Antique 1.79 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring, Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique diamond ring has been crafted in 15k white gold.
Diamond, 15k Gold, White Gold
Classic Wide Diamond White Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Diamond 99-0,36 ct Size 7 US Weight 6,65 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, which cre...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.62 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,996Sale Price / item|20% Off
Italian Ruby Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Diamond 11-RND57-0,2-4/5 Ruby 11-RND-0,3 (4)/3 Weight 6.2 gram Size USA 7 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based j...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Every Day Band Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Indulge in luxury with our "Timeless Treasure" đź’Ťđź’Ž 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring. đź’– Global delivery and quality assurance await from our Swiss-born brand. 18K White Gold Diamond...
Diamond, White Gold
14K White Gold 2.78ct Old European Cut Antique Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A true antique piece, this ring offers timeless appeal and a sense of history, making it a meaningful and distinctive engagement ring choice.
Diamond, White Gold
Maxi Serpent Diamond White Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Same model in Yellow Gold Avaliable Diamond 38-Кр57-0,49-Icz/SI1 Size 6 US Weight 5,36 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKIN...
Diamond, White Gold
Mini Serpent Diamond White Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Same model in Yellow Gold Avaliable Diamond 38-Кр57-0,49-Icz/SI1 Size 6 US Weight 3,11 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKIN...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Filigree White Gold & Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Edwardian engagement ring. In 14 karat white gold.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
Classic Wide Diamond White Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Diamond 99-0,36 ct Size 7 US Weight 6,65 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, which cre...
Diamond, White Gold
Every Day Diamond White Gold Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring Diamond 5-0,49-Icz/SI1- Size 7 US Weight 1,99 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, whic...
Diamond, White Gold
Chic Diamond White Gold 18K Exclusive Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 18K Ring Diamond 60-0,2 ct Jcz/VS2 Diamond 3-0,54 ct Icz/6 Size 7 US Weight 3,54 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva ...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K Filigree White Gold & Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique Edwardian engagement ring. In 14 karat white gold.
Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
White Gold Tea Contemporary Ring with Sapphire
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This contemporary ring is in 18 karat white gold with natural blue cushion sapphire, 4,32 carats, 12,8x8,5mm. It belongs to Tea collection, which was featured in Vogue UA. The ring...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 0.68 carat diamond solitaire ring in 18 karat white gold; part of our antique engagament ring collections.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Antique French Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 0.97 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold, platinum set solitaire ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 1920s 0.41ct Diamond Twist Ring in 14k Yellow & White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.41 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set twist ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold, 0.20ct Diamond Ring with Diamond Shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with this stunning 1920s engagement ring, crafted from luxurious 18ct white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1920s Antique French 1.48 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 1.48 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold 1920’s Round Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cluster Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Beautiful, French round cluster ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Barth 18k White Gold 0.57tcw Old Euro Diamond Openwork Ring
Located in New York, NY
Feminine, collectible, and full of antique character, this is a lovely old cut diamond ring with lasting decorative and estate appeal.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.31ct Diamond Twist Ring, 14k Yellow & White Gold, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.31 carat diamond and 14 karat yellow gold, 14 karat white gold set twist style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collectio...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold
Antique 14ct white gold, 1920s Art Deco Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Bombe Ring 14ct white gold Circa 1920s Introducing a stunning 14ct white gold Art Deco diamond ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Yellow & White Gold Beaded Floral Open Concave Work Band Ring sz6.5
Located in Montclair, NJ
Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Accents - Stamped 14k Weight: 3.64 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 ( fitted on finger, item can NOT be sized) Ring Width: 6mm (0.23") (top of the r...
Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 14K White Gold 1.01ctw Diamond Elongated Navette Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K White Gold Ring Size: 5.75 Width: 21.75 mm to 10.45 mm Thick: 1.45 mm Weight: 4.04 grams Ladies handmade 14K white gold edwardian (1901-1920), d...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Modern Egg Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RIng 14K Gold (Matching Earrings Avaliable) Diamond 10-RD-0,26 ct Diamond 19-RD-0,08 ct Blue Sapphire 81-2,09ct SIze US 7 Weigth 6,01 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow & White Gold Art Nouveau Oval Amethyst Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Tested Circa 1910-1920 This exquisite 18ct two-tone gold Art Nouveau ring beautifully captures the essence of the era with its elega...
Amethyst, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Green Emerald & Diamond Antique Style Halo Shield White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Enchanting white gold emerald and diamond halo ring epitomizes the distinct elegance delightful features of Art Deco style jewelry. Set with oval shaped emerald at its center, the ri...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
1920s Antique 1.12 Carat Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1920s 1.12 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique White Gold Large Carved Black Hardstone Portrait Men's Cameo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Hardstone - Oval Cut - Bezel Set - Black Base Color w/ White Carvings - 21.7 x 15.82mm (approx.) Material: Solid 14k White Gold Total Weight: 11.44...
Gold, White Gold
Antique 14ct White Gold Stamped, 1920s Single Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Engagement Ring 14ct Gold 585 Stamped Circa 1920s Beautiful antique two tone diamond ring featuring a bright old cut diamond in a 14ct white gold head, flanked by three d...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Emerald Ruby Diamond Reversible Ring – 10K White Gold, c1930
Located in Santa Monica, CA
This antique reversible ring provides ultimate versatility–hinged bands give the option of a ruby and diamond combination, or emerald and diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Enamel, 10k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1920s 18ct White Gold Stamped Diamond Full Eternity Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Eternity Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1920s This exquisite 18ct white gold eternity ring is an absolute stunner.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold, Edwardian 5 Stone Diamond Across Finger Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite Edwardian ring, featuring a stunning five-stone diamond design.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold, 1920s 1.0 Carat Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Eternity Ring 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1920s This exquisite 18ct white gold eternity ring is a stunning piece, fully set with approximately 1.0 carats of natural dia...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Two Tone Gold 0.22ctw Diamond White Enamel Buckle Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (16) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Single Cut - Pave Set - Lively White Diamond Color - 0.22ctw (approx.) Material: 18K Solid Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Accents & Whit...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 18k White Gold Engagement Ring with 0.25ct Diamond - Size 6
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Here is an Antique 18k White Gold Engagement Ring with One I/VS2 ~0.25ct Diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Solid 18k White Gold Old Cut Sapphire & Diamond Ring Band
Located in Montclair, NJ
Total Diamond Carat Weight: 0.59 (approx.) Material: 18K Solid White Gold Weight: 5.02 Grams Ring Size: 9.5 (Fitted on a finger.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Band Blue Sapphire 18K White Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Blue Sapphire & Diamond Ring Crafted in luxurious 18K white gold, this exquisite ring showcases a captivating arrangement of natural blue sapphires, beautifully complemented by ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Antique Art Deco 14k White Gold Filigree Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Art Deco solitaire is a fine example of a filigree solitaire engagement ring crafted in 14 karat white gold. The Round Cut cut diamond is held high in four prongs showcasing the...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,378Sale Price|20% Off
Blue Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings and Necklace Available) Diamond 42-RND57-0,17-4/4A Blue Sapphire 5-1,03 ct Blue Sapphire 4-0,46 Т(3)/2 Size 6.2 USA Weight 2,75 grams With...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
1930s Antique 1.18 carat Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.18 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique 0.59 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique solitaire diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,580Sale Price|42% Off
Vintage 14k White Gold 2.06ct Green Tourmaline Diamond Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Excellent Era: Vintage Estate Year: 1980s Metal: 14k White Gold Center Gemstone: Tourmaline Carat Weight: 2.06 Cut: Antique Cushion Color: Vivid, Pine Green Clarity: Tran...
Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Classic Wide Cognac Black White Diamond 18K White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
RIng 18K White Gold Diamond 46-RD-0,36 ct Diamond 40--0,84 ct Diamond 42--0,79 ct SIze US 7,5 Weight 9,51 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKIN...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Asscher Blue Sapphire & Diamond Antique Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This gorgeous open work ring is centered with a 1 carat octagon shape blue sapphire in a bull bezel setting. The center is accented with 32 round diamonds. It sits low on the finger ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.11Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique diamond solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Band Blue Sapphires Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Indulge in luxury with our "Timeless Treasure" đź’Ťđź’Ž 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring. đź’– Global delivery and quality assurance await from our Swiss-born brand. 18K White Gold Blue Sa...
Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold & Platinum, 1920s Peridot and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct White Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this stunning 1920s rectangular cluster ring, featuring a magnificent peridot centre stone t...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Breathtaking Modern Blue Topaz White Diamond White Gold Every Day Solitaire Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K Diamond 20-Round 57-0,36ct-7/7A Topaz 1-6,39 ct (1)/1A Weight 5.66 grams Size 17 (adjustable) With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA...
Diamond, Topaz, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Old Miner Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring .55cttw - VEG#76
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14K White Gold Weight: 2.25 grams Diamonds Details Shape: Old Miner Cut Carat Weight: .55ct (Approximate) Color: H Clarity: SI Finger to Top ...
Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$7,138Sale Price / item|20% Off
Classic Evening Cognac Diamond White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
White Gold 14K Ring (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 73-Round-1 carat in total -7/7 US Size 8.2 Weight 12.83 gram With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NAT...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
1930s Antique 1.52 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique twist diamond solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k white gold.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold, Edwardian Diamond Marquise/Navette Statement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing an exquisite 18ct white gold Edwardian ring, featuring a fabulous marquise/navette shape adorned with approxima...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.48ct Diamond Twist Ring, 18k Yellow & White Gold, Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.48 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set twist ring; part of our diverse diamond jewelry collections This fine and impressive antiq...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 14k White & Yellow Gold Three Stone Diamond Ring - Size 5.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Here is an Antique 14k White & Yellow Gold Three Stone Diamond Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1930 White Diamond and Blue Sapphire Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Antique 1930 white diamond and blue sapphire ring in 14 k white gold.
White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold
Cocktail Emerald Diamond 18K White Gold Exclusive Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring 18K White Gold Emerald 9.8 Cts Diamond 0.94 Cts Size 53 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jewellery brand, which creates...
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Modern Blue Topaz 18K White Gold Ring For Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring Crafted in luxurious 18K white gold, this elegant ring features a magnificent natural blue topaz, beautifully accented by brilliant natural diamonds. T...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique 18ct White Gold French Single Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold- French Stamped Circa 1900 Beautiful, French solitaire engagement ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.Â
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs. Â
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.Â
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.Â
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.
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Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.