$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Pave Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Pave Set Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 4.8 mm Wedding Anniversary / Band Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
Antique Georgian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Rose Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Item #R1285 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold and Silver Weight: 2.1 Grams Size: 5 1/2 Diamonds: Approximately .75 cts Color: I Clarity: SI1 Measurements: Top of the ring measures 17 mm ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Le Vian Violet Tanzanite and Diamond Three Stone Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Le Vian
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal: 14 Karat White Gold Gemstones: Tanzanite and Diamond Tanzanite Count: 3 Tanzanite Cut: Round and Trillion Tanzanite Total Carat Weight: 2.29 carats Tanzanite Color: Violet Mai...
Diamond, White Diamond, Tanzanite, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Black Rhodium Diamond Wide Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios design ring handmade from solid 18 Carat Yellow Gold and decorated with granulation and Byzantine velvet background. The square front area surrounding the diamond is finis...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Yellow Gold
1933 Wedding Ring 3 diamonds 0.6ctw solid 23K Gold Platinum Ø 5.75 US/ 4.7gr
Located in SE
Fine 23K and Platinum Wedding Diamond Ring handmade in Sweden in 1933. Larger Old European diamond cut Diamond Ø 5 mm / ca. 0.56 ct. + 2 minors Ø 2 mm / 0.04 ct. each of the same c...
Diamond, Gold, 22k Gold, Platinum
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Two-Tone Blue White Diamond Wide Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring all handmade with Byzantine workmanship and a unique velvet look on the background done all under a microscope and finished on the two s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Stackable 0.12 Carats Citrine and Diamond Halo Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Stackable Citrine Ring The ring is 14K Yellow Gold There are 0.08 Carats In Diamonds H SI The Center Stone is Round 0.12 Carat Citrine The top measures 3/16" wide The ring is a size ...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Van Cleef & Arpels Perlée Clovers Ring Extra Wide Model
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 2015, 18k, by Van Cleef & Arpels, France. Underscored by meticulous gold work and brilliant white diamonds (F-E VS), this Perlée Clovers ring is Van Cleef & Arpels at its ever...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique ruby and diamond ring in yellow gold, comprising of 3 round cut rubies and 2 old cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat White Gold Diamond Floral Band Ring Size 9 #21452
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat White Gold and Diamond Floral Band Ring Size 9 Make a bold yet elegant statement with this stunning 14K white gold wide band ring, featuring an intricate open floral design...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
c1920s Vintage Art Deco Diamond Band Sz 5.75 Platinum Braided Ring Eternity
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 5 3/4 (not sizable). The band measures 6mm wide (0.23 inches), rising 3mm from the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Diamond Eternity Ring Sz 4.75 Mid Century Platinum Band Bridal Wedding
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 4 3/4 (not sizable). The band measures 7.5mm wide (0.29 inches), rising 1.5mm from the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
80s Portuguese Vine Leaf Ring 19k Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Band Sz 8.5
Located in Torrance, CA
The wider band (9.5mm - 0.37 inches) is great worn alone as a statement ring or stacked.
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Rose Gold Brilliant Cut Diamond Spiral Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Wide Band Ring is all handmade in a unique design.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond Star Set Band Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Item #R2601 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 3.9 Grams Size: 7 3/4 Diamonds: Approximately .25 cts Color: H Clarity: SI1 Measurements: Top of the ring measures 6.31 mm north to ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 18k Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Domed Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k yellow gold rose cut diamond wide band ring, circa 1980s, designed with a polished domed profile and a ribbed gadroon style pattern that frames the center stone.
18k Gold
Diamond Cutout Band Sz 8.75 Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 8 3/4 (sizable). The band measures 7mm wide (0.27 inches) rising 2mm from the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian English 10k Yellow Gold Opal Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Item #R1534 Metal: 10K Yellow Gold Weight: 4 Grams Size: 10 1/4 Opals: Approximately 3 cts Side Diamonds: Approximately .08 cts Color: H Clarity: VS2 - SI1 Measurements: Top ...
Opal, Yellow Gold
Georgios Collections 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire and Emerald Band Ring
By Georgios Collections Inc
Located in Astoria, NY
S.Georgios designer 18 Karat Solid Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring all microscopically decorated with the Byzantine granulation and the unique velvet look on the background finished in Bl...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphir...
Diamond Claw Ring Sz 5.75 Open Pave Band 14k Rose Gold Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 5 3/4 (sizable). The band 3mm wide (0.11 inches) rising 2mm from the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
8.53 Carat Three-Row Round Brilliant Diamond Eternity Band Ring 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This gorgeous eternity band ring features 3 rows of bright white diamonds prong set in a full circle around the piece.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Ancient Style 18k Gold Ring with Natural Diamonds, Large Gold Band Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
. ❥ Details Band measurements: approx. 10mm wide , approx 2 mm thick Material: 18 solid gold Color: white gold, yellow gold and rose gold Stone Type: 100% Natural Diamonds Shape: 1...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Ancient Style 14k Gold Ring with Natural Diamonds, Large Gold Band Made in Italy
Located in Camisano Vicentino, VI
Made to order Ring. Oltremare Gioielli Ancient style 14k gold ring with natural diamonds, large gold band made in Italy.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Set of Ruby Emerald Sapphire Stacking Gold Bands with Diamonds
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Mid 20th century set of 3 matching stackable band rings each ring has alternating gold diagonal lines between a diagonal row of a colored stone with a diamond on either side.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold
Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Trio and Diamond Ring
By Valentin Magro
Located in New York, NY
Platinum is the wide band, featuring a channel setting of baguette diamonds across the top and five bezel-set brilliant cut diamonds on each side of the bridge.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Art Deco Eternity Diamond Princess Cut Emerald Engagement Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
High end heirloom Emerald and diamond band. Metal- 18K Yellow Gold, .750. Band is 4.3 MM Wide and Height is 2.30 MM.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
5x3 MM Octagon Gradient Blue Topaz Gemstones Eternity Band White Gold Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
Each 5x3 mm octagon-cut gemstone is precisely hand-selected and set side by side in a sleek 3 mm wide band, creating a striking flow of color across the finger.
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Wavy Strand Band in Platinum Set with 0.62 Carats Earth-Mined White Diamonds
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
This ring resembles the wave rings popularized by Tiffany and others, but Eytan Brandes designed it here in our shop as a variation on his "branch" design. Usually his branch rings ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
6 Flush Set Bezel Diamond Eternity Wedding Band in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Endless possibilities to wear, stack, and enjoy! Size: 7.5 These ring is made with 2.1 grams of 14 karat gold 3 mm Wide band , Thickness 1.3 mm This classic scattered eternity band ...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
6 Flush Set Bezel Diamond Eternity Wedding Band in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Endless possibilities to wear, stack, and enjoy! These ring is made with 3 grams of 14 karat gold Keepsalke 3.5 Wide band , Thickness 1.7 mm This classic scattered eternity band feat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Seven Diamond Baguette Band at 0.37 Carats in 14k White Gold or Yellow or Rose
By Five Star Jewelry
Located in Austin, TX
The details for this beautiful ring are listed below: Metal Quality: 14 karat yellow gold Complete Ring Weight: 1.8 grams Ring Size: 7 US Band Width: 1.7 millimeters wide at the top ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Levian 18k Yellow Gold Pink Sapphire and Channel Diamond Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
18k yellow gold ring. This beautiful, colorful ring features a faceted oval shape, deep pink color pink sapphire center stone, approximately 1.43 CTS and prong set. Flanking the ston...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Icicle Ring Sz 5.75 18k White Gold Estate Fine Abstract Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 5 3/4 (sizable). The band measures 13.5mm wide (0.53 inches) rising 2.5mm from the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14K Gold Fancy Yellow and Pink Diamond Ring by MWM Goldsmithing
Located in Venice, CA
The band is 5/16” wide at the top and tapers to 3/16” wide at the bottom.
Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
IGI Certified Fancy Deep Yellow & Greenish Yellow Diamond 18K Two Tone Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Three-Stone Bypass Wide Band Ring / Statement Ring Metal: 18K Two-Tone White and Yellow Gold Size: 5 (adjustable) Band Width: 11mm Weight: 7.95 gra...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Multi-Colored Multi-Shaped Diamond Confetti Ring
Located in Venice, CA
The total carat weight is approximately .75 of a carat. The band is 3/8” wide at the thickest point and narrows down to 1/8” at the bottom of the ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Silver
Tiffany & Co Heart Diamond Charm Ring Estate Platinum Tag Sz 5.75 Jewelry
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 5 3/4 (sizable). The band measures 3mm wide (0.11 inches).
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$1,836Sale Price|20% Off
Adolfo Courrier Pave Turquoise Diamond Stacking Ring 18 Karat Gold Jewelry
By Adolfo Courrier
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 6 3/4 (sizable). The band measures 2.5mm wide (0.09 inches), rising 2.2mm from the finger.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Swiss. This elegant seventies eternity band features 1.35 carats of fine white diamonds (G color, SI1 clarity) set in rich eighteen karat yellow gold. Unusually wid...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 0.8ct Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 9gr
Located in SE
Note: Atelier De Montplaisir will not be responsible for any physical /color changes that may occur as a result of heating of the stones during the process of resizing. Atelier De Mo...
Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
18k White Gold 1.25ctw Pave 3 Row Diamond Wide Squared Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (41) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Pave Set - F/G Color - VVS2-VS2 Clarity - 1.25ctw (approx.) Material: 18k White Gold Weight: 9.38 Grams Ring Size: ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
14k Diamond Pave Encrusted Band. Heavy Wide diamond 3 row pave ring. Euro Shank
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage Size: 6 1/2 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem Color: Colorless Band Color: White Beautiful Diamond Pave Band. Pave set diamonds. Diamonds set together to make an en...
14k Diamond trio ring. 3 stone Diamond .58tcws Ring. Engagement Ring. Solitaire
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1980s Size: 5 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem Color: Colorless Band Color: Gold Style: Minimalist Beautiful 3 stone Diamond ring Sparkles from all direct...
Diamond
3.25 Carat Tsavorite Garnet & Diamond Platinum Wavy Wide Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Product Specifications: Item Type: Cocktail Ring Metal: Platinum 900 Size: 7 (adjustable) Weight: 20 grams Ring Face Width: 19.7mm Setting: Open-Work Design Ring Style: Wavy Band Sha...
Diamond, Garnet, Platinum
14k Diamond trio ring. 3 stone Diamond .36tcws Ring. Engagement Ring. Solitaire
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1980s Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem color: Colorless Band color: Gold Style: Minimalist Beautiful 3 stone Diamond ring Sparkles from all directions.
Antique Art Deco Platinum 1ctw Baguette & Single Diamond Wide Eternity Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (3) Natural Genuine Diamonds - (6) Baguette & (30) Old Single Cut - Bezel & Pave Set - Nice White Brilliant Diamonds - 1.0ctw (approx.) Material: Solid Platinum Total W...
Diamond, Platinum
3 Row Diamond Eternity Band. 3 Carats H VS Brilliant Round Wedding Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stones: Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: Approx 3.00 Carats Diamond Cut: Brilliant Cut / Full Cut Diamond Color: Approx H Color Diamond Clarity: Approx VS Clari...
Diamond, Platinum
14k Yellow Gold 2ctw Vivid Ruby & Diamond Cluster 11.8mm Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Clean Red Color - Very Nice - 5x4.1mm (center), 4.2x3.6mm (sides) (approx.) - 1.0ctw (approx.) (26) Natural ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Solid Gold 2.98ctw Ruby & Diamond Wide Bombe Domed Cigar Cocktail Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Channel Set - G/H Color - VS1/VS2 Clarity - 0.45ctw (approx.) (3) Natural Genuine Rubies - 2 Oval Brilliant Cut, ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
80s Vintage Amethyst Diamond Link Ring Sz 6.75 Wide Band 14k Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 6 3/4 (sizable). The band measures 20mm wide (0.78 inches) rising 7.5mm from the finger.
Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$4,376Sale Price / item|20% Off
1.97 Carat Pear Cut Diamond Wide Band Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Deira, AE
A luminous composition of pear-shaped diamonds creates remarkable movement across this wide band ring.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Antique 3 Stone 4 Carats Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A trio of charming, antique diamonds rescued from an antique Czechoslovokian tiara have been reimagined into a fascinating ing. A pair of GIA certified fancy intense yellow diamonds ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.46 Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamond Platinum 3 Row Floral Cluster Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural, Seven round blue sapphires totaling 0.83 carats form a vivid floral cluster center flanked by two rows of round brilliant diamonds totaling 0.63 carats in a platinum 900 thr...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Edwardian Style 5 Stone Diamond Ring Platinum Sz 6.75 Anniversary Band Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Size & Measurements: The ring is a size 6 3/4 (sizable). The band measures 3.5mm wide (0.13 inches) rising 4mm from the finger.
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Princess Cut Ruby and Diamond 3 Row Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bold and elegant, this vintage band ring features a striking three-row design crafted in rich 18k yellow gold. The center row sparkles with princess-cut diamonds, their crisp geometr...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$3,100Sale Price|26% Off
1.51 Carat Round Diamond 3-Stone Cluster Engagement Wedding 14 White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Timeless Important Estate Vintage 14k White Gold (stamped) Engagement Wedding Ring with Gemologic Certified Round Brilliant Diamonds in G color VS clarity (Near COLORLESS and very ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
3.25 Carat Carre Square Diamond 18K White Gold 3 Row Brick Pattern Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This striking 18K white gold wide band ring features 90 carré-cut diamonds totaling 2.75 carats channel-set in a three-row staggered brick pattern across the face, flanked by 60 roun...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
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.