J. Birnbach Yellow and White Radiant Diamond Toi et Moi Two Stone Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
An elegant and unique take on the two stone ring trend! This stunning Toi et Moi ring complements any finger, and could also work as a one of a kind engagement ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
18 K White Gold Toi Et Moi Diamond Ring 3.33 Carat, 2.52 Carat
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Two sparkling brilliant cut Diamonds are the stars of this romantic toi et moi Ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Toi-et-Moi Blue Topaz Diamond Cocktail Ring 19.2kt White Gold Portuguese 2010s
Located in Lisbon, PT
Contemporary Toi-et-Moi Blue Topaz and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 19.2kt White Gold, Portuguese.
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, White Gold
14KT White Gold Blue Sapphire Toi et Moi Open fashion Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The ring features a contemporary "toi et moi" (French for "you and me") or bypass style, where the band is open and the two gemstones sit opposite each other on the finger. This desi...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 1.00 Ctw. Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mid-Century 1.00 Ctw. Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Toi et Moi Ring composed of 18k yellow gold and 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k White Gold 1.49ctw Oval & Pear Cut Diamond Pavé Halo Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k White Gold 1.49ctw Oval & Pear Cut Diamond Pavé Halo Toi et Moi Ring Style: 14k White Gold Oval & Pear Cut Diamond Pavé Halo Toi et Moi Ring Material: 14k White Gold Fea...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,394Sale Price|35% Off
IGI Certified Yellow Oval Diamond and Pear Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This beautiful "Toi et Moi" ring features a fancy light yellow oval shape diamond and a pear cut diamond set in a bypass design.
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
$3,054Sale Price|35% Off
IGI CERTIFIED Yellow Heart Diamond and Oval Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This beautiful "Toi et Moi" ring features a light yellow heart shape diamond and a oval cut diamond set in a bypass design.
Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 1.4ct Oval-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring in 18K WhiteGold
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Celebrate the poetic union of two hearts with this captivating Toi et Moi engagement ring, a timeless symbol of duality, devotion, and refined luxury.
Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Jewel Palate 0.59 Ct Pear Shape Natural Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 18K Gold Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Item Code: SER-29435A Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Gross Weight: 3.6 Grams Natural Diamond Weight: 0.59 Carats Diamond Clarity: SI Diamond Color: H...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$2,398Sale Price|20% Off
Antique Art Deco White Gold GIA Dual Diamond & Sapphire Moi et Toi Engraved Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This fine Moi et Toi, bypass ring is very well crafted in solid white gold and features lively white old cut diamonds with sapphire accents for a very Art Deco look!
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 0.22 Carats Pear Cut Diamonds in 18K White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Details:- Item Code: SER-29929 Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Gross Weight: 1.91 Grams Natural Diamond Weight: 0.22 Carats Diamond Clarity: SI Diamon...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,416Sale Price / item|20% Off
Toi et Moi Pink Sapphire & Pave Diamond Open Ring 1.3ct in 14K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This elegant Toi et Moi ring features 1.3 carats of natural pink sapphires, set in 14k white gold.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,320Sale Price / item|20% Off
Toi et Moi Pink & Blue Sapphire Diamond Baguette Open Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This toi et moi open bypass ring features a 1‑carat octagon pink and blue sapphire set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,330Sale Price|25% Off
1.00Ct Pink & Yellow Fancy Color Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Experience the epitome of romance and elegance with our exquisite "Toi et Moi" Bypass Ring. This beautiful piece features a captivating pink diamond and a dazzling yellow diamond, r...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1960 1.03 CTW Ruby Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Toi-Et-Moi Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a toi-et-moi style ring with one half platinum and one half yellow gold Centering a flush set cushion cut ruby and a flush set old European cut diamond Ruby weighs approx...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K White Gold 0.81-Carat Emerald-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Band
Located in Deira, AE
Design Architecture This toi et moi bypass ring positions two emerald-cut diamonds at offset elevations across an open-face bypass shank, creating a deliberate asymmetry that draws t...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-Century 3.52 CTW Diamond Pinctada Pearl Platinum Toi-Et-Moi Vintage Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bypass style ring terminates with a pearl and an old mine cut diamond - both with pierced baskets Pearl is button shaped and Natural Saltwater Pinctada White in body color with stro...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
3.87Ct Fancy Sapphire Toi et Moi Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Delight in this exquisite "Toi et Moi" ring, a timeless symbol of love translating to "you and me."
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.50ct. Natural Toi et Moi Heart Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring GIA Report 18K G
Located in New York, NY
Discover the elegance of our exquisite Toi et Moi ring, featuring a 2.02-carat heart-shaped, GIA certified as H color SI2 clarity, paired with a 2.01-carat heart-cut diamond, H color...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.04 Carat Pear and Oval Cut Natural Diamond Toi et Moi Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
A pear-cut natural diamond and an oval-cut natural diamond meet in an offset Toi et Moi arrangement. Each diamond is individually prong-set, while the polished yellow gold bypass ban...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,444Sale Price / item|20% Off
18K White Gold Toi et Moi Ring with 2Ct Blue Sapphire & 1Ct Diamond for Women
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Toi et Moi Ring Ring with 2 Ct Blue Sapphire & 1 Ct Diamond for Women showcases a 2.00 carat oval-cut blue sapphire paired with a 1.00 carat round brilliant-cut diamond.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern Toi et Moi 4.77ct Yellow & Blue Sapphire Halo Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A breathtaking modern interpretation of the romantic Toi et Moi (You and Me) design, this open bypass halo ring is a masterclass in color theory and structural elegance.
Yellow Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Toi et Moi 2-Stone Amethyst (0.90ct) Engagement Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
One of the most legendary rings of all time was sapphire & diamond Toi et Moi ring, given by Napoleon to his wife Josephine.
Amethyst, White Gold, 14k Gold
$1,244Sale Price / item|20% Off
Toi et Moi Pear-Cut Emerald and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold Gift for Her
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Boldly romantic with a modern twist, this Toi et Moi ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features two striking pear-cut emeralds totaling 2.00 carats.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Toi Moi Pear Naural Diamond Solitaire Promise Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This toi et moi ring features two pear-cut natural diamonds set side by side in...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Burma Ruby Diamond Bypass Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New Orleans, LA
This exquisite Bulgari "Toi et Moi" ring, meaning "you and me" in French, displays both the finest gemstones and the exceptional craftsmanship of the renowned jeweler.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Ever Us Two Stone Diamond Bypass Ring
By Ever Us
Located in Coral Gables, FL
Ever Us 14 karat white gold toi et moi ring with bypass design featuring 2 round brilliant cut diamonds totaling 1.20 carats accented by 20 round brilliant cut diamonds, all of H col...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1925 Art Deco Platinum & Diamond Bypass Ring
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
The sleek design is brought to life by the larger endpoint diamonds that are bright white and sparkly. This style ring is often referred to as 'Moi et Toi' which means 'You and me' b...
Diamond, Platinum
Gold Star Bypass Ring Ruby Diamond Spheres Cocktail Ring Celestial
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gold Star Bypass Ring Ruby Diamond Spheres Cocktail Ring Celestial Designer: J DAUPHIN The Toi et Moi Ring is handcrafted in gold plated brass, a bypass band with two textured sph...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Round Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Round Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Bypass Ring Description: This charming antique-style ring is crafted in solid 14k gold and features a classic Toi et Moi (You and Me) bypass d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald
Vintage Diamond Twin Bypass Crossover Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage 'Toi et Moi' Crossover Bypass Diamond Gold Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring Description: This sophisticated cocktail ring is crafted in solid platinum and features a classic "Moi et Toi" bypass design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage Baguette and RBC Diamond Platinum Bypass Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed, Vintage Baguette and Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum 'Toi et Moi' Bypass Band Ring. Securely Hand set with 2.00tcw Baguette and Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold Mixed-Cut Diamond Bypass Statement Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Design Style: Mixed-Cut Diamond Bypass Statement Ring Details:- Item Code: SER-29693A Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Gross Weight: 3.12 Grams Natural...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$16,500Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 5.21ct Emerald & Diamond Bypass Ring 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern floating emerald and diamond toi et moi bypass ring. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. 6.38 carats total diamond weight. 2 pear emeralds, 5.21 carats apx F1/F2.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$17,700Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills GIA 6.33ct Emerald Minor & Diamond Bypass Ring 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern floating emerald and diamond toi et moi bypass ring, GIA certified. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. 7.37 carats total diamond weight. 2 pear emeralds, 6.33 c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$12,400Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 4.79ct Emerald & Diamond Bypass Ring 18k White Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern floating emerald and diamond toi et moi bypass ring. High jewelry by Alexander Beverly Hills. 6.60 carats total diamond weight. 2 oval emeralds, 4.79 carats apx F2.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4.27 Carat Natural Emerald Baguette Diamond Bypass Ring, 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New Delhi, DL
The open toi et moi composition creates a sculptural profile in yellow gold
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yello...
14K Yellow Gold Oval Blue Topaz & Pavé Diamond Bypass Cocktail Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
It creates what the French call "toi et moi" — you and I — a ring form that implies dialogue, duality, and the productive relationship between two distinct but complementary elements.
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Emerald & Marquise Diamond Open Bypass Ring 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Deira, AE
Design Style: Mixed-Cut Diamond Bypass Ring Details:- Item Code: SER-29851 Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Gross Weight: 1.96 Grams Natural Diamond We...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Fred Paris Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Engagement Ring
By Fred Paris
Located in London, GB
Inspired by the Toi et Moi style this gently curving solid bombé style ring is bezel set in 18 karat yellow gold with a pear brilliant cut diamond opposite a mirrored emerald of the ...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Star Sapphire Bypass Ring 18k White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This fine "toi et moi" bypass ring showcasing two star sapphires.
Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
1 Carat Cabochon Natural Emerald and Diamond Cluster Bypass Ring in 18k Gold
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Cabochon cut natural Colombian Emerald mounted in 18k yellow gold. Set with 1.02 carats in a round-cut natural diamond cluster. ✔ Natural Emerald ✔ Natural Diamonds ✔ Gold Karat: 18...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2.06 Carat Double Heart-Shaped Fancy Yellow Diamond Bypass Ring 18K G
Located in New York, NY
The Toi et Moi design beautifully symbolizes the union of two complementary elements, making this ring a perfect choice for special occasions or as a unique engagement ring.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Stacking Band Solid 14k Rose Gold Jewelry Ring Genuine H/Si White Diamond Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This is a rose gold "Toi et Moi" style bypass cluster ring, serving as a highly fashionable cocktail ring or a modern, artistic engagement piece.
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Emerald Cut Diamond and Emerald Open Ring, 0.91 Carat Diamond, 18K White Gold
By Spectrum Jewels
Located in Deira, Dubai
Ideal for collectors seeking an emerald and diamond ring, open ring, bypass ring, Toi et Moi ring, emerald cut diamond ring, or contemporary gemstone jewelry.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Gold Crossover Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely crafted Edwardian Diamond and Pearl 'Toi et Moi' Bypass 14k Gold Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Peerless 1.45ct Greyish Blue Spinel, 0.27ct Diamond & 0.10ct Pink Sapphire Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
This peerless 18K white gold bypass ring represents the height of contemporary luxury, featuring an avant-garde open-cuff architecture that redefines the classic Toi et Moi design.
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Spinel, 18k Gold, White Gold
Genuine H/Si White Diamond Solid 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry Designer Ring
Located in Jaipur, IN
This is the "You & Me" Double Halo Baguette Bypass Ring. It is a contemporary, multi-tiered statement piece that reimagines the traditional Toi et Moi (You and Me) style using crisp ...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
FRENCH Ring In 18K Yellow Gold 1.80 Ct Colombian Emerald & 2.35 Ct Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
This important estate Toi et Moi bypass ring features a natural 1.80-carat Colombian emerald paired with a magnificent 2.35-carat antique European-cut diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.48 Ct Natural Pear Diamond Two Stone Unique Ring 18K White Gold HRD Certified
Located in Deira, AE
Two pear-shape diamonds of noticeably different sizes swirl together at the front of this bypass ring, the larger 0.42 carat stone paired with a 0.06 carat companion in a duo that re...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian 1.74 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a Toi et Moi style bypass ring terminating with two old mine cut diamonds prong set in platinum Weighing approximately 1.68 carats total - H/I color with VS2 clarity Fla...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$823Sale Price / item|23% Off
Double Moissanite Unique 14k gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Double Moissanite Unique 14k gold Ring. Toi et Moi Moissanite Ring. Pear Shaped Moissanite Open Ring with Curved Pave Shank. Pear moissanite bypass ring. Moissanite halo engagement r...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 6.98ct Natural Brown Marquise Diamond and 1.40ctw Natural Pear C
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Accentuating the center stone are 1.40 carats total weight of natural pear-cut diamonds, expertly arranged in a graceful bypass (toi et moi) style.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Black & White Pearl Crossover Ring, Circa 1930s
Located in Wailea, HI
Art Deco Platinum Black & White Pearl Crossover Ring, Circa 1930s An extraordinary expression of 1930s Art Deco elegance, this vintage Toi et Moi crossover ring beautifully pairs...
Pearl, Platinum
4 Cts Bluish Mint Green Cushion Cut Tourmaline Gemstone for Ring Jewelry 10 mm
Located in Peshawar, PK
A Modern Toi et Moi Ring: Pair this minty-green beauty with a pastel pink sapphire or morganite for a highly trendy, romantic bypass design.
Tourmaline
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.
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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.