Zambian Emerald No Oil
2010s Loose Gemstones
Emerald
21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Late 20th Century American Cocktail Rings
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold
2010s Loose Gemstones
Emerald
2010s German Contemporary Stud Earrings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Contemporary Loose Gemstones
Beryl, Emerald
2010s Australian Artist Cocktail Rings
Emerald, Diamond, 22k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Zambian Loose Gemstones
Emerald
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Zambian Emerald No Oil For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Zambian Emerald No Oil?
The Legacy of Emerald in Jewelry Design
No one liked emeralds and emerald jewelry more than Elizabeth Taylor (or her alter ego, Cleopatra). Emeralds were first discovered in Egypt around 330 BC. The stone’s name originated from the ancient Greek word for green, “smaragdus.” According to the Gemological Institute of America, “Emeralds from what is now Colombia were part of the plunder when 16th-century Spanish explorers invaded the New World. The Incas had already been using emeralds in their jewelry and religious ceremonies for 500 years. The Spaniards, who treasured gold and silver far more than gems, traded emeralds for precious metals. Their trades opened the eyes of European and Asian royalty to emerald’s majesty.”
There are numerous myths attributed to the emerald’s spiritual powers, like placing an emerald under your tongue will allow you to see the future. But be careful not to swallow the birthstone for May, or that future won’t be so bright!
There are many important (read: large) emeralds in museum collections around the world. The Patricia Emerald, named after the miner’s daughter, is a 632-carat dihexagonal (or 12-sided) crystal that was discovered in Colombia in 1920 and now resides at the American Museum of Natural History in New York. The Smithsonian Museum of Natural History in Washington has in its possession the Hooker Emerald, a 75.47-carat Colombian stone. That emerald had been acquired in the 16th or 17th century by Spanish conquistadores and shipped to Europe. It later belonged to Abdul Hamid II, Sultan of the Ottoman Empire (1876–1909), who wore it on his belt buckle. Purchased at auction by Tiffany & Co. in 1911, the Hooker Emerald was set into a tiara and featured in the New York World’s Fair “House of Jewels” exhibit in 1940. Today, it is part of a brooch, also designed by the jewelry house.
On 1stDibs, find a range of antique and vintage emerald jewelry and watches that includes emerald rings, emerald necklaces and other accessories.
Finding the Right Rings for You
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, Zambian emeralds are indeed real emeralds. In fact, they are a superior variety of natural emeralds, known for their deep green hue and slight blue overtone. On 1stDibs, find a collection of authentic emerald gems from some of the world’s top sellers.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, most experts generally agree that Zambian emeralds are good quality because they typically have a minimal number of inclusions and show off a high degree of clarity. However, the quality of individual gems mined in Zambia varies. Find a selection of Zambian emerald gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To tell if an emerald has been oiled, look for white or yellow branch patterns along the surface of the gem. If you see them, the gem is likely oiled. Also, examine it under a magnifying glass for any signs of trapped bubbles. These also indicate an oiled gemstone. Consulting a licensed jewelry appraiser is the best way to accurately identify oiled emeralds. You'll find a collection of expertly vetted emerald gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- Do emeralds need to be oiled?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, natural emeralds need to be oiled. Natural emeralds will have cracks and fissures before treatment, and oils will help give the emerald a high sheen and attractive finish. Browse a wide selection of emerald jewelry pieces from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What does no oil emerald mean?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A no oil emerald is an emerald that has not been treated with oil. Generally, emeralds are oiled to fill in fractures and enhance clarity. A no oil emerald is considered rare and more valuable than standard emeralds. Shop a collection of no oil emerald jewelry on 1stDibs.
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
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.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.