Modern White and Tahiti Pearl Diamond Garnet Emerald Designer 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Give the gift of a lifetime with nature's most precious jewel. The pearls seem inseparable from the woman herself— perfectly suited for the lifestyle of luxury, beauty, and grace tha...
Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Emerald, Garnet, 18k Gold, Gold
$5,386Sale Price|20% Off
Citrine Yellow and Blue Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Three-Stone Designer Diamond Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow 18 K Gold (Matching Earrings Available) Weight 7.7 gramm Diamond 1-Round-0.05ct-3 / 5A Diamond 7-Round-0,12ct-3 / 5A Citrine 1- Square-4.48ct 2 / 1A Yellow sapphire- 9-0....
Citrine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold
$5,399Sale Price|20% Off
Citrine Yellow and Blue Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Three-Stone Designer Diamond Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow 18 K Gold (Matching Earrings Available) Weight 7.7 gramm Diamond 1-Round-0.05ct-3 / 5A Diamond 7-Round-0,12ct-3 / 5A Citrine 1- Square-4.48ct 2 / 1A Yellow sapphire- 9-0....
Citrine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Topaz, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
HALLMARKS & STAMPS Crown, 18 ERA Victorian, 1837-1901 MEASUREMENTS Width - 0.8cm / 0.3" Weight - 3.16g RING SIZE UK - K 1/2 US - 5 1/2 CONDITION The ring is in excellent antique ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
18 Karat White Gold Eternity Diamond Ring 3.20 Carat
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Designed with 21 brilliant cut Diamonds( H color, vs clarity) orbiting the elegantly crafted 18 K gold ring. Ring size 54/14! Many more similar rings on stock!
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 2.38ct Topaz, 1.88ct Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 2.38 carat golden topaz and 1.88 carat diamond, 18 karat gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Topaz, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k Yellow Gold Black Onyx & Diamond Cocktail Ring, 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique black onyx and 1.06 carat diamond (total), 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collecti...
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Extravagant 18 Karat Pink Gold Ring with Kunzite and Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18 K white gold Ring featuring a10 carat Kunzite center stone.
Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Stylish and Bold 18 Karat Rose Gold Aquamarine statement Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very elegant and unusual statement reminiscent of the '40s; solid 18 K Rosegold, swiss craftsmanship, set with 5 fine facetted Aquamarines. The ring is currently size 55/15 but can ...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 1905 Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.56 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 1.35 Carat Chrysoberyl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 1.35 carat chrysoberyl and 0.82 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Chrysoberyl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage Diamond & Blue Sapphire Filigree Navette Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Rare, refined, and deeply romantic, this ring is a true heirloom treasure for the lover of antique and estate fine jewelry.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.42 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.42 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse collection of 1920s diamond rings.
Diamond, White Gold
Extravagant 18 Karat Rose Gold Cocktail Ring with Moonstones and Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Unusual 18 K Rose Gold Ring set with 14 brownish labardorescent Moonstones weighing 13.02 ct and further decorated with 52 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 0.94 ct.
Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Italian 18k Rhodolite Rose Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Rose Gold 18 K (Matching Earrings and Necklace Available) Rhodolite Weight 6.9 grams Different Sizes Available With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKI...
Rhodolite, Rose Gold
Bulgari Twisted Ring in 18 Karat White Gold, Diamonds and Onyx
By Bulgari
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
BVLGARI FLIP DIAMOND & ONYX 18 K WHITE GOLD RING, Size 49, very tiny (US ring size 4.75)!
Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 0.73ct Diamond and Ruby 18k Rose Gold Snake Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.73 carat diamond and 0.03 ruby, 18 karat rose gold snake ring; part of our diverse antique snake jewellery collection.
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Pearl and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian pearl, diamond, and yellow gold ring, set with three half seed pearls, and two old single cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. Thi...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Solid 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring with Heart Shaped Blue Topaz
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
One of a kind solid 18 K rose Gold Ring set with a heart shaped blue Topaz.
Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
0.92ct Pink Sapphire & Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
Celebrate love with this vibrant twist on the classic engagement ring. Masterfully crafted in luxurious 18 carat white gold, this exquisite three-stone engagement ring features a ch...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Delicate Precious Diamond Enamel White Gold Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 14 K Diamond 18-RND-0,08-I/I1A Enamel 189-0,6ct Weight 7.55 grams Size 19.5 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based je...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Enamel
Antique Mid Victorian Ring Diamond Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Sz 6.75 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian diamond & emerald ring (circa 1860s) crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. 1 old mine cut diamond is estimated at 0.60 carats (estimated at J-K color and S...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
18 Carat White & Yellow Gold Pear Shape Diamond Coronet Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
Either as a romantic engagement ring or an exquisite addition to a fine jewellery collection, this piece is sure to make a lasting impression whenever it is worn. At its heart sits ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.20 Carat Diamond and 18k Rose Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.20 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold and platinum set solitaire ring; an addition to our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
Antique French Pink Spinel, Diamond, Silver and Gold Cluster Ring, Circa 1830
Located in London, GB
An antique, French, pink spinel, diamond, gold and silver cluster ring, with a faceted, oval mixed-cut, pink spinel, in a gold claw setting, surrounded by rose-cut diamonds in a silv...
Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique 1.55Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, unusual antique 1.55 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set two stone ring; part of our diverse collection of antique 1920s diamond rin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.3ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
Diamond weight, estimated: 0.3ct Ring size: UK – K US – 5 ¼ EU – 50 mm Gross weight: 11.8g Hallmarks: band with crown standard mark and stamped ’18.C’ (for 18K gold), band tests...
Diamond, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold
Alex Jona White Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Open Solitaire Band Ring
By Alex Jona
Located in Lugano, TI
Alex Jona design collection, hand crafted in Italy, 18 karat yellow gold open band ring centering a 0.47 carat round cut white diamond, K Color, VS1 Clarity.
White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Understated Solid and Modern 18 Karat Gold Ring with Marquise Shaped Kunzite
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Very modern and understated Ring in solid 18 K white gold set with a marquise shaped Kunzite weighing 13.01 carats!
Kunzite, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
Antique 0.35ct Diamond Five Stone Ring in 18k White Gold, Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique 1930's five stone ring has been independently tested using state of the art technology (Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 k gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1.07 Carat Diamond and Natural Saltwater Pearl Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.07 carat diamond and certified natural saltwater pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail / twist ring; part of our antique jew...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.59 Carat Diamond and Pearl Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1930s natural pearl and 1.59 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold
Barocco Tourmaline 18k Diamond Rose Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Rose Gold 18 K (Matching Necklace and Bracelet Available) Diamonds 0,15 carat Pink Tourmaline Weight 5.20 grams Different Sizes Available With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Rose Gold
Antique 14K White Gold 1.33ctw Old Cut Diamond Ruby Three Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K White Gold Ring Size: 7.25 Weight: 5.24 grams Ladies handmade 14K white gold antique, diamond and ruby three-stone, cocktail, halo, dress, dinner ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
$12,854Sale Price|20% Off
Classical Modern Pearl Garnet 18k Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Gold 18 K Garnet 162- RND-4,27 ct Pearl d14,0-14,5 1-21,8 ct Size 7,2 USA Weight 12,44 grams With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva-b...
Pearl, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 1.58 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Marquise Shaped Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.58 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold marquise shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French 18k solid yellow Gold Pearl Ring, Art Nouveau Floral Past Present
Located in Antwerp, BE
This marvellous floral ring is made in 18 K solid yellow gold and decorated with three little pearls and two elegant white coloured leafs.
Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Half Hoop Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This breathtaking antique Ruby and Diamond ring is Victorian, Circa 1880. The ring is adorned with five wonderful rubies with lovely rose cut diamond points. All set in a beautiful 1...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.09 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.09 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum eight claw set solitaire engagement ring; part of our diamond jewelry collections.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 2.11 Carat Diamond and White Gold Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.11 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum toi et moi ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections. This stun...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique 1910s 1.54 Carat Diamond and White Gold Platinum Set Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1.54 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold, platinum set marquise shaped cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Antique 2.80Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Full Eternity Ring Circa 1935
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.80 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our diverse diamond rings collection.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone Engagement Sz 7
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed opal & diamond ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1880s to 1900s). Cabochon cut opal measures 10mm x 8mm (estimated at 2 carats). Old mine cut d...
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1908 1.74 CTW Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Floral Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.21 carats - K color with VS2 clarity Flush set in a highly rendered platinum gallery with pierced floral motifs through...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Brooch Conversion Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
Ring size - 53/M Marked - unmarked however tests as 18 karat gold and silver Total diamond weight - 1.48 carat Total weight of piece - 13.56 grams
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold
Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold Vintage Fine Jewelry 5.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant antique Victorian ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 18 karat rose gold.
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Heavy Antique 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum 0.33ctw Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old European cut diamonds, in platinum and 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ring Sapphire 0.7 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS 6.5 / 2.56gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Art Nouveau period Sapphire and Diamonds Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and White Gold / or Platinum. Ca. 1900s -1910s, worn Swedish hallmarks : 18 K, three crow...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 2.83 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 2.83 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, platinum set five stone cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of diamond rings.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Pure Alhambra Ring 18 Karat White Gold, Mother of Pearl
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
With the Pure Alhambra jewelry creations designed in 2001, Van Cleef & Arpels offers a new interpretation of the Alhambra symbol. Inspired by the clover leaf, they give pride of plac...
18k Gold, White Gold
$6,961Sale Price|20% Off
Designer Fancy Natural Ruby 18k Diamond Yellow Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18 K Ring Yellow Gold Emerald Available Also Diamonds 0,40ct Ruby Weight 5.30 grams Adjustable Size With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATK...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
1.01 Carat I VS2 Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Ring in 18 Carat White Gold
Located in London, GB
The ring has London (UK) hallmarks for 18 carat gold, with the 2018 year mark.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Diamond Polki Handcrafted Antique Style Ring
By GEM PLAZA
Located in New York, NY
Magnificent 0.25 Carat Diamond Polki / Rose Cut Handcrafted Antique Style Ring 18 k Gold 1.63 GMS Silver 1.02 Custom Services Resizing is available.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$6,961Sale Price|20% Off
Fancy Natural Emerald 18k Diamonds Yellow Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Yellow Gold 18 K (Matching Necklace and Earrings Available) Ring Yellow Gold Ruby Available Also Diamonds 0,29ct Emerald Weight 5.80 grams Adjustable Size With a heritage of a...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.70 Carats diamond ring circa 1900
Located in Uccle, BE
Antique Diamond ring circa 1900. The ring is set with a very nice center old mine diamond of approximately 1 Carat ( Estimated J/K color - Vs clarity), two bigger old mine diamonds...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.70ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, 18k Rose Gold, Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 0.70 carat diamond and 18 karat rose gold, platinum set trilogy style cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Early Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond 18K White Gold Antique Foliate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.52 carat - J/K color with VS2 clarity Set by split and stylized foliate prongs in a pierced bombè shaped mounting Displ...
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.”
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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.