Victorian 14k Diamond Bangle
Unavailable|$5,270
Victorian 14k Diamond Bangle
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous diamond bangle bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880s) era!
Antique 1880s Victorian Bangles
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$5,270
Victorian 14k Diamond Bangle
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous diamond bangle bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880s) era!
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$6,000
Victorian Gold And Sapphire Bangle
Located in NY, NY
15KT VICTORIAN DIAMOND, PEARL, SAPPHIRE BANGLE, 28.60 dwt., 1.00ct.
Diamond, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$6,469
Victorian Diamond Cluster Bangle
Located in London, GB
Antique Victorian Diamond Cluster Bangle. Set with a stunning rose cut diamond surrounded by old cut diamonds approx over 2cts set in 15ct gold.
15k Gold
Unavailable|$6,500
Victorian Diamond and Gold Bangle
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This beautiful Victorian Bangle is delicately crafted in 14K Yellow Gold and is gracefully embellished with 5.50cts ATW Diamonds in a floral motif.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$7,995
Victorian Diamond Bulldog Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
A wonderful bangle bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880s) era!
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$5,727
Victorian Turquoise and Diamond Bangle
Located in London, GB
Hinged bangle in 15ct Gold set with graduated oval cabochon cut turquoise flanked by rose cut diamonds
Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$8,395
Victorian 15k Diamond and Onyx Bangle
Located in Narberth, PA
The onyx is encrusted with three central old mine cut diamonds, which run vertically down the front of the bangle.
Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$14,500
Victorian Diamond Gold Locket Snake Bangle
Located in Austin, TX
Victorian Era 18k Gold Snake Bangle with Two Hidden Locket Compartments, Diamond Head & Eyes.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$6,500
Celestial Victorian 4.25 Carat Top Quality Diamond Victorian Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding authentic Victorian bangle is dropped from sky! Rare , beautiful and relevant in size is overwhelmed by old mine cut Diamonds Celestial motifs were the favourite dur...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$10,000
Victorian 15k Diamond and Onyx Bangle
Located in Narberth, PA
The onyx is encrusted with three central old mine cut diamonds, which run vertically down the front of the bangle.
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 15k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$2,999
Late Victorian Diamond Sapphire Bangle Bracelet
Located in Bellevue, WA
The top of the bracelet is set with alternating oval cut natural blue sapphires and old Euro cut diamonds set into star and diamond shaped settings. The profile of the top section of...
Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$3,500
Victorian 14k Pearl, Turquoise, and Diamond Bangle
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous pearl, turquoise, and diamond bangle bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880s) era!
Diamond, Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,590
Victorian 15k Diamond, Pearl, and Enamel Bangle
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning bangle bracelet from the Victorian era (ca1880)! Crafted in 15k yellow gold, the front surface of the bangle features 3 flower motifs.
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Unavailable
Victorian Pearl and Diamond Pierced Bangle
Located in New York, NY
A Victorian boxed bangle with diamond and pearl floral motif in original box.
Cultured Pearl, Diamond
Unavailable|$4,907
French Victorian Snake Bangle in Gold, Emerald & Diamonds
Located in PARIS, FR
Bangle bracelet in 18Kt yellow gold (hallmark: eagle head) adorned with two snake heads holding an apx 3.60 Cts emerald cabochon, surrounded with rose cut diamonds. French work, fro...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold
Unavailable|$3,213
Antique Victorian Gold Bangle Set with Diamonds, 1890s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Victorian - Victorian decorative arts refers to the style of ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$5,640
Victorian 0.90 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Bangle
Located in Miami, FL
Metal: 14k yellow gold. 0.90 carat diamonds total. VS-SI clarity. G color. Round brilliant cut diamonds. All diamonds are 100% natural earth mined. Hallamarks: 14K. Diamonds set...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,838
Antique Victorian French Diamond Bangle Silver 18ct Gold 4.5ct Diamond
Located in Kendal, GB
A magnificent antique French bangle from the late 19th Century lined with twenty-three old chunky cushion cut diamonds that graduate in size from 0.06ct stones on the shoulders to 0....
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$7,895
Victorian Carved Garnet and Diamond Starburst Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely exquisite garnet and diamond bangle bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880) era!
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$21,384
Victorian Diamond Flower mounted in Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Victorian old cut diamond flower recently mounted in a bracelet. Late 19th century. Flower measures 4.2 cm. Bracelet internal diameter 5.2 x 3.9 cm.
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Victorian Bangle w/ Old Mine Cut Diamonds, Blue Sapphire, & Natural Pearl Bangle
Located in Great Neck, NY
Up for sale is an astonishing example of antique jewelry from the Victorian period. Once property of a prominent Beverly Hills collector with a highly curated collection, this bracel...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,400
Victorian Matched Set of Pearl Diamond Gold Bangle Bracelets
Located in New York, NY
C.1860-1870. A gorgeous pair of Victorian matched set of gold bangle bracelets. The Etruscan revival motif in these bangles features finely done granulation work and rope details aro...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,675
Victorian Diamond and Natural Ruby Horseshoe Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
An incredible gemstone horseshoe bracelet from the Victorian (ca1880) era! Most likely French in origin, this gorgeous bangle is crafted in vibrant 18kt yellow gold and features a be...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$16,846
Victorian Turquoise, Diamond, Ruby and Diamond Cut Gold Snake Bangle
Located in London, GB
A beautiful Victorian gold snake bangle, snakes featured heavily in the myths of ancient Greece and Rome.
Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, Gold
Unavailable|$3,950
Victorian Style Midnight Blue Enamel and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in Warrington, PA
Victorian Style Midnight Blue Enamel and Diamond Bangle Bracelet .20ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$5,880
Victorian Diamond Pearl Bangle Bracelet Lily of the Valley
Located in Middleton, WI
This darling antique Victorian gold bangle features a lily of the valley flower made up of diamonds and pearls.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,950
Extremely Fine 2.50 Carat VVS/VS Diamond Rare Victorian Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Magnificent Victorian! An absolutely exquisite authentic Victorian bangle, so wearable and unique!
Diamond, Gold
Unavailable|$2,200
Victorian Pearl Diamond Rare 18 Karat Rose Gold Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Simply exquisite Victorian era bangle 1870 ca; hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt rose gold not marked.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$4,500
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Bohemian Garnet and Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in San Diego, CA
Antique early Victorian 18ky and silver topped cabochon Bohemian garnet and diamond hinged bangle bracelet.
Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$5,188
Late Victorian Bangle Ste with Pearls and Old Cut Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Victorian 15ct Gold wide cuff bangle set with natural Pearls and old cut Diamonds.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$4,650
Victorian Turquoise Diamond Rare 18 Karat Heavy Gold Garter Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Substantial weight of solid 18 KT gold – boasts magnificent design and exceptional Victorian crafting, fine in all aspects, the garter is lovingly knotted garter shape simply polishe...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$13,274
Yellow Gold Victorian Natural Untreated Sapphire Diamond Bangle circa 1860
Located in London, GB
Seven natural, untreated blue sapphires in a period, Victorian bangle (bracelet) mounted with white diamonds dating from Circa 1860. 18ct yellow gold bangle set with 7 extremely wel...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$10,000
Victorian style bangle studded with natural diamonds in gold and silver
Located in Bangkok,, TH
This bangle has been made by using natural diamonds which includes bothe full cut and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$1,432
Victorian 15 Carat Yellow Gold Hinged Ruby and Diamond Bangle
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
This is a beautiful Hand made late Victorian Era hinged 2 X Ruby & 1 X Diamond Bangle.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$15,970
Yellow Gold Victorian Natural Untreated Sapphire Diamond Bangle, circa 1860
Located in London, GB
Seven natural, untreated blue sapphires in a period, Victorian bangle (bracelet) mounted with white diamonds dating from Circa 1860. 18ct yellow gold bangle set with 7 extremely wel...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian French Diamond Bangle Fancy Diamonds 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster , GB
A stunning antique French bangle Circa 1900, decorated with sparkling old cut Diamonds across the front gallery with a trio of gorgeous champagne coloured fancy Diamonds which are 0....
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$2,850
Magnificent Victorian 2.40 Carat Rare Shamrock Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Glorious Victorian Rare , beautiful and sought-after, authentic Victorian bangle dating 1870 ca!
Diamond, 18k Gold
Manjrie Ruby Single-Cut Diamond 14k Gold handcrafted Victorian Bangle Bracelet
By Manjrie
Located in Singapore, Singapore
Natural Rubies and single cut diamonds fashioned in Victorian setting set w gold base.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 1800s Bangle with Turquoise, Rose Cut Diamonds, 14 Karat
Located in Bellmore, NY
A colorful and timeless antique Victorian bangle bracelet from the 1800s! Safety chain is attached to hinged lock.
Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold
Unavailable|$4,970
Antique Victorian Amethyst Diamond Bangle in 15 Carat Gold, circa 1880
Located in Kendal, GB
A regal Antique Victorian bangle from the late 19th Century. The band is made up of three separated 15ct Yellow Gold bands and crowned with a Silver gallery with a magnificent Amethy...
Amethyst, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold
Unavailable|$17,385
1870s Victorian 7.0 Carat Natural Harlequin Opal Diamond Enamel Gold Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Sorry there was an error in pricing this item A Striking example of authentic Victorian bangle set with an enormous Harlequin Opal surrounded by Diamonds.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Victorian 1.33 Carat TW Sapphire, Diamond Antique Bangle Bracelet Yellow Gold
Located in Tampa, FL
A completely original Victorian sapphire and diamond Antique bangle bracelet featuring 1.33ct. apx.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,912
Victorian 18 Carat Rose/Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Hinged Bangle
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
This Victorian 18ct Rose (has tinges of yellow Gold as well) Gold Bangle is hinged with an inner diameter of 57mm.
Diamond, Pearl, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Late Victorian French Twisted Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bangle Bracelet
Located in London, GB
18 carat Yellow Gold Hinged Twisted Bangle, decorated with Diamonds, Rubies and Sapphires on one side, with French Hallmarks and safety chain, circa 1885-1901 The inside measurement...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$4,380
An Antique Victorian Gold and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Bangle Circa 1880
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Antique Victorian gold and European old cut diamond cluster bangle which is in magnificent condition and looks lovely when worn.
Diamond, Gold
Unavailable|$6,134
Victorian Antique Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Karat Rose Gold Bangle
Located in Antwerp, BE
This second Victorian period is famous for its ostentatious pieces set with pearls and diamonds (from South Africa).
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$3,200
Manjrie Black Diamond 18k Gold handcrafted Victorian Bangle Bracelet
By Manjrie
Located in Singapore, Singapore
Natural black diamonds fashioned in Victorian setting set w gold base.
Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Yellow Gold Enameled Diamond and Pearl Starburst Motif Bangle Bracelet
Located in Narberth, PA
The extra wide bangle is crafted in 18kt gold and adorned with a rich Victorian starburst and trefoil motif.
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Unavailable|$1,700
Victorian Chrysoprase and Rose Diamond Heart and Knot Bangle
Located in London, GB
The Chrysoprase Heart of a luminous vaseline green colour, with a Rose Diamond set Silver on Gold surround and with a Rose Diamond Lovers Knot above.The slender tubular bangle, test...
Chrysophrase, Diamond, 15k Gold
Unavailable|$1,812
Victorian 15ct Gold and Old Mine Cut Diamond Beaded Bangle, Circa 1870
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A beautiful Victorian 15ct yellow gold Old Mine Cut diamond floral head hinge bangle dating from circa 1870.
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$13,200
Diamond Starburst Bangle Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
This is a fabulous stylish bracelet set with my very favorite Victorian motifs, the starburst!!! A silver and gold combination of metals with a double hinge opening on the bracelet, ...
Diamond
Victorian French 2.60 Carat Ruby .40 Carat Rose Cut Diamond 18 KT Rare Bangle
Located in Napoli, IT
Memorable Victorian Superb Victorian period antique bangle – bears a full series of French hallmarks Boasting glorious workmanship of the time with lovely ESSE like shaped motifs, e...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$12,000 / item
14 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Bangle
By Vishal Jewels
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
Diamond: 9.50 carats Ruby: 5.55 carats Item Code: DBR BH Size: 2.25 inches The perfect addition to any look! This enchanting 14k Gold bangle studded with Uncut Diamonds and Ruby in...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
Unavailable|$13,477
Late 19th Century, Diamond Bow Bangle
Located in London, Mayfair
A wonderful old cut diamond set bow bangle. Set throughout with rose-cut diamonds, mounted in silver and gold, set on a silver and gold bangle. Old brilliant-cut diamonds approx. 4.0...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$3,155
19th Century Pearl Ruby Diamond Bangle
Located in Barcelona, ES
19th Century bangle in gold and silver with 15 pearls, 12 round cut rubies and 28 antique brilliant cut diamonds approx. weight 2.5ct.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Sterling Silver
Unavailable|$2,290
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond & Pearl Bangle
Located in Splitter's Creek, NSW
A beautiful authentic example of a late Victorian/ early Edwardian Bangle. Very feminine. Very pretty.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$14,723
Antique Old Cut Diamond Star Bangle Bracelet
Located in Barcelona, ES
Antique old cut diamond star mounted in a bracelet. Star measures 3.8 cm Bangle inner diameter measures 5.6 x 4.4 cm
Diamond, Gold, Silver
The reign of Queen Victoria encapsulates a quickly evolving period of history — and jewelry styles were no exception. No single period has seen such a diverse group of jewelry attributed to it than the Victorian era. Today, there is a vast collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry and watches on 1stDibs.
Victorian jewelry is named after Queen Victoria, whose reign lasted from 1837 to 1901, making her the second longest-ruling monarch. (She was surpassed by Queen Elizabeth II in 2015.) During this time, different styles of fashion and jewelry came and went. Thanks to our fascination with royalty and swoon-worthy melodramas like Netflix’s The Crown — which is rife with evocative fashion, jewelry and interiors — and the 2017 feature film Victoria & Abdul, we are all familiar with her story. After the death of Victoria’s father and three childless uncles, she ascended to the throne at age 18. In 1840, Queen Victoria married the love of her life, her first cousin Prince Albert of Saxe-Coburg and Gotha.
Queen Victoria loved serpentine jewels, and she had even more power to shape trends than Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle do today. The British monarch’s best-known piece in this mold is the gold coiled-snake engagement ring she received from Prince Albert — the sinuous reptile was considered a symbol of everlasting love.
The Queen's 63-year reign has been divided by historians into the Romantic period, the early happy years, circa 1837–60; the Grand period, marked by the deaths of the Queen’s mother and husband, circa 1860–80; and the late Victorian or Aesthetic period, which lasted from about 1880 until 1901 and ushered in the Belle Époque. Queen Victoria wore her heart on her sleeve, and her fashion and jewelry reflected her emotions.
Romantic period jewelry, which featured common decorative motifs and was embellished with seed pearls, coral and turquoise, was a celebration of the young monarch’s love. Everything changed with the death of Prince Albert, and the Grand period is most often associated with mourning jewelry. Jewelry was smaller, lighter and more dainty during the late Victorian period. During this era, diamonds came into fashion, and semiprecious gems such as amethysts and opals became prevalent, too. Using gemstones for their natural beauty and not their worth was something that jewelers of the era felt passionate about, and this ideology would really become relevant in Art Nouveau jewelry.
Find a collection of authentic antique Victorian jewelry — from rings, necklaces and brooches to a range of other accessories — on 1stDibs.
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.
Today, it would be tough to track down a jewelry lover who doesn’t have a stack of vintage bangles and other bracelets ready to go for any occasion.
People have worn bangles and other bracelets for centuries. Examples can be found in the wide range of personal adornments favored by the Ancient Egyptians, some of whom wore bracelets and armlets made of gold and flecked with gemstones such as lapis and turquoise.
Fashion has evolved over the years, but the popularity of bangles has remained the same. Jewelry makers have created cuffs in all manner of styles, and no matter what your taste, you can find antique and vintage diamond bangles, ruby bangles, emerald bangles and more to suit you and to pair with any of your favorite ensembles. And although “bracelets” and “bangles” are often used interchangeably, there is a difference between the two.
Bangles are solid, one-piece bands that are always characterized by their rigid ring shape. Today, they’re made of metal, plastic, wood or other materials. Because this cuff is a solid piece, you have to slide it over your hand. Bracelets, however, are flexible pieces. Whether they’re charm bracelets, link bracelets, beaded bracelets or another variety, you open and close a bracelet at its ends, where it locks around your wrist with a clasp.
Bracelets and bangles suit most anyone, and there’s a style of bangle for every occasion, whether you’ve opted for an Art Deco bangle, a Victorian-era bangle or another kind. And their versatility doesn’t end there. Jewelry lovers know that when it comes to bangle bracelets (and other kinds of bracelets), you never have to choose just one. Just as you might wear a vintage tennis bracelet by itself or pair it with other thin bracelets, you can opt for a simple pared-down look with a single bangle or go big and stack your sculptural modern bangles to deepen their impact or double up your classic gold bangles and pair them with a T-shirt and jeans or a comfortable cotton day dress.
Browse an extensive collection of vintage bangle bracelets and other bracelets on 1stDibs. Find extraordinary works by iconic jewelry houses such as Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and David Webb, or peruse the array of link bracelets, cuff bracelets and diamond bangle bracelets for innumerable accessorizing options.