Antique Victorian Diamond Ring Navette Design Over 1ct Total - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian 18ct gold diamond navette ring made c.1890.
Diamond, Gold
Antique Ring natural 0.8ct Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.25/ 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand - made in ca. 1920s- 1930s. Swedish, hallmarked 18K, maker's, Stockholm, year marks not present because of sizing done in the past. Band in solid 18 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.65ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian take on the classic solitaire centres around a sparkling old cushion cut diamond. The diamond sits at 0.65 carat with colour of H and clarity of VS1. Claw se...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
French 1960s 18 K Rose Gold Curb Bracelet - Antique jewels
Located in Poitiers, FR
Bracelet in 18 karat rose gold, eagle and rhinoceros head hallmark. Retro rose gold bracelet, it is formed of an interlacing of links chiseled on the edges and decorated with a doubl...
Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
1920s Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.35 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$18,598Sale Price / item|20% Off
GIA Certified 1.74 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Rose Gold 18 K Incredible Color Stone E. No Fluorescence. Very Good Symmetry. Very Good Polish. Shape and Cutting Style: Cushion Modified Brilliant Measurements 6.98 x 6.59 x ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
18K white Gold openwork filligree Band Ring Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Show her you love her with this romantic diamond filigree anniversary ring. This scintillating openwork filigree ring is crafted in cool 18 K white Gold and is enhanced with the bril...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Extravagant 18k Gold Ring Diamond Pavé and South Sea Pearl Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
18 K Rose Gold Ring with Champagne colored Diamonds and South Sea Pearl.
Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
French Belle Époque ruby diamond 18k rose gold Navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The rubies are complemented by 18 rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 carat, graded J-K color, offering a soft, antique sparkle that enhances the romantic character of the ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
1930s French Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 0.79 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum set solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estat...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,800Sale Price|20% Off
Diamond Gentleman's 18k White Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1990s
Located in South Pasadena, CA
OTHER DIAMONDS: twenty round brilliant-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.30 carat, approximately H color, VS clarity. METAL: 18-karat white gold. WEIGHT: 18.9 grams. RING S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
0.60 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Vintage 1950s White Gold
Located in Milano, IT
Antique and harmonious diamond solitaire engagement ring dating back to the 1950s in 18 carat white gold with a round brilliant diamond 0.60 carat, IGI certified, color K/L clarity SI.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1940s Diamond and 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.97 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 6.52 Carat Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning 6.52 carat diamond and 18 carat white gold three stone engagement ring; part of our diverse diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, White Gold
Antique German Ring natural 1 ctw. Sapphire 0.5ctw. Diamond 14K ØUS6.75 /6.6gr
Located in SE
Antique German Alliance ca.1900s - 1930s Ring in solid 14K Orange toned Gold with clusters in 14K White Gold or Silver.
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold
French 19th Century Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
A wonderful French Navette ring with three cushion cut diamonds (approximately .75 cts) with an entourage of rose cut diamonds (approximately .70 cts ) set in 18 k white and yellow ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage Opal 1.10 Carat Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.65 carat opal, 1.10 carat ruby and 0.22 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and and white gold set cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry c...
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring, Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning and impressive vintage 0.95 carat sapphire diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Engagement Ring in 18k Gold with 0.60 Cts Old mine Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
Period: Early 20th Century Style: Antique Metal: 18Kt white Gold Stone: Diamond Ring size: 7 (sizable).
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring by Slade & Wolfe, 1974
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring set with 0.40 ct of antique diamonds; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Three Stone Quartz 18k London Blue Topaz Sky Blue Topaz White Gold Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring White Gold 18 K London Blue Topaz Sky Blue Topaz Quartz Weight 12,4 grams Size 14 With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NATKINA is a Geneva based jeweller...
White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Quartz, White Gold
Edwardian 1.60 Carat Basaltic Sapphire Twist Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.60 carat Basaltic sapphire, 18k yellow gold and platinum set twist ring; part of our collection of sapphire engagement rings.
Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Mark Broumand 3.32ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Halo Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
By Mark Broumand
Located in Chicago, IL
One old mine cut 3.32 carat K color VS1 diamond accompanied by GIA certificate 20 round diamonds 0.18 carats total weight Set in 18 karat yellow gold
Diamond, 18k Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold, Single Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, Hallmarked London 1987
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Engagement Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked London 1987 This beautiful engagement ring is truly one-of-a-kind.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.78ct Diamond Five-Stone Ring in 18k Gold, 1880, England
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.78 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.17 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 2.52 Carat Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 2.17 carat Basaltic sapphire and 2.52 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse collection of Victorian ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
18K White Gold & Three Stone Old European Cut 0.82± Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
A fine antique 3-stone diamond ring. In 18 karat white gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.54ct Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo 18K White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
By Tobi Gem Setting
Located in London, GB
Delicate and full of colour, this 18 carat white gold engagement ring speaks of timeless beauty and cherished moments together.
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian 3.20 Ct Colombian Emerald 1.45 Ct Diamond Trinity 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This outstanding Victorian ring is 1890 ca Skillfully hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold with little silver portions for the Diamonds claws The ring is of simply trilogy facing up with...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
1.23 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This impressive antique Edwardian solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1920s 1.50 Carat Cabochon Cut Emerald and 2.85ct Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1.50 carat Colombian emerald and 2.85 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s 1.89 Carat Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1950s 1.89 carat diamond and 18 carat white gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
French Art Nouveau Pearl 1.14 Carat Diamond Gold and Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Art Nouveau French pearl and 1.14 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collec...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Designer Tourmaline 18k London Blue Topaz Opal Diamonds Statement Ring for Her
By Natkina
Located in Genève, GE
Ring Rose Gold 18 K Diamond 0,15 ct London Blue Topaz Opal Pink Tourmaline Weight 9,30 grams Different Sizes Available With a heritage of ancient fine Swiss jewelry traditions, NA...
Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Opal, Tourmaline, Rose Gold
Princess Cut Triple Row Eternity Gold Ring with 11.58 Carat Yellow Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Mounted in solid 18 K yellow gold. The ring is currently swiss size 56/16 but can be resized larger or smaller if necessary (american Ring size 7.5) Every woman will be mesmirezed we...
Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Non Heated 1.03 Carat Thai Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.03ct Thai ruby and 0.28 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate j...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco 1.83 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 1.83 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry collections This stunning, fine and impr...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
It is claw set into a platinum collet and flanked by beautiful milgrain detailing down each shoulder adding true antique style to the piece. A simple band of 18 carat yellow gold com...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
3.45 Carat Topaz and 1.86 Carat Emerald Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 3.45 carat topaz, 1.86 carat emerald and 1.78 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewellery collections T...
Diamond, Emerald, Topaz, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Style Black Onyx Carved Ball Ruby 14k White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
By Tutti Frutti Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
Classic and elegant 14 K White Gold ring composed of an engraved Natural Black Onyx Ball measuring 18 mm in diameter surmounted by a Ruby Round Cabochon of 6 mm. in diameter set in ...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Art Deco Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18K Gold – French 57 (US 8)
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Rendered in rich 18 K yellow gold (750‰) with a white-metal (likely platinum or white gold) setting, its clean lines, milgrain details, and geometric patterns capture the streamlined...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Art Deco 0.42 Carat Ruby and 2.97 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Art Deco 0.42 carat ruby, 2.97 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique 1930s jewelry collection.
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Dramatic 18K White Gold Black Rhodium Pave Ring with Colored Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
One of a kind olid 18 K white Gold Ring with black Rhodium to creaate a dramatic and mystical look!
Diamond, White Gold, Rhodium
Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 6.0 grams Band Width: 3mm Size: K (50) - Resizable Face Dimensions: 23mm x 13mm Total Ruby Weight: Approx. 1.00ct Diamond Dimensions: 18 (1mm) Tes...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Opal and Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.85 carat opal and 1.68 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold trilogy ring; part of our diverse antique opal engagement rings collection.
Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold
Chopard 18 K yellow Gold Earclips Casmir Collection
By Chopard
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
These Earrings by Chopard are from their Casmir collection made in 18 K Yellow Gold. They are composed of one surprising geometric dome-shaped setting in yellow gold.
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring 0.30ct approx
Located in London, GB
Circa 1890–1910 18 carat yellow gold Old-cut diamonds Estimated total diamond weight: approximately 0.30 carats Graduated three-stone design Weight: 2.1 grams Size K / 50 A timele...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Fancy Brown-Yellow GIA Diamond and Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The gold is 18 K of a total of 13.1 grams. A ring people will be awed at and certainly a conversation piece.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Modern 18 K Yellow Gold Filed Convict Mesh Chain
Located in Poitiers, FR
Chain in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark Type mesh : filed convict mesh. Dimensions : Length : 45.4 cm approximately. Width : 1,3 mm approximately. Clasp : spring ring. Wei...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Modern 18 K Yellow Gold Rectangular Floral Locket Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. This rectangular secondhand pendant is engraved with a floral design on the front. A hinge on the side allows to open this secondhand m...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
19th Century Diamond Emerald Ruby Sapphire 18 K Yellow Gold Butterfly Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold and silver. This elegant vintage pendant depicts a butterfly with outstretched wings, its body adorned with a cushion-cut emerald and five cushion- an...
Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow G...
18 K yelow Gold Interchangeable Gilbert Albert Ear Clips
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This pair of ear clips have been designed to be interchangable and be converted into countless different earclips. Crafted in 18 K yellow Gold. Designed by the talented Gilbert Albe...
Gold, 18k Gold
1910s–1920s French Art Deco Marquise Emerald & Diamond Ring – Size 60 (US 8)
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Technical Specifications Finger size: French 60 (US 8) – resizable on request Materials: 18 K white gold (750‰); central emerald (approx. 0.50 ct); 2 old European-cut diamonds (app...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
18 K yelow Gold Interchangeable Gilbert Albert Ear Clips
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This pair of ear clips have been designed to be interchangable and be converted into countless different earclips. Crafted in 18 K yellow Gold. Designed by the talented Gilbert Albe...
Gold, 18k Gold
Intricate 18 K rose Gold drop Prasiolite Diamond earrings
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
Gorgeous 18 K rose Gold intricate dangle earrings set with 2 fancy cut Prasiolites weighing 11.78 ct and 174 brilliant cut Diamonds weighing 2.46 ct, G color, vs clarity.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Late Victorian 1.45 Carat Old Cut Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
These antique stones are mounted in their original 18 carat yellow gold setting, which dates from the very early 1900s and features a fluted gallery and broad shoulders tapering slig...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Modern 18 K Yellow Gold Filed Curb Mech Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
Chain in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Type of mesh : filed curb mesh chain. Dimensions : Length : 58.5 cm approximately. Width : 2,3 mm approximately. Clasp : spring ri...
Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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