Diamond Spider Ring in 18K White Gold, White & Black Diamonds, Halloween Special
Located in Honolulu, HI
Beautiful white and black diamond spider ring in 18K white gold. This ring is beautifully crafted with magnificent details.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Skull Ring Black Diamond Signet Gold Memento Mori Mens
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Skull Ring Black Diamond Signet Gold Memento Mori Mens Designer: J DAUPHIN The Skull Ring is handcrafted in 14k gold plated silver, a sculpted skull crest from the Secret Doors col...
Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Cartier Crescent Moons Diamond Black Onyx Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier crescent moons diamond black onyx ring 18 karat white gold and platinum, featuring a crescent moon design; five of the eight moons are made out of diamonds weighing approxim...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A lovely platinum cocktail ring featuring a 4.51 carat Australian black opal.
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
$7,850 / item
Black and White Diamond 14 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is hand set in 2.08 carats black and white contrasting diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Chimento 18kt Rose Gold, 4.49ct. Black Diamond Luna Ring
By Chimento
Located in New York, NY
This beautifully designed ring by the renowned Italian jewellery brand, Chimento, combines together 18Kt rose gold, and 4.49 carats of black diamonds into a stunning and bold ring.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Judith Ripka Large Oasis Ring with White Diamond & Black Jade
By Judith Ripka
Located in New York, NY
Brand: Judith Ripka Material: 18K Yellow Gold Collection: Oasis Ring Dimensions: Ring Size: 9.75 Width: 23.8mm x 28.7mm Band Width: 3.4mm Band thickness: 1.8mm Weight: 16.3gr Black...
Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Onyx, Black Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Statement 18k Black Gold Ring with Tahitian Pearl, Emeralds and Black Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Designer 12.5mm Pearl, Black Diamonds & Green Emeralds Ballerina Black Gold Ring This ring is a unique and wearable Piece of art.
Black Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
Black Diamond with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Diamond 2.72 carats with Diamond 0.10 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.7 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 57 Total Weight: 5.46 grams Black Diamond Width...
Black Diamond, White Gold
COCKTAIL RING- Certified 2.83 Carat Natural Black Opal and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
A breathtaking showcase of nature's finest phenomena, this estate cocktail ring is centered around an exceptional, GIA-certified natural black opal.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
18 Karat Gold Black Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Faye Kim
Located in Darien, CT
Faye Kim's 18k gold Black Tahitian cultured pearl ring with white rose cut diamond accents is sophisticated and timeless.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Black Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold
GIA 7.53ct Black Opal Diamond Platinum Oval Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This GIA Natural Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring with a total weight of 11.18 grams.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Alex Jona Black Diamond Heart White Diamond 18 Karat Gold Halo Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat rose gold halo ring set with rose cut heart black diamond weighing 1.65 carats, enhanced by 0.13 carats of white diamonds...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Diamond Black Opal Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Black Opal Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage This stunning vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold (stamped and guaranteed), and it is set with genuine ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold White and Black Diamond Heart Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring size: 7.25 Markings: "T864" "750" Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 16.22 grams White Diamonds: 1.17 carats Black Diamonds: 2.90 carats
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18K Yellow Gold Designer Ruby & Black Diamond Poker Casino BlackJack Ring
Located in Hallandale Beach, FL
18K yellow gold designer ring featuring brilliant round diamonds, natural rubies, and black diamonds in a bold poker/casino-inspired design.
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Mikimoto Black Tahitian Pearl & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Mikimoto
Located in New York, NY
A vintage Mikimoto cocktail ring in 18K white gold, centered on a 9mm Tahitian black pearl.
Pearl, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
RUCHI White & Black Pavé Diamond White Gold Curvy Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Black Diamond- 1.47 Cts Diamond- 1.37 Cts All Diamonds are G-H/SI
Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Coral Black Jade and Diamond Cts 0.15 Engagement Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
At the heart of this Coral and Black Jade Diamond Engagement Ring lies a rich, red coral centerpiece.
Coral, Diamond, Jade, Black Jade
18 Kt Gold Ring Diamonds Pears F.Intense Yellow & White, Black & Cognac Diamonds
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 kt Gold Ring Diamonds Pears Yellow & White, Black & Cognac Diamonds Exclusive and 1 of a kind ,made in our atelier in Antwerp with our logo inside.
White Diamond, Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
14K Yellow Gold Cultured Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Stuart, FL
14k yellow gold cultured black pearl and diamond ring. This ring has round diamonds along the sides of the ring, the width of the pearl is 13 mm, the size of the ring is a 6 1/2, and...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Enamel Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring has been meticulously crafted from 14-karat gold and set with .60 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Black gold diamond ring skull ring 18KT gold size 9
Located in Boca Raton, FL
One of a kind skulls ring in size 9, made with 18KT black gold and fine quality black diamonds in eternity style with 12 skulls.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Sacred Heart Cross Ring Crescent Moon Dagger Gold Black Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Gold-plated brass Gemstone: Black Diamond (1 piece) Color: Gold, black Design: Shield ring with central heart, dagger, cross, crescent moon, star, and flush-set black d...
Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Enamel Sphere Diamond Star Ring Gold Celestial Statement J DAUPHIN
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Black Enamel Sphere Diamond Star Ring Gold Celestial Statement J DAUPHIN Designer: J DAUPHIN Sculptural statement ring featuring a black enamel sphere engraved with raised gold st...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
$160Sale Price|20% Off
Sterling Silver "Frog" Ring with a Black Diamond Eyes
By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Sterling Silver "Frog" ring with a black diamond eyes, containing 2 round black diamonds weighing .07pts. ring size is 7 and can be size to fit for free.
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
1.73 Carat Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Sophisticated yet distinctive, the design reflects the enduring appeal of fine black opal jewelry. A refined statement ring showcasing the natural beauty and rarity of vivid black o...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Wide Band Cluster Ring Black and White Diamonds 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 and Yellow Diamond 18 Karat/24 Karat Gold "Sunflower" Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A lovely ring, it features an array of black diamonds weighing 0.32 carat and vivid yellow diamonds weighing 0.20 carat.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold, White ...
Australian Black Crystal Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ring Size 6.25
Crystal, Diamond, Opal, Platinum
Wide Band Cluster Ring Black and White Diamonds 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...
$14,990Sale Price|20% Off
Victor Velyan Black Opal and Diamond Ring
By Victor Velyan
Located in Carmel, CA
It features a single Black Opal weighing 5.13 carats is accented by 0.34 carats of fully faceted, round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 24k Gold, Sterling Silver
Light Blue Topaz Ring With Black Diamonds 5.2 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Light Blue Topaz: 4.98 Carats Black Diamond: 0.22 Carats Metal: Sterling Silver Ring Size: 7 US Cus...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Alex Jona Black Diamond White Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Solitaire Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 Karat white gold ring, centering a flat cut, marquise shape black diamond weighing 1.64 carats.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Black Agate, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Napoli, Campania
Elegant ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with diamonds and, between of them, black agate.
Agate, Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Black Onyx & Diamond White Gold Swirl Ring
Located in New York, NY
18kt White Gold Swirl ring set in Black Onyx & full cut clean & white Diamonds.
Diamond, Onyx, White Gold, 18k Gold
Rattlesnake Ring Black & White Diamonds 18K White Gold Size 7
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This authentic rattlesnake ring is crafted in solid 18k white gold and features a dramatic sculptural serpent design set with sparkling black and white diamonds.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond White and Black Gold Dome Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Shiny ring in 18kt white and black gold embellished with diamonds. gold 16.64gr diamonds 0.80kt tot weight 16.9gr RF G GAOCA RK.AARUI125 For any enquires, please contact the se...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Pink Gold Rhodium Silver White and Black Diamonds Black Spinel Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, Salzburg
Material: White Gold 750; Silver 925; Black Rhodium These beautifully handcrafted rings from our Facette Collection with White and Black Diamonds, are handcrafted in White Gold and ...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Spinel, White Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
1.77ct Fine Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Halo Cocktail Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
Fine Natural Australian Black Opal & Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. 1.77ct Total.
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Platinum
Baguette Diamond Black Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
Baguette Diamond Australian Black Opal Engagement Ring 14K Yellow Gold.
Opal, Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Onyx Diamond Meghna Jewels Flame Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Renowned for its modern & fierce jewelry, "Meghna Jewels" highlights her signature pave arches in this stunning Flame Ring. Cast in 14K Gold and sterling silver. It is hand set i...
Onyx, Diamond, Sterling Silver, 14k Gold
Cultured Tahitian Black Pearl Diamond Heart Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant vintage cocktail ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold. Centrally mounted cultured Tahitian South Sea black pearl measures 11mm, accented with an estimated 0.10 carats of di...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,596Sale Price|20% Off
18K White Gold Six-Row Black and White Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Bloomington, MN
18K White Gold Six-Row Black and White Diamond Crossover Ring This striking six-row crossover ring is crafted in 18K white gold and set with round diamonds in a bold mix of near-col...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Celestial Star Black Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14k Gold & Blue Enamel
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated brass with thicker gold plating and hand applied light blue enamel Gemstone: Black diamond, white diamonds Color: Gold, light blue Design: Large domed c...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
Italian White Gold Ring with Black and White Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The combination of black and white diamonds adds a dramatic yet refined aesthetic, making the ring a captivating centerpiece that draws the eye from every angle.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Steven Battelle 2.3 Carats Black Diamond 18K Gold Ring
By Steven Battelle
Located in Soquel, CA
A great contrast between the dark luster of the diamond and the round granulation surrounding. This ring is currently sized 7.5, resizable by your local jeweler.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold
8.04 Carat Natural Turquoise Black Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
8.04 Carat Natural Turquoise Black Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This ring has a 4.90 Carat Oval Cut Turquoise and is surrounded by 18 Round Cut Black Diamonds that weigh 2.57 C...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
de GRISOGONO 18ct White Gold Black & White Diamond Ring – Ref. B2603
By de GRISOGONO
Located in London, GB
An exceptional designer ring by the prestigious Swiss luxury jeweller de GRISOGONO, crafted in 18ct white gold and beautifully set with a striking combination of natural black and w...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Zorab Creation Gecko Black Pearl Spinel Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
This conversation piece ring is hand-crafted with 14.55 Carats of Spinel, 13.50 Carats of White Chalcedony, 1.52 Carats of White Diamonds, and 0.87 Carats of treated Black Diamonds.
Chalcedony, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Black Pearl, Spinel, 18k Gold
Modernist Black Onyx Diamond Ring 14 Karat
Located in Wallkill, NY
Another stunning Modernist 14k Gold Ring. Featuring an Oval Onyx Stone with small diamond accents embedded on each side of the onyx. The ring is a size 7 and can be sized up or down ...
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Large ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare and magnificent classic statement ring Beautifully hand crafted as unique piece, crafted in solid 18 KT gold Timeless design being designed upon the enormous and perfect Black S...
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold
Fireworks - Australian Black Opal & Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring 18K
By The Wind Opal
Located in Suwanee, GA
We only use high-quality Natural Opals (NO synthetics or imitations) for our jewelry. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------...
Diamond, Opal, Tsavorite, Black Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Cocktail Ring 18K White Gold With Statement Black Diamond Center
Located in Bangkok, Bangkok
At the center of this striking ring is a bold 6.62-carat round black diamond—a dramatic and captivating gemstone that commands attention with its depth and mystery.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond Black Opal Cabochon Ring
Located in Flushing, NY
14K White Gold Diamond Black Opal Cabochon Ring Approximate Dimensions: 5.25 (Ring Size) 21.65 mm x 18.66 mm x (Opal) Approx. 0.96 carats (Diamond) 13.6 grams in weights. ** All di...
White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum, GIA Certified
Located in La Jolla, CA
GIA Certified Natural Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring in Platinum Australian Black Opal and Diamond Ring features one natural Black Opal oval cabochon, weighing 6.45 carats, ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Swiss Blue Topaz Ring With Black Diamonds 2.02 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Swiss Blue Topaz: 1.88 Carats Black Diamond: 0.14 Carats (Treatment: Irradiation) Metal: Sterling S...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
Swiss Blue Topaz Ring With Black Diamonds 5.2 Carats Sterling Silver
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Swiss Blue Topaz: 4.98 Carats Black Diamond: 0.22 Carats (Treatment: Irradiation) Metal: Sterling S...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Silver, Sterling Silver
GIA Certified 2.98 Carat Natural Black Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A GIA-certified cocktail ring showcasing a 2.98-carat oval-cut natural black opal.
Opal, Black Opal, Diamond, Platinum
1.11 Carat Fine Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hand-fabricated in platinum, a fine Australian black opal ring ready to be worn. Ring Size 6.50 Weight: 6.1 grams
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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