Handcraft Black Diamond 18 Karat White and Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Ideal for someone who appreciates bold elegance, this piece is perfect for special occasions or as a standout addition to any fine jewelry collection. Black diamond weight 3.68 kara...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
6.79 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Hand-fabricated in platinum and ready to be worn. Ring Size 6.50 Weight: 14.2 grams
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Ruby, Black Diamond and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 4.86 carats, Black Diamond 1.58 carats and Diamond 0.30 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.1 cm Length: 1.3 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 7.54 grams Ruby Wi...
Black Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
White Diamond Star Ring Black Enamel Dangling Sphere Gold Plated Silver
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
White Diamond Star Ring Black Enamel Dangling Sphere Gold Plated Silver J Dauphin The Diamond Star Sphere Dangle Ring is by designer J DAUPHIN, drawing inspiration from the celest...
Black Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Silver, Enamel, Gold Plate
Handcrafted 18k Gold 1.90c Brown & Black Diamond Snake Cocktail Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Details: Rossella Ugolini 18 Karat Burnished White Gold 1,90 Karat Brown & Black Diamonds Snake Cocktail Design Ring
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamonds Pave Set Round Cluster Black Diamonds Halo White Gold Three Stone Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
A striking ring from. This exquisite piece features a captivating design with a central round black & white diamonds weighing 1.0 carat.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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. Available in Turquoise, Red, Orange, White. The ring is a size 7 and may b...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
Aquamarine Snake Ring 14k Gold Black Diamond Marquise Serpent Jewelry
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aquamarine Snake Ring 14k Gold Black Diamond Marquise Serpent Jewelry J Dauphin The Gypsy Wisdom Snake Ring is a premier sculptural masterpiece and a cornerstone of the J DAUPHIN fi...
Black Diamond, Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold
Diamonds Pave Set Round Cluster Black Diamond Halo 14K White Gold Statement Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
This elegant ring is crafted in 14K white gold. It features a central round diamond weighing approximately 0.33 carats, surrounded by a halo of black diamonds.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat White Gold Crane Ring with Coral, Black Diamonds and White Diamonds
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Because they mate for life they have also been a symbol of unwavering love. This graceful crane ring is crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold with red coral cabochon head accented wit...
Coral, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Crane Ring with Coral Black Diamonds and White Diamonds
By Campanelli & Pear
Located in Troy, MI
Because they mate for life they have also been a symbol of unwavering love. This graceful crane ring is crafted in rich 18 karat yellow gold with red coral cabochon head accented wit...
Coral, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.60 Carat Australian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Ballerina Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
It is complemented by 2.60 carats of baguette-cut diamonds set around the opal in a classic ballerina style adding brilliance and sparkle to the ring.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
David Yurman .31ctw Diamond Black Onyx Albion Ring, Sterling Silver, Ring
By David Yurman
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - black onyx - checkerboard cushion - 14 mm - diamonds - round brilliant cut - approximately .31 total carats - G-H color, SI clarity Ring Size 6 Rise Off Of Finger: 9.75 ...
Diamond, Onyx, Sterling Silver
1.95 Carat Faint Brown, White, and Black Diamonds Men's Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Contact us to customize this to your liking and size. This bold men’s ring features an approximately 1.5 carat faint brown diamond at the center with pavé set black and white diamon...
Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Black Opal with Diamond Ring set in Platinum 900 Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Black Opal 2.72 carats with Diamond 0.97 carat Ring set in Platinum 900 Setting Width: 1.4 cm Length: 1.6 cm Ring Size: 56 Total Weight: 7.74 grams "We first opened doors in 1980...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Black Diamond & Gray Diamonds Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Black Diamond & Natural Diamonds Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Black Diamond 1.00 Carat Natural Gray Diamonds 0.50 Car...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$672Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Black Diamond & Diamonds Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Black Diamond & Natural Diamonds Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Black Diamond 1.00 Carat Natural Gray Diamonds 0.50 Carat This...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Breathtaking 9.0 Ct. Australian Black Opal Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Further details: Country of origin: Italy Age : 1960 circa Metal: solid Platinum - hallmark quite faint to read Weight: 14 grams Gems : 1 100% natural Australian Black Opal with play...
Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Black Opal, Platinum
18 Karat White Gold Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K white gold Diamond: 2 round brilliant cut = 0.30cttw Color: H Clarity: SI2 Weight: 7.96 grams Dimensions: ring top measures 11mm wide Size: 6.25 (comp...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Black Opal & Diamond Bypass Ring - Oval Cabochon 1.52ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 1 size for $80 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: Platinum Stone Information Natural Black Opal Carat(s): .86ct Cut: Oval Cabochon Stone Note: (Austr...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Contemporary 0.45 Carat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Contemporary 0.45 Karat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Unisex Design Ring Here there is a beautiful ring handcrafted in burnished sterling silver and enriched with 0.45 ka...
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
Marquise Ruby, Black Diamond with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.32 carats, Black Diamond 2.07 carats with Diamond 0.36 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 2.2 cm Length: 1.5 cm Ring Size: 54 "Since we first opened do...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
Contemporary 0.45 Carat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Contemporary 0.45 Karat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Unisex Design Ring Here there is a beautiful ring handcrafted in burnished sterling silver and enriched with 0.45 ka...
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver
Brushed 10K Yellow Gold Black Star Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This striking vintage ring is crafted in 10k brushed yellow gold, offering a warm, textured finish that enhances its bold design. At the center, a captivating oval cabochon star sapp...
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 10k Gold
Aquamarine, White Sapphire, Black Diamond, Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Cabochon Aquamarine 12.08 carats, White Sapphire 1.58 carats, Black Diamond 0.63 carat and Diamond 0.53 carat Ring set in 18 Karat White Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 1.3 c...
Aquamarine, Black Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Modern GIA Black Opal Diamond Platinum Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning Fiery blue Black Opal ring was inspired in a Diamond Halo and crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Gold Black Onyx Ring with Diamonds
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
TIFFANY & CO. 18K YELLOW GOLD BLACK ONYX RING WITH DIAMONDS -Material: 18k Yellow Gold and Black Onyx -Diamonds: VS G, Old Mine Cut -Center Diamond: 6mm, 1.35ct -Side Diamonds: 1mm,...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18kt Black Gold Ring 7.00cts Diamonds Total 7.00cts
By Diana M. Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18kt black gold ring 7.00cts diamonds total 7.00cts
Diamond, Gold, Other
Black and White Diamond Wide Band Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18k White Gold Diamond Count: 65 white brilliant cut, 78 black diamonds Total Diamond Carat Weight: 0.399 carats white diamonds and 0.70 carats black =...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage HIDALGO 18K Black Enamel Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Hidalgo
Located in Henderson, NV
Late 20th Century ring by Hidalgo, featuring a bezel set round brilliant-cut diamond in an 18k yellow gold and black enamel band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
17.5mm South Sea Pearl Black & White Diamond 18k Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Accentuating the pearl are black rose-cut diamonds and round white diamonds, totaling 3.77 carats, adding a bold contrast to the design.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rhodium
$9,326Sale Price|20% Off
Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
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
$9,326Sale Price|20% Off
Incredible Black Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Statement Serpent Ring
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
French White Gold Ring with Peridots and Black Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The focal points of this elegant ring are the vibrant peridots and the captivating black diamonds.
Black Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold
2.34 Carat Rose Cut Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning ring showcases a beautiful 2.34 carat rose cut pear shape black diamond with a white diamond halo set in 18 karat white gold.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Tanzanite Slice Ring Surrounded by Black & White Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
"18kt gold:1g, Diamond:2.21ct, Silver:2.32gm, Tanzanite:14.43ct" Tanzanite Slice Ring with black and White Diamonds
Diamond, Tanzanite, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Mid-Century Platinum Black Opal and Diamond Ballerina Style Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in platinum and stamped PT900, the design centers on a mesmerizing 2.55-carat oval cabochon black opal, measuring 12.30 x 8.81 x 4.10 mm. The opal's vibrant play-of-color is ...
Diamond, Black Opal, Opal, Platinum
4.07 Carat Australian Black Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
The ring is set in 18 karat white gold and encrusted with pave set diamonds with a total carat weight of 1.78 carats.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, 18k Gold
White and Black Diamond Fashion Ring in 14k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 2.01 ct. black and white diamond rounds in a handmade 14k white gold mounting.
Black Diamond, White Gold
Natural Emerald, Black Onyx, & Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in jaipur, IN
This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from 14-carat gold and features an emerald, black onyx, & diamond gemstone.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 14k 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
RARE Fire Opal Diamond ring 18KT Black gold diamond ring CERTIFIED opal Handmade
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The turquoise cabochons also custom cut are bright color, the small tsavorite gemstones on the side are 0.75 carats and the diamonds weighing 1.10 carats. This ring is of fine qualit...
Diamond, Opal, Turquoise, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold
Giovanni Ferraris Colorless Black Diamonds Italian 18K White Gold Bombé Ring
By Giovanni Ferraris
Located in Lisbon, PT
Giovanni Ferraris, Bombé Cocktail Ring, contemporary, 18K white gold, pavé-set with colorless and black diamonds, Italy.
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$5,193Sale Price|50% Off
Stunning 18k Black and White Diamond Pavé Cocktail Ring US 7.5
By THEVAULT15
Located in Boostedt, DE
In an ode to the timeless beauty of the rare black diamond, this stunning 3 ct ring embodies a classic eternity setting that further accentuates the stone's passionate character.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold
Unisex Contemporary 0.45c Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Design Ring
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini Design Collection Unisex Contemporary 0.45 Karat Black Diamonds Burnished Sterling Silver Unisex Design Ring Here there is a beautiful ring handcrafted in burnished...
Black Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
Halo Diamond Platinum 4.39 Carat Australian Black Opal Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stones- 1 Oval Shaped Australian Black Opal 4.39 Carats. 24 Round Diamonds F-G Color SI1 Clarity 0.52 Carats.
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
2.22ct Black Diamond with Diamond Halo 14K White Gold Engagement Ring R6309
By Aurora Designer
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 2.22ct Black Diamond with Diamond Halo 14K White Gold Engagement Ring ♥ Solid 14k white gold ring set with a beautiful pear-shaped diamond ♥ Gorgeous black color!
Black Diamond, Gold, White Gold
14ct Rose Gold Ring Set with 3 Row Black Diamond
Located in London, GB
14ct Rose Gold Ring, Set With 3 Row Black Diamond, 1.60ct The ring is crafted in 14ct rose gold, set with 0.70ct of natural black diamonds. and has a unique design that is sure to d...
Black Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique Looking Carved Emerald Ring with Black and White Diamonds
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Get the feeling of being royals with this Antique looking Carved emerald ring with black and white diamonds in silver and gold on shank.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$306Sale Price|59% Off
Cocktail Ring in Black Rhodium over Silver with Black Diamonds and Pearl
By Cristina Cipolli Jewellery
Located in London, Richmond
Cocktail Ring in black rhodium over polished sterling silver, set with black diamonds and peacock pearl Size UK N - US 7 in stock, more sizes available upon request, made to order pi...
Black Diamond, Pearl, Silver, Sterling Silver, Rhodium
0.27 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond Flower Ring 14 Karat White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.27 Carat Natural Black Diamond White Diamond Flower Ring. A simple everyday classic design is going to compliment almost anything in your wardrobe and can be a cute add on to othe...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14k White Gold Black Pearl & Diamond Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This is a sleek and contemporary pearl statement ring with a modern, architectural design. Crafted in 14k white gold, this ring features a round black pearl at its center that has ri...
Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold
0.39ct Black & White Diamond Flower Ring in 14k White Gold
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
The flower design has 7 Black Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.19 carats and the floating halo has 14 Round Cut Diamonds that weigh 0.20 carats.
White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Pink Tourmaline & Black Diamonds Butterfly Sweet 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Dimensions: 2.20x2.10x2.30cm Color: 18K White Gold Materials: "69 Black Diamonds 0.68 CT 43 White Diamonds 0.25 CT 1 Tourmaline 0.99 CT 18KW 5.43 GM (WNTT)" 18K Gold & Precious Diam...
White Diamond, Black Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold
Important 10.25 Carat Black Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Surrounded with approx. 0.45ctw in diamonds. Ring size - 7.5, ring top - 33mm x 20mm. marked 18k.
Diamond, Opal, Gold
$2,800Sale Price|20% Off
Tahitian South Seas Black Pearl Ring with Diamond Surround
Located in North Hollywood, CA
The Diamond surround makes this ring 20.37 mm round.
White Diamond, Black Pearl, 18k Gold
2.68 Carat Black Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring by Meghna Jewels
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
Crafted in PT900 platinum, the design balances classic high-jewelry styling with the extraordinary beauty of fine black opal. The combination of vibrant color, elegant diamond detail...
Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, 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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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.