted in 18ct yellow gold...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.85tcw Medium Dark Green Genuine Emerald-Asscher Cut & Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Perfect for everyday use. Setting Style: Prong - Three Stone Setting Material: 14K Yellow Gold Setting Weight: 3.1 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Asscher Cut Weight: 1.76-Carats ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.24tcw Natural Emerald-Emerald Cut & Diamond 3 Stone Solitaire 14K Ring Gift
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a classic modern dark green emerald & round diamond three-stone men's unisex ring in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
22ct Gold Birmingham Hallmarked 1920s Ruby & Diamond Star Set 3 Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Gypsy Ring 22ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1920 This stunning 22ct yellow gold gypsy ring from the 1920s is a true masterpiece. The ring boasts a unique design wi...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 22k Gold
Natural Vivid Red Spinel 6.5mm x 5.5mm & Diamond 3 Stone Cocktail Ring, Glows
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video. Here is a vivid red Spinel 6.5mm x 5.5mm and diamond 3 stone ring. The ring is set in 18k white gold, spinel and step cut diamonds. Out of 300cts of sp...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Natural Vivid Pink Spinel 5.7mm x 5.1mm & Diamond 3 Stone Cocktail Ring. Classic
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Please check out the HD video. Here is a bright vivid pink Spinel and diamond 3 stone ring. The ring is set in 18k white gold, spinel and step cut diamonds. Out of 300cts of spinels ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Rose Gold 3 Stone Natural AAA Tourmaline Ring with VS1 Diamonds
Located in Portland, OR
* Design Concept--- This ring features 3 Natural AAA tourmaline 2.365 ct. The design is simplistic yet elegant. The ring looks very exquisite with some diamonds tracing the accents. ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
2.56tcw 14K Lush Dark Green Genuine Emerald-Asscher Cut & Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Perfect for everyday use. Setting Style: Prong - Three Stone Setting Material: 14K White Gold Setting Weight: 4.8 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Asscher Cut Weight: 2.36-Carats C...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold 1.91tgw Opal and Old Cut Diamond 7 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique opal, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one round cabochon opal, two oval cabochon opals, and four old cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing ...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1926 Ring 3 stones natural 0.8ct Sapphire 0.5ctw Diamonds 23K Gold ØUS 7.25/ 6gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Three - stone Ring, hand-made ca. 1920s. Band in solid 23k Gold with crown in 18K Gold set with claw set natural Sapphire stone cut cabochon Ø 4.75 mm x 3.25 mm / c...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Silver
1918 Antique 3 stones Ring Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø US 8.75 / 3.1gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Three - stones Ring hand - made in 1918. In finest used condition after 106 years of existence :) Band with plain shoulders in solid 18ct Yellow Gold crown featuring plati...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Men's 3 Stone Ring 14 Karat Yellow White Gold Ruby Diamond circa 1940's
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage 3 stone Ring for Men Circa 1940's 14 Yellow and White Gold It can been more Clean however we didn't want to touch it. Diamond and Ruby are Natural approx size 3.5 - 4.0mm Fin...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k Gold Diamond Ring Pear Cut Diamond Ring Baguette 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. Lightweight and gorgeous, these ar...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Diamond Ring Pear Cut Diamond Ring Baguette 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. Lightweight and gorgeous, these ar...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 3 Stone Natural AAA 3ct Topaz Ring with 1/3 Cttw Diamonds
Located in Portland, OR
* Design Concept--- This ring features 3 Natural AAA topaz cushion cut, totaling 3.01 ct. The design is simplistic yet elegant. The ring looks very exquisite with some diamonds traci...
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Trio Diamond Ring Minimalist Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality brilliant white diamonds are set in solid 14k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. 3 round cut diamond prong se...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Trio Diamond Ring Minimalist Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality brilliant white diamonds are set in solid 18k gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. 3 round cut diamond prong set hori...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Gold Trio Diamond Band Ring Mini Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Beautiful and Sparkly Trio Diamond Band Ring is made of 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. This Masterpiece has genuine and rea...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Trio Diamond Band Ring Mini Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Beautiful, high-quality Trio diamond ring mounted in pure 14 karat gold. To produce a modern, cutting-edge appearance, three round cut diamonds are prong set horizontally. This may b...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 3.27ct French Cut Diamond Platinum Trilogy Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 3.27 carat trilogy / three stone diamond and platinum ring; part of our diverse engagement ring collections.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique and Contemporary 2.32 Carat Diamond and Platinum Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This three stone engagement ring is excellent quality, set with impressive diamonds displaying a fine white color, brilliance and presence.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic styled three-stone ruby ring. This vintage piece showcases a single oval faceted ruby a the centre of the face which is flanked on either side by a single slig...
Diamond, Ruby
$16,000Sale Price|20% Off
6.30ct Emerald Diamond ring 18KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
What a stunning bluish green color on the emeralds weighing 6.30 carats accompanied by 0.70 carats of diamonds VS/F and made in 18KT gold, a stunning cocktail ring! **All items leav...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Green Sapphire Diamond ring 14KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning three stone diamond ring with natural green sapphire in the middle followed by diamonds all the way down half way, the ring is size 6 but can be re-sized.
Diamond, Green Sapphire, 14k Gold
Antique 14ct Gold 1920’s, Sapphire, Ruby & Emerald Three Leaf Clover Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Clover Ring 14ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Pretty, antique three leaf clover ring.
Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Stepped Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a sleek antique diamond gents ring. This piece takes on a square shaped face and showcases a single oval shaped old cut diamond within a fine white gold milgrain detaili...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian navette pearls ring in 18k gold, Belle Epoque pearl diamond ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Edwardian navette pearls ring in 18 karat gold. Belle Époque ring adorned with three pearls within a halo of 26 rose-cut diamonds. The shoulders of the ring are enameled in black and...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
18k Gold Dainty Baguette Diamond Ring with Emerald Minimal Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Stunning high quality brilliant White Baguette Diamond and Emerald is made of 18k solid gold. Available in three colors of gold: White Gold / Rose Gold / Yellow Gold. Lightweight an...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Dainty Baguette Diamond Ring with Emerald Minimal Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Solid 14k gold is used to set a stunning, high-quality dazzling white baguette diamond and emerald. A single G and VS graded baguette diamond is set in the middle of a thin ring with...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$27,500 / item
15.44 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
How to Wear & Style This Diamond Ring Clients who travel frequently often treat this 15.44 carats Emerald Green Three-Stone Ring as their one constant piece – equally at home wit...
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Five old-cut diamonds platinum ring, 1.42 ct, Antique band ring, wedding jewelry
Located in PARIS, FR
Five diamonds platinum ring, 1.42 ct total weight. Early 20th-century ring set with five old-cut diamonds totaling 1.42 ct, arranged falling, whose size progresses harmoniously towar...
Diamond, Platinum
$21,450 / item
13.73 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Mumbai, IN
The Emerald profile and Three-Stone Ring architecture give it a quiet authority that works in every setting.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
3 Carat Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
This elegant 3-carat Fancy Yellow three-stone engagement ring is a timeless symbol of love and commitment.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Diamond and Pearl Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.83 carat diamond and cultured pearl, platinum three stone cocktail ring; part of our vintage jewelry/estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
1980s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive sapphire and diamond band ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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.
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.