Natural Diamond Ring 1.25 cts 18 Karat Two Tone Gold Designer Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
Metal: 18kt Two Tone Gold Weight: 4.40 grams Gemstone: Natural Diamonds Shape: Round Diamonds/ Princess Diamonds Total Carat Weight:1.25 ct.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian pearl diamond sapphire two tone dinner ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The ring is crafted in a traditional two-tone combination of 18k gold and platinum, a signature Edwardian pairing that allows the platinum top to emphasize the brilliance of the diam...
Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 10K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Cluster Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant vintage ring is crafted in yellow gold with white gold diamond setting, creating a beautiful two-tone contrast.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Crossover Infinity Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant crossover ring features a graceful infinity-inspired design crafted in two-tone gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,700Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander 2.29ctt Yellow Diamond & Diamond Floral Bypass Ring 18k Two Tone Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Modern yellow & brown color diamond floral / leaf bypass ring, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 2.29 carats total diamond weight. 1.61 carats of a mix of approximately Fancy Yellow color ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
GIA Oval diamond ring 18KT gold two tone ring 1.50 carats diamond ring VS2 F
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Made in 18Kt two tone gold, size 6 and can be re-sized! GIA certificate sent upon request!
Diamond, 18k Gold
From $1,877 / item
10K Two-Toned 1.00 Carat Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 10 karat two-toned gold, it has a total diamond weight of 1 carat.
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 10k Gold
$5,737Sale Price|25% Off
Alexander 2.16ctt Yellow Diamond & Diamond Floral Bypass Ring 18k Two Tone Gold
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Modern yellow & brown color diamond floral / leaf bypass ring, by Alexander Beverly Hills. 2.16 carats total diamond weight. 1.50 carats of a mix of approximately Fancy Yellowish B...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, W...
TJD 0.23 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Two Tone Gold
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Key Details • Total Diamond Weight: 0.23 Carat • Total Stones: 19 Natural Diamonds • Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant & Single Cut • Diamond Color: H-I • Diamond Clarity: I2 • Metal...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
2.21 CTW Yellow Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Two-Tone Gold
Located in Houston, TX
2.21 CTW Yellow Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k Two-Tone Gold A striking and unique two-tone design, this 18k white and yellow gold ring showcases an elegant combination of pear-inspir...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Two Tone Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 14K white and yellow gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = 0.50cttw Color: G Clarity: VS2 Ring Size: 6.25 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizi...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Magnificent 1.5ct Marquise & Round Diamond Ring in 18K Two-Toned Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Crafted in elegant 18K two-toned gold, it weighs 3.97g and fits size 51EU/13HK.
Diamond, Gold
14K Two Tone Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring w/ European Cut Diamonds
Located in Montclair, NJ
Additional Information: This is a very fine Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring in two tone Solid 14K Yellow and White Gold.
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 14k Two Tone Gold 1.02ctw Diamond Florentine & Polished Finish Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - H Color - SI2 Clarity - Lively Brilliant Diamond - 0.66ct (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Diana M. Custom 1.35 Cts. Diamond Ring 14K Two Tone Gold
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
14 kt two tone diamond ring with spiral design adorned with 1.35 cts tw round diamonds
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Two-Tone Gold Diamond Accent Ring, Double Rope Band, Circa 1980
Located in Palm Desert, CA
This distinctive ring is crafted in a two-tone gold design and features an elegant “R”-shaped motif accented with fine detailing and subtle brilliance.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Retro 4.35ct Amethyst Diamond Halo Ring, 18k Two-Tone Gold, 1940s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Their antique facets provide gentle sparkle, beautifully contrasted by the two-tone 18k yellow and white gold setting. The interplay of warm and cool metals highlights both the vivid...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.01 carat green sapphire diamond 14k two tone gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in 14k two tone gold, the contrasting metals enhance the design with added depth and visual interest, while highlighting both the gemstone and diamond accents.
Diamond, Green Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
Luminous 1.37ct Yellow & White Diamond Ring in 18K Two-Toned Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Crafted in elegant 18K two-toned gold, it weighs 3.05g and fits size 53EU/14HK.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Two Toned Gold 1/5 Cttw Diamond Heart Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Make a statement with this dazzling 10k two toned heart ring. A rose gold heart is held in place by a delicate silver band. 1/5ct round cut diamonds decorate the heart and top half o...
White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, Rose Gold, 10k Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold Marquise Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century, Unisex
Located in Sewickley, PA
This distinctive ring features a striking two-tone design crafted in yellow and white gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold, Diamond, and Pearl Bow-Form Cocktail Ring
Located in Queens, NY
14K Rose and White Gold Diamond Pearl Bow Ring, featuring one cultured button pearl approx. 8.0 - 8.5 mm, further adorned with eighteen white gold pave set round brilliant cut diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
0.28 Carat Round Diamond Two-Tone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A unique two-tone solitaire engagement ring featuring a 0.28 carat round brilliant cut diamond in a 14K square head setting.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold Herringbone Diamond Band Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This ring is a sleek, modern band crafted in two-tone gold with a refined geometric design.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 14k Two-Tone Gold Diamond Ring, 0.25ct, Mid-20th Century
Located in New York, NY
Discover timeless elegance with this exquisite antique diamond ring, crafted in a stunning combination of 14k yellow and white gold. Featuring a captivating 0.25-carat Old European d...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Elegant 14k Two Tone Gold 1ctw Fiery Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (15) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G-I Color - VS1/VS2 w/ Few SI Clarity - 1.0ctw (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 1.0 (approx.) Material: ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Two Tone Diamond and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your jewelry collection with our 18k Diamond and Pearl Ring. Crafted in 18k white and yellow gold, this ring features a stunning pearl in the center and 1.96 carats of diamon...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Two-Tone Diamond Floral Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Additional hand-engraved floral motifs adorn the shoulders. The ring is crafted in two-tone 14K white and yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Modernist 14K Two-Tone Gold, Diamond, and Golden Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Queens, NY
14K Rose & White Gold Diamond Golden Pearl Ring, featuring one cultured golden pearl approx. 13.0 - 13.5 mm, further adorned with twenty white gold pave and bezel set round brilliant...
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,489Sale Price|20% Off
Milgrain Three-Stone Diamond Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Milgrain Three-Stone Diamond Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold This diamond ring is crafted in 14k two-tone gold and features a classic three-stone arrangement, each round diamond framed by...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Two-Tone 14K Gold Diamond Band, Seven-Stone Accent Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A vintage two-tone 14K gold band designed with three sculptural, interwoven bars of yellow and white gold, each accented with a sparkling diamond. The pattern creates a layered, arch...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winning Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old world Italian craftmanship. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Florentine Finished Two-Tone 18 Karat Gold Italian Diamond Ring
By Stefano Vitolo
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Produced by award winner Italian designer Stefano Vitolo. Stefano creates custom artisanal, one of a kind jewelry with excellent gemstones in a truly old word Italian craftsmanship T...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Certified 3.28ctw Pear Shape Zambian Emerald & Diamond Two Tone Gold Ring
By Royaal Stones Ltd
Located in Bangkok, Thailand
Ring: Emerald: Pear 1/3.28ctw Diamond: Round 87/0.61ctw Diamond: Pear 2 pieces / 0.62ctw Metal: Gold 18k Two Tone Gold / Black Total Weight: 18K 8.92 GRAMS
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
Diamond Vintage Style Floral Cluster Square Ring in Two Tone Gold
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Glittery antique style statement ring crafted in two-tone gold. With fifty round diamonds completely encrusting the ring face, this piece is truly a work of art on the finger.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Sophisticated 0.41ct Natural Diamond Ring Setting in 18K Two-Toned Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
This pre-owned 18K two-toned gold ring setting showcases a stunning contrast of warmth and brilliance, accented by 24 natural round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.41 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Two Tone Gold 0.22ctw Diamond White Enamel Buckle Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Pave Set - Lively White Diamond Color - 0.22ctw (approx.) Material: 18K Solid Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Accents & Whit...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
4.50 Carat Blue Topaz Diamond 18K Two-Tone Gold Halo Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking fashion ring featuring a 4.50 carat cabochon-marquise shape blue topaz. The topaz displays a vivid blue hue, exuding elegance and sophistication. It is surrounded by 0.40 ...
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Crossover Ring Size 6.75 #21819
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Crossover Ring Size 6.75 This striking crossover ring is crafted in a sleek combination of 14K yellow and white gold and is adorned with sparkling...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Wide Diamond Band in Two Tone Gold
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 karat yellow gold ring featuring 58 round brilliant cut diamonds of SI clarity and H color totaling approximately 3.00 carats. 9.55mm wide white gold accented top with tapered bac...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cornelis Hollander Tanzanite and Diamond Ring 14k Two Tone Gold
By Cornelis Hollander
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa 1990's tanzanite and diamond ring made by famous jeweler Cornelis Hollander. Half of the ring is white gold and the other half is yellow gold. This striking and bold ring would...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Two Tone Gold and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 #20977
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Two Tone Gold and Diamond Ring Size 6.25 This elegant ring features nine round brilliant cut diamonds set in polished 18K white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
0.75ct Round Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in 18K Two-Tone Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Add a touch of elegance and sophistication with this Two Tone 18K Gold Round Cluster Diamond Ring. Crafted from 18k two-tone gold, it combines the classic beauty of white and yellow ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Two Tone Gold Ladies Ring with 9.06ct Emerald and Diamonds
Located in LA, CA
Item # 8185 18K Ladies Ring with 9.06ct Emerald and .54ct Diamonds. Eighteen karat (18K) two tone gold natural emerald beryl and diamond ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
RUCHI Fancy Yellow and White Diamond Two-Tone Gold Solitaire Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White and Yellow Gold Fancy Diamond: 1.71ct total weight. Diamond: 1.83ct total weight.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gol...
Diamond Vintage Style Floral Cluster Engagement Ring in Two Tone Gold
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Beautifully feminine, this two-tone gold diamond cluster engagement ring with an approx. total 0.34 carat diamond weight will take our breath away.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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.