Stephen Webster Butterfly 12 CT Amethyst Black Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
By Stephen Webster
Located in Westport, CT
An extraordinary Stephen Webster, Fly By Night, 18K white gold amethyst and black diamond cocktail ring. Centered with six natural briolette cut amethysts, three graduated on each wi...
Amethyst, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
EGL White Diamond Cushion Ring in 18K Yellow Gold & Black Rhodium
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 4.32 ct. G SI2 white diamond cushion in handmade 18k yellow gold and black rhodium mounting.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
1.70ct Black Opal Sapphire Tsavorite & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, US
One-of-a-kind cocktail ring featuring a 1.70 carat Black Opal from the renowned region of Lightning Ridge in Australia.
Diamond, Opal, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gold
Roman Malakov 15.05 Carats Octagonal Shape Black Diamond Men's Cocktail Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A dashing men's cocktail ring, featuring an octagonal shape black diamond weighing 15.05 carats, bezel-set in 14K rose gold.
Black Diamond, Rose Gold
18K Gold Black and Pink Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
We also have an 18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent and an 18K Gold Blue and Turquoise Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent also available in our shop.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
Alex Jona Black & White Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Eternity Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold eternity band ring, showcasing 18 round cut black diamonds prong-set weighing 1.24 and 6 white diamonds, fot to...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18k White Gold Black & White Diamond Geometric Wide Ying Yang Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (65) Natural White Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - G/H Color - 1.50ctw (approx.) (55) Natural Black Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - Black Color - 1...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Rossella Ugolini 0.55 Carats Black Diamonds White Gold Satin Man Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Unisex Contemporary 0.55 Carat Black Diamonds White Gold Man Design Ring Made in Italy.
Black Diamond, 9k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,833Sale Price|20% Off
Art Nouveau Style White Black Diamond Tsavorite Ruby Yellow Gold "Scorpion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
This Ring has 0.20 Carats of White Diamonds. This Ring has 0.11 Carats of Black Diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Yellow ...
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Ring with White and Black Diamond
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
The Black diamonds are a total weight of 0,70 Carats and the white diamonds a total weight of 0.45 Carat.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
$5,995Sale Price|20% Off
18ct White and Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring 3.57ct 6.52g
Located in SYDNEY, NSW
Accompanied by: This Black Opal & Diamond Ring is accompanied by Vaka Valuation (#28087 dated 8/12/2012).
Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Black & White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Crossover Ring Band
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat white gold double crossover ring band, set with two black diamonds weighing 1.40 carats.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 1.28ct Black and 2.83ct White Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
Amazing and Unique 18kt White Gold Snake Ring With 1.28ct Black and 2.83ct White Diamonds With 2 Ruby Eyes Diamonds: 130 White brilliant cut diamonds, together ca. 2.83ct, 55 Black ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
11.49 Carat Natural Cushion-Cut Citrine and Black Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The design of the ring is classic with a modern twist of using black diamonds instead of the traditional option of white diamonds.
Citrine, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona Black & White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Crossover Ring Band
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat white gold double crossover ring band, set with two black diamonds weighing 2.70 carats.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ring with White, Black and Champange Diamonds in 18 Karat Red Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
When combined, these three create a beautiful, multi-dimensional effect that catches the light and sparkles with breathtaking brilliance. This stunning ring is designed with 18 Kara...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
14k Gold Signet Ring with Black Center Stone Bar & Diamonds
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
- Stone Info - 1x - 3.5x16.66mm Horizontal Black Center Stone 8x - 2.5mm ~0.06ct I1/G Diamond Standard Round Brilliant 8x - 2.25mm ~0.04ct I1/G Diamond Standard Round Brilliant Ri...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$2,665Sale Price|20% Off
3.2cts Black Opal Ring with Natural Diamonds Accents: Solid 14K Gold, 16.5x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Black opal in solid 14K gold with diamond accents — louder than your excuses and twice as unforgettable. 💎🔥 Specifications: Item Type: Ring Center Stone: Black Opal Treatment: I...
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with Black and White Diamonds up to 1.00 ct - 18k gold 3.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k white gold ring set with black and white brilliant-cut diamonds, total 1.00 ct – F/G – VS/SI – ring size US 6.75 - EU 17.25 (54) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 9....
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,666Sale Price|20% Off
Chic Black Cognac Diamond White 14k Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 41-RND-0,35-G/VS1A Diamond 41-RND-0,4-G/VS1A Diamond 52-RND-0,51-G/VS1A Weight 4,67 grams Size US 7,5 It is our honor to ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold
$2,704Sale Price|20% Off
Rare Black White Diamond White 14k Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 20-RND-0,31-G/VS1A Diamond 15-RND-0,18-G/VS1A Diamond 122-RND-0,36-G/VS1A Size 6 Weight 7,24 grams It is our honor to ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Deco Style 18 Karat Gold 0.70 Carats Emerald Black Diamonds Stacking Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Details: Rossella Ugolini Design: Exquisite Deco Style 18K Gold Emerald and Black Diamond Stacking Ring
Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
This beautiful ring contains a center oval black onyx that contains a white gold plaque in a diamond shape that contains an old mine cut diamond.
Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Beautiful Australian Black Opal Flower Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Australian Black Opal Flower Ring with Diamonds in 14K Gold.
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Tahitian Black South Sea Cultured Pearl Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Black south see pearl and diamond ring. 10.5mm natural color black south sea cultured pearl with peacock iridescence, high lustre and few blemishes in a platinum setting with 4 round...
Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Platinum
Georgios Collections 18 Karat White Gold Pear Rubelite Ring with Black Diamonds
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
The vibrant Rubelite is elegantly framed by a halo of brilliant-cut White Diamonds, totaling 0.36 carats, and further enhanced by an outer layer of Black Diamonds, totaling 0.26 cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rubelite, 18k Gold, White Gold
Angara Natural Half Eternity Black and White Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
April Birthstone Ring for Women: Enhanced Black Diamond is the Birthstone for April.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Diamond, Gold
$11,600Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Aquamarine Black Onyx Malachite Diamond Ring in 18k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
Accented with delicate diamond details and set in polished white gold, this ring blends art deco elegance with modern sophistication.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Malachite, Onyx, 18k Gold
Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Austin, TX
A striking 10.7mm round Tahitian black pearl commands attention at the center of this elegant cocktail ring.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
18K Solid Rose Gold Black and White Natural Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K Rose Gold Black and White Natural Diamond Ring Metal Type: 18K Solid Rose Gold Total Item Weight: 9.9 Grams Ring Size: Resizable Dimensions: Length: 22.0 mm X Width: 21.0 mm X H...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Antique solitaire ring, the head is square in shape and adorned with claws down from a rose-cut diamond on a black enamel background.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
14k White Gold Split Shank Ring with Halo & Black Diamond Center - Size 6.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a 14k White Gold Split Shank Ring with One ~0.30ct Black Diamond Center Stone, and Forty-Three ~0.02ct Diamonds as Accent Stones. 43x Round Diamonds J/I2, ~0.02ct/ea Size -...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Effy Black and White Diamond Large Butterfly Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This fabulous Effy butterfly ring is crafted in brushed 14 karat yellow gold and set with an array of round-cut diamonds in contrasting shades of white and black.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,002Sale Price / item|20% Off
Black Flower Statement Ring Elegant Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Yellow Gold 14K Ring Weight 19,03 gram Size 17.5 Diamond 203-Round 57-0,67-4/7A Onyx 1-51,87 ct With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based j...
14k Gold
Ombre Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold, Black to white
By VimleshBadaya
Located in Jaipur, RJ
Ombre diamond bypass ring in 18K yellow gold, crafted to order by VimleshBadaya in Jaipur, India.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$5,200Sale Price|20% Off
3.72 Carat Black Spinel and Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
By Zahira Fine Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
At the heart of this ring lie the captivating black spinel center stone weighing 3.720 carats.
Black Spinel, Spinel, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
18k White Gold Pave Black Diamond and Emerald Pear Cocktail Ring
By Emre Osmanlar
Located in ISTANBUL, TR
18 Karat Gold 18K 13.50 g 4 ct Black Diamond 1.5 ct Drop Cut Emerald
Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
$2,675Sale Price|20% Off
7.5Ct Black Opal Ring with Natural Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold, 19x12.5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Not just a ring—it's a whole mood with attitude. Specifications: Item Type: Ring Center Stone: Black Opal Treatment: Impregnated Weight: 7.55cts Head Size: 19x12.5mm Shape: Pear...
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco diamond and black enamel ring, circa 1925.
Located in London, GB
Art Deco diamond and black enamel ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back rubover setting with a weight of 2.00 carats, decorated throughout with eighteen ro...
Diamond, Platinum
Roshe Jewels 11.43ct Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Roshe Jewels 11.43ct Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold This Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring is simply a Stunning Beauty!
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$825Sale Price / item|44% Off
Black opal 14k gold ring.
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
Black opal 14k gold ring. Rainbow opal ring. Cabochon opal ring.
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
White Gold Black Enamel and Diamond Large Scale Ring
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Made of 18K white gold with black enamel accents and set with 16 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing an approximate total of 1.00CT of overall G Color and VS1 Clarity.
Diamond, White Gold, Enamel
18 Kt Gold Pavé Black & White Diamonds Engagement /Fashion Ring
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE GOLDEN RING WITH BLACK & WHITE DIAMONDS, TOTAL 3.15 CT THE INSIDE IS HEARTSHAPES COPLETELY CUT OUT IN 18 KT GOLD NEXT TO EACH OTHER.
Diamond, 18k Gold
18 Karat White Gold Black Enamel Swirl Diamond Pave Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This stunning ring features a bombé design, pavé-set with brilliant white diamonds and accented with bold, curving black enamel patterns.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel Oval Woven Diamond Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
The center is an oval plane of brightness, courtesy of pave set round brilliant cut diamonds. Black enamel surrounds the jewels, its contrast making the diamonds seem still lighter. ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 14K Solid Yellow Gold Oval Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Onyx Ring Metal Type: 14k Solid Yellow Gold Total Item Weight: 3.2 Grams Ring Size: 4.5 (Resizable) Dimensions: Width 20.0mm X Length 20.0mm X He...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$8,320Sale Price|20% Off
Set in 18K white Gold, 1.00 carats, Black & White Diamonds Engagement Band Ring
By JEWEL HUB
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A very gorgeous and beautiful, modern style, Diamonds Band Engagement Ring set in 18K White Gold.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold Tahitian South Sea Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamonds Elegant and timeless, this vintage 14K yellow gold ring features a luminous round Tahitian South Sea black pearl,...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
7 Carat Black Opal Doublet Diamond Gold Solitaire Navette Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Elegant Finely detailed Black Opal and Diamond Gold Solitaire Cocktail Ring.
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Black and White Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Dangling Charms Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Each charm is pavé set with 19 fine diamonds, one with round brilliant cut white diamonds and the second one with round brilliant cut black diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18k White Gold White and Black Diamond Pavé Eternity Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
A continuous central row of white diamonds creates a bright stripe across this domed eternity band, bordered on either side by closely set black diamonds. Two staggered rows of black...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roshe Jewels 14K White Gold Black and White Diamond Cluster Ring, 0.99 Carats
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Roshe Jewels 14K White Gold Black and White Diamond Cluster Ring, 0.99 Carats This ring has 18 Black Round Cut Natural Diamonds that weigh 0.62 carats and 7 Round Cut Natural Diamon...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Yianni Creations Pearl and Diamond Fine Silver and Black Rhodium Wide Ring
By Yianni Creations
Located in Astoria, NY
Yianni Creations Hephestos Collection 100% Handmade Artisan Ring from Fine Silver. The gorgeous ring features a 7-7.5 mm Freshwater Pearl and 0.03 Carat Brilliant cut Diamond contras...
Pearl, Freshwater Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Amethyst, Aquamarine, C...
Tahitian Black Pearl Solitaire Ring in 14k White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Austin, TX
A striking black pearl commands the center of this solitaire ring, set against a sleek 14k white gold band.
Diamond, Pearl, White Gold
Black Star Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Dome Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
It offers bold finger covered on top and is set with a cabochon cut black star sapphire complemented by a diamond on either side of it.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 14k Gold, White Gold
Gucci "Chiodo" 18k White Gold Black Onyx and Diamond Ring
By Gucci
Located in New York, NY
Featuring a sleek black onyx top framed by sculptural contours, it’s accented with pavé-set diamonds that add refined brilliance.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
CHANEL Ultra ring in 18k white gold, black ceramic and diamonds.
By Chanel
Located in PARIS, FR
CHANEL Ultra ring in 18k white gold, black ceramic, and diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alternate Black White Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring 18k Solid Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Alternate Black White Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18K Gold symbolizes the everlasting love between a couple.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Nestled amidst vibrant green emeralds, the black opal ring exuded an enchanting allure. The center black opal weighs approximately 9.50 carats and is accompanied with a GIA Black, N...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Emerald, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.17 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 2.17 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.61 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 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.
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.