Multi Row Split Shank Pavé Diamond Band Ring with Cable Crossover 18K White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It comes with an appraisal card, verifying its authenticity and current value. Ring Size: 6.5 Metal: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 12.04 grams Width: 12.69 mm Number of Diamonds: 61 D...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
1.71Ctw Pave Set Round Cut Diamond Crossover Band Ring 18K White Gold Size 6.75
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Love ring, crafted in 18K white gold. Ring size: 62 US 10. Ring width: 5.5 mm. Total weight: 7.13 grams. Excellent preowned condition. Original box and paper not included. Co...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Crossover Infinity Ring, Late 20th Century
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant crossover ring features a graceful infinity-inspired design crafted in two-tone gold. The slender bands sweep across one another in a flowing twist, creating a delicate ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Crossover Ring Size 6.75 #21819
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Crossover Ring Size 6.75 This striking crossover ring is crafted in a sleek combination of 14K yellow and white gold and is adorned with sparkling...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Baguette and Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Vintage Gold Crossover Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage White and Yellow Baguette and Round Brilliant cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Gold Crossover Band Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Natural Sapphire Baguette Diamond Crossover Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This contemporary crossover ring features a vibrant oval natural sapphire and a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Wave Crossover Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This beautiful fashion-forward ring is sure to be loved and cherished. The four bands look like waves rolling over each other making perfect "x"s in the middle making it very geometr...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Crossover Band - 14k Single and Baguette .15ctw Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1/2 a size for $40 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .15ctw Cut: Sing...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Intense Pink and Orange Diamonds 18K Gold Crossover Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
According Gia certificate 15830774 and 15830713. Mounted on Crossover white diamond on white 18K gold ring. Fancy Intense Pink Natural Diamond Dimensions: 6.29 x 4.21 x 2.28 mm.
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Fancy Intense Pink and Orange Diamonds 18K Gold Crossover Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
According Gia certificate 15830774 and 15830713. Mounted on Crossover white diamond on white 18K gold ring. Fancy Intense Pink Natural Diamond Dimensions: 6.29 x 4.21 x 2.28 mm.
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Fancy Intense Pink and Orange Diamonds 18K Gold Crossover Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
According Gia certificate 15830774 and 15830713. Mounted on Crossover white diamond on white 18K gold ring. Fancy Intense Pink Natural Diamond Dimensions: 6.29 x 4.21 x 2.28 mm.
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold .20ctw Diamond Sandblast & Polished Crossover Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (7) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Burnish Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 0.20ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold -Stamped 18k Weight...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Rose Gold Plated .925 Sterling Silver Diamond Accent Crossover Ring
Located in New York, NY
Elegantly woven from .925 sterling silver, this enchanting crossover ring is 14K Rose Gold plated to give the ring its warm, pink glow. The masterpiece intertwines multiple bands in ...
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver, Rose Gold, Gold Plate
2.37 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold French Crossover Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1980s French 2.37 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold crossover ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewellery and estate jewellery collectio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Crossover Ring Set With 1.0ct Natural Diamonds Set In 14ct Gold
Located in London, GB
This exquisite crossover ring is crafted in 14ct yellow and white gold, set with 1.0ct of sparkling natural round and baguette diamonds.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold
14K Two Tone Gold Natural Fancy Yellow Heart Shape Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14K Two Tone Gold Natural Fancy Yellow Heart Shape Diamond Crossover Ring Ring Material: 14k White & Yellow Gold Diamond Details: The main stone is a natural, fancy yellow, heart ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.10ct Natural Ruby Diamonds Crossover Deco Ring 14kt Gold 12439*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
1.10ct Natural Ruby Ring. Excellent Vivid Red. Clean Clarity, Transparent. Heated. 1.10ct Natural Diamonds. Rounds Full cut brilliant. G-color Vs-2 clarity 14kt white gold 5.4 gram...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Crossover Band - 10k Single Cut .15ctw Wave Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $25 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .15ctw Cut: Single C...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,192Sale Price|20% Off
Adrianna Papell Princess Halo Crossover 1 ct 14K White Gold Engagement Ring
By Adrianna Papell
Located in Chicago, IL
For sale is a stunning Adrianna Papell 14K white gold engagement ring with a crossover halo design.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cultured Pearl and Diamond Crossover Ring, 18k Gold, Italy, 1960s
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1960's. Size: 7. Pearl's measurement: 10 mm. Weight: 15.48 gr. Obliquely-set with two 10.0mm cultured pearls, one of grey tint, between bombé shoulders pavé-set with brillia...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Leo Pizzo 18ct Gold Diamond Heart Shape Crossover Ring Set with 0.63ct Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Make your gift of love one of a kind, with this beautiful heart shaped cross over ring set with 0.63ct diamonds. The heart shaped design is made from 18ct white gold and holds a 0.63...
Diamond, Black Diamond, White Gold
14K Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Crossover Band Ring Size 7.5 #23023
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14K Two-Tone Gold and Diamond Crossover Band Ring Size 7.5 This sparkling ring is crafted in 14K yellow and white gold in an interwoven crossover design and is accented with 46 roun...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Crossover Ribbon Bow Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Bow Ribbon Crossover Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald and Diamond Crossover Ring Design by Ella Gafter
By Ella Gafter
Located in New York, NY
The emerald and diamond crossover ring features a faceted oval emerald of brilliant color from Zambia weighing 1.14 carats, facing an oval cut near colorless diamond weighing 1.59 ca...
White Diamond, Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Alfieri & St. John square Ruby and Diamond Gold Crossover Band Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Offered by Claris-A, this band ring gracefully wraps around the finger. A line of square rubies are set in yellow gold while round brilliant cut diamonds are set in 18KT white gold....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
18k White Gold Crossover Diamond Cocktail Ring Approx 6.72 Carats of Natural Dia
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Metal - 18k White Gold Stones - Approx 6.72 Cts of Natural Diamonds Weight - 18.5 Grams Size - 7.5 US This beautiful cocktail ring is crafted in luxurious 18K white gold and fea...
Yellow Gold Diamond Heart Crossover Band - 10k Round Brilliant .13ctw Love Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $30 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .13ctw Cut: Round Brilli...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$6,400Sale Price|20% Off
1 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Crossover Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Presenting the Exquisite 1 ct Total Weight Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Halo Crossover Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold! Embrace the timeless beauty and sophistication of this stun...
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 1.0 Carat Round & Princess Cut 14KT White Gold Crossover Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Add sparkle to your day or night look with this wide wedding band. The band is crafted from 14 karat gold in your choice of white, rose, or yellow, and features 26 Round and 9 prince...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
18k Crossover Ring Band Diamonds Natural Unique and Artistic Trendy
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Unique Trendy Artistic Crossover style Gold Ring Band 18k White Solid Gold approx 11.0 grams Finger size 7.5 Natural Diamonds approx 1.80 carat G-VS Design size on the top is approx ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
3.72 Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Pave 18K Crossover Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Blue sapphire and diamond crossover band ring in 18K white gold featuring micro-pavé set blue sapphires and white diamonds in crisscross bypass design.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold 3.0 Cttw Diamond Eight-Row Bypass Crossover Statement Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Multi rows of round, prong-set diamonds in a bypass motif create this exquisitely designed ring of gleaming 10k yellow gold that makes this piece a wardrobe staple for years to come....
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
TJD 0.15 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Tri-Color Gold Sparkling Crossover Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
This ring dazzles with a 36 round-cut diamond set in micro pave and micro prong setting. We only use 100% natural and conflict free diamonds which sparkles in H-I color I1 clarity. D...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1/2 Carat Diamond Layered Crossover Triple Leaf Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Complement your outfit with this beautiful leaf ring design. Created in 10k yellow gold, this ring features 1/2ct TDW of diamonds. A layered split ring band holds three round cut dia...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Rainbow Sapphire & Diamond Crossover Band Ring in Two Tone 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
The band features an elegant crossover pattern of 14 karat white and yellow gold, gracefully intertwining rows of diamonds and multi-colored sapphires.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Green ...
Blue Enamel and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Feline Head Crossover Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
An unusual vintage double head ring of strong character, designed with two opposing feline heads and crafted in Greece. Each head is cast in warm yellow gold with a textured finish,...
Diamond, Enamel, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Crossover Wide Wedding Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Unique design crisscross diamond ring is studded with 154 natural diamond and 92 Baguette cut diamond beautifully set in prong and channel setting. Fashioned in 14 karat White gold a...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
TJD 2.0 Carat Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Crossover Wide Wedding Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Elegantly timeless is the best way to describe this ring is studded with 190 round diamond and 103 Baguette cut diamond features in 14 Karat White Gold 2.00ct total diamond weight an...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Wide Pave Diamond Crossover Band Ring 3.83 carat total weight in 18k Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
Beautiful Crossover X Design Pave Diamond Wide Band Ring in 18k Gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rhodium
18k Rose Gold Diamond Multi Band Crossover Twist Wide Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Bold and luxurious, this 18K rose gold ring showcases a striking modern design. The ring features intertwined bands, some adorned with round white diamonds totaling 0.50 carats. The ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1.56 Carat Trilliant Diamond Crossover Ring Modern Era 14 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Additional side Round diamonds: .50ct. G- color, Vs-2 clarity. 14kt. white gold. 5.1 Grams Overall ring: 16 mm wide Depth: 6.7mm Depth of ring: 4.6mm Current ring size: 7...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Opal & Diamond 14K Rose Gold Crossover Toi Et Moi Engagement Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
Get ready to fall in love with the mesmerising beauty of this authentic Edwardian Toi et Moi engagement ring, dating back to the 1900s - a romantic design that symbolises two souls c...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Toi et Moi Crossover Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
Each shoulder is masterfully pavé set with high quality round brilliant cut diamonds, mounted in white gold to enhance their sparkle.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$33,600Sale Price|20% Off
2.9 ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Crossover Halo Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
2.9 ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Crossover Halo Engagement Ring in 14K Rose Gold This breathtaking 14K rose gold engagement ring features a dazzling 2.05 ct natural Round Brillian...
Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold
Antique 18k Gold Diamond Toi et Moi Crossover Engagement Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Altrincham, GB
A lovely choice for an engagement ring, modelled in 18k white gold and comes complete with an antique fitted box.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Double Band Crossover Ring with Diamonds in Polished 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This beautiful ring is made of 14 karat yellow gold, offering a stunning contrast to the icy white diamonds and really making them pop.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1/2 Cttw Diamond Crossover 3 Leaf Floral Cocktail Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
Discover the essence of elegance and craftsmanship with this exquisite 10K yellow gold cocktail ring, where luxury intertwines with nature's charm. Its distinctive crossover design f...
Diamond, White Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Channel Set Round Diamond Crossover Wide Band Ring in Two-Tone 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 7 This unique ring showcases a gracefully sculpted crossover design in a radiant blend of 14 karat white and yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
TJD 0.30 Carat Round & Baguette Diamond Yellow Gold Crossover Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Elevate your every moment with this exquisitely crafted diamond wedding band, designed to radiate refined brilliance from day to night. Fashioned in 14 karat gold—available in white,...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tacori 0.60 Carats Round Diamond Crossover Eternity Wedding Band Ring
By Tacori
Located in New York, NY
An antique looking hand crafted wedding band ring showcasing a row of round brilliant diamonds that crossover to a ribbon style design, Diamonds weigh 0.60 carats total, G Color and ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Contemporary Pave Diamond and Blue Sapphire Crossover X-Band Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5 This stunning diamond and sapphire ring absolutely exudes modern sophistication This ultra contemporary piece glitters from all directions with its sparkling pave diam...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$4,770Sale Price|49% Off
NWT $9, 539 18KT Gold Gorgeous Fancy Crossover Baguette Trillion Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
The Following Item we are offering is this Beautiful Rare Important 18KT White Gold Glittering Diamond Crossver Ring. Ring is comprised of Approx 1.50CTS of Magnificent Rare Gorgeous...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1/2 Cttw Diamond Crossover 3 Leaf Floral Cocktail Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
Discover the essence of elegance and craftsmanship with this exquisite 10K yellow gold cocktail ring, where luxury intertwines with nature's charm. Its distinctive crossover design f...
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
10K Yellow Gold 1/2 Cttw Diamond Crossover 3 Leaf Floral Cocktail Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
Discover the essence of elegance and craftsmanship with this exquisite 10K yellow gold cocktail ring, where luxury intertwines with nature's charm. Its distinctive crossover design f...
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Art Deco 2 Stone Rose Cut Diamond Crossover Gold Moi et Toi Bypass Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely crafted 2 Stone Rose Cut Diamond 'Toi et Moi' 18K White Gold Bypass Ring. Securely Hand set with 2 Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.17tcw. Accented by Diamonds, ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
18ct Rose Gold Edwardian Clover Crossover Ruby Diamond Sapphire Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Clover Ring 18ct Rose Gold Tested Circa 1900 Beautiful, Edwardian ‘Red, White & Blue’ Clover Ring.
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage Diamond & Ruby Cluster Crossover Twisted Rope Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 5.5 This exquisite diamond and ruby ring absolutely bursts with sparkle! The unique design fills the finger with glittery elegance and truly makes a WOW statement. The cl...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
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