Luxle Round Diamond Three Star Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Make a wish with this glowing ring crafted by Luxle in 14K yellow gold showcasing a trio of stars embellished in pave set twinkling round cut diamonds, pair it with your favorite dre...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 15.00 Carat Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, Featuring a center Gia Certified Natural Yellow Diamond weighing 15.00 c...
Yellow Diamond
$1,847Sale Price|20% Off
Ring Citrine Two Orange Sapphires Yellow Gold 18 Karat
Located in Vannes, FR
This ring is a true jewel of sophistication, combining the warm glow of yellow gold with the vibrancy of precious stones.
Citrine, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 5.26 Carat Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry New York, a well known and trusted dealer located on New York's iconic Fifth Avenue. We are are experts in natural fancy color diamonds, and can bring out their...
Yellow Diamond
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Gia Certified intense yellow 1.50cts RING 18KT Gold Diamond Weight: 1.65 carats Emerald Stone Weight: 0.70ct great clarity super color Please inquire for additional details.
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Shreve, Crump & Low 9.13 Carat Red Cushion Cut Ruby and Diamond 3-Stone Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This ruby and diamond 3-stone ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This cushion cut ruby is custom set in a handcrafted Shreve, Crump & Low classic 3-stone platinum and 18kt yello...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Tanzanite Ring With Diamonds 1.73 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Tanzanite: 1.68 Carats Diamond: 0.05 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 US Custom sizing ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Emerald Three Stone Ring with Pavé Diamond Halo in Two-Tone 18K Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 7 Bright and beautiful emerald three-stone ring with shimmering pave diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$88,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 5.01 Carat Cushion Brilliant Cut Natural Yellow Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A refined three-stone engagement ring centered by a natural cushion brilliant-cut yellow diamond, mounted in a harmonious combination of platinum and 18K yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
$128,000Sale Price|20% Off
EXCEPTIONAL GRS Certified 5 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional piece features a stunning center fancy yellow diamond that showcases remarkable clarity VVS1 and brilliance, complemented by two exquisite trapezoid side diamonds, b...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
1.51 Carat Fancy Yellow Square Cut Diamond Halo 18K Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Engagement Ring / Halo Three-Stone Ring Metal: 18K Two-Tone White and Yellow Gold Size: Adjustable Weight: 4.72 grams Shank Type: Slim pave shank ...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond 2.35 White Opal 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.35 carat white opal and 0.12 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique opal rings and estate jewelry collecti...
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Natural Tanzanite Ring With Diamonds 1.73 Carats 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bonita Springs, FL
Comes with Gemological Appraisal by GIA GG/AJP All Gemstones are Natural in Origin Tanzanite: 1.68 Carats Diamond: 0.05 Carats Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.75 US Custom sizing ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, Yellow Gold
1997 Contemporary Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.65 carat diamond trilogy twist ring in 18 karat yellow gold; part of our diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This impressive contemporary...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Genuine Arizona Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Ring in 14K Yellow Gold
Located in GOES, NL
Introducing a stunning 14K Yellow Gold Ring that perfectly captures timeless elegance and vibrant true Persian blue (Robinson eggs) color.
Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,184Sale Price|20% Off
14K Yellow 0.96 Carat Round Sapphire & Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This petite ring is from our Vale collection is impressive in its Earthy & Organic appeal. It features a 0.96-carat round natural Sri-Lankan Sapphire set in six tiny prongs and flank...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3ct Fancy Yellow Elongated Radiant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
This 3-carat Fancy Yellow radiant-cut diamond engagement ring is a stunning combination of rarity and elegance. The center diamond is GIA-certified with an elongated radiant cut that...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.00 Ct. Fancy Intense Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This three stone ring has a 3.00 carat Fancy Intense Yellow Radiant cut diamond in GIA certified in VS1 clarity and two Brilliant Trapezoid shape diamonds, E -F in color, VS1 in clar...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Sophia D Trio Brown and White Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By Sophia D
Located in New York, NY
A sculptural three-stone ring featuring a 1.12-carat cushion-cut natural brown diamond accented by a 0.79-carat oval diamond and a 0.76-carat round diamond.
White Diamond, Yellow Gold
Rare Colors - 3.48ct VVS1 Fancy Yellow Elongated Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
By Rare Colors
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful fancy yellow elongated cushion cut with VVS clarity and excellent cutting in a three stone ring made of platinum yellow gold and colorless trapezoids.
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 11.00 Carat Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, The focal point of this ring is featuring a Gia certified natural Fancy V...
Yellow Diamond
0.60ct Diamond chunky trilogy engagement ring 18ct yellow gold
Located in London, GB
0.60ct Diamond chunky trilogy engagement ring 18ct yellow gold 0.60ct Round diamond trilogy engagement ring in 18k yellow gold. Classic three diamond ring trilogy engagement ring in...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.23 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.23 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and silver set three stone ring; part of our diverse vintage diamond jewellery collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.54 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive vintage trilogy ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgian Garnet and Diamond Ring. 15K Yellow Gold Engagement Engraved Detailing
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Garnet, Diamonds Center Stone: Oval Cut Garnet Accent Stones: Pear Shaped Garnets, Rose Cut Diamonds Jewelry Type: Ring Style: Georgian Ring, Three S...
Diamond, Garnet, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 18ct Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Ring, Circa 1900, Birmingham
Located in London, GB
A charming and characterful antique ring, this Edwardian-era ruby and diamond piece is crafted in solid 18ct yellow gold, hallmarked for Birmingham, circa 1900.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Vintage 0.64 Carat Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive vintage three stone diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with an 14k white gold setting.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
New Platinum 18k Gold GIA Burma No Heat Oval Red Spinel & Tsavorite 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Enjoy :) --Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Spinel - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Rich Blood Red Color - NO HEAT - 0.96ct (exact - certified) **See Certification Details Below** ...
Spinel, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Shreve, Crump & Low 6.22 Carat Oval Cut Pink Sapphire and Diamond 3-Stone Ring
By Shreve, Crump & Low
Located in Boston, MA
This sapphire and diamond 3-stone ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This oval cut pink sapphire is custom set in a handcrafted Shreve, Crump & Low platinum 3-stone ring, consis...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Men's 14K Yellow Gold Nugget & Diamond 1.00 CT Ring
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Men's Gold Nugget & Diamond Ring Description / Condition: New Custom Made Year of Production: N/A Gender: Men's Purity: 14k Yellow Gold 3 Diamonds Brilliant cut Total weight ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$166,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 6.35 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This engagement ring is a luminous celebration of color and craftsmanship, uniting the warmth of yellow gold with the timeless strength of platinum. Its elegant structure enhances co...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum,...
Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique three stone ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. 18k Yellow Gold Emerald and Natural Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
Designer: Tiffany & Co. Material: 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 2.8 grams Size: 4.75 Gemstone: Emerald 0.22cttw, Natural Diamond 0.36 cttw Comes with Tiffany pouch, box and bag. The actual...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Ring with Peridot and Citrine
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
The Emerald cut Ring can me made with any stone combinations. The Ring Can be sized or made to order.
Citrine, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring, circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique three stone diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1930s 0.48 Carat Diamond Trilogy Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning diamond three stone ring (trilogy) has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emilio Jewelry Gia Certified 13.36 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From Emilio Jewelry, a well known and respected wholesaler/dealer located on New York’s iconic Fifth Avenue, The focal point of this ring is the magnificent Gia Certified Natural F...
Yellow Diamond
18K Yellow Gold Oval Green Tourmaline & Half-Moon Diamond Ring (7.74 CTW)
Located in Chicago, IL
Make a breathtaking statement with this exquisite three-stone cocktail ring, masterfully crafted from 11.10 grams of luxurious 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, Tourmaline, Yellow Gold
Yellow Sapphire Surrounded by Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Sapphire surrounded by brilliant round cut Diamond Ring 1 Uneven shape Sapphire 0.80 CTS Both side 2 Rose cut Diamonds 0.07 CTS 46 Round brilliant cut diamonds 0.29 CTS 18...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
1.66ctw Oval Amethyst Diamond Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 7.25
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Amethyst - Carats - 1.50ct Cut - Oval Brilliant Color - Purple - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.16ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - F - G Clari...
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Opal and Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.85 carat opal and 1.68 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique opal engagement rings collection.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
$256,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 10.31 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow GIA-Certified Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Graded with the coveted Fancy Intense Yellow color, it exudes unparalleled warmth and brilliance.
Yellow Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
Antique 0.64 carat Emerald 0.79 carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 0.64 carat Colombian emerald and 0.79 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold three stone ring; part of our diverse gemstone ring collection.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 5.00 Carat Vivid Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum vault at Emilio Jewelry, Located On New York’s Iconic Fifth Avenue: Showcasing a magnificent center diamond. A Gia certified Vivid yellow oval diamond with no overton...
Yellow Diamond
7.63 Carats Aquamarine and White Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Shimon's Creations
Located in New York, NY
1 Aquamarine Gemstone: 7.17 Carats 12 White Diamonds: 0.46 Carat Metal: 18K Yellow Gold, 5.80 Grams
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mini Three-Stone Amethyst Ring and Pink Topaz with Rose Gold Rope Twist Border
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
Elegant MINI 18kt Rose Gold Three Stone Ring with Rope Twist Border with split shank detail. The ring features a faceted cushion cut Amethyst Center stone and two Pale cushion cut Pi...
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Go...
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified Fancy Deep Orange Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Museum Vault at Emilio Jewelry, a dealer located on New York's iconic 5th Avenue, Center Stone: Gia certified over 8.00ct natural Fancy Deep Orange Yellow diamond Setting: W...
Yellow Diamond
Vintage 5.63Ct Garnet Citrine Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This radiant three-stone ring, expertly crafted in 14 karat yellow gold.
Garnet, Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Opal and Diamond ring, 18k yellow gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
You can't help but be enchanted by this gorgeous antique, Edwardian era opal and old cut diamond ring. A rich 18ct yellow gold band with a boat head style setting and decorative car...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 3.00 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
From the Vault at Emilio Jewelry, located on New York's iconic 5th Avenue, Center stone: a gorgeous fancy yellow diamond weighing just over 2.30cts certified as fancy yellow with no ...
Yellow Diamond
Yellow Sapphire with Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Setting
Located in Bangkok, TH
Yellow Sapphire 4.95 carats with Diamond 0.30 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 1.0 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 8.18 grams "We first opened doors in 19...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold
Demantoid with Yellow Diamond Ring set in 18K Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Demantoid 1.66 carats with Yellow Diamond 0.83 carat Ring set in 18K Gold Settings Width: 1.3 cm Length: 0.6 cm Ring Size: 53 Total Weight: 4.96 grams "We first opened doors in 1...
Yellow Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold
GIA 1.62 Carat Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring Vivid and Clean*
Located in New York, NY
1.12ct. Natural Fancy yellow diamond GIA Certified stating: Brown / Orange / Yellow color. Brilliant pear shape. .50ct. side baguette diamonds Vs-1 clarity, F-color 14kt. whi...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
HRD Certified Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring with 0.80ct Natural Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ideal for anniversaries, milestones, or as a statement piece, this 18kt yellow gold trilogy ring is a luxurious and meaningful addition to any jewelry collection.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 4.76 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A magnificent, fine and impressive antique 4.76 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold three stone ring; part of our antique jewelry/estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Price Upon Request
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 13.00 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring
By Emilio!
Located in New York, NY
Main stone: 13.11 carats Color: Fancy Yellow Clarity: SI1 Shape: CUSHION Setting: 8 fancy-cut white diamonds totaling approximately 3.38 carats, 36 yellow diamonds totaling approxima...
Yellow Diamond
Antique 1920s 1.26 Carat and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique 1920s diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.
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