18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
18k yellow gold and 1.5ct diamond and sapphire vintage estate cocktail ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1990s Baroda-Style 18kt Gold Tourmaline, Emerald, Ruby, Diamond Ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
This exceptional 1990s cocktail ring, set in 18 kt gold with a faceted green tourmaline flanked by pear emeralds, calibré cut rubies, and brilliant-cut diamonds, reflects not only b...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold diamond and ruby cluster cocktail ring. With 12 natural rubies and 13 natural mined diamonds arranged in a swirling illusion cluster setting on split shank band.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
18k Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Band Statement Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
18Kt yellow gold ring with sapphires and 20 round brilliant cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold and Diamond Marquise Estate Wedding Ring Stack
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k white gold estate diamond wedding ring. With .25 carat center natural mined diamond.
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Bezel Set Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold and .5ct natural mined diamond engagement vintage estate ring.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$720Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Black Diamond & Gray Diamonds Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silv
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Black Diamond & Natural Diamonds Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Black Diamond 1.00 Carat Natural Gray Diamonds 0.50 Car...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$672Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Black Diamond & Diamonds Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Sil
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Black Diamond & Natural Diamonds Vintage Retro Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Center Black Diamond 1.00 Carat Natural Gray Diamonds 0.50 Carat This...
Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
14k Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Marquise Anniversary Wedding Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold diamond and sapphire ring. Central row of nine marquis cut sapphires with top and bottom rows of small ten small natural untreated diamonds on split shank band.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold and .6ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k white gold and .6 carat natural mined diamond vintage estate ring.
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Estate Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold natural mined diamond and emerald ring. Large central oval with intricate ribbon like setting.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Statement Estate Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold, diamond and natural sapphire ring. Central oval sapphire with four marquise cut sapphires and ten small round diamonds arranged in a cluster setting.
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Statement Cocktail Estate Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k white gold natural mined diamond and sapphire ring. Five small round cut diamonds in center with six baguette cut sapphires on top and bottom.
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
14K White Gold and Three Stone Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
Stunning clarity, three stone diamond and 14kt white gold ring. 1/2 ct center stone with two diamonds on the sides.
Diamond, White Gold
$1,336Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Emerald & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Natural Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold & Silver Natural Emeralds - 6 carat Natural Diamonds - 1 carat This Ring is from the...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver
$822Sale Price|40% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Pink Topaz & Diamond Ring 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Pink Topaz & Diamond Solitaire Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Fancy Pink Topaz from Sri Lanka 2.50 Carat Natural Diamonds 1 Carat This Ring is from the "...
Topaz, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,456Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Natural Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond 2.50 Carat This Ring is from the "Orient" traveling collection are the epitome o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,280Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Natural Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Natural Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond 2.50 Carat This Ring is from the "Orient" traveling collection are the epitome o...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Italian Repossi Aquamarine, Diamond And Gold Dress Ring, 35.00 Carats
By Repossi
Located in London, GB
A vintage Italian Repossi aquamarine, diamond and gold dress ring, with a scissor-cut aquamarine, weighing approximately 35.00 carats, in a white gold four claw setting, with a trill...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
24 Karat Gold Kundan Ring with Emerald and Polki Diamonds, 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
24 Karat Diamond Emerald Enamel Ring. This unique Kundan ring features an oval emerald cabochon at the center with eight Indian-cut/Polki diamonds and enamel accents.
Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 24k Gold, Enamel
$1,218Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 5.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 5.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,350Sale Price|40% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 6.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 4.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,575Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 5.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 5.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,350Sale Price|40% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 5.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 4.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,417Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 5.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 4.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,280Sale Price|35% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 5.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 4.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,410Sale Price|25% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 5.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 5.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
$1,288Sale Price|30% Off
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Orient” Vintage Rose Cut Diamond & Tanzanite Ring Set 18K Gold & Silver Natural Tanzanite 5.00 Carats Natural Rose Cut Diamonds 4.00 Carats This Ring is from t...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Silver
22 Karat Gold Rose-Cut Diamond Ring Handcrafted with White Enamel Work
Located in Jaipur, IN
22 Karat Yellow Gold Rose-cut Diamond Ring with White Enamel Work Handcrafted This ingenious Mughal era hand-made Polki diamond ring with white enamel is breath-taking. The solitair...
Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel, Gold
Vintage 14K Gold, Diamond and Multi Gemstone Thai Princess Harem Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Details Metal: 14K Yellow Gold (tested) Center Stone: Diamond, approximately 0.10 ct (estimated) Additional diamonds, 18 total Total diamond weight approximately .55 ct H/I color, ...
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Moonstone, Multi-gemstone, Quartz, Ruby...
Yellow Gold Horse Head Diamond Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
One-of-a-kind custom-made 14K yellow gold ring with a carved diamond in the shape of a horse head.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14k Gold Natural Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14kt yellow gold diamond cluster ring with 4 larger natural mined diamonds ranging from .42 to .50 carats (VSI to VS2), and 12 natural mined diamonds ranging from .14 to .20 carat ea...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Statement Peacock Ring with Diamond and Enamel Handcrafted in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
A beautiful cocktail ring with a Rosecut Diamond in the centre and intricate enamel all over the ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
0.85ct Round White Diamond Sapphire Ruby Cocktail Ring Precious Stones 18K Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
What could be more alluring to the heart than a piece of the bygone era! Each piece is inspired by antique designs and meticulously handcrafted from the finest stones and metals. Eac...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold
22ct yellow gold signet chunky diamond ring
Located in London, GB
22ct yellow gold signet chunky diamond ring Weight 10.6g.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
$7,840Sale Price|20% Off
18K gold 13.70 ct. Ethiopia Emerald and Rose Cut Diamond cocktail ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The weight of the Rose Cut Diamonds is 2.65 carats. The ring is made in Indian ring size 12 (US size 6), and can be changed on request.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
$6,800Sale Price|53% Off
18K gold 15.88 cts Burma Blue Sapphire and princess diamond cocktail ring
Located in Hong Kong, HK
The weight of the princess diamonds is . The ring is made in Indian ring size 12 (US size 6), and can be changed on request.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Striking Retro Emerald Bead and Diamond Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
Striking large Retro Emerald Bead and Diamond Ring from the late 1930's. Wonderful mount in 14k gold with cool diamond pave claw detailing.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
$5,400Sale Price|25% Off
Cocktail Ring with 0.85 Carats Diamond and Fine Enamel Work Handcrafted in Gold
Located in Jaipur, IN
A statement ring with a large 0.85 carats flat diamond called "Polki" handcrafted in 18K Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
$1,152Sale Price|20% Off
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Blue Topaz 19 carats Natural Ruby 5.00 carats Natural Diamonds 1.00 carats This...
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver
By Bochic
Located in New York, NY
Bochic “Capri” Vintage Ruby, Blue Topaz & Diamond Ring Set In 18K Gold & Silver Natural Blue Pear Shape Topaz 14 carats Natural Ruby 3.00 carats Natural Diamonds 2.00 carats T...
Diamond, Ruby, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Silver
Multicolored Polki Gold Ring with Uncut Diamonds by Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Multicolored Polki Gold Ring by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 2.3 x H 2 cm Materials: Gold, diamond Our multicolored polki ring is a bold, colorful and decidedly Indian take on the t...
Diamond, Gold
Gold Sapphire Diamond Sculptural Talaab Pond Ring by Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Talaab Gold Ring by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 6.3 x H 6.3 cm Materials: Gold, sapphire, diamond The Talaab (Pond) Ring is a unique three-step crawler ring that represents the dif...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold
14K White Gold and Diamond Statement Wedding Band
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k white gold and 1 carat natural mined diamond ring. 19 diamonds set in three rows in a vintage style cluster.
Diamond, White Gold
14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Wedding Statement Band
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k yellow gold diamond ring with .90 carats. Six princess cut natural mined diamonds in a staggered/stepped setting across the top of a gold band.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
14K White Gold and Diamond Wedding Anniversary Band
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k white gold ring with .5 carats of natural mined diamonds.
Diamond, White Gold
14K White Gold 1.5 Carat Heart Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Coeur d Alene, ID
14k white gold ladies vintage wedding ring, with a 1.50 carat natural mined heart-shaped diamond center.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vivid Green Cabochon Cut Russian Emerald 18K Gold Ring
By Tsarina Jewels
Located in Bangkok, TH
Mysterious green garden inside the Emerald cabochon from the Ural Mountains delicately framed by two glowing streams of Diamonds. Russia became an important source of emerald in 183...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Three stone White Diamond Ruby Halo RIng in 18k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Expertly fashioned in 18K gold(6.74gms), the ring reflects a harmonious balance of traditional Indian craftsmanship and contemporary elegance.
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Wide Natural Diamond Broad Eternity Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
Ideal for weddings, festive occasions, or evening gatherings, this ring adds brilliance to any attire. ★ MATERIALS ★ ♥ Stone- Natural Diamond Shape - Round Weight - 1.48ct Clarity: ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Peacock Feather Natural Diamond Statement Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Pear Carat: 0.52 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 0.40 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH ★ THE...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Heart Polki Gold Ring, Uncut Diamond, Meenakari Detail by Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Heart Polki Gold Ring by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 1.3 x H 1.3 cm Materials: Gold, diamond Though polished diamonds come in many shapes and sizes, polki (uncut, unpolished diamon...
Diamond, Gold
Leaf Cluster Pear Natural Diamond Ring in 14k Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
★ MATERIALS ★ Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Pear Carat: 1.37 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH Stone: Natural Diamond Shape: Round Carat: 0.30 ct Clarity: SI Color: FGH ★ T...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Kundalini III Gold Ring, Uncut Diamond, Meenakari, India by Kahana Jewels
Located in Geneve, CH
Kundalini III Gold Ring by Kahana Jewels Dimensions: D 2 x H 2 cm Materials: Gold, diamond The color of the enamel can be customized, please contact us.
Diamond, Gold
Flower Engagement Natural Diamond Cluster Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This ring features a round center diamond surrounded by three halo layers of na...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Lattice Openwork Cage Natural Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
All our jewelry pieces are certified by a third-party laboratory such as IGI, HRD, IDGL, GIN, or SGL. This bold ring features a wide yellow gold band with a raised geometric grid of...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
18KT Rose Gold Pink Tourmaline & Rose-Cut Diamond Statement Ring
By Artisan NYC
Located in New York, NY
Product Specifications Feature Details Metal Type 18KT Rose Gold Gold Weight 10.903g Primary Stone Pink Tourmaline (Pear Cabochon) Tourmaline Weight 13.10ct Diamond Weight 2.70ct (To...
Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose 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.