Pear Halo Natural Diamond & Emerald Gemstone Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
NOTE: The color and size of natural gemstones may slightly vary, as no two gemstones are identical in size or color. This pear-shaped diamond ring features a pear-shaped natural dia...
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
18ct Gold, Emerald and Diamond Square Cluster Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1967
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Emerald Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow and White Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1967 This exquisite 18ct gold vintage cluster ring showcases a striking square design, featuring a ca...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Fire Opal Pink Tourmaline Diamond Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This gorgeous ring features an oval cut 1.30 Carat Mexican Fire Opal center and two oval cut Pink Tourmalines with a total weight of 1.30 Carats all complemented with 0.49 Carats of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tourmaline, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...
3.1ct Rhombus Lozenge Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring White Gold
Located in Lisbon, PT
The stone is half bezel-set in a white gold ring which seems to have the magic and elegance of a twisted tension design, but which is supported by concealed metal galleries to ensure...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leaves Natural Diamond Bypass Band Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
Ideal for cocktail nights, festive celebrations, or bold gifting, it adds structure to minimal and occasion looks. ★ MATERIALS ★ ♥ Stone: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Carat: 0.811...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
French Art Nouveau Pearl 1.14 Carat Diamond Gold and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique French Art Nouveau cocktail ring is supplied with two independent diamond grading certificates for the feature diamond in addition to an independent diamond grading repo...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,624Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pearl Halo Natural Diamond Statement Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
A single round pearl sits at the center of this openwork band ring, framed by two halos of natural diamonds. The band features delicate filigree detailing and a double-split shank.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Angara Natural Marquise Aquamarine Solitaire Ring with Diamond in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Details:Metal and Purity: 14K Solid GoldMain Stone: AquamarineMain Stone Color: Swiss BlueMain Stone Shape: MarquiseMain Stone Creation:NaturalMain Stone Size: 6x3mmMain Ston...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 0.78 Carat Sapphire 0.88 Carat Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This two stone sapphire and diamond ring is an elegant and meaningful piece, ideal for celebrating significant occasions.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage 9ct Gold Emerald and Diamond Square Cluster Ring, Hallmarked London 1997
Located in Brighton, GB
The face of the ring measures approximately 7.5mm in height and width.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 9k Gold
Unique Round Diamond Tension Set Flush Set Bypass 14K Yellow Gold Statement Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
A modern twist on elegance and form. This striking ring features a unique, asymmetrical design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
J. Birnbach 0.73 Carat Total Fancy Pink and White Pave Diamond Signet Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
Set with 0.16 carats of bright white round brilliant pavé diamonds and accented by 32 fancy pink round brilliants totaling 0.57 carats, this ring brings together two-tone sparkle in ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1.84 Carat Square Emerald & Round Diamond 18K Gold Toi et Moi Bypass Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Details: Item Type: Toi et Moi Bypass Ring Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 2.73 grams Setting Style: Crown Basket Setting Ring Size: Size 6 Emerald Details: Carat Weight: 0.88 Carat...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,680Sale Price / item|20% Off
Genuine Diamond Bypass Ring in 14K Solid Yellow Gold Perfect Luxury Gift
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your elegance with this sophisticated bypass ring crafted in 14k yellow gold. Designed to wrap gracefully around the finger, this contemporary piece features two parallel row...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophie d'Agon Marquise Cut Aquamarine & Diamond Squared Cocktail Ring 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
At its core lies a captivating marquise-cut aquamarine stone, bezel-set on a diagonal for a modern twist on classic elegance.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Oval Gemstone Natural Diamond Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ Details ★ ♥Center Stone- Lab-created sapphire Shape - Oval Weight - 17ct ♥Side Stone - Natural Diamonds Diamond Shape - Round Diamond Weight - 2.43ct Color: FGH Clarity: SI ★TH...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1904 Toi et Moi Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K GoldØ3.25/2.3gr
Located in SE
Art Nouveau period Swedish Toi et Moi Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted frame with claw set two old oval cut natural Ceylon Sapphires of Cornflower /Light Blue color 3 mm ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$3,052Sale Price|20% Off
Toi Et Moi Ceylon Blue Sapphire Spiral Ring With Pave Diamonds In 18k Gold
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Inspired by the timeless "you and me" design, this spiral ring brings a romantic twist with two vivid Ceylon blue sapphires (0.80 carats) gracefully wrapped in a swirl of 0.70 carats...
Sapphire, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Vintage Henri Carre Baguette Diamond Double Row Band Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 6.75 Stunning vintage Henri Carre baguette diamond band ring in polished 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
1.91 Carat Citrine and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Handmade Cocktail Ring
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
Technical Specifications Metal: Solid 18k Yellow Gold (Hallmarked) Total Weight: 5.10 grams (Approximate) Main Gemstone: Natural Citrine Main Stone Cut: Oval ...
18k Gold
3.00 Carat Topaz and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Handmade Cocktail Ring
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
Technical Specifications Metal: Solid 18k Yellow Gold (Hallmarked) Total Weight: 5.10 grams (Approximate) Main Gemstone: Natural Blue Topaz Main Stone Cut: Oval ...
18k Gold
ALAIN ROURE 1970 Escalator Geometric Ring 18K White Gold With 2.60 Ctw Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Awards: The Ring "Steps", won in 1964 first prize in a very Diamond International Award.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mens Round Bezel Set Diamond Chunky Signet Ring 10 Karat Yellow and White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 11 This striking diamond ring showcases a brilliant round-cut center stone set in a bold two-tone gold design.
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.75 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Old Swedish Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1907 -1917. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the crown in White Gold or Silver with two larger bezel set natural old European cut Diam...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique German Ring natural 0.8 ctw Diamonds solid 14 Gold Ø 6.75 US / 2gr
Located in SE
Antique German ca. early ca. 1900's -1920s Ring is about 14K Yellow Gold twisted frame decorated with total of fifteen natural Diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold
1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Art Deco period Ring with twisted solid 18K Gold band and Clover leaf crown decorated with natural Diamonds and Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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
$28,800Sale Price / item|20% Off
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Rings: Rose Gold & Yellow Gold 18k Rings
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Pair of Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger Diamond Rings: Rose Gold "X" Band (Sz 4.5) & Yellow Gold "Eighteen Stone" Band (Sz 5) An exclusive opportunity to acquire two iconic Jean ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
18k White and Yellow Gold 2.10ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond and 1.09ctw Accent
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Celebrate forever with a ring that shines as boldly as your love. This captivating 18k White and Yellow Gold Engagement Ring features a dazzling 2.10 carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamon...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s 10.50 Carat Sapphire with Yellow Gold and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning twist ring is supplied with a sapphire report card and certificate supplied by the Gemmological Certification Services, London*.
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...
Vintage 1.32 Carat Lapis Lazuli and 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This exceptional, fine and impressive vintage ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold. The twisting ring setting displays two opposing cabochon cut lapis lazuli, set within a textu...
Lapis Lazuli, Yellow Gold
Antique Unisex Illusion Ring solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US 8.5 / 6gr
Located in SE
Antique or Vintage Ring in 18K Gold which is composed of two twisted bands joint together in a special way that makes an illusion of changing physical width of the joined band when t...
18k Gold
1958 Toi et Moi Ring natural 2.5 ctw. Rubellite 18K Gold US4.25/ 2.35gr
Located in SE
Toi et Moi Ring featuring twisted frame in solid 18K Reddish Gold with two bezel set cabochon cut natural Red Rubellite / Tourmalines Ø 6 mm x 4 mm deep / 1.25 ct. each.
Rubelite, 18k Gold
Marisol 14K Yellow Gold Wedding Set With 1.25 CT Tanzanite Center
Located in Greeneville, TN
💎 Details: Set Name: Marisol Metal: Solid 14K yellow gold Center Stone: 1.25 ct cushion-cut natural tanzanite (medium-to-deep violet-blue) Accent Stones: 1.52 ctw natural diam...
Diamond, Tanzanite, Yellow Gold
Bulgari Diamond Burma Ruby Bombe Earrings GIA Certified in 18 Karat Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Dallas, TX
These earrings draw on that lineage but with an attractive twist that makes them unique and rare. Central ruby in each earring is encircled by a band of high-sparkle tapered-baguette...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.89 Carat Diamond and Enamel Yellow Gold and Silver Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique pendant is supplied with an independent diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an independent diamond grading report card fo...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique 3.45 Carat Opal and Diamond 22k Yellow Gold Necklace, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Images do not always reflect the true color and brilliance of gemstones and diamonds. The video however provides a truer representation of the actual color and showcases each stone.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Agate Earrings. Polished Agate Diamond Hanging Earrings Platinum Black Enamel
Located in New York, NY
Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond, Agate, Enamel Stone Cut: Old European Cut Style: Art Deco Total Weight: 12.19 Grams Both Earrings A stunning pair of Art Deco-inspired diamond and a...
Agate, Diamond, Platinum, Enamel
Antique Ruby 1.63 Carat Diamond 9k and 14k Yellow Gold Bicycle Brooch Circa 1915
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The navette shaped bar supports an articulating emblem of a bicycle, suspended via two yellow gold chains. The bicycle is embellished with a feature millegrain collet set 0.25ct Old...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Silver
Victorian 1890s Diamond Aquamarine Pearl and Yellow Gold Pendant or Brooch
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning antique Victorian brooch / pendant is supplied with two independent diamond grading certificates for the feature diamonds, in addition to an independent diamond grading...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Carved White Pink Shell Cameo Brooch w/ Diamond Frame
Located in Montclair, NJ
The exceptional and uniquely designed yellow gold frame around the cameo is beautifully detailed and features textured flower work and twisted wire work for a truly elegant touch. Th...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Seed Pearl and 15k Yellow Gold Necklace / Brooch Circa 1880
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique pearl necklace setting is suspended from a rope twist chain and secures to the reverse with a conventional spring-loaded ring bolt fastening.
Pearl, Yellow Gold
Platinum Solitaire Diamond Ring, 0.70ct E VS2, By Bentley & Skinner
Located in London, GB
This ring features a bright and glittering central diamond elegantly set between diamond encrusted shoulders with a slight twist to them.
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Old European Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring in 18ct White Gold & Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A very elegant two stone diamond twist ring that is set with two sparkling diamonds weighing a total of 0.35ct.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Diamond Trilogy Ring 18 Carat White Gold 0.75 Carat Diamond circa 1915
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
The centre Diamond is approx. 0.45ct with two 0.15ct stones either side giving the ring a total of 0.75ct.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Spectacular Vintage 1.55 Carat Two-Stone G VVS Diamond Engagement Twisted Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Toi Et Moi This spectacular two stone kissing Diamond ring is mid century age, nearly 70 years old Classy design for anniversary or declaring love at any life stage, having a double...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$3,300
18k Two-Tone Gold Twisted Halo Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Indulge in the luxury and timeless elegance of our Radiant 18k White & Yellow Gold Ring, intricately adorned with premium quality natural diamonds. 18 Karat White & Yellow Gold Natu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Y...
Unavailable|$2,723 / set
Pear Diamond Halo Twist Band with Matching Romi Wedding Two Ring Set
Located in Hertsliya, IL
Pear Diamond Wedding Ring Set - Pear halo engagement infinity twist band & 'Romi' wedding ring
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$2,328 / item
Calliope Rose Cut Diamond Four Stone Twist Vine Half Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
Calliope rose-cut diamond four stone twist vine half ring featuring four round rose cut diamonds from 2.5 to 4mm set in JeweLyrie signature twist bezels scatter along wavy twist vine...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,948 / item
Scilla Diamond Star Twist Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
Dainty and exquisite SCILLA diamond star twist engagement ring, showcasing a 3.5mm round diamond wrapped in JeweLyrie signature twist bezel, and surrounded by 8 prong set 1.5mm and 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$940 / item
Wisteria Twist V Diamond Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
Dainty yet eye catching Wisteria twist diamond V ring sparks with prong set small brilliant round diamonds scattering along subtle V shaped twist band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,078 / item
Scilla Aquamarine and Diamond Star Twist Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
Slim twist shank complete the look with two 1.5mm prong set diamonds flank the center piece
Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,059
Antique Edwardian Diamond Toi Et Moi Twist Ring 0.66ct Of Diamond
Located in Kendal, GB
The two perfectly matched stones symbolise the coming together of two souls.
Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$8,600
Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring 'Side Diamonds'
By Concierge Diamonds Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous round blue sapphire engagement ring is further elevated by the addition of two tapered, emerald diamond baguettes on either side of the center stone.
Blue Sapphire
Unavailable|$1,344
Antique Art Deco Moi et Toi Natural Diamond Twist Ring 18k
Located in London, GB
The Deco Twist Ring is the epitome of understated elegance!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,690 / item
Calliope Pink Spinel and Diamond Twist Vine Half Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
Made to order in 14k, 18k , yellow, white, or rose gold. • Calliope four stone ring • Four round pink spinel size 2.4 to 4mm, total 0.44 carat • Prong set with JeweLyrie signature t...
Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$12,700
Edwardian French 1.70 VVS Diamond 2.30 Carat Natural Sapphire Twist Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Entwining Love This absolutely Stunning antique Edwardian period engagement ring, is French origin 1905 ca – bearing French hallmarks The beautiful mounting is of exquisite crafting...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 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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