$1,889Sale Price / item|30% Off
14 Karat White Gold Pink Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat white gold Pink Tourmaline diamond halo ring, containing 1 round pink tourmaline of gem quality weighing .90pts.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
$3,120Sale Price / item|40% Off
14 Karat Yellow Gold Oval Pink Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat yellow gold Pink Tourmaline diamond halo ring, containing 1 oval pink tourmaline of gem quality weighing 2.95cts.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,075Sale Price / item|30% Off
14 Karat White Gold Oval Pink Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
14 karat white gold Pink Tourmaline diamond halo ring, containing 1 oval pink tourmaline of gem quality weighing 2.75cts.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Sapphire 14K (or 18k upon request) Yellow Gold Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Pink Sapphire 14K Yellow Gold Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring is a captivating blend of color and brilliance.
14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Eze Jewelry 2.00ct Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring
By Eze Jewelry
Located in Bucharest, Romania
✨ Details: Main Stone: Natural Paraiba Tourmaline Origin: Mozambique Weight: 2.00 carats Cut: Teardrop / Pear Color: Bright, vivid Paraiba hue Accent Stones: Natural White Di...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba
$1,064Sale Price|20% Off
Green Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Green Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring in 14k White Gold Crafted in 14k white gold, this ring features a richly colored 1.05 carat green tourmaline in an elongated marquise shape,...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Platinum 4.77ctw Long Emerald Cut Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Tourmaline - Long Emerald Cut - Prong Set - Pink Color - 13.2x6.9mm - 4.00ct (exact) Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
18 Karat Two-tone Green Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K two-tone Green Tourmaline: 1 Pear cut = 2.85cttw Diamonds: 16 round cut = 1.00cttw Color: G Clarity: SI1 Ring Size: 7.5 (please allow up to 2 addition...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Trillion 7.52ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $60 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Tourmaline Carat(s): 7.15ct Cut: Trillion Natural Diamonds C...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA-Certified 1.06ct Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in Chicago, IL
Set in 7.11 grams of solid, enduring platinum for a luxurious and substantial feel, this piece is currently sized to a 6.75 and offers a breathtaking fusion of rare, collector-grade ...
Paraiba, Tourmaline, Diamond, Platinum
14k Rose Gold Blue Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring, 2.67 Ct
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exquisite 14k rose gold ring features a captivating 2.67-carat blue tourmaline, beautifully framed by a halo of sparkling round diamonds totaling 0.50 carats.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
White Gold Pink Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Emerald 1.93ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 3/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Pink Tourmaline Carat(s): 1.60ct Cut: Emerald Natural Di...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Rosy Yellow Gold Green Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Tourmaline - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Green Color - 7.22 x 6.24mm (approx.) - 1.05ctw (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Single Cut - P...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
White Gold Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring - 14k Oval 1.57ctw GIA
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Please contact us for a resizing quote. Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Tourmaline Carat(s): 1.32ct Cut: Oval Color: Blue-Green Cert...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,636Sale Price|20% Off
14 Karat White Gold Oval Pink Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring
By Thomas Laine LLC
Located in New York City, NY
A vibrant pink 3.26 carat Oval Pink Tourmaline with a scintillating halo of brilliant diamonds on a diamond band make quite the dazzling statement. This stunning tourmaline was hand...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
White Gold Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring - 18k Oval 1.88ctw Hearts
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 2 1/2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $40 Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Tourmaline Carat(s): 1.57ct (weighed) Cut: Oval Color...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
$2,175Sale Price|25% Off
14k White Gold Blue Green Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring, Size 6.5
Located in Austin, TX
An incredible blue green tourmaline set within a halo of diamonds in a 14k white gold ring.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold
Roman Malakov 4.29 Ct Oval-Cut Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous ring showcasing an oval-cut paraiba tourmaline weighing 4.29 carats, set in a classic four-prong setting.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rubellite Ring. 12ct Emerald Cut Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring showcases a striking approx. 12.10-carat emerald-cut rubellite at its center, radiating a rich, vibrant hue. Encircling the rubellite is a luminous halo of old Eu...
Diamond, Rubelite, Platinum
Platinum GIA 7.32ct Cats Eye Purplish Red Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Cat's Eye Rubellite Tourmaline - Oval Double Cabochon Cut - Prong Set - Purplish Red Color - 6.80ct (exact - stamped) ** See Certification Details B...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
$1,104Sale Price / item|20% Off
Vintage Inspired 1.22ct Green Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This Halo ring showcases a striking 1.22 carat green tourmaline set in 14K yellow gold.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
6.45-ct Bi-Color Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Ring with 18k Gold by Nancy Phillips
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
The secure prong setting ensures durability and highlights the beauty of the natural tourmaline gemstone. Specifications: - 6.45 carat Bi-Color, Pink and White Tourmaline - elongat...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.25 Cttw Natural Pink Tourmaline/Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold Size 7
Located in New York, NY
Discover the enchanting allure of the Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Halo Ring in 14K Two-Tone Gold.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold
Tourmaline Diamond Gold Halo Ring
Located in Trumbull, CT
This halo ring has pink purple tourmaline as center stone surrounded with a halo of white diamonds in pave setting.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
This is a beautiful, Pinkish-Red Rubellite Tourmaline with a diamond halo accent Ring Overall, it weighs 4.70 grams.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Cats-Eye Tourmaline Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is complemented by 1.53 carats of round brilliant and baguette-cut diamonds which halo the tourmaline and run down the sides of the ring.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
6.90 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Halo Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's mid-century Tourmaline and diamond cocktail ring. 6.90ct round center bi-color green tourmaline in a platinum setting with a halo of 96 diamonds, totaling 1.65cts. 1 round g...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Diamond Rubellite Tourmaline Platinum Contemporary Three Stone Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut rubellite tourmaline weighing approximately 12.05 carats - transparent medium reddish pink Prong set in basket and flanked by bead set half moon cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
14k White Gold Orange Tourmaline Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Details: Metal: 14k White Gold Center Stone: Orange Tourmaline Diamond Accents: Round, 0.50 carats Ring Weight: 7.40 grams
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Pinkish-Purple Tourmaline Halo Ring with Diamonds
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Oval brilliant cut Tourmaline is surrounded by a halo of diamonds. The gallery supporting the solitaire are made of twisted ropes; highlighting the magnificent natural diamond melee ...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
4.00 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Halo White Gold Bridal Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring has a 3.49 carat Oval Cut Dual Color Tourmaline that is set in the center of the ring and is surrounded by a Halo of 40 Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.50 carats .
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
14KT White Gold 4.65CT Watermelon Tourmaline and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Jewelry Type: Ring Metal: 14KT White Gold Primary Stone: Watermelon Tourmaline Stone Shape: Rectangular Cut Tourmaline Weight: 4.65 CT Accent Stones: Diamonds Diamond Cut: Round Bril...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
$1,624Sale Price|20% Off
14 karat pink tourmaline and diamond double halo ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Gorgeous Emerald cut natural gemstone measuring4.5×6.10×1.90 mm centered is a pink tourmaline 14 karat gold double halo diamonds surrounding center stone.
Tourmaline, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
Green Blue Mint Tourmaline Emerald Diamond Halo Trilogy Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
To add even more elegance and sparkle, a diamond halo encircles the three stones. The setting below the stones is also adorned with pave set diamonds, adding a delicate and intricat...
Diamond, Emerald, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Platinum Princess Cut Pink Tourmaline Three Stone Diamonds Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Three princess cut, charming and bright pink tourmalines are bezel set with white diamond halo. The diamonds with their celestial sparkle add a touch of opulence to this three stone ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
.97 Carat Chrome Tourmaline Diamond Halo Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Chrome Tourmaline and diamond swirl design cocktail ring. .97ct. oval tourmaline center stone with a halo of tapered baguette cut diamonds in a 18k yellow gold setting.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Chrome Tourmaline, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Green Tourmaline and Diamond Halo Ring in 18KT White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This vintage 18KT white gold ring features a richly colored green tourmaline cabochon at the center, framed by a diamond halo with baguette and round cut accents.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
17.79 Carat Indicolite Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Double Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A captivating indicolite tourmaline, weighing an impressive 17.79 carats, is the centerpiece of this contemporary ring.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Indicolite, Platinum
Estate 14 Carat Red Orange Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Imagine the feeling you'll have wearing this unique estate heirloom, reminiscent of the renowned Princess Diana engagement ring. Condition: Very good Era: Estate contemporary Year: ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Green Paraiba Tourmaline & Diamond Pear Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegant and timeless, this ring is crafted in 14K white gold featuring a vibrant pear-shaped green tourmaline(paraiba) center weighing 0.64 carats, surrounded by 21 sparkling diamond...
Diamond, Paraiba, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.10ct IGI Certified Green Paraiba Cuprian Tourmaline Diamond Platinum Halo Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
IGI Certified Vivid Yellowish Green Cuprian Paraiba Tourmaline And Diamond Platinum Halo Ring 1.05 Carat total.
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum
2.75 Carat Double Halo Tourmaline Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.75 Carat Double Halo Tourmaline Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring This ring has a 1.90 Carat Round Cut Tourmaline that is set in the center of the ring and is surrounded by a dou...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond Halo 1.30ctw Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The gorgeous item is a halo-style cocktail halo ring featuring an oval-cut vibrant Paraiba turmaline blue center gemstone, surrounded by an intricate multi-tiered pavé halo and geome...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Exceptional GIA Paraiba Tourmaline Large Diamond Halo Ring in 18k Platinum
Located in Media, PA
Specifications Center Stone: Natural Mozambique Paraiba Tourmaline Carat Weight: 6.60 Carats On The Certificate, but the weight had a very very slight loss to recent polish of the st...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Platinum, Mixed Metal
18 Karat Yellow Gold Green Tourmaline Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in New York City, NY
Eye Catching Oval Shaped Green Tourmaline set in a sparkling halo of diamonds in a high polish 18k Yellow Gold Ring.
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum GIA 2.58ctw Dark Blue Green Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Solid Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Tourmaline - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Unique Dark Blue Green Color - 2.34 (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete Info ** (20) Natural...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
18k Rose Gold Natural Red Tourmaline with Diamonds Halo Ring
By Baikalla
Located in Portland, OR
The design is classic yet elegant. The ring looks very exquisite with 0.88 ct diamonds halo.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Rose Gold
Beauvince Tourmaline Diamond Halo Cocktail Fashion Ring in White Gold
By Beauvince Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
The luxurious colors and charm of this Green Tourmaline are captivating and mesmerizing. The ring is stylish and impressive. Gemstones Type: Tourmaline Gemstones Shape: Square Ge...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Oval Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Halo Ring in 18KT White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 18KT White Gold Center Stone: Pink Tourmaline Tourmaline Weight: 4.38 CT Tourmaline Cut: Oval Accent Stones: Diamonds Diamond Weight: 0.14 CT Total Weight Diamond Color: G Dia...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold Pink Tourmaline & Natural Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
14 Karat Rose Gold Pink Tourmaline & Natural Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring Metal: 14k rose gold Weight: 3.72 grams Tourmaline: 6.3 x 7.9mm, pink emerald cut Diamonds: Approx. 1.00 CTW G...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
18k Gold 3.45ct Pink Tourmaline & Diamond Halo Milgrain Etching Detailed Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Elongated Oval VIVID Pink Tourmaline w/ Diamond Milgrain Halo --Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Tourmaline - Elongated Oval Brilliant Cut - Bezel Set - Hot Vivid Pink - Natural Inclu...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 18k White Gold Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring 4.46ct
Located in Newport Beach, CA
We are pleased to present this GIA Certified 18k White Gold Rubellite & Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring. This elegant statement ring features a GIA certified purplish pink tourmaline,...
Tourmaline, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
3.59 Carat Elongated Cushion Cut Lagoon Tourmaline Ring with Diamond Halo
Located in Nashville, TN
A relative of Paraiba tourmaline, "lagoon" tourmaline is a highly sought after gem on account of its bright sea foam/teal color. When we first saw this stone, we immediately knew we ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, White Gold
2.20 Carat Pink Red Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Halo Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Pink Rubellite natural Gubelin certified round 2.02ct Tourmaline and diamond engagement ring. Gubelin certified center round pink tourmaline in a platinum diamond split and halo sett...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Rachel Koen Pink Tourmaline Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Yellow Gold Oval
Located in New York, NY
Sculpted in 14k yellow gold. This pink tourmaline and diamond ring bespeaks glamour and elegance.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
AGL Certified 4.11 Carat Green Tourmaline Diamond Halo Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's Handmade Tourmaline and Diamond princess style cocktail ring.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.63 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Halo White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
18k white gold Tourmaline and Diamond engagement ring. The center stone is a beautifully bright Cushion shaped pink Tourmaline surrounded by a halo of round brilliant cut daimonds.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.