$7,330Sale Price|30% Off
Ring - 14 kt. Yellow gold - 3.10ct. tw. Diamond (Natural coloured) - IGI
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning ring features a unique design with natural diamond, totaling 3.10 carats, set in lustrous 14kt yellow gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring - 18 kt. Yellow gold - 2.30ct. tw. Diamond (Natural coloured) - IGI
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning ring features a unique design with natural diamonds, totaling 2.30 carats, set in lustrous 18kt yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring - 14 kt. Yellow gold - 3.50ct. tw. Diamond (Natural coloured) - IGI
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
This stunning ring features a unique design with natural diamond, totaling 3.50 carats, set in lustrous 14kt yellow gold.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
French, 1940s 6, 41 Carat Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum. Incredible jewelry ring of the 1940s, it is decorated with a degrees- cut emerald and held by 4 claws. On both sides o...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA 8.20 Carat Certified Blue Sapphire 2.13 Carat White Diamond Platinum Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This Spectacular GIA Certified 8.20 Carat Octagonal Step Cut Transparent Blue Colored Sapphire in the Center with 0.81 Carat of Color H Clarity SI1 Marquise Shaped Diamonds and 1.32 ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, Platinum
Spectacular 6 Carats Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in London, GB
Make a statement with this one-of-a-kind ring, designed to stand out from the crowd. Its centre stone is a large ruby featured in an elegant marquise cut, whose deep red colour is am...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.52 Carats Diamonds and Citrine Gold Flower Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Delicate Flower Ring The ring is 14K Yellow Gold There are 0.18 Carats In Diamonds G/H SI There are 0.34 Carats in Citrine The top of the ring measures 6/16" wide The ring is a size ...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Row Claw Crossover Baguette Round Diamond Ring 0.62 Carats 14KT Gold
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
The design showcases 3 tapered baguette-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.15 carats, complemented by 6 straight baguette diamonds (approx. 0.19 carats) and 20 round brilliant-cut...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$52,000Sale Price|20% Off
Van Cleef & Arpels 6 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary vintage cocktail ring from 1975 by the legendary house of Van Cleef & Arpels, masterfully crafted in luxurious 18K yellow gold and set with an impressive collect...
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$800 / item
0.14 Carat Diamond Faith Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring contains 0.14 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds set in 14K Yellow Gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz 3 Carat Oval 0.24 Carat Round Diamond Platinum Halo Bespoke Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Vintage classic bespoke design platinum ring with 3.00 Carat blue topaz centrepiece and a cluster of 0.24 Carat white colour G/H and eye clean clarity VS/SI natural diamonds.
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Platinum
18K Yellow Gold Ales Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This crown band features 0.16-carat total weight of round brilliant diamonds. It can be perfect as stackable or as a matching band to your engagement ring. Experience the difference!...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Jardin Emerald Diamond ring 14KT yellow gold size 6
Located in Jupiter, FL
Crazy JARDIN emerald ring with interesting yellow green color and pave set diamonds in 14KT yellow gold. Cocktail ring for any special occasion. Ring is made with 1 carats of diamond...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.94 Carat Platinum Engagement Round Diamond Bespoke Fancy Vine 4 Prong Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Natural Diamond Diamond Weight: 0.94 Carat (total) Centre Stone: 0.75 Carat Colour: G – H – Independent Certificate Clarity: SI (eye clean) Cut: Round Cut Top Width: 6 mm (widest p...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
18K Yellow Gold Victoria Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features 19 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. A delicate milgrain line is separating between the diamond and the metal. Experience the difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Victoria Diamond Ring '1/6 Ct. tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This delicate ring features 19 round brilliant diamonds micro-prong set. A delicate milgrain line is separating between the diamond and the metal. Experience the difference! Product...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
2.03 Carat Citrine & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$750 / item
1.56 Carat Onyx & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.41 Carat Peridot & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$850 / item
2.84 Carat Garnet & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring - 14k Marquise 1.40ctw Size 6
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .40ct Cut: Marquise Color: H Clarity: VS1 Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.00ctw C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1.97 Carat Amethyst & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14k Yellow Gold 1.1tcw Marquise Diamond 6 Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 14k yellow gold ring features six marquise-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.10 carats, arranged in a graceful, elongated silhouette. The marquise stones create brilliant sp...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Sapphire & Diamond Ring - 14k Marquise 1.35ctw Size 6
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Sapphire Treatment: Heating Carat(s): .71ct Cut: Marquise Color: Greenish Blue Natural Diamonds ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
6 Carat Round Diamond Four-Row Eternity Band Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in San Diego, CA
Diamond Four Row Eternity Band Style: Eternity Metal: 14Kt Yellow Gold / 7.51 grams Size: 5 Width: 13 MM / 0.5 Inch TCW: 6.00 tcw Main Diamond: 80 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.95 Carat Round Diamond Twisted 18 Karat White Gold 4 Prong Engagement Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Natural Diamond Diamond Weight: 0.95 Carat (total) Centre Stone: 0.75 Carat Colour: G – H – Independent Certificate Clarity: SI (eye clean) Cut: Round Cut Top Width: 6 mm (widest p...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
2.10 Carat 18 Karat Engagement Round Diamond Trilogy 4 Prongs Three-Stones Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Favourite classic, This trilogy ring representing past, present and future, Is made with three 0.70 carat diamonds with a total weight of 2.10 carat H / J Color, clarity VS / SI1, a...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
Natural Yellow Pear Diamond .50 Carat TW Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow Gold setting with a natural pear cut yellow diamond. This ring is guaranteed to impress and enhance your pers...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.70ctw Diamond Leaf Motif Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 21 stones - full cut round - 2.3 - 3.4 mm - approximately 1.70 total carats - F-G color, VS clarity Ring Size 6 Width: 9/16 in. Weight: 5.60 dwts. A Couple Of...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.48 Carat Marquise Shape Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Total Diamond Weight = 0.48 Carats. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Yellow Pear Diamond .51 Carat TW Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's beautiful diamond ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow Gold setting with a natural pear cut yellow diamond. This ring is guaranteed to impress and enhance your pers...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Alessia Royal Radiant Diamond Ring '6 Ct. Tw'
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Royalty ring features thirteen (13) Radiant Shape Diamonds Prong- Set approximately 1/2 a carat each on 3/4 of a 3.6 mm shank. It's a conversational piece! Experience the differ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Turquoise & Yellow Diamond Eternity Band - 18k Treated Ring Sz 6 1/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum Stone Information Natural Turquoise Treatment: Routinely Enhanced Color: Blue Natural Diamonds Treatment: Color Enhanced (fan...
Yellow Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Round 1.38 Carat Citrine and Diamond Halo Milgrain Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Stunning Milgrain Citrine Ring The ring is 14K Yellow Gold There are 0.12 Carats In Diamonds H SI The Center Stone is a Round Citrine 1.38 Carats The top measures 6/16" wide The ring...
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.95 Carat Round Diamond Twisted 18 Karat Rose Gold 4 Prong Love Engagement Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Natural Diamond Diamond Weight: 0.95 Carat (total) Centre Stone: 0.75 Carat Colour: G – H – Independent Certificate Clarity: SI (eye clean) Cut: Round Cut Top Width: 6 mm (widest p...
Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Diamond, Yel...
Gucci Flower Open Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring Sz 6
By Gucci
Located in Feasterville, PA
Set with 75 diamonds totaling approximately 0.55 carats, the ring offers exceptional brilliance and quality.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.31 Carat Round Peridot & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring features a 1.31 Carat Peridot, with a Diamond Halo comprised of 0.06 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds.
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.48 Carat Round Garnet & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring features a 1.48 Carat Garnet, with a Diamond Halo comprised of 0.06 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds.
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1.08 Carat Round Citrine & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring features a 1.08 Carat Round Citrine , with a Diamond Halo comprised of 0.06 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds.
Diamond, Citrine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.93 Carat Round Amethyst & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring features a 0.93 Carat Round Purple Amethyst, with a Diamond Halo comprised of 0.06 Carats of Single Cut Round White Diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.50 Carat Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 5.0 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old Mine Cushion Carat Weight: .50 carat Color: J Clarity: SI1 Finger ...
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Yellow Round Diamond .67 Carat TW Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
RareGemWorld's classic diamond ring. Mounted in a beautiful 18K Yellow Gold setting with natural round yellow diamond melee. This ring is guaranteed to impress and enhance your perso...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.01 Carat Natural Yellow Sapphire and Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.01 Carat Natural Yellow Sapphire and Natural Diamond Yellow Gold Ring This beautiful ring has a Pear Cut Yellow Sapphire that weighs 1.34 Carats and also has 16 Round Cut Diamonds...
Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Diamond Scene New York
Located in New York, NY
A FABULOUS Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring This ring features a beautiful Cushion cut "Intense Red" Ruby weighing 10.47 carats.
Diamond, Ruby
1.00 Carat Smokey Quartz & Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Ring Size is 6 1/2.
Diamond, Quartz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$17,150Sale Price|30% Off
GIA Certified Fancy Yellow 2.03 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
By Simon Ardem
Located in New York, NY
Diamond ring with GIA certificate, no.17420514. Details are: Center stone: 2.03ct / Radiant cut Fancy Light Yellow diamond VS1, 7.57 x 6.58 x 4.44mm. / Pave set side diamonds: .97ct,...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$3,054Sale Price|30% Off
Ring - 14 kt. Yellow gold -1.01ct. tw. Diamond (Natural coloured) - IGI
By Diamonds Mine
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Ring can be sized free of charge prior to shipping out. Ring size: 54 (EU) / 14 (IT) / 6 ¾ (US) Center Stone: ___________ Natural Diamond Cut: Round Brilliant Cut Carat: 1.01 carat...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
14K Yellow Gold .25 Cttw Natural Diamond Band Ring Size 6/8
Located in New York, NY
This band ring is made of 14K yellow gold and is a must-have! This ring's spaced-out 0.25 Ct round full-cut and square princess-cut diamond stations contrast flawlessly with each dia...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby 1 Carat No Heat Diamond Vintage Trilogy 18 Karat Gold Round Oval Cut Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
Details: • Natural Thai ruby • No heat / untreated ruby • Certified by The Gem & Pearl Laboratory • Stephen Kennedy report dated 23 March 2024 • Oval faceted mixed-cut ruby • Rub...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
4.35 Carat Natural Fancy Yellow Diamond and Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This gorgeous ring boasts a Natural Fancy Yellow round brilliant cut diamond weighing 4.35 carats, flanked by two white pear shape diamonds weighing 1.15 carats.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
1.25ctw Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: emerald, 1 stone european cut 7 x 5.75 mm approximately 1 total carat diamond round brilliant cut 1.25 - 1.75 mm approximately .25 total carats GH color/ SI1-I1 clarity Ring...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.13 Carat Diamond Heart Cluster Yellow Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This ring is set in 14K Yellow Gold. Total Diamond Weight = 0.13 Carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Oval Cut 2.69 Carats Green Agate and Diamond Halo Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful and Fun Ring The ring is 14K Yellow Gold There are 0.10 Carats In Diamonds G/H SI The Center Stone is an Oval Faceted Green Agate 2.69 Carats The ring measures on top 6/16"...
Agate, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Wedding Band Ring Size 6 #15967
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Wedding Band Ring Size 6- This sparkling band features 13 round brilliant cut diamonds set in classic 14K yellow gold. Width: 3 mm. Shank:...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
18K Yellow Gold 2.09 Carat Repurposed French Cut Diamond Band - Size 6
Located in New York, NY
Measurements: 3.9mm wide tapering to 2.4mm in the back, 3.0mm tall above the finger Ring size: 6 Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Weight: 4.9 grams Repurposed French Cut Diamond: 2.09 carats, ...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
13K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Ring Size 6 #25676
Located in Washington Depot, CT
13K Yellow Gold Turquoise and Diamond Ring #25676 A striking blend of color and elegance, this 13K yellow gold turquoise and diamond ring features a vibrant turquoise centerpiece ac...
Yellow Gold
3.14 Carat Carre Cut Diamonds Gold Six-Stone Half Band Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Very Beautiful Diamond Half Band Ring The ring is 18K Yellow Gold & White Gold There are 6 Carre Cut Diamonds prong set There are 3.14 Carats In Diamonds H/I VS The ring is a size 5....
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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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Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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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.