Bochic “Capri” Vintage Cambodian Zirconia & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silve
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Blue Cambodian Zirconia & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Round Shape Center Blue Cambodian Zirconia 3,00 Carat Natural Round Shape Sid...
Diamond, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, Silver
1919 Nordic Ring Lapis Lazuli Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US7.5 / 3.2gr
Located in SE
Antique Renaissance styled ring with carved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold and clusters in Silver. This ring demonstrates natural tan of Patina accumulated on the surfaces of metals,...
Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Ring 0.25ct. Diamond Enamels solid 18K Gold Silver Ø4.25US/1.25 gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring, likely Swedish, ca. late XIX - early XX century. Solid 18K Yellow Gold band with engraved and enameled decorations on the shoulders. Round rose cut Diamond in Sil...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Diamond & Emerald Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & S
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Natural Diamond & Emerald Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Emeralds - 3 Carats Natural Rose Cut Gray Diamonds - 1.30 Carat This Ring ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$6,320Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Colombian Emerald Diamond 2.85 Carat 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
The ring features a captivating design that combines the elegance of 18-karat gold with the natural beauty of a round Colombia emerald, weighing 1.40 carat and sparkling diamonds., w...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Oval 1.5 ct Aquamarine and Round Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: A mesmerizing three stone ring that combines the beauty of the deep waters and the stars in the night sky.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.5ct Diamond 1ctw Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø 6.75US/4.6gr
Located in SE
Antique Three - Stone Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow and White Gold frame holding 3 gem stones, period ca.1920s -1940s.
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Marquise Amethyst Ring in 18kt Rose Gold with Pink Sapphires and Diamonds Halo
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
An exceptional ring made of 18Kt gold, with an Marquise amethyst stone, surrounded by pink sapphires and a diamonds halo. Very romantic colour combination with a very special result!...
Amethyst, Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
18 Karat Gold 3.3 Carat Fancy Cognac Heart and Pear Shape Diamond Trilogy Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
One-of-a-kind 18K rose gold ring, handmade in Belgium with no casting or printing involved, featuring a stunning Fancy Cognac heart-shaped diamond at the center, flanked by two Fancy...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 1.28 Ct Oval Cut Burmese Pink Sapphire and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 1.28 carat Burmese pink sapphire and 0.76 carat diamond, 22 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry coll...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring Bague au Firmament Diamond Blue Enamel 18K Gold Ø7.25 US / 9 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...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel
Angara Natural Emerald-Cut 2.45 ct Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring 14K Solid 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
1948 Ring natural 2ct. Sapphire 0.6 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/2.7gr
Located in SE
Three Stone Cluster Ring set with sort of transitional bezel and claw setting with oval cut natural Blue Sapphire accented with 2 old European cut Diamonds in Platinum claws on solid...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
1930 Finish Ring 0.5ctw 3 Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum US7 / 1.4gr
Located in SE
Old Finish Ring with 3 old European cut Diamonds, band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with Platinum clusters. Finish partially visible hallmarks, 750, maker's. Engraved with date 26.4.193...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique German Ring natural Emeralds Diamonds 14K Rose Gold Ø US 5.5/4.6g
Located in SE
Art - Deco period natural Emeralds and Diamonds Ring hand- made in Gemany, ca. 1920s - 1930s. Band tested solid 14K Rose Gold, parts of crown and shoulders in Silver. Crown : 20 m...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian 4.45 Ct Natural No Heat Ceylon Sapphire 1.15 Ct Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This appealing and quite unique Victorian Style Trilogy ring has a 18 KT solid gold mount that has been totally restored and reinforced – hand made in a fantastic Trilogy version per...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
Angara Natural Oval 1.1 ct Opal and Half Moon Diamond Ring 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
1942 Finish Ring 0.35 ctw. Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Silver ØUS 9.5 / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Old Finish Ring with 3 old European cut Diamonds, band in solid 14K Rose Gold with White Gold / or Silver clusters. Finish hallmarks, 585 ,maker's. Date combination N6 / created in ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
1912 Antique Ring 0.45ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 5.5 US / 2.0 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Ring with crown top in Platinum on 18K Yellow Gold Ring featuring old European diamond cut Diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1933 Nordic Ring natural Blue Spinel Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.75 /1.7gr
Located in SE
Art -Deco period Three stones Ring featuring a band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with Platinum clusters holding three old - diamond hand-cut natural stones.
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring natural 0.4 ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6US/ 2.7 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold band with braided shoulders holding old diamond cut natural Rose Red Ruby and 2 old diamond cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked ,metal tested solid 18K. The...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco Style 2.30 Ct Ceylon No Heat Liliac Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Art Deco style is mid century Meaningful trilogy design, timeless and sophisticate, hand crafted of solid Platinum – English hallmarks Centering a beautiful and quit...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
1933 Wedding Ring 3 diamonds 0.6ctw solid 23K Gold Platinum Ø 5.75 US/ 4.7gr
Located in SE
Fine 23K and Platinum Wedding Diamond Ring handmade in Sweden in 1933. Larger Old European diamond cut Diamond Ø 5 mm / ca. 0.56 ct. + 2 minors Ø 2 mm / 0.04 ct. each of the same c...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Platinum
1964 Nordic Ring 0.3 ct Ruby 0.22ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 7.5 US/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Elegant Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with Platinum clusters holding oval cut natural Rose Red Ruby and 2 brilliant cut Diamonds. Custom made in Sweden, Stockholm, hallmarked 18K. H...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco Ring Mabe Pearl 1 ctw Diamonds solid 14K Gold ØUS 6.5/ 4gr
Located in SE
A ring from 1920s - 1930s, Art - Deco period, very likely German. Band hallmarked 585. Crown is 17 mm x 12 mm long x 7 mm deep. Top of crown in 14K White Gold or Platinum. Large ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Chakras Ring, Olympus Art Certified, 15, 91 Carat Mix Semiprecious, Fashion Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Chakras Ring created with the major colors of chakras to reflect and absorb power of life force, love, wisdom, creativity, awareness and spirituality. Pink Gold is used to connect al...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1920s 1.26 Carat and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The ring is supplied with three independent diamond grading certificates for the feature diamonds in addition to an independent diamond grading report card for the supporting stones.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique European Ring 1.3 ctw / 5Diamonds 23K/18K Gold Silver ØUS 5.25/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Antique Diamond Ring, Renaissance styled. Dates to ca. 19th - early 20th century. Perfect for everyday wear. Band is solid 23 ct Gold with distorted hallmarks. Crown's bac...
Diamond, 24k Gold, Silver
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 4.00 Carat Fancy Pure Green Diamond
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Green diamonds are considered special and rare due to their unique col...
Blue Diamond
Antique Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø US5.75 / 1.31 gr
Located in SE
European Ring from early XX cent. with plain band end engraved bezel in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with rose cut natural Red Garnet Ø 4mm / ca.025ct. Back side closed. Crown is ...
Garnet, 18k Gold
Solid 10k Yellow Gold Natural Tanzanite Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
We use Natural Tanzanites which have been carefully chosen for this ring by expert jewelers to ensure a good fit.
Tanzanite, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold Natural Peridot Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
We use Natural Peridots which have been carefully chosen for this ring by expert Jewellers to ensure a good fit.
Peridot, 14k Gold, White Gold
Solid 14k White Gold Natural Amethyst Womens Trilogy Ring - Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Here, the presence of three Amethyst stones lets you appreciate the elegant purple colour that they have.
Amethyst, 14k Gold, White Gold
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Certified Burma No Heat Ruby Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Please inquire for more images, certificates, details, and any question...
Ruby
Antique 1890s Cabochon Cut Ruby and Opal Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The elevated shoulders of this three stone ring integrate with the main setting and blend seamlessly with the plain ring shank.
Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 925 Sterling Silver Pearl & Tanzanite womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Delightful ring has been set with one center Beautiful Cultured Pearl measuring 4.25mm (0.17" inches) and two matching Sparkling 3.5mm (0.14" inches") Tanzanite which look fabul...
Pearl, Tanzanite, Sterling Silver
Solid 925 Sterling Silver Natural Peridot Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
We use Natural Peridots which have been carefully chosen for this ring by expert Jewellers to ensure a good fit.
Peridot, Sterling Silver
1884 Ring natural Seed Pearls Enamel solid 18K Gold Ø US6 / 1.1 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, 18k Gold, Enamel
Antique Ring natural 0.45ctw Emeralds solid 14K Gold Ø US 5.75 / 1.6 gr
Located in SE
Antique German Three Stones Ring featuring solid 14K Gold band holding three natural Emeralds set in Platinum or White gold clusters.
Emerald, White Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 9ct Yellow Gold Natural Sapphire Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Delightful ring has been set with three matching Sparkling Blue Sapphires measuring 4.25mm (0.17" inches) & 3.5mm (0.14" inches") which look fabulous set against the Polished su...
Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 10k White Gold Natural Sapphire Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This delightful Trilogy ring has a simple modern appearance, made of Solid 10k White Gold it has been set with three round cut Sapphires measuring 3.75mm (0.15") and 3.25mm (0.13").
Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified No Heat Burma Sapphire Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the vault at Emilio Jewelry, a dealer located on New York's iconic 5th Avenue, Center Stone: Gia certified no heat 4.90ct + Burmese Sapphire Matching: White diamonds total abou...
Sapphire
Solid 18k White Gold Natural Garnet Womens Trilogy Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Traditional Solid 18K White Gold Trio Ring has been hand set with a beautiful selection of Vibrant Red Natural Garnets, one oval cut measuring 6x4mm and two round cut measuring ...
Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring natural 1.5ctw White Sapphire solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 / 2.5 g
Located in SE
Ca. 1920s - 1930s Renaissance styled Three Stones Ring handmade with carved band in solid 18K Orange Gold and clusters in Silver.
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver
GIA 6.72 Carat Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald with Trapezoid Diamonds in 18 Karat
By Kiersten Elizabeth
Located in Southport, CT
A stunning and ever classic Colombian Emerald ring flanked by two matched Trapezoid Diamonds. Notice the subtle detail in the profile through use of sweeping lines for an elegant on...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 3.80ct Ceylon Sapphire and Natural Pearl, 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.80 carat Ceylon sapphire and natural pearl, 18k yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse untreated sapphire ring collections. This st...
Natural Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ring natural Ruby Emerald Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø6US/ 1.9gr
Located in SE
Ring for every day in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with 3 natural stones : Red Ruby, Green Emerald and Blue Sapphire of old European diamond cut Ø 2.5 mm / ca. 0.1 ct each . Total...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold
14K White Gold Natural Opal & Pink Tourmaline Womens Trilogy Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This Delightful ring has been set with one center Fiery Opal measuring 4.25mm (0.17" inches) and two matching Sparkling 3.5mm (0.14" inches") Pink Tourmalines which look fabulous set...
Opal, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 0.8ct Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 9gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring with three stones in solid 18K Yellow Gold.
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique Ring 3 natural Sapphire Red Blue Yellow solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.25
Located in SE
Antique Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold band with Platinum /or White Gold clusters holding 3 natural old European cut Sapphires. Sapphire in Blue of medium intensity Ø 3.75 mm / ca 0.2...
Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Emilio Jewelry AGL Certified 28.00 Carat No Heat Classic Ceylon Sapphire
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located in the Iconic Gem Tower/Gia Building in New York's Diamond District. This sapphire has been certified as no...
Sapphire
GIA Certified 1.2 Carat Oval & Round Three-Stone Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking centerpiece that captures the essence of romance and elega...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.01 Carat Oval Three-Stone Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases a breathtaking central diamond of oval shape weighing 2.01 , graded H an...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 0.93 Carat Three-Stone Round Brilliant Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Crafted with precision, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating center stone of round brilliance weighing 0.93 , complemented by the refined elegance of G and SI1. The luxu...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.79 Carat Oval & Round Three-Stone 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a breathtaking centerpiece that captures the essence of romance and elega...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled three-stone diamond ring. Crafted from 18ct white gold, the ring features three round brilliant cut diamonds, the centre of which is slightly larger...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.4 Carat Oval Three-Stone Pave 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases a breathtaking central diamond of oval shape weighing 1.4 , graded J and...
Diamond, 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.”
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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.