3.91ct Emerald and 2ct Pear Diamond ring MOI et TOI style ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
A unique moi et toi emerald diamond ring, chunky and well made with a sturdy appearance for the lovers of large jewelry pieces.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
French Mid Century pearl diamond platinum Toi Et Moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid Century ring from the 1950s features two cultured golden pearls measuring approximately 11.60mm and 11.38mm. Accented by six single cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.10 ...
Diamond, Pearl, Platinum
Contemporary 18K Gold and Platinum Bezel Set Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Venice, CA
The toi et moi ring first came into popularity in 1796, when Napoleon gave Josephine an engagement ring with two stones placed side by side, symbolizing the coming together of two so...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
4.02 Carat Cushion Aquamarine Morganite Diamond Platinum Toi et Moi Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The toi et moi design, meaning “you and me,” is one of the most romantic ring styles in fine jewelry.
Aquamarine, Beryl, Diamond, White Diamond, Morganite, Multi-gemstone, Pl...
Toi et Moi Certified Diamond RED Ruby 2.23cts Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A captivating vintage Toi et Moi bypass ring crafted in luxurious platinum, symbolizing the union of two souls through the timeless pairing of two exceptional gemstones.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique 18K Gold Toi et Moi Ring with Diamonds, Pearl & Emerald
Located in Antwerp, BE
This extraordinary ring is crafted in 18 karat solid gold. This stunning 'toi et moi'-ring is set with lovely old rose cut diamonds, A stunning bright green emerald and a romantic pe...
Pearl, Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Gold Diamond Toi et Moi Cross Over Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1910 Fabulous Diamond Toi et Moi Crossover Ring, Set with Two Natural Diamonds & Pretty Rose Cut Diamond Shoulders.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Toi Et Moi Pearl Ring with Diamonds, 18k
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Toi Et Moi Pearl Ring with Diamonds, 18k. Ring Size 5.50 US. - signed VCA and numbered B 5152 P 29.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold
Contemporary 18ct Yellow Gold Pink Tourmaline Diamond Moi et Toi Ring
Located in Roma, RM
L’effetto complessivo è quello di un gioiello elegante e audace, ricco di personalità e perfetto come pezzo da collezione o come statement ring. L’anello “Moi et Toi” (in francese “I...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
Colombian Emerald Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 18K Rose Gold
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
A refined toi et moi ring, offered by Claris-A, composed as an open, gently curved band that wraps naturally around the finger.
Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold
$607Sale Price|20% Off
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.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Moi Et Toi gemstone diamond ring 18 Karat Gold Peridot Citrine ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Moi et toi ring set with an excellent quality peridot and excellent quality citrine, made in 18KT white gold using top quality diamonds and fishtail fancy diamond setting style, abso...
Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Gold
$6,840Sale Price|42% Off
1950s Platinum Toi Et Moi Engagement Ring, 2.02ctw Diamond, VVS1-VVS2
Located in Towson, MD
This 1950s Toi Et Moi ring boasts two modern brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 1.71 carats total with VVS1 - VVS2 clarity grade and G - H color grade, prong set in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-Century 14K Gold Moi Et Toi Diamond Ring by Sarkin
Located in Venice, CA
This is a stunning Mid-Century bypass ring by New York Jeweler David Sarkin. Also know as a Moi et Toi ring romantically named for you and me.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.50 Carat Total Pear Shaped Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A genuine 1950s toi et moi engagement ring from the antique jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Sapphire and OEC Diamond Gold Moi et Toi Victorian Bypass Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage Blue Sapphire and Old European Cut Diamond Gold Moi et Toi Victorian Bypass Ring. Hand set with a 0.30 Carat OId European Cut Diamond and 0.40 Carat Blue Sapphire.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Moi Et Toi Diamond ring 18KT gold Citrine diamond ring peridot diamond ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Stunning one of a kind moi et toi ring in 18KT yellow gold, size 6 can be re-sized.
Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
$5,860Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander 3.78 Carat Toi Et Moi Emerald Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern floating emerald and diamond toi et moi ring. By Alexander Beverly Hills. 2 oval emeralds, 3.78 carats apx F2. 18-karat yellow gold, 6.25 grams, current ring size 6.5.
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.11 Carat Diamond and White Gold Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.11 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum toi et moi ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Napoleon III Toi et Moi Ring, 0.50ct Diamond & Pearl, France
Located in Firenze, IT
Toi et Moi ring in yellow gold 750 thousandths and platinum 850 thousandths, centered on a white button pearl and an old-cut diamond, underlined by scrolls set with rose-cut diamonds.
Natural Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 14K Gold & Old Mine Cut Diamonds 'Toi et Moi' Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With a pair of prong-set old mine cut diamonds (0.95± Ctw) in a 'Toi et Moi' bypass setting. Marked to the shank.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18kt White Gold Toi et Moi Ring with Diamonds & Emerald
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Style: Toi et Moi Period: Contemporary / Vintage (confirm if you’d like me to label it) Metal: 18K White Gold Stones: Natural Emerald & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 7....
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$7,900Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander Beverly Hills 2.77ct Toi Et Moi Sapphire & Diamonds Ring 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern floating emerald and diamond toi et moi ring. By Alexander Beverly Hills. 2.77 carats total gemstone weight. 2.32 carat round shape sapphire, heated. 0.45 carat marqu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.16 Carat Colombian Emerald, Diamond and Platinum "Toi Et Moi" Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1970's Emerald-Cut 2.16 Carat Colombian Emerald, Diamond, and Platinum "Toi Et Moi" Ring: centering a pair of Emerald-Cut Colombian Emerald's weighing 1.05 Carat and 0.91 Car...
Emerald, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
18K White Gold Mixed-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring
Located in Deira, AE
Design Style: Mixed-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Open-Bypass Ring Details:- Item Code: SER-29674A Category: Fine Jewelry Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 18K White Gold Gross Weight: 1.78 Grams N...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
South Sea and Black Pearl Diamond Gold "Toi et Moi" Ring
By New Italian Art
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
A grey Tahitian pearl and a light golden south sea pearl, set in an elegant "Toi & Moi" white gold ring. On the shank 1,11 carat of top quality brilliant cut diamonds makes it ev...
Black Pearl, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Kai Flora Blossom Moonstone and Aquamarine Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Kai's Flora Blossom Moonstone and Aquamarine Toi et Moi Ring is a breathtaking expression of nature’s beauty and the timeless bond of love.
Diamond, Aquamarine, Moonstone, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gorgeous 1.29 ct Moi et Toi Natural Yellow & White Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite moi et toi diamond ring showcases a striking pairing of a 1.29 ct natural yellow heart-shaped diamond and a 0.39 ct round brilliant white diamond.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
$10,954 / item
1.01ct Pear Diamond Toi et Moi 14K Two-Tone Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A symbol of unity and love, this Toi et Moi ring features two pear-shaped diamonds in yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels 18K Gold Toi-et-Moi Ring with Diamonds, 1980s
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A Van Cleef and Arpels Yellow and White Diamond Toi-et-Moi Ring from the 1980's, in 18 carat gold.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Moissanite Toi et Moi Heart Pear Ring 925 Silver Duo Ring Unique Women Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Moissanite Toi et Moi Heart Pear Ring 925 Silver Duo Ring Unique Women Ring.
Silver, Sterling Silver
Heart Shape Toi et Moi Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Moissanite Ring Band.
Located in Chicago, IL
Heart Shape Toi et Moi Engagement Ring 925 Sterling Silver Moissanite Ring Band.
Silver, Sterling Silver
925 Sterling Silver Toi Et Moi Moissanite Engagement Ring Two Stone Ring Band.
Located in Chicago, IL
925 Sterling Silver Toi Et Moi Moissanite Engagement Ring Two Stone Ring Band.
Silver, Sterling Silver
Vintage 14k White Gold Toi Et Moi Diamond Ring, 1.00 Carat, 1990s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful vintage diamond Toi Et Moi ring is a refined 1990’s design, crafted in 14k white gold and set with 22 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.00 carat in...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Alexandrite & Princess-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Alexandrite & Princess-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 14k White Gold- GIA 7235197388 This contemporary ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a distinctive toi et moi design...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gold Plated 925 Silver Toi et Moi Ring Cushion Pear Cut Moissanite Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Gold Plated 925 Silver Toi et Moi Ring Cushion Pear Cut Moissanite Ring.
Gold Plate, Silver
Double Heart Toi et Moi Ring, 925 Sterling Silver Moissanite Two Stone Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Double Heart Toi et Moi Ring, 925 Sterling Silver Moissanite Two Stone Ring.
Silver, Sterling Silver
925 Silver Toi et Moi Engagement Ring, Cushion Round Moissanite Two Stone Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
925 Silver Toi et Moi Engagement Ring, Cushion Round Moissanite Two Stone Ring.
Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Toi et Moi Diamond Belle Époque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
A Toi et Moi Style, Set with Claw Set- Old Mine Cut Diamonds & Gorgeous ‘Vine’ Like Diamond Shoulders.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold Heart-Shaped Burmese Ruby & Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Khet Bang Rak, 10
A Toi et Moi ring featuring two heart-shaped gemstones that beautifully complement one another.
Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Toi et Moi, Bypass Ring, 2.65ct, 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring 18K White Gold Elegant sapphire and diamond Toi et Moi ring crafted in solid 18K white gold, featuring two vibrant oval cut Ceylon blu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...
Fancy Yellow White Heart Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring 18K Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Toi et Moi Bypass Ring 18K Gold Modern and sophisticated Toi et Moi bypass ring crafted in solid 18K gold, featuring a striking combination of natural...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
Alexandrite & Marquise-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Alexandrite & Marquise-Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 14k White Gold- GIA 2235493819 This contemporary ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a distinctive toi et moi design...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Alexandrite & Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 14k Yellow Gold- GIA 5232584915
Located in Bloomington, MN
Alexandrite & Diamond Toi et Moi Ring in 14k Yellow Gold- GIA 5232584915 This distinctive ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a contemporary toi et moi design pairing a ...
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Amethyst Ring. 2.30TWC Two Oval Cut Amethyst Ring Platinum Toi Et Moi
Located in New York, NY
Age: Antique Era: Edwardian Era, Circa 1900 Primary Stone: Amethyst Primary Stone Weight: Approx 2.30-Carats Primary Stone Cut: Oval Cut Jewelry Type: Cocktail Ring Jewelry Style: ...
Amethyst, Platinum
Vintage EFFY Designer Diamond ‘Moi et Toi’ Crossover Bypass Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Vintage EFFY Designer 'Toi et Moi' Diamond Crossover Bypass Gold Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
18ct Yellow Gold Vintage Toi Et Moi Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Toi Et Moi ring is set with two scintillating round brilliant cut diamonds totalling an estimated 0.30 carats, claw-set in an elegant 18ct yellow gold band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Epoque “Toi et Moi” Diamond Engagement Ring c. 1900 Ref: 892447
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1900 This elegant antique engagement ring is designed in the classic “Toi et Moi” (“You and Me”) style.
Diamond, Platinum, 14k Gold, Gold
18k Yellow Gold 7.65ctw Two-Stone Natural Emerald Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
SKU: A30321459 Toi et Moi — "you and me" in French — is one of the most romantically charged ring formats in fine jewelry history.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold 2.54tcw Zambian Emerald & Diamond Cuff Ring, Toi et Moi Statement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
This romantic expression elevates toi et moi rings to timeless symbols of commitment.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
French vintage cultured pearl diamond 18k white gold Toi Et Moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant French vintage cultured pearl and diamond Toi Et Moi ring is a sophisticated 1980’s design, beautifully crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,300Sale Price|30% Off
JR Toi Et Moi Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
JR Toi et Moi Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring Toi et moi ring with two large rose cut diamond set in 18k white gold Ring Size Europe 54 (US 6.75) , Ring Size can be resiz...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco European Cut Diamond Platinum Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Orlando, FL
Original Art Deco Diamond Ring in Platinum – European & Old Mine Cut Diamonds A beautifully preserved original Art Deco diamond ring crafted in platinum, showcasing the geometri...
Diamond, Platinum
$3,360Sale Price|30% Off
White Diamond Rose Cut Toi et Moi 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
White Diamond Rose Cut Toi et Moi 18 Karat white Gold Ring Magnificent White Pear Rose Cut diamond diamond Toi et Moi Ring , features 0.37 Carats of White Rose Cut Diamonds, surroun...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,730Sale Price|30% Off
White Diamond Rose Cut Toi et Moi 18 Karat white Gold Ring
By JR Diam
Located in Hong Kong, HK
White Diamond Rose Cut Toi et Moi 18 Karat white Gold Ring Magnificent White Round Rose Cut diamond diamond Toi et Moi Ring , features 0.28 Carats of White Rose Cut Diamonds, surrou...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Toi Moi Natural Diamond Proposal 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 two stone diamond ring features a pair of round natural diamonds set in cl...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
$18,600Sale Price|20% Off
Pink Sapphire & Tsavorite Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 5.68 Carats Diamonds Pt950
Located in Great Neck, NY
Pink Ceylon Sapphire Tsavorite 11.56ct Carat Diamond Toi et Moi Ring Platinum Diamond Ring pt950 Platinum Handmade Mounting Pink Ceylon Sapphire: 2.69 Carats Natural Tsavorite Garn...
Pink Sapphire, Tsavorite, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Yellow Diamond, White...
1890s Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Platinum Toi et Moi Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Shank & Platinum Head Weight: 2.6 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Antique Cushion Carat Weight: .35 Carat Color...
White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique French “Toi et Moi” Diamond Ring in 18K Gold and Platinum
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Ideal for collectors of antique jewelry, diamond rings, French gold, and vintage "Toi et Moi" designs.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$23,200Sale Price|20% Off
Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Toi-Et-Moi Ring In Platinum.
Located in New York, NY
An exquisite Art Deco Toi-et-moi engagement ring in Platinum featuring a total of 3.5 carats approximately of exceptional old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, 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.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.