From $5,413 / item
Dubini Pietra Sodalite Gem Stone of Harmony Peace 18K Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI ring from the 'Pietra' collection features a smoothly cut sodalite set in 18K yellow gold.
Yellow Gold
GIA Certified Natural Fancy Yellow & White Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
GIA certified 1.01 Carat Yellow Diamond and 1 Ct White Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in 18 Karat White Gold GIA Report # 6214721286 Fancy Yellow , Natural , Even , I1 1.01 Ct ...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Mid Century Sputnik 1.66TCW Multi Stone 14k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring 1960s
Located in Towson, MD
This 1960s sputnik ring is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold with a warm rosy tone and set with citrine, amethyst, peridot, topaz, and quartz radiating around a garnet center stone.
Amethyst, Citrine, Garnet, Peridot, Quartz, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose ...
Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise .74ctw Six-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Emeralds Treatment: Oiling Carat(s): .54ctw...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Granulated No Stone Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
This elegant S.Georgios designer oval ring is handmade from solid 18 Karat Yellow Gold.
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold EGL Certified 4.01ctw Natural Marquise Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
14k Yellow Gold EGL Certified 4.01ctw Natural Marquise Diamond 3 Stone Ring Material: 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Details: This ring is bezel set with 4.01ctw of Marquise and Trillion C...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.37 ct Natural Stones Multi Sapphire Rainbow Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Deira, AE
Celebrate color, individuality, and timeless elegance with this stunning multi-sapphire ring, expertly crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold. Showcasing a vibrant arrangement of natur...
Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz Vintage Style Two Stone Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.40 carat.
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Stones and Diamond Ring Size 6 #22760
Located in Washington Depot, CT
10 Karat Yellow Gold Multicolored Lab Created Stones and Diamond Ring Size 6 This striking 10K yellow gold ring features five parallel bands fixed together at the back for a comfort...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 14k Yellow Gold Rubellite Band Ring, 3/4ct Natural Stones
Located in Jupiter, FL
Delicately displayed is an ultra chic, rubellite ring band. Dexterously handcrafted in gleaming 14k yellow gold, this ring features a row of matching, genuine AAA+ quality rubellite's.
Rubelite, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18ct Yellow Gold, London Hallmarked Edwardian 5 Stone Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked London 1909 This exquisite gypsy ring is made of 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$760Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Solid Yellow Gold Off-Center Set Multi Stone Stackable Ring
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
PRODUCT DETAILS :- Material - 14K Solid Yellow Gold Gemstone - Multi Stone Gemstone Weight - 0.77 cts Gemstone pcs - 7 Gemstone shape - Baguette, Pear, Round Gemstone size - 4 x 2, ...
Multi-gemstone, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Dubini Ancient Egyptian Scarab Black Stone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By DUBINI
Located in London, GB
This DUBINI ring features an ancient Egyptian scarab circa 1085-713 B.C. set in 18K yellow gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 5-Stone Diamond Channel Set Ring, Modern 20th Century
Located in Queens, NY
14K Yellow Gold 5-Stone Diamond Channel Set Ring. Marked: Mastro 14K C in Circle. 7/8" x 3/4" approx.; Width: 4.3 mm approx.; 5 Round Diamonds = 1.50 carats approx.; Diamond Clarity...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Solid Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 1.99 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring - 10k Round Brilliant 1.00ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 7 Sizing Fee: Up 1 1/2 sizes for $35 or Down 1/2 a size for $35 Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold & 10k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00cw Cut: Roun...
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise .34ctw Two-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Blue Sapphire Carat(s): .28ctw Cut: Marquise Color: Dark...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
3.98ct Cushion Mint Green Tourmaline Diamond Three Stone Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A luminous and beautifully balanced three stone ring handcrafted in 18K yellow gold by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, centered by a 3.98 carat natural cushion cut mint green tourmali...
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.16 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring Circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.16 carat bezel/collet set diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, palladium set five stone ring; part of our collection of diamond rings.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Bypass Ring - 14k Marquise 1.47ctw Five-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphires Treatment: Heating Carat(s): 1.09ctw Cut: Marq...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Yellow Oval Diamond 2.14 Carat TW Gold 3-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow and White Gold setting with natural oval cut yellow diamonds. The yellow diamonds are surrounded by small rou...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...
4 Stone Infinity Diamond Ring, Champagne, Yellow and White Diamonds 18K
Located in Honolulu, HI
4 Stone Infinity Diamond Ring, Champagne, Yellow and White Diamonds in 18k White Gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Delicate Precious Diamond Garnet Amethyst Fabulous Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 14 K (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 6-Round 57-0,025-4/6A Garnet 2-0,515 2/2A Amethyst -1-Round-0,09 2/2A Amethyst 1-Pear-1,65 1/1A Amethyst 1-0,49 2/2A Weigh...
Amethyst, Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Solid Gold Natural Emerald Vintage Style Filigree Three Stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.14 carat.
Emerald, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
$43,760Sale Price|20% Off
Alexander GIA Certified 3.09ct Fancy Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Halo Ring 18k
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Stunning modern GIA certified pear fancy yellow diamond three-stone with halo ring, two-tone 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1900s 14K Yellow Gold Two Stone Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.2 grams Diamond Details: .50ct total weight, old mine brilliant, H ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Sapphire Vintage Style Two Stone Ring in Solid 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Celebrate life’s most meaningful moments with a ring that speaks to the heart. CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold (oxidized) Ring Si...
Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.00 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Five-Stone Yellow Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A contemporary 1.00 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold set, five stone ring; part of our diverse range of diamond jewelry/jewelry.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Marne 5-Stone Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 2-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gems...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Marne 5-Stone Diamond Ring '2 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 2-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gems...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Marne 5-Stone Diamond Ring '1 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 1-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gems...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Marne 5 Stone Diamond Ring '1 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 1-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference! Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gems...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.51ct Radiant Three-Stone Tapered Baguette 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Elegantly designed, this stunning diamond ring captivates with its remarkable features. At the heart of this piece lies a breathtaking radiant J SI2 1.51 diamond, securely held in a ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 5.17 Carats Emerald Cut Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A spectacular engagement ring, showcasing a 5.17 carats emerald cut diamond certified by GIA as Fancy Yellow color and VS1 clarity.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.21ct Round Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning round diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI2 center stone weighing 1.21 , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.72ct Pear Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning pear diamond ring features a breathtaking I SI1 center stone weighing 1.72 , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.51ct Radiant Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning radiant diamond ring features a breathtaking I SI2 center stone weighing 2.51 , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Helena 5-Stone Diamond Ring '1 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 1-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds set in a low single gallery prong. Experience the difference! Product details: Cent...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold Helena 5 Stone Diamond Ring '1 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic ring features 5 perfectly matched 1-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds set in a low single gallery prong. Experience the difference! Product details: Cent...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$71,200Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.02 Carat Cushion Cut Fancy Yellow Diamond Three Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant three stone engagement ring showcases a stunning 4.02 carat cushion cut diamond, beautifully complemented by trapezoid side diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gol...
GIA 1.21ct Radiant Three-Stone Decorated Gallery 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, a stunning diamond ring, featuring a captivating center stone of radiant E SI1 weighing 1.21.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.2ct Oval Three-Stone Channel Engraved 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Crafted from luxurious yellow gold , the ring's brightly polished square edge band showcases an intricately engraved texture that adds an alluring tactile quality when viewed from ev...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Amethyst Opal Vintage Style Three Stone Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 1.65 carat.
Amethyst, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.70ct Emerald Three-Stone Tapered Baguette 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Elegantly designed, this stunning diamond ring captivates with its remarkable features. At the heart of this piece lies a breathtaking ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$1,120Sale Price / item|30% Off
Five Stone Pearl Diamond Art Deco Style Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal: 9K Yellow Gold Total weight: 3.50 g.
Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Emerald, Oval Stone and Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
approximately .80 Ct Natural Brazilian Emerald And Diamond Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Size 6 Oval Shape Emerald Ring There is one Natural fine quality Oval shape emerald stone...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 1.70ct Oval Side Stone Bezel Band Solitaire Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This stunning oval diamond ring features a breathtaking J SI2 center stone weighing 1.70ct , radiating exceptional brilliance and fire.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold Horse Ring and Black Onyx Center Stone
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
18 karat yellow gold horse ring, centering a trillion cut black Onyx (6.55 carats). Each horse eye is set with natural rubies, totaling 8 rubies. ✔ Natural Black Onyx and Ruby's ✔ ...
Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.92 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.92 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique diamond jewelry and estate ...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Solitaire Ring 14k Yellow Gold with Spinel Mahenge 1.30 Carat Natural Stone
Located in Heemstede, NL
We have closely checked the setting and the stones of this ring. We have not seen any signs that the stones have been treated in order to influence the color of the stones.
Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold 1.00 Cttw Diamond Cocktall Cluster 5 Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Radiating timeless elegance, this luxurious 14K Yellow Gold Ring captivates with its enchanting array of natural diamonds, amassing a full carat weight.
White Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 4.06 Carat Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Gold Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Three stone white and yellow diamond engagement ring. Round center diamond with two yellow diamond accent stones in an engraved Platinum shank and 18k yellow gold under each side dia...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,520Sale Price / item|20% Off
Minimalist Three Stone Natural Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold Stackable
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
This minimalist bypass ring features a 0.03 carat three round diamonds, set in 18k yellow gold. This sleek open design, creating a delicate and modern look.The Diamond measures appro...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Ruby and White Sapphire Vintage Style Three stone Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style three-stone ring features three vibrant rubies set in a classic arrangement.
Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz Vintage Style Five Stones Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
CHARACTERISTICS Status: Made to order Origin: Thailand Metal: Solid 9K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 0.64 carat.
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Fancy Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum & 18K GIA Certified
Located in New York, NY
Radiant and timeless, this exceptional three-stone engagement ring features a 1.01-carat Fancy Intense Yellow emerald-cut diamond, GIA graded SI1 clarity, set in a handcrafted Platin...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Halo Three-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Ruby & Diamond Halo Three-Stone Cocktail Ring Metal: 18k yellow gold Weight: 4.65 grams Diamonds: 18 round brilliant natural diamonds, approx. 0.55 CTW ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow 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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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
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.