Edwardian 1.10ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
The diamonds are claw set into a platinum collet, to accentuate the diamond’s beauty, with a contrasting band of 18 carat yellow gold completing the ring Gemstone: Diamond Stone Sha...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18 karat yellow gold emerald and diamond three-stone ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Purple Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Bezel Ring
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A rectangular 2.14 carat cushion cut purple sapphire is front and center in this one-of-a-kind three-stone ring by Bracken Jewelers, complemented by two old mine cut diamond sides (0...
Purple Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 22k Gold
2.81 Carat Fancy Light Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Ring, 18K Two-Tone Gold
Located in Sausalito, CA
A striking statement of refined luxury, this exceptional two-tone 18K gold three-stone engagement ring centers on a captivating 2.01 carat princess cut Fancy Light Yellow diamond, gr...
Diamond Garnet Fancy Quartz Yellow Gold 18 Karat Three-Stone Statement Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18K (Matching Earrings Available) Diamond 10-Round 57-0,1-5/6A Quartz 1-Oval-4,1 3/1A Garnet 2-Oval-1,1 2/3A Quartz 2-Oval-1,1 3/1A Quartz 1-Oval-4,1 3/1A Weigh...
Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Quartz, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Certified Green Emerald 3 Stone Ring
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Mounted in handmade custom design setting featuring Platinum 950 , diamonds on the shank and around each stone, a true piece of art Setting features exceptional pave work, delicate ...
Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 2.60ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 2.60 Colour: G-H Clarity: VS1-SI1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: K
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$620Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Three Stone Diamond Engagement Ring Trio Diamond Ring
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Beautiful, premium Trio diamond ring set in pure 18k gold. Three round cut diamonds are prong set horizontally to give off a modern, cutting-edge appearance. The band is made of soli...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Blue Topaz Three-Stone Band - 14k Emerald 3.39ctw Ring Sz 6 1/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Blue Topaz Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Carat(s): 3.39ctw Cut: Emerald Total Carats: 3.39ctw Style: Three-St...
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Kurt Wayne 0.79 Carat Emerald & Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Three-Stone Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Kurt Wayne 0.79 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring is a timeless blend of elegance and artistry.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold 3 Stone Natural AAA 3ct Topaz Ring with 1/3 Cttw Diamonds
By Baikalla
Located in Portland, OR
Shank Base Thickness: 1.32mm Ring Fit: Standard Material: 14k Yellow Solid Gold Selling Unit of Measure: EA Approx.
Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.80ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
They’re rub over set into platinum with a contrasting gallery and band of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.80 Colour: G Clarity: VS1 Meta...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.90ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to Edwardian period this charming three stone engagement ring features a central 0.30 carat, old cut diamond, flanked a pair of 0.20 carat diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certifies 3 stone ring with 3.18ct Fancy Dark Brown Yellow VS2 Emerald Cut
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certifies Multi Side stone ring with 3.18ct Fancy Dark Brown Yellow VS2 Emerald Cut in 14k Yellow Gold & Platinum Side stones Marquise Diamonds totaling 0.30ct Center Stone: 3.1...
Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
1.51 Carat Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The yellow-gold retro cocktail ring is designed with a modern twist.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 2.22 Carat Fancy Yellow-Green Radiant Cut Diamond 3 Stone Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
GIA certified 2.22 carat fancy yellow-green radiant cut diamond three-stone ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Burmese sapphire three stone ring, circa 1880.
Located in London, GB
Victorian Burmese sapphire three stone ring. Set horizontally to centre with three oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese sapphires in open back claw and rubover settings with an ap...
Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver
Sapphire and Diamond 3 Stone Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Finely detailed Three Stone Sapphire and Diamond 3-Stone Gold Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peach Morganites Yellow White Opal White Diamond Halo Rose Gold Three Stone Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Elegant Three-Stone Ring with Opal and Morganite stones. This exquisite ring features a central rectangular morganite, flanked by two opals on either side. The setting is intricately...
Citrine, Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
4.28tcw 14K Three Stone Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Dexterously handcrafted in gleaming 14K yellow solid gold, this ring features a high-quality, hand-selected 3.30-carat natural Colombian emerald Asscher cut from the famous Muzo mines.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.90ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 1.90ct total Colour: H - I Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: K
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Colombian Emerald Three Stone Ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Colombian emerald three stone ring. Set with three octagonal mixed cut natural Colombian emeralds with minor clarity enhancement in open back claw settings with a combined approximat...
Emerald, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.00ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cushion Cut Carat Weight: 1.00ct total Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: J
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$509Sale Price / item|20% Off
14k Gold Triple Stone Ring Diamond Trio Ring Engagement Ring Diamond 0.05 ct
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Natural diamond another minimalist ring from our Ring Collection. This gorgeous ring is hand-forged in 14k solid gold adorned with natural sparkly brilliant round diamonds. Available...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 3.52 Carat Natural Fancy Yellow-Brown Radiant Cut Three-Stone Ring
By M&V Vanguard Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
3 stone ring in Platinum 950; Diamond cathedral 3 row shank with diamond halo around stones; Size: 6.5 Melee stones: 94 stones (1.06ct) Side stones tcw: 0.34 ct F VS1 trapezoids ...
Brown Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 0.70ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
The gallery is mounted between raised shoulders that are supported by Chenier’s, finishing with a golden shank, all comprised of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape:...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Three-Stone Diamond and Ruby Band Ring
Located in Manhasset, NY
14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Three Stone Diamond and Ruby Band Ring 0.65 total diamond weight.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Garnet Three Stone Diamonds Ring 14kt Gold 12548*
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
0.8ct natural diamonds antique ring h-color vs-2 clarity 0.40ct natural garnet ring measures: 13.5mm x 5.5mm deck size 7.25 14kt yellow gold 2.5 grams
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.65 Carat Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming three-stone ring. At the centre of the face we find a bright white round faceted old European cut diamond which is flanked on either side by a vibrant pinky r...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Three Stone 0.40 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an Edwardian 18ct yellow gold and platinum diamond three stone twist ring.
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$568Sale Price / item|20% Off
18k Gold Triple Stone Ring Diamond Trio Ring Engagement Ring Diamond 0.05 ct
By Oshi Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Solid 18k gold is used to set a stunning, high-quality Trio diamond ring. To achieve a cutting-edge, modern appearance, three round cut diamonds are prong set horizontally. This is a...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
12 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow VS1 Radiant Cut Diamond Three Stone Platinum Ring
By Rick Shatz
Located in New York, NY
This diamond ring is truly an exceptional piece of jewelry, featuring a very special Fancy Yellow Vivid Radiant Cut Diamond. This diamond is of a remarkable 12 carats and boasts a de...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Navette Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This early Art Deco two-tone ring features a round transitional-cut diamond center stone weighing approximately 0.44 carats, F color and I1 clarity.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond & Emerald 3-Stone Edwardian Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A mesmerizing trio of diamonds and an emerald form this fabulous 3 stone antique Edwardian engagement ring. The vertical orientation maximizes your finger length along with a dramati...
Diamond, Emerald, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Three Stone 0.80 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a Victorian 18ct yellow gold and platinum diamond three stone twist ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond and Round Diamond Three-Stone Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond and Round Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Description: This three-stone ring features a radiant-cut yellow diamond in the center.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
4.02tcw 18K Three Stone Emerald Cushion & Diamond Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A classic Colombian emerald and diamond three-stone ring. Dexterously crafted in gleaming 18K gold this ring features a natural Colombian emerald-cushion cut from the famous Muzo min...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl & Old-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, FR 46 (appr
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Victorian three-stone ring in 18K yellow gold featuring a centered natural pearl flanked by two old-cut diamonds (combined total approx. 1.0 ct).
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Vintage 3 Stone Citrine East West Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Weighing approx. 3tcw. Hand crafted 14K Yellow Gold mounting. Ring size 7, we offer ring resizing.
Citrine, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Gold Emerald Sapphire Three Stone Ring 1 Carat Sapphire Emerald Ring Women
Located in Jaipur, IN
Key Features Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Center Stone: Natural Blue Sapphire Sapphire Weight: 1.10 Carat Accent Stones: Natural Emerald Emerald Weight: 0.36 Carat Total Emerald Cut...
Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,420
Yellow Gold Pearls Ring
By Giulia Colussi
Located in Milan, IT
Contrarier Ring 18 ct gold 21 gr with 2 mabé pearls one grey and another gold color. size 6.5 us. Very beautiful one.
Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Ring with Baguette Diamonds, Three Stone Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Emerald cut green tourmaline adorned with baguette diamonds Three stone ring Green Tourmaline Size: 8 x6 mm Baguette Diamonds: Two 4.5 x 2 mm Diamond Clarity: SI Diamond Color: GHI D...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Colombian Emerald Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring 18 Karat
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in Brunswick, ME
18K yellow gold natural Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring 3 Stone emerald cut emerald.
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Edwardian 0.60ct Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Down each shoulder decorative platinum sits atop an elegantly twisting band of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.60 Colour: G-H Clarity: V...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Verdura 18k Gold Rubellite and Madeira Citrine Three Stone Ring
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Verdura three stone ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and set with a central rubellite, flanked by two Madeira citrine gemstones.
Citrine, Rubelite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Emerald Cut Moissanite Three Stone Engagement 14k gold Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
Emerald Cut Moissanite Three Stone Engagement 14k gold Ring. Three Stone Emerald Cut Rings. 3 Stone Wedding Rings.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
This elegant 1950s three stone ring features a captivating natural sapphire at its centre.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous three-stone ring taken from the Victorian period. At the centre of the face we find an oval faceted ruby of Burmese origin. This striking principal stone show...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
10K Yellow and White Gold 1 1/2 Carat Pear Shaped 3 Stone Diamond Ring Band
Located in New York, NY
Glamorous and eye-catching, this stunning 1 1/2 c.t. cocktail ring has a gold band that splits at the center to showcase a cluster of natural pie and round-cut diamonds. Baguette-cut...
White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 10k Gold
2.64 Carats Red Ruby and Diamonds - Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
The stones are set in yellow gold and embraced by a dazzling white diamond surround, which extends down the ring’s platinum band.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.10ct Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.10ct Colour: G Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: O
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Bold Emerald Cut Iolite Gold Three Stone Ring
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
This Bold 18kt Yellow Gold Emerald Cut Three Stone Ring with Three Iolite is a fantastic every day ring.
Iolite, Amethyst, Citrine, Emerald, Peridot, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, White...
Green Tourmaline Emerald Cut Ring with Baguette Diamonds, Three Stone Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Emerald cut green tourmaline adorned with baguette diamonds Three stone ring Green Tourmaline Size: 8 x6 mm Baguette Diamonds: Two 4.5 x 2 mm Diamond Clarity: SI Diamond Color: GHI D...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 0.35ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
The old cut diamonds set to either side weigh 0.20 carat and match in quality at I in colour and VS in clarity. Each stone has been rub over set, with the central emerald set within ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Milgrain Three-Stone Diamond Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
Milgrain Three-Stone Diamond Ring in 14k Two-Tone Gold This diamond ring is crafted in 14k two-tone gold and features a classic three-stone arrangement, each round diamond framed by...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Citrine Pink Topaz Gold Three Stone Emerald Cut Ring
By Christina Addison
Located in New York, NY
18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Emerald Cut Ring with Citrine and Pink Topaz Approximately an inch wide and half of an inch tall The Three Stone Emerald Cut Ring can be made with any s...
Citrine, Topaz, Yellow Gold
1ct Oval Emerald and .06ct Round Diamonds 3-Stone Ring
By Nancy Phillips
Located in Eugene, OR
Capturing timeless elegance, this sophisticated and dainty three-stone ring showcases a rich 1-carat green oval emerald with a unique brightness.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 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.
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