David Yurman Sterling Silver Black Diamond Signet Ring
By David Yurman
Located in New York, NY
This David Yurman signet ring features a broad sterling silver profile centered by a raised rectangular field of pavé-set round black diamonds.
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
Black Diamond Cluster Ring White Diamonds 0.78 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 61 Black Diamonds = 0.65 Carats 26 White Diamonds = 0.13 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Black Diamond White Diamond Lily Flower Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An intricately designed cocktail ring unlike any other. Five calla lilies in a sideway bouquet featuring 2.78 carats of round cut deep black diamonds and 1.82 carats of round cut whi...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Fancy Black Diamond White Gold Diamond Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
6.33 carat Fancy Black Diamond and 0.72 carat Diamond 14K White Gold Ring MAIN GEMSTONE Identity: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Cutting Style: Brilliant Cut Average Diameter: 10.65 m...
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
Star Ring Diamond Sphere Black Enamel Celestial Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Star Ring Diamond Sphere Black Enamel Celestial Gold Designer: J DAUPHIN The Star Ring is topped with a black enamel sphere engraved with gold stars, each star set with a single cu...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Black Onyx Ring With Black Diamonds 2.1 Carats Gold Plated Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Black Onyx: 1.88 Carats Black Diamond: 0.22 Carats Metal: Gold Plated Sterling Silver Ring Size: 8 ...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Onyx, Gold Plate, Silver, Sterling Silver
$799Sale Price|20% Off
Black Diamond Cluster Ring White Diamonds 0.78 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 61 Black Diamonds = 0.65 Carats 26 White Diamonds = 0.13 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Sacred Heart Ring Cross Moon Cocktail Ring Gold Black Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sacred Heart Ring Cross Moon Cocktail Ring Gold Black Diamond Designer: J DAUPHIN The Cross Ring is handcrafted in gold plated brass with a thick plating, a cut out shield face tit...
Black Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Black diamond cocktail ring 14KT white gold large dome ring heart ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Valentines cocktail ring that will go with any outfit, black diamonds and white diamonds in a beautiful heart design in 14KT white gold.
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Sapphire Bypass Ring in Gold, Black Diamond Star Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sapphire Bypass Ring in Gold, Black Diamond Star Cocktail Ring Bypass ring in 14k gold plated brass, with two fluted domes set with star engraved black diamonds on one head and a bl...
Black Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass
Open Ring Black Enamel Star Diamond Ball Cocktail Ring J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Open Ring Black Enamel Star Diamond Ball Cocktail Ring 14k Gold Plated J Designer: J DAUPHIN The Star Ring is an open band in 14k gold plated brass finished in black enamel, with t...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Enamel, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
18k Rose Gold Black Diamonds & Brown Diamonds Snake Ring
By Althoff Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
18 K Rose Gold Black Diamonds & Brown Diamonds Snake Ring 50 Brown Diamonds 0.82 CT 16 Black Diamonds 0.25 CT 6 Diamonds 0.07 CT 2 Rubies 0.04 CT 18 K Rose Gold 8.76 GM The di...
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Rose Gold
$799Sale Price|20% Off
Black Diamond Cluster Ring White Diamonds 0.78 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 61 Black Diamonds = 0.65 Carats 26 White Diamonds = 0.13 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Platinum Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Platinum Australian black opal and diamond ring. This is a natural black opal weighing .45cts and measuring about 7.7mm x 5.5mm.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Black Pearl Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Ring in 18kt white gold set with 2 black moter-of pearls 2.78 cts, 78 diamonds 0.72 cts and 232 pink sapphires 2.84 cts Size 54
Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black White Diamond Flower Ring 14K White Gold Natural Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Diamond Gold Flower Ring Natural Black and White Diamonds Approx weight 20.0 grams 14k White Gold and Black Rhodium Approx size 37mm long (1.5' inch) Finger size 7 Natural Black and ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Heart Signet Ring Black Diamond Gold Star Cocktail Ring Statement
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Signet Ring Black Diamond Gold Star Cocktail Ring Statement Designer: J DAUPHIN Black diamond heart ring in 14k gold plated sterling silver by J Dauphin, a three dimensional ...
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver, Gold Plate, 14k Gold
Gold Signet Ring Skull Crest Ring Black Diamond Memento Mori
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Ring Black Diamond Signet Gold Crest Memento Mori Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Ring is handcrafted in sterling silver plated with 14k gold, a sculptural skull set within a c...
Black Diamond, Silver, Gold Plate
Black Opal Gold Diamond Ring Australian Gemstone Engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
14K gold ring with Black opal and diamonds opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 х 0.16 х 0.28 in / 2 х 4 х 7 mm opal weight - 0.71 carats ring size - 7 US ring weight ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
3.00ct Fancy Yellow Black and White Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is an amazing 18k yellow gold ring. The ring is set with sparkling round cut fancy yellow, black and white diamonds that weigh approximately 3.00ct.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
$1,680Sale Price|20% Off
Eternity Ring 18kt Rose Gold Black Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Eternity Ring 18kt Rose Gold with Round Black Diamonds 2.48 carats.
Black Diamond, Rose Gold
Morpho Black Diamond and 18K Gold Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This unique Morpho Black Diamond and 18K Gold Ring is meant to evoke personal power.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Black Diamond Cluster Ring White Diamonds 0.78 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 61 Black Diamonds = 0.65 Carats 26 White Diamonds = 0.13 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Black, White, & Yellow Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Black, white, and yellow diamond crossover ring crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Platinum Black Star Sapphire and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: platinum Black Star Sapphire: 1 round cut= 3.20ct Diamonds: 17 Old European Cut= 1.73cttw Color: H-I Clarity: VS2-SI1 Diamonds: 12 baguette cut= 0.48cttw C...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, Platinum
3.65 Carat Black Diamond 18K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring features a bold, black diamond, weighing approximately 3.65 carats, that is cut-corner, rectangular, step-cut, reverse-set and surrounded by round brilliant-cut diamonds an...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Ruchi New York Black Diamond, Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
"Safari Collection" Pear Shape Diamond Ring Black Diamond- 13.62 Cts White Diamond - 0.75 Cts Yellow Diamond - 0.20 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
$524Sale Price / item|30% Off
PANIM Mono Briolette Diamond & Black Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Mono Briolette Diamond & Black Diamond 18K White Gold Ring Inspired by the beauty of a rain drop, Our eccentric Dangling diamond ring is an absolute show-stopper.
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Black Diamond Hexagon Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Estate 18K white gold hexagon band ring featuring black diamonds. This modern ring is set with numerous brilliant round black diamonds totaling 1.4 carats.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Diamond Cluster Ring White Diamonds 0.78 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
It comes with the Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All gemstones are natural 61 Black Diamonds = 0.65 Carats 26 White Diamonds = 0.13 Carats Metal: Rhodium Plated Sterling Silver ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Rhodium, Silver, Silver Plate, St...
Turquoise Black Diamond Meghna Jewels Marquise Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This beautiful marquise ring is hand set in 7.54 carats turquoise and .71 carats of black diamonds.
Black Diamond, Turquoise, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Black gold diamond ring mens 6mm 18KT black gold diamond ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Extraordinary black gold diamond ring in 18KT, just stunning, made with comfort fit and sucha a beautiful leather finishing!
Gold, 18k Gold
$2,273Sale Price|20% Off
Stylish Black Diamonds White Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Similar Model with Blue Sapphire Available) Diamond 70-RND-0,28-G/VS1A Diamond 76-RND-0,38-G/VS1A Weight 3,55 grams Size US 6,5 It is our honor to create fine...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Heart Signet Ring Black Diamond Cocktail Ring Star Silver J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Heart Signet Ring Black Diamond Star Sterling Silver J Dauphin Designer: J DAUPHIN The Heart Signet Ring is handcrafted in solid sterling silver, a sculpted three dimensional heart...
Black Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Black Opal Gold Diamond Ring Australian Gemstone Engagement Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
14K gold ring with Black opal and diamonds opal origin - Australia opal measurements - 0.079 х 0.16 х 0.28 in / 2 х 4 х 7 mm opal weight - 0.71 carats ring size - 7 US (this ring m...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold
18K White Gold Ring with Black Diamonds. (Size 7.00)
Located in San Juan Capistrano, CA
18K White Gold Ring with Black Diamonds. (Size 7.00) New Gender: Ladies.
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
1.86 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.86 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring Black and White Diamond Ring is a unique Engagement Ring or an every day ring Beautiful Cushion Cut Black ...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
White & Black Diamond Gold Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A stylish and fun dome-shaped ring featuring 4.33 carats of black and white diamonds.
Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Gem Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A remarkable 12.28 carat black opal surrounded by 4.16 carats of round cut diamonds and a trillion cut diamond at each shoulder.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.06 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.06 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring The Rectangular Cushion Cut Black Diamond is 1.34 Carats and is surrounded by Natural Round Cut Diamonds we...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Black and White Diamond Ring Condition: In good condition with some minor surface wear consistent with age.
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Stellated Star Diamond Gold Ring
By John Brevard
Located in Coral Gables, FL
This one-of-a-kind ruthenium-plated, 18K white gold stellated star ring is an embodiment of monumental power and strength. This piece was designed to evoke personal power and protect...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18K White Gold Black Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Key Features: Material: 18K White Gold Gemstones: 96 White & Black Diamonds (1 ct total) Ring Size: 7 (Resizable) Band Width: 4 mm Weight: 6.2 grams Perfect For: Weddings, anniversar...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Diamond Pavé Ring with 0.65 carat White Diamond Center
By BOON
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Gold 18K White Gold 6.99g White Diamond 0.65ct Black Diamond 1.19ct
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Diamond Rectangular Mesopotamian Inspired Euphrates Turtle Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Inspired by the ancient civilizations that flourished along the banks of the Euphrates River, the Black Euphrates Turtle Ring by Dilara Ensari is a symbolic tribute to wisdom, resili...
Black Diamond, Silver
Black Star Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Black star sapphire and diamond gentleman’s gold ring, 1960s. * ABOUT THIS ITEM: #R-DJ1013B.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K White Gold Pave Black Diamond Leaf Heart Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Key Features & Specs: Material: 10K White Gold Diamonds: Brilliant round white and black diamonds (1mm each) Total Diamond Weight: 1 carat Diamond Quality: H color, SI1 clarity Ring ...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Gothic engagement ring Black diamond engagement ring 18KT white gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Gothic engagement ring in 18KT white gold, an interesting combination of natural top of the line diamonds at VS clarity and F color and a center a natural black diamond of premium qu...
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Amethyst Ring With Black Diamonds 3.18 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Amethyst: 2.98 Carats Black Diamond: 0.20 Carats (Treatment: Irradiation) Metal: Sterling Silver Ri...
Amethyst, Diamond, Black Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Eternity Ring 18k Black Gold & Black Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Noémie 18k Black Gold & Black Diamond Eternity Ring is a stunning piece of jewelry that seamlessly combines elegance and modern sophistication.
Syna Yellow Gold Mini Black Diamond Pave Ring
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Black diamonds 0.10 carat approx. Black diamond pave ring 5 mm diameter approx.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Black Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
Specifications Metal: 14K White Gold Gemstones: 31 Round Brilliant White Diamonds White Diamond Total Weight: 0.56 carats Black Diamonds: 60 Round Brilliant Black Diamonds Black Diam...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k, Black Pearl, Diamond & Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
"Twist band ring with a 12mm black pearl and four small round cut diamonds; marked ""18k"" inside the band; insurance appraisal paper included size: 4.25 dimensions: (ring) weight...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive ring featuring a natural black opal from Australia!
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.07 Carat Black Diamond Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.07 Carat Black Diamond Rose Gold Ring Beautiful Black and White Diamond Floret Design statement ring.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Rose Gold
18 Karat Black Rhodium Gold, Black Diamond Nail Knuckle Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
18K Black Rhodium Gold, Black Diamond Nail Knuckle Ring .42 cts.
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A large and impressive platinum cocktail ring featuring a natural Australian black opal! The opal weighs 4.60 carats and has great play of color as flashes of greens and blues dance ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Dalben Black and White Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
Dalben design Romantic Gothic band ring mounted in 18-karat rhodium plated engraved white gold with 40 round brillant cut black diamonds total weight 0,48 carats and 10 round brillan...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, White Gold
$1,200 / item
Black Diamond 18 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This eternity ring has been meticulously crafted from 18-karat gold and set in shimmering round brilliant .97 carats of black diamonds.
Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
2.57 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking and contemporary ring featuring a 2.57 carat black opal. It displays a captivating rainbow color with a smooth cabochon cut.
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.”
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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.