Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Step into the elegance of the Victorian era with this stunning marquise-shaped ring, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Cabochon Moonstone & Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1880 This exquisite Victorian cluster ring showcases a stunning cabochon moonstone at its heart, radiating a captivating play of light.
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning cluster ring holds rose cut diamonds set within the platinum setting. The central stone measures approx 40pts and is surrounded by a halo of smaller rose cut diamonds. ...
Diamond, Gold
Antique 18ct Gold French Stamped, Victorian Peridot & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped Circa 1890 Discover a stunning example of Victorian craftsmanship with this exquisite marquise/navette-shaped ring, beautiful...
Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Inspired Rose Cut Diamond Ring 925 Silver Party Wear Diamond Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Victorian Inspired Rose Cut Diamond Ring 925 Silver Party Wear Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Natural Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
The stones are set in white gold, which enhances the natural lustre of the diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 15ct Gold, Victorian Diamond Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring, Circa 1870
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Pearl Daisy Cluster Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1870 This is a Victorian cluster ring crafted in 15ct gold, dating to around 1870.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold
Hallmarked 1895 London 18K Five Stone Diamond Ring size 61/4
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an antique, Hallmarked London 1895, 18K yellow gold 5 stone diamond ring, size 6 1/4. A hallmarked ring is truly a treasure. It assures confidence. The ring is marked ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian English 18k Gold 1.35ct Sapphire Diamond Substantial Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Sapphires - Old Round Cut - Prong Set - Velvety Blue Color - 1.0ct (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Prong Set - Nice Whit...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Stunning Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Wedding Band Ring.
Located in San Francisco, CA
Designed in a timeless three-stone layout, this ring balances romance and sophistication with ease - classic three stone layout with diamonds spacers.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring - GIA.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Opal & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Gold, Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This Victorian opal and diamond ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver
GIA Natural Saltwater Pearl Ring Antique Victorian Diamond 14k Gold Sz 6.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Distinct antique Victorian natural saltwater pearl & diamond ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Star Pave Diamond Twisted Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Star Pave Set - White Color - 0.12ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 9.39 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 (Fitted...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Star Set Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Star Set Band Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
TVJ 1.40 Carat Asscher Cut Diamond Seven-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning seven-stone diamond ring. The ring features a Georgian style cut down setting with seven asscher cut diamonds; all of which are excellently matching in terms ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Seven Warm Tone Rose Cut Diamond Classic Victorian Style Band 14K Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A sparkling seven stone ring from the late Victorian era. This piece features seven dazzling rose cut diamond which scintillate beautifully.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Coral Diamond Ring Sz 5 Small Oval Cocktail Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian angel skin coral & diamond ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Ring Coral Rose Cut Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage coral ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Cabochon cut coral measures 9mm, accented with 13 estimated 0.05 carat old rose cut diamonds. The...
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Five Stone Signature Ring
Located in Venice, CA
At Kirsten’s Corner, we love the classic look of the Victorian five stone ring. We’ve grouped together five well-matched Old Mine Cut diamonds into a signature piece inspired by the ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Belcher Set Diamond 14k Filigree ring. 1/6ct Victorian Prong Diamond
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1910s Size: 8 3/4 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Adjustable About this item This one is an incredible find. Early 20t...
Diamond
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold Sz 5.75 Fine Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian era ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.26 CTW Victorian Style Oval Opal and Diamond Halo Ring in Silver for Women
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Product Description: The mesmerizing and iridescent opal is cut in an oval shape and set amid two sparkling half moon diamonds. They are mounted in a classic prong setting for ult...
Diamond, Opal, Silver
Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Victorian Ring - 18k Round .92ctw Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 Era: Victorian Date: 1896 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .64ctw Cut: Round...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,200Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow Gold Solid Pearl Emerald Diamond Victorian Style Floral Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Delicately feminine and rich in vintage charm, this Victorian inspired floral ring features luminous pearls nestled within vivid emerald petals accented by shimmering diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$5,588Sale Price|20% Off
VICTORIAN 1880 Antique Ring In Yellow Gold With 8.95 Ctw In Opal And Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian classic cocktail ring with opal. Gorgeous antique ring, created during the Victorian period in England, back in the 1880.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Natural Rosecut Diamond Polki Ring 925 Silver Handmade Victorian Christmas Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Base Metal Sterling Silver Band Width 3 mm Metal Purity 925 Main Stone Diamond Metal Sterling Silver Ring Size 7 A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order.
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
14K White Gold Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Filigree Two Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Drawing you into a world of antique elegance, this spectacular Natural Sapphire Diamond Vintage Style Two Stone Ring masterfully reflects a Victorian era inspired grandeur.
Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Gübelin Certified 10ct Unheated Ceylon Sapphire Ring, Victorian-Edwardian Style
Located in London, GB
Details Centre Stone: Natural sapphire Sapphire Quality: AAAA highest heirloom quality Sapphire Weight: 10.04 carats Shape: Oval Origin: Sri Lanka / Ceylon Treatment: No indications ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Victorian Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Mine Euro1.28ctw Convert
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 1 1/2 sizes for $40 Era: Victorian Date: 1880s - 1890s Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Tourmaline Diamond Victorian Style Lattice Band Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Inspired by cherished heirloom jewelry, this Victorian Style Ring showcases an intricate Lattice Band Ring design accented with diamonds.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.10 Carat Ruby and 0.48 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 1.10 carat ruby and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry c...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian Essex Crystal and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Dimensions Diameter 2.25cm/0.9" Height of setting 9mm/0.4" Ring Size UK Size P 1/2 USA Size 7 3/4 The ring size may be professionally adjusted in size on request to meet your person...
Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.15ct Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Turquoise And Pearl Ring In 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
0.15ct Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Turquoise And Pearl Ring In 18k Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise
Birth Stone Name Ring Band Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Solid 14k yellow gold Gemstone: Birthstones or stones of choice Color: Gold Design: Personalized name ring set with birthstones, custom name and stones Size: Made to y...
Gold, 14k Gold
Victorian Essex Crystal Yellow Gold Dog Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive Essex crystal reverse intaglio and 9 karat yellow gold 'dog' cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique Victorian jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Crystal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 0.19Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Wedding Band
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 0.19 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold belt and buckle ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Amethyst & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Carved Open Work Navette Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This wonderful cluster ring is a true testament to antique charm and intricate craftsmanship. The rings' focal point is an arrangement of 3 horizontally set rich purple amethysts, w...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Black Enamel Ring Blue Sapphire Diamond Star Cocktail Ring
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated brass and black enamel Gemstone: Natural blue sapphire and natural white diamonds Color: Yellow gold and black Design: Large domed cocktail ring with a sta...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Brass, Enamel
19th century Diamond Flower ring
Located in Lisboa, Lisboa
Antique 19th century Portuguese diamond ring. This is a unique piece, with a lot of character and presence. The flower is quite big, making it a statement piece every time you wear ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
Star Ring Diamond Sphere Black Enamel Celestial Gold
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated brass with enamel Gemstone: White diamond, black diamond Color: Gold, black, white Design: Diamond star sphere ring, black enamel orb with white enamel ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Enamel
Gold Snake Ring Emerald Serpent White Diamond Ruby
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated silver Gemstone: Emerald, white diamond, ruby eyes Color: Gold, green, red Design: Coiling serpent ring with a marquise emerald head, white diamonds, an...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold Plate, Sterling Silver
Gold Dangle Ring Star Black Enamel Sphere Diamond Celestial
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated 925 sterling silver with hand painted black enamel Gemstone: White diamonds Color: Gold, black, white Design: Twisted rope band with a dangling black en...
Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold Plate, Enamel, Silver
Spark Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Spark Creations
Located in Litchfield, CT
Remark: “Color is the heart of fashion.” SIZE: 6 3/4ths, it can be sized. WEIGHT: 5.1 grams STONES: 1.0 carat total weight sapphire and .50 carats total weight of G...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
.50 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .50 Carat Cut: Old Mine, Antique Cushion Col...
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Spectacular Antique Coral & Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
One of the most classic looks in the antique jewelry repertoire, this Victorian ring is set with a natural coral cabochon (GIA report) surrounded by 3.20 carats of old mine-cut diamo...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold
Snake Ring Ruby Heart Silver Serpent Ring Emerald Diamond
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Solid 925 sterling silver Gemstone: Ruby, white diamond, emerald Color: Silver, red, white, green Design: Double headed serpent bypass ring with a heart shaped ruby, wh...
Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver
ALGT Certified 2.08 Carat Lagoon Tourmaline Diamond Cocktail Gold ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A breathtaking 18kt white gold Diana cocktail ring featuring a stunning 2.08-carat Lagoon tourmaline at its center, surrounded by 34 dazzling halo of brilliant diamonds. Inspired by ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Aquamarine Snake Ring 14k Gold Black Diamond Marquise Serpent Jewelry
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Designer: J DAUPHIN Materials: Solid 14k gold Gemstones: Natural Marquise-Cut Aquamarine and Natural Black Diamonds Style: Victorian Revival Serpent Cocktail Ring Sizing: Slightly ad...
Black Diamond, Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold
Crest Ring Signet Skull White Diamond Memento Mori Style
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated silver, also made in solid silver Gemstone: White diamonds, custom stones on request Color: Gold with white diamonds, or silver Design: Round skull sign...
White Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Art Deco 18KT Gold, Platinum, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An Art Deco ring in 18KT gold with a platinum-topped setting, centred with a square-cut natural emerald. The top is arranged in a geometric plaque design, accented with old cut diamo...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Stackable White Diamond Ring Gold Chain Band
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Solid 14k gold Gemstone: White diamond, also available with sapphire, ruby, or opal Color: Gold, white Design: Chain link ring with a white diamond focal point Size: M...
White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14kt Gold Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby Dragon Harem Ring
Located in Monroe Township, NJ
Absolutely beautiful details on this 14kt yellow gold harem ring . Ring has hollow dome top with genuine stones and is topped with a small dragon . Marked 14kt and faded Chinese mark...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold
Engagement Ring White Diamond Gold Solitaire
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: Solid 14k white or yellow gold Gemstone: White diamonds, five stones Color: Gold, white Design: Slim band set with five white diamonds in antique inspired prongs Size:...
White Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.65ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, 1901 England
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.65 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This fine and...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peridot Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
*Pictures have been enlarged to show details* PRIMARY STONE(S) Stone: Natural Peridot Color: Green Shape: Oval Size: 5 x 3 mm.
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
15.00 Ct Untreated Tourmaline 3.00 Ct Mine antique Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Surprisingly Beautiful This outstanding antique ring is Victorian transitional Edwardian period 1890/1900 ca Large statement ring designed upon the main stone as classy cluster to s...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Silver
Snake Ring Blue Sapphire Diamond Ruby Black Enamel Gold Double Serpent
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated 925 sterling silver with hand applied black enamel Gemstone: Blue sapphire, white diamond eyes, ruby eyes Color: Gold, black, blue Design: Double headed...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold Plate, Ename...
Snake Ring Ruby Heart Emerald Diamond Gold Plated Silver Two Headed Serpent
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Materials: 14k gold plated silver Gemstone: Ruby, Emerald, White diamond Color: Gold, Red, Green, White Design: Two headed serpent open ring crowned with a heart cut ruby, "Toujours ...
White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold Plate, Silver
Extraordinary old cut diamonds and coral ring - antique beveled band ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
The term Gypsy is used for rings that hold stones that are set into the ring.
Diamond, Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.