$5,265Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.9 grams. Totally is diamond about 1.50 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. We can make any size. Box is not included. Please cont...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,597Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Ottoman Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.6 grams. The main rose cut diamond 0.71 ct. Totally side brilliant cut 1.24 ct. The diamond is has generally H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarit...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$2,062Sale Price / set|25% Off
Antique Circa 1890s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total is weight 2.4 grams. Totally is main old mine cut diamond about 0.85 ct. The main diamond has J color and s1 clarity. Totally is Side rose cut diamond ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
$1,185Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 14k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has G color and vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 8.25 We can make any size. The box is not ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
$1,372Sale Price / item|20% Off
0.30 Ct Solitaire Diamond Unisex Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
18K White Gold Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps body heat that is used to conduct the heat apart from the sensitive parts ....
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$921Sale Price|25% Off
Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 14k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 1.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct The diamond is has I color and s2 clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. The box is not includ...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 8.94cttw. Emerald, Blue Sapphire and Diamond Drop Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
This classic Victorian jewel, hand fabricated in 18K gold and 925 sterling silver, features a vibrant pear cut emerald, weighing 5.44 Cts at the center, surrounded by pear shaped fra...
Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
This stunning Victorian old European cut diamond solitaire engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow 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. Total Carat Weight 0.50 ctw - 0.74 ctw Style Cocktail Base Metal Sterling Silver Diamond Weight 0.50 Ctw...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
Victorian 1.0 Ct Rose Cut Diamond plus 18 KT/Silver Target ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty antique Victorian ring is 1880 circa. Italian origin. lovely Target design skilfully hand crafted during the time of solid 18 KT gold with silver portions, The ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18k Rose Gold Diamond Solitaire. 0.36ct Old Mine Cushion Cut Buttercup
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1900s Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem Color: Colorless Band Color: Rose gold Style: Victorian An Amazing Find. You will not find a ring like it anywhere. Vi...
Rose Gold
Victorian diamond and enamel memorial ring, English, 1879.
Located in London, GB
Victorian diamond and enamel memorial ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old mine diamond in an open back grain setting with an approximate weight of 0.40 carats, to a solitair...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel
$112,000Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Era 1900 Ruby Diamond Ring NO HEAT
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 3.00 Carat Natural Unheated Ceylon Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Halo Ring This exceptional ring showcases a rare and valuable 3.00-carat natural unheated Ruby, ex...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1880s Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 0.55ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1880s Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 0.55ct Diamond Antique Ring Hand Made Americn Old European Cut Diamond 5.2~5.5 mm by 2.9 mm appx weight of .55 Carat single stone With detailed e...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
English Early Victorian Gold, Blue Enamel, and Rose-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique early Victorian gold, diamond, and enamel ring featuring a rose-cut diamond center in a tapering gold mount decorated with a blue enamel foliate pattern, in 15k gold. Eng...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Enamel
Victorian 1.25 Ct Old Mine Diamond Coiled Snake 14 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Symbol of Eternity This impressive Victorian period snake ring is 1900 ca Hand crafted of solid 14 KT gold, massive and large scale, featuring an intricate coiled snake with large he...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 1.20 Ct Spread Rose Cut Diamond 18 Kt Gold Ring Boxed
Located in Napoli, IT
Iconic Victorian Awesome flush set ring from the Victorian period, a classy statement ring, 1890 ca Heavy mount hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold, tested Centrally set in a round silv...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Solid Gold 1.19ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Repousse Belcher Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Brilliant Cut - Belcher Prong Set - J Color - VS1 Clarity - 1.19ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Com...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Tricolor Yellow Rose White Gold Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Antique 14K rose, yellow, and white gold ring with ribbed scroll sides featuring a sapphire center stone accented by three diamonds on each side. Marked: 585. Size: 7; can be sized. ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold
Victorian Single Stone Signet Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little ring, made to be worn on the little finger, holds an oval old cut. The shining diamond weighs 0.45 carat and is G in colour, VS2 in clarity. It has been claw set...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Gold 1.64 GIA Old Diamond Engagement Ring Blue Enamel Halo
Located in Montclair, NJ
This breathtaking antique diamond engagement ring is crafted in solid 14k gold during the Victorian era and features a gorgeous, 1.64 carat, old cut diamond neatly prong set at the c...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Oval Cabochon Turquoise W/ Mine Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This absolutely gorgeous antique ring was crafted during the late Victorian/Edwardian era in solid 18k white gold and features a beautiful natural turquoise stone neatly bezel set a...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
New Natural 0.50ct Round Brilliant Cut Victorian Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
New Natural 0.50ct Round Brilliant Cut Victorian Cut Diamond Ring Additional Information: Total Diamond Weight: 0.75ct Diamond Clarity: SI Total Weight: 2.7g Ring Size: M 1/2 SMS4025
Diamond, 18k Gold
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond sterling Silver Handmade Victorian Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rose Cut Polki Diamond Ring 925 Sterling Silver Handmade Victorian Ring Wieght 12 gram A P P R O X T I M E All items are custom made to order. Our approx time is about ...
Diamond, Sterling Silver
Victorian 0.44 Carats Antique Cut Diamond 18k Gold Silver Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent Victorian 0.44 Carats Antique Cut Diamond 18k Gold Silver Ring 0.44 Carats Antique Cut Diamond 18k Gold : 1.85 silver : 1.54 Custom Services Resizing is available. Req...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
0.50ct Victorian cut Natural Diamond Ring, Set In 9ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A timeless and elegant vintage diamond ring, showcasing a 0.50ct Victorian-cut natural diamond, set in a warm and classic 9ct yellow gold band. This beautifully preserved piece ca...
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Rosecut Diamond Polki Ring 925 Silver Handmade Victorian Christmas Gift.
Located in Chicago, IL
Natural Rosecut Diamond Polki Ring 925 Silver Handmade Victorian Christmas Gift. Base Metal Sterling Silver Band Width 3 mm Metal Purity 925 Main Stone Diamond Metal Sterling Silver...
Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver
1880s Victorian Etruscan Revival Amethyst 14k Gold Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
1880s Victorian Etruscan revival Amethyst 14k gold ring. The 1880s Victorian Etruscan Revival Amethyst 14K Gold Ring represents a significant intersection of historical influences a...
Amethyst, 14k Gold
Victorian 18K Gold .55ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Napoli, IT
Glorious Victorian! This absolutely unique genuine Victorian ring is 1890/1900 ca Outstanding, distinctive design made for the mounting which is a beauty its-own Marvellous Victorian...
Diamond, 18k Gold
1890s Victorian 14K 3.67 Ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 6.25
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1890s Victorian 14K 3.67 Ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American Size 6.25 Size 6.25 4.1 gram Handmade, no damage, in good condition 9.8~9.4 mm wide by 5.4 mm deep Top Top ligh...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Rose Cut Diamond Ring An antique ring with a central rose-cut diamond. Made circa 1900 Ring Size: 7.25 Resizable free of charge Metal types: 18K Gold and Silver
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Diamond Chased Gold Men’s Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 This highly unusual antique 14K gold ring is chased with two profile busts of an Egyptian pharaoh and stylized floral designs. The ring is prong set with a sparkling...
Diamond
18ct 750 Gold 0.25 Carat Edwardian Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct 750 Gold 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring Unknown era of actual Diamond A very clear diamond - not flawless But still a very beautiful diamond . Diamond is Natural and is 0.25 Carat Sin...
Diamond, Gold
Antique Gold and Platinum Ring with Amethyst and Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Charming antique ring from the late 1800s to early 1900s, crafted in gold and platinum, representing fine period craftsmanship. At its center is a natural amethyst of deep color, han...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Diamond Ring of 14k Gold and Silver
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Victorian Ruby & Diamond Ring, Circa 1890 A romantic jewel from the late Victorian era, this antique ring showcases a vivid natural ruby, elegantly set in rich 14k gold. The ban...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver
Diamond Polki / Rose Cut Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 0.93 Carat Diamond Polki / Rose Cut Handcrafted Antique Style Ring 18 k Gold 2.09 Silver 0.85 Custom Services Resizing is available. Request Customization
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Natural Kyanite Sapphire Diamonds Ring 3.82 Carat Vivid Blue 14 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
Kyanite Blues, Victorian Inspired Classic Three's 2.78ct natural Round cut Kyanite ring. Vibrant vivid blue Transparent & clean clarity. Center: 8mm diameter .80ct. (2) natu...
Other, Sapphire, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Mid-Century 10.90ct Aquamarine, 2.00ct Diamond Halo Vintage VS Ring
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
The is a stunning vintage-style oval aquamarine and diamond halo cocktail ring. This statement piece showcases a large, central sky-blue oval gemstone—characteristic of a high-qualit...
Diamond, Aquamarine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Antique 18kt Gold Ring with 2.68 Ctw in Diamonds - GIA Certif.
Located in Aventura, FL
Discover the allure of a circa 1910´s antique 18k white gold cluster ring, a true embodiment of vintage elegance and craftsmanship. This exquisite piece features a remarkable Old Min...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k pink gold men's ring with rose-cut diamond up to 0.30ct 7.4 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k pink gold men's ring set with rose-cut diamond up to 0.30 - G/H - SI - ring size US 8 - EU 18.25 (57) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 9.0 mm wide. Weight: 7.4 gra...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
Antique Georgian 1.80 Ct Rose Cut Diamond Ring, 18K Gold/Silver 1800 ca
Located in Napoli, IT
This amazing antique Diamond solitaire ring is 19th Century Georgian era, 1800 circa, finely hand crafted at the time of solid 18 Kt gold with silver portions Fascinating elaborate s...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.20ct 18k yellow gold 5.5 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold ring with old mine-cut diamond up to 0.20 ct – H/I - pique - ring size US 7.5 – EU 17.75 (56) Detailed description The top of the ring is 6.9 mm wide and 3.2 mm hig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$22,500Sale Price|50% Off
NEW Cert 6.77CT Unheated Natural Vivid Hot Pink Spinel Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Warren, NJ
This stunning ring from LaFrancee is a true beauty, featuring a 6.77 CT natural hot pink spinel and diamond accents set in platinum. The ring is in brand new condition, never worn an...
Spinel, Diamond, Platinum
0.57 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Gents Ring
Located in London, GB
A classic 18 carat yellow gold antique ring centred with a beautiful old mine cut diamond weighing 0.57ct, mounted in a raised eight claw, open back setting. Tested 18 carat gold. UK...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Padparadschah Oval Sapphire Approximately 1.10 Carat, Diamond & 14 Karat Ring
Located in Berkeley, CA
This stunning French 'Turn of the Century' Ring is a beautiful light peach pink Padparadschah Sapphire surrounded by Platinum filigree set diamonds. The carat wight of the diamonds i...
Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.78 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning antique diamond solitaire dates to the 1880s, in the Victorian era. The 0.78 carat old cut diamond is an I colour and VS1 clarity. A rose cut diamond sits on either sho...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$13,160Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 2 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Victorian Style Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite GIA certified 2 Carat cushion cut diamond solitaire ring captures the essence of refined elegance through its classic Victorian inspired design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Antique Victorian Emerald & Solitaire Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made ring is crafted from platinum and features an EMERALD gemstone ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified Diamond Filigree Victorian Solitaire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1890s engraved filigree solitaire engagement ring in a platinum setting. GIA certified as oval with old world cutting and beauty. Raised crown and small table, open culet. ...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Victorian 15k Yellow Gold 0.54ctw Diamond & Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old English Cut - Claw Set - J Color -VS2 Clarity - 5.3mm (approx.) - 0.54ct (approx.) Material: Solid 15k Yellow Gold - Black Enamel Wei...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique Victorian 14K Gold Old European Diamond Solitaire Ring w/ Grooved Sides
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful Victorian solitaire ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold shank with a white gold bezel setting at its top.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and set with 0.65ct of K color, SI1 clarity old mine cut diamond. The softly irregular faceting and deeper proportions of the old mine...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.40 Carat Cushion Cut Ring. Solitaire Diamond Silver 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 US, Resizable Color: J Color Clarity: SI1 Metal: Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Old Mine Cut, Antique Cushion Cut Style: Victorian Size: Resizabl...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 10k Yellow Gold 0.52ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - Fiery Warm Yellow Color - VS1 Clarity - 0.52ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 10k Yellow Gold Weight: 2.73 Grams Ring...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
0.50ct Marquise Diamond Antique Engagement Ring Solitaire Victorian In 18k Gold
Located in London, GB
0.50ct Marquise Diamond Antique Engagement Ring Solitaire Victorian In 18k Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.90 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14K Gold Engagement
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A distinguished Victorian engagement ring featuring a 0.90 carat diamond, expertly cut in an Old Mine style. The diamond is graded K color and VS2 cla...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.91ct Victorian Old European Cut Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This wonderful engagement ring, masterfully crafted from luxurious platinum, exudes sophisticated appeal and timeless elegance. At its heart sits proudly a stunning 0.91ct old Europ...
Diamond, Platinum
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.
Even as jewelry trends have come and gone, antique and vintage diamond solitaire rings are a classic fashion piece. Although enduringly popular as an engagement ring style, a solitaire ring — whether it's an emerald solitaire ring, a sapphire solitaire ring or another iteration — makes a fantastic addition to any outfit with a variety of shapes and settings to explore.
Solitaire rings have a single stone setting and a minimalistic band in which pressure, bezel or prongs hold the stone in place. They have a long history in jewelry, such as an example discovered in Israel with a single amethyst that could be as old as the third century A.D.
Simple gold rings with single diamonds were prized possessions in Ancient Rome. However, it was not until the 1940s that engagement rings with a solitaire diamond setting became widely popular.
After the turmoil of the Great Depression and World War II led to a decline in diamond prices, De Beers saw an opportunity. The diamond magnate teamed up with the ad agency N.W. Ayer for the “A Diamond Is Forever” campaign. It was a sensation and cemented the solitaire diamond as the leading engagement ring. Statistics show that diamonds are the most common gemstones for engagement rings, preferred by 87 percent of people. (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.)
Today, the design of solitaire rings takes many forms, and those created by Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and other internationally celebrated jewelry houses are particularly sought-after accessories. Though the single-stone setting remains the same, bands have become more detailed, with some containing other stones or even multiple diamonds. Art Deco, Art Nouveau and other art movements have influenced the design of solitaire rings over the years. However, the simplicity of this accessory remains timeless.
Browse 1stDibs for a unique selection of antique and vintage solitaire rings to accent any fashion choice.
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.