David Yurman Sterling Silver “Wheaton” Petite Ring with Diamonds & Black Onyx
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
*Brand: David Yurman *Material: Sterling Silver *Condition: Mint *Black Onyx Size: 10mm *Diamonds: 0.08ctw *Ring Dimension: *Size: 7.25 *Width: 10.1mm *Thickness: 2 *Weight: 6.2gr ...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
Stacked Black and White Pavé Diamond Squared Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Perfect for any special occasion or a night out, this black and white pavé diamond ring is more than just a piece of jewelry—it's a statement of contemporary elegance and style.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
The Victorian era brought snake jewellery into the limelight after Prince Albert proposed to Queen Victoria with a ring in the image of a snake featuring an emerald-set head. The Que...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Oval Black Onyx Diamond Filigree Gold Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Classic filigree 14k white gold ring with pink and yellow gold flowers and jet black Onyx with a white gold diamond center strip.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Men's 10K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cttw Cluster Black and White Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
At the heart of this statement piece lies a bold cushion cluster of natural black diamonds, each meticulously heat-treated to achieve their mesmerizing hue, and securely held by pron...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold, Gold
2.51 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 2.51 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.57 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.302 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 2.302 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.53 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
4.22 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 4.22 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.66 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.91 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.91 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.58 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$640Sale Price / item|20% Off
Art Deco Style Natural Ruby Cab Black Onyx Ring Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant ring composed of a big Natural Ruby cabochon measuring 19x28mm surmounted by a brilliant cut Diamond in a Black Onyx ring and set in a 14k white gold bezel...Th...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Gold, White Gold
Vintage GIA Certified Black Opal Mixed Cut Diamond Halo 14K Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 5 Carat + Black Opal with vibrant play-of-color takes center stage in this vintage 14K white gold ring, adorned with a dazzling halo of mixed cut diamonds.
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Black Rhodium Plated Diamond Ladies Band Ring 14K White Gold 0.18cttw
Located in New York, NY
A trendy piece of jewelry with real gold and diamonds. This antique style micro pave band is crafted in 14k solid white gold and black rhodium plated.
Diamond, White Gold, Rhodium
Natural Carved Pink Tourmaline Black Onyx Diamond Ring 14K Gold Band
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Artisanally crafted in 14K rose gold, this statement cocktail ring features a hand-carved floral pink tourmaline layered over a sleek black onyx base, topped with a diamond-paved sta...
Onyx, Tourmaline, Diamond, 14k Gold
Wendy Brandes 1.48 TCW Black Diamond Taurus Bull Ring With Surprise Inside
By Wendy Brandes
Located in New York, NY
This intricate design took artisans many months to complete and is a true one-of-a-kind piece of wearable art -- it will never to be reproduced. 25 grams of 18K rose, yellow, & whit...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, ...
GIA Natural Black Opal 6.23 carats and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA certified Natural Black Opal 6.23 ct and Diamond Cocktail Ring in Platinum Natural certified Black Opal Ring features a center Oval Cabochon Black Opal with flashes of Green, Y...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Rossella Ugolini 18k Yellow Gold 0.55 Carat Emeralds Black Diamonds Band Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18K Yellow Gold 0,55 Carat Emeralds 0.59 carat Black Diamonds Band Ring Size 6. Different size available on order.
Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 2.04ct Black & 1.75ct White Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
By Orologio / Joël Glecer
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18kt White Gold Snake Ring with 2.04ct Black & 1.75ct White Diamonds & Ruby Eyes Material: 18kt white gold Diamonds: 1.75ct white brilliant cut diamonds and 2.04ct bla...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Roberto Coin Love in Verona Black Jade & Malachite Diamond Ring 18K Rose Gold
By Roberto Coin
Located in New York, NY
Crafted in 18k rose gold, the ring features black jade and green malachite in circular pattern with four prong set round cut diamonds weighing 0.15 carat.
Diamond, Malachite, Black Jade, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
10.08 Carat Black Opal with Baguette and Round Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
10.08 Carat Black Oval Cabochon Cut Opal with Baguette and Round Cut Diamond on 18k White Gold Ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring White Gold Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The Tahitian pearl and diamond ring features a playful design with two Tahitian pearls of 12mm diameter. The pearls are untreated. They display a fine nacre and their natural color a...
White Diamond, Black Pearl, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.16 Carat Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.164 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.60 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Roman Malakov 6.13 Carat Total Round White & Black Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
Surrounded by movable flower petals encrusted with black and white diamonds. Black diamonds weigh 3.33 carats total and white diamonds weigh 2.80 carats total.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,080Sale Price / item|20% Off
Bespoke Chevron Black Shell Triangle Cabochon Diamond Flexi Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Wan Chai District, HK
Details of this particular ring DEF VS Clarity Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds: Total 0.514ct 9 Black Shell Triangle Cabochon 14K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 9.35g Stamped: 14K Ring Siz...
Freshwater Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Black Pearl, White Diamond, Diamond, P...
Bleu Royal 14 Karat Rose Gold Black Diamond and Carbon Striped Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Bleu Royal Material: 14K rose gold Diamond: 8 round cut = 0.16cttw Color: Black Size: 10.25 Weight: 11.90 grams
Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Angara Natural Enhanced Black Diamond Semi Eternity Wedding Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
April Birthstone Ring for Women: Enhanced Black Diamond is the Birthstone for April.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
18 Karat Gold Oval Cut Emerald 0.32 Karats 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, Yellow Gold
Deco Style 18K Gold 0.70c Emerald 0.32c Black Diamonds Handcrafted Stacking Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Deco Style 18K Gold 0.70Carats Emerald Stacking Ring with 0.32 Carats Black Diamonds: Handcrafted Elegance and Versatility Design by Rossella Ugolini.
Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 kt. White Gold Ring With 27.25 ct. Amethyst, 11.33ct Black & White Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gorgeous 18 kt. White Gold Ring With 27.25 ct. Amethyst and Black and White Diamonds together 11.33 ct.
Amethyst, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds Black e White 18 Karat White Gold Band Ring
By Leo Pizzo
Located in Marcianise, IT
The centerpiece of the ring is a dome set with brilliant-cut black diamonds, which create a striking contrast and add a modern, touch.
Diamond, White Gold
Sicis Jewels 18K White Gold MicroMosaic Cocktail Ring with White & Black Diamond
By Sicis Jewels
Located in London, GB
Micro Mosaic artists tiny handwoven Venetian enamel rods obtained from the high temperature melting of nine base colors with diamond dust, realizing endless combinations of tones and...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Gold Black and White Enameled Ring with Diamond Accent
Located in Venice, CA
This ring has a great display of enamel at its finest—with white rectangular bars alternating between black squares, framed by outlines of gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Toi & Moi Huge Australian South Sea Pearl Ring with White, Black, Brown Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Toi & Moi Huge Australian South Sea Pearl Ring With White, Black, Brown Diamonds Amazing ring which will make you enjoy wearingn it on every occasion and make all heads turn...
Pearl, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k...
$1,080Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 1980s 18k Gold Natural Black And White Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
💎 Vintage 1980s 18k Gold Natural Black And White Diamond Decorated Ring In very good condition.
White Diamond, 18k Gold
Black Onyx Faceted Diamonds Halo Statement 14K Gold Statement Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking ring featuring three faceted black onyx, elegantly set in a vertical arrangement.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold
Jennifer Liang 14 KT Gold Mini Sea Urchin Ring with Black Diamond
By Jennifer Liang
Located in New York, NY
Due to the unique quality of our hand picked stones, no two stones are identical. Additional gemstones available upon request. Please contact us to customize your own piece. Also...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold
Unique Pattern Triangle Semi Black Opal Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Unique Pattern Triangle Semi Black Opal (Lighting Ridge Crystal Opal) Diamond Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cartier Panther Panthere Claw Diamond Black Onyx White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k White Gold Diamond & Black Onyx Panther Panthere Claw Ring by Cartier.
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold
Rose Gold Design Ring with White and Black Brilliant Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
Diamonds: Naturally Shiny Weight: 1.50 carat Shape: Brilliant cut Colour: high white (F-G) and black (enhanced) Clarity: US Quality: Very nice Jewel: Ring Weight: 11 gram Hallmark: ...
Diamond, Gold, Rose Gold
18K Yellow Gold Black Baroque Tahitian Pearl Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Details: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Black Baroque Tahitian Cultured Pearl Accent Stones: 2 Round Brilliant Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.10 Carat Setting: ...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum and Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed 1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Platinum and Gold Ring. Centering a securely nestled 1.61 Carat Australian Black Opal, surrounded by Diamonds, weighing a...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
RUCHI Emerald, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Black Rhodium Statement Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K black rhodium gold. US size 6.5. Colombian Emeralds: 2.31ct total weight. Blue Sapphires: 3.03ct total weight.. Diamonds: 0.31ct total weight. All diamonds are G-H/SI stones.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold...
Alex Jona Black and 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, set with 0.27 carats of black diamonds and 0.05 carats of white diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Exceptional 11.95 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stones- Oval Australian Black Opal 11.95 Carats, 18 Round F-G Color VS1 Clarity Diamonds 2.00 Carats.
Men's 14K Yellow Gold Plated Silver 1.0 Cttw Round Black Diamond Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
At its heart, a bold 1.0 carat round black diamond stands as the centerpiece—a natural gem, embraced by the stark beauty of a channel setting, its enigmatic black hue enhanced throug...
Black Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate
HRD 14K 16.05 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal&Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Kaohsiung City, TW
"HRD 14K 16.05 ct Natural Color Play Black Opal Diamonds Cocktail Ring" This ring features a 16.05-carat natural black Opal with a color-play effect.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sonia B 2.00 Carat Black Diamond White Gold Ribbon Design Cocktail Ring
By Sonia B. Designs
Located in Stamford, CT
Sonia B white and black diamond cocktail ring set in 18k white gold ribbon design. 62 round black diamonds, approx. total weight .75cts 100 full cut round diamonds approx. total wei...
Black Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Black and White Pearl Pearl and Diamond Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The black and white pearl and diamond ring features two Tahitian pearls of 11mm diameter, and one South Sea pearl of 11.5mm diameter.
Pearl, Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Black Pearl, White Diamond, White Gold,...
14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #18050
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.5 This beautiful ring was crafted form 14K white gold with meticulous detail and features a stunning black onyx stone decorated with a ...
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Semi Black Opal and Diamond Ring of 18k White Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This captivating 1990s statement ring celebrates the natural beauty of a semi-black opal, its play-of-color dancing in shades of vivid blues and greens.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black White Diamond Cocktail Band Ring Mom Gift in 18k Solid White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Black White Diamond Cocktail Band Ring Mom Gift in 18K Gold featuring natural diamonds of 2.82 carats.
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
$8,000
Diamond Disc Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is finished with a double shank set with round cut black pave diamonds.
Diamond, Topaz
White Yellow Opal Black Diamond Halo Peach Morganite Rose Gold Statement Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
A captivating ring featuring a central opal surrounded by a halo of sparkling black diamonds and peach morganites, set in an intricate design.
Black Diamond, Morganite, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Angara Natural Princess-Cut White & Black Diamond Half Eternity Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
April Birthstone Ring for Women: Enhanced Black Diamond is the Birthstone for April.
Black Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold
Light & Dark Ring in 18K White Gold Set with Black Diamonds by Binadi Studio
Located in Geneve, CH
Light & Dark Ring in 18K White Gold Set with Black Diamonds by Binadi Studio Dimensions: Available upon request.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Black Diamond and Onyx Band Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
♦ Designer / Hallmarks: Van Cleef & Arpels ♦ Metal: 18 karat ♦ Gem stone: 20 Diamonds = .60 carats F VS1 ♦ Width 8mm ♦ Design Era: Contemporary ♦ Circa 1999 ♦ Size 6, ♦ Weight 7...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold
White Gold Design Ring with White and Black Brilliant Diamonds
Located in AMSTELVEEN, NH
A 14K white gold design ring with white and black brilliant diamonds is a striking and contemporary piece of jewelry that blends the elegance of white gold with the contrast of black...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Emerald, Yellow and Black Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Snake Shape Ring
Located in Marcianise, CE
Particular snake shape ring in 9 karat rose gold structure and silver mounted with an emerald on the head, two black diamonds as eyes and the body studded with yellow diamonds.
Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
8.10ct Ethiopian Black Opal Diamond Ring Oval Princess Estate 14k Gold Cocktail
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish contemporary Ethiopian black opal & diamond ring crafted in 14 karat white gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,972Sale Price|20% Off
18K gold Bee Cocktail Ring with Pearl, Yellow Sapphires, White & Black Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Gemstone & Metal Details 1 Cultured Pearl — approx. 14.5 × 13.0 mm 51 White Diamonds — approx. 0.70ct total, assessed G/H colour, VS clarity Black Diamonds & Yellow Sapphires — pa...
Black Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Black Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval shaped opal cabochon measuring 9.0 x 13.0 mm Semi-opaque black in body color with spectral play-of-color Bezel set in platinum with a diamond halo surround With add...
Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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