Vintage Platinum 0.73CT Colombian Emerald + 0.75CT Diamond Ring Sz 6.25
Located in Addison, TX
Details Metal: Platinum Purity: PT900 Ring Size: 6.25 Total Weight: 8.9 Grams Center Stone: Natural Colombian Emerald Center Stone Shape: Emerald Cut Center Stone Weight: 0.73 Carat ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 0.651ct Colombian Emerald + 0.61ct Round Baguette Diamond Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Details Center Stone: Natural Colombian Emerald Emerald Weight: 0.651 Carat Emerald Cut: Square Emerald Cut Accent Stones: Natural Diamonds Total Diamond Weight: 0.61 Carat Total...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.65 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 2.65 ct. elongated emerald with 1.56 ct. white diamond rounds. Handmade in 18k yellow gold and platinum. Ring size 6.5.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum 7.52ct Colombian Emerald and 5.30tcw Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is an exceptionally important and highly collectible gemstone piece, centered by a remarkable 7.52 carat Colombian emerald surrounded by 5.30 carats total weight of...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$76,800Sale Price|20% Off
7.18 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring – CD Dunaigre Certified, Mino
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An extraordinary Colombian emerald of exceptional size, vivid color, and remarkable transparency, showcased in an elegant platinum setting. The centerpiece of this exceptional ring ...
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
1990's 3.36 CTW No-Oil Emerald Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Three Stone Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut emerald weighing 1.30 carats - transparent deep green Natural Zambian in origin with no indications of oil or clarity enhancement Prong set in gold basket an...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Natural Emerald 4 CTS & Diamond 2.3 CTS Ring
Located in jaipur, IN
You don't have to pay any tax to release the shipment. We pay tax and shipping expenses. This stunning, designer-made Ring is crafted from features an emerald and diamond gemstone. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$1,417Sale Price|25% Off
Emerald Diamond 0.90 Carat Vintage Platinum Filigree Milgrain Trim Size 6.5 Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Emerald Diamond 0.90 Carat Platinum Filigree Milgrain Trim Engagement Ring, finger size 6.5 – a timeless symbol of your love and commitment. This exquisite piece comb...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Marquise Diamond, Emerald and OEC Diamond Platinum Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Marquise Diamond, Emerald and OEC Diamond Platinum Navette Vintage Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set .70 Carat Marquise D...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
4.32 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Halo Ring, GRS Certified
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking and elegant ring featuring a fine 4.32 carat oval- emerald. It boasts a vivid green color that captivates the eye. Surrounding the emerald are 2.45 carats of round brillia...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
Graff 4.25 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond & Natural Pink Diamond Engagement Ring
By Graff
Located in Chicago, IL
A masterpiece of exceptional rarity and elegance, this authentic Graff engagement ring features a magnificent 3.89-carat emerald-cut natural diamond set in an exquisite combination o...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1.75 Carat Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Platinum Navette Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Black Opal, Emerald and Diamond Platinum Vintage Navette Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 1.75 Carat Black Opal. Surroun...
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Vintage 2.20 Carat Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Vintage Emerald-Cut Emerald and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Emerald-Cut Emerald, weighing approx. ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$7,087Sale Price / set|25% Off
Platinum Baguette Emerald and Diamond Eternity Bands, 5.20 Carats, New
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
"Luxurious Platinum Baguette Emerald and Diamond Eternity Bands - 5.20 Carat Total" Elevate your elegance with our stunning pair of Platinum Baguette Emerald and Diamond Eternity Ban...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$22,360Sale Price|20% Off
DAVID WEBB South-Seas Pearl Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds & Emeralds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
A south-seas pearl cocktail ring designed by David Webb (1925-1975). An outstanding cocktail ring created in New York City at the atelier of David Webb, circa 1975. This bold and su...
Diamond, Pearl, White Diamond, Emerald, South Sea Pearl, Gold, Yellow Go...
Sophia D. Platinum 5.01CT Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring with Emerald Halo
By Sophia D
Located in Greenwich, CT
This exquisite and colorful Sophia D. diamond ring centers on a large cushion-cut fancy yellow diamond with a warm bodycolor, set in an 18-karat yellow gold bezel mount that visually...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Gubelin Certified Emerald Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Platinum ring with 9.88ct Gueblin Certified Cabochion Minor oil Emerald and 2.98cts of pave set round brilliant diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
New Platinum & 18k Gold GIA 11.19ctw Emerald w/ Old Mine Cut Diamond Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Emerald Step Cut - Double Wire Prong Set - Rich Green Color - Clarity Enhanced F2 - 7.97ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,120,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Exceptional 14.11 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A remarkable statement of elegance and rarity, this extraordinary ring showcases a breathtaking 14.11 carat Emerald Cut Diamond, certified by GIA as F Color, VS2 Clarity. The diamond...
Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco 0.82 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Ornate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.70 carat total - I color with SI1 clarity Bead set in a grooved square form head with a pierced bombé shaped surround D...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Art Deco C.D. Peacock Platinum Colombian Emerald Diamond Filigree Ring
By Orange Blossom
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco C.D. Peacock Platinum Colombian Emerald Diamond Filigree Ring. This gorgeous antique Art Deco Colombian emerald and diamond filigree ring is crafted in pla...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art-Deco Designed Colombian Emeralds and Diamonds in Platinum cocktail ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
Platinum ladies ring featuring bezel set centre emerald cut natural Columbian emerald surrounded by 32 claw set natural single cut diamonds and 12 channel set natural fancy rectangul...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Art Deco Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Carat Weight: Oval Cabochon Emerald & Diamonds approx. 0.55 cts. Color/Clarity: Rich Vibrant Green / Diamonds F-G VS Certifications: AGL Certified Size: 6.0 Creator: Tiffany & Co. Me...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco style 2.05 carat diamond emerald onyx platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary Art Deco style engagement ring is a bold contemporary jewel inspired by the symmetry, color, and architectural glamour of the Deco era. At its center rests an old ...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco style diamond emerald platinum toi et moi ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating Art Deco style toi et moi ring is a beautifully balanced contemporary design, pairing two contrasting center stones in a romantic and architectural composition. One ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco diamond emerald onyx platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating Art Deco ring is a beautifully geometric jewel from the 1930’s, centered by an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carat. Graded M-N color and VS-SI...
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Art Deco style diamond emerald platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This captivating Art Deco style ring is a beautifully architectural contemporary design, centered by an old Asscher cut diamond weighing 0.94 carat. Graded H-I color and VS clarity, ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald Diamond Platinum Art-Deco Style Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A striking and elegant art-deco inspired ring showcasing a vibrant green emerald as the centerpiece. The emerald are cut in a oval and fancy style, enhancing its vivid color. Surroun...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco style 2.84 carat diamond turquoise emerald platinum cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This extraordinary Art Deco style cocktail ring is a bold contemporary jewel inspired by the vivid color, symmetry, and architectural glamour of the Deco era. At its center rests an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA 3 Carat Emerald Emerald Cut and White Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 3.05 ct. emerald emerald cut with 1.75 ct. of good quality white diamond rounds. Handmade in platinum. Ring size 6.25. Comes with GIA certificate.
White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3 Carat Pear Shape Emerald & Baguette Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold & Platinum
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 3.36 ct. emerald pear shape with 2.03 ct. good quality white diamond baguettes. Handmade in platinum and 18k yellow gold. Ring size 7.25.
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Platinum 3.96 Carat Emerald & Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
A striking platinum ring showcasing approximately 3.96 carat oval cabochon emerald, accented by approximately 2.00 carats of 12 baguette and 72 round brilliant-cut diamonds. The ele...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$29,120Sale Price|20% Off
Cushion Cut Engagement Ring. GIA 4.30ct Diamond J I2 Emerald Halo Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Center Diamond Weight: Approx 4.30 Carats Diamond Cut: Antique Cushion Cut, Elongated Cushion Cut Diamond Color: J Color Diamond Clarity: ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
3.24ct Colombian Minor Emerald and Crescent Brilliant Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A striking platinum three-stone ring centred upon a richly coloured Colombian emerald weighing 3.24 carats, flanked by a pair of crescent-shaped brilliant-cut diamonds with a combine...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Estate 1960s Platinum Emerald and Diamond Ring - VHK#294a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 1960s Platinum Emerald and Diamond Ring - VHK#294a Year: 1960s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 14.7 grams Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.6ct Triangular Diamonds 3.36 Ct Emerald GIA
Located in New York, NY
Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Platinum Engagement Ring with 3.36 Ct Emerald and Diamonds, Size 6 DESCRIPTION: This vintage platinum engagement ring features a breathtaking ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Emerald Diamond Toi et Moi Platinum Ring Circa 1925
Located in Poole, GB
An Art Deco emerald and diamond Toi et Moi ring, set with a square old-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.65 carats opposite an emerald-cut Brazilian emerald weighing approximately...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage 1950’s Platinum Carré Diamond & Vivid Emerald Scroll Cocktail Ring
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A beautifully made vintage cocktail ring, circa 1950s, crafted in platinum with a bold, sculptural form and elegant mid-century presence. The ring is channel set with approximately 2...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
J. Birnbach GIA 6.10 Carat K VS1 Two-Tone Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
This platinum and 18K yellow gold solitaire ring is a striking example of timeless elegance, designed to showcase an exceptional diamond with refined craftsmanship. At its center is ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.64ct GIA Certified Fine Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
By Gems and Jewels UK
Located in Birmingham, GB
GIA Certified Fine Colombian Emerald & Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring.] 1.64 Carat total. Stunning 1.00 carat natural emerald with an intense vivid green colour. This gem glows e...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA 2.50 Ct L VVS2 Emerald Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring Platinum 18K Gold 6.5
Located in Media, PA
Superb Custom-Made 3.10 TCW Elongated Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring Up for sale is a breathtaking, brand-new, and completely unworn custom-crafted diamond estate-style ring. ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum, Mixed Metal
$56,920
Platinum Emerald Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Platinum & 18k Ring with 16.27 carat emerald and 1.23 carats of diamonds. 13.88g
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum
16.85 Carat Platinum Emerald Ring
Located in Sarasota, FL
Platinum ring with 16.85 carat fine emerald and 2 half moon diamonds weighing 1.01 carats and 0.48 carats or round brilliants. 13.15g, Size 7.5 (sizable)
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$32,400Sale Price|20% Off
Tiffany & Co. Antique Platinum Emerald and Diamond 1 Carat Cluster Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This exceptional antique Tiffany & Co. ring showcases a striking natural emerald set at the center of an elegant platinum cluster design. The vibrant green emerald is accented by...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco style 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond emerald platinum target ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Art Deco style diamond and emerald target ring brings together antique-inspired romance, vivid color, and refined contemporary craftsmanship. At its center rests an ol...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco style 1.68 carat old European cut diamond onyx emerald platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Art Deco style diamond, onyx, and emerald ring brings together antique-inspired romance, bold contrast, and refined contemporary craftsmanship. At its center rests an ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Retro style 1.38 carat emerald diamond platinum tank ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Retro style emerald and diamond tank ring is a bold contemporary design inspired by the powerful glamour of the 1940’s. At its center rests an emerald cut emerald weigh...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
10.43 ct GIA Certified Zambian Emerald & Diamond Ring
By Hakimi's Gem
Located in Chicago, IL
This exquisite ring features a captivating GIA-certified natural 10.43-carat emerald-cut emerald, radiating a rich green hue. Flanked by two natural emerald-cut diamonds totaling 1.4...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$18,720Sale Price|20% Off
Oval Cut Emerald Ring. 3.60ct Emerald 1TCW Baguette Cut Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in New York, NY
Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Secondary Stones: Diamonds Center Emerald Weight: Approx 3.60 Carats Additional Diamond Weight: Approx 1.06 Carats Center Stone Cut: Oval Cut...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Kwiat Platinum Engagement Ring 3.14ct Emerald Cut & Round Diamonds G VS2 GIA
By Kwiat
Located in New York, NY
Designer: KWIAT Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Elevate your elegance with this stunning vintage platinum engagement ring. Featuring a 2.5 carat emerald cut diamond, this pie...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$16,640Sale Price|20% Off
3.50 Carat Oval Cut Emerald Engagement Ring. 1TCW Diamond Halo Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Emerald Secondary Stones: Diamonds Center Emerald Weight: 3.53 Carats Additional Diamond Weight: Approx 1.08 Carats Center Stone Cut: Oval Cut Accen...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique 0.50 Carat Emerald and 0.90 Carat Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 0.50 carat emerald and 0.90 carat diamond, platinum square dress ring; part of our emerald jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impres...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.75ct Emerald 0.80ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A refined expression of timeless elegance, this exquisite platinum engagement ring centers on a captivating approximately 1.75 carat emerald-cut emerald, celebrated for its rich gree...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1980s Colombian 9.59 Carat Emerald Diamond Platinum Ballerina Cocktail Ring GRS
Located in Miami, FL
A breathtaking example of timeless elegance, this extraordinary ballerina cocktail ring showcases a magnificent GRS-certified Colombian emerald of exceptional color and presence. Exp...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Tiffany & Co. Art Deco French Cut Diamond Emerald Platinum Vintage Band Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three french cut diamonds alternating in pattern with two emerald cut emeralds Diamonds weigh approximately 1.31 carats total - G/H color with VS2 clarity Emeralds weigh ap...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Mid-Century 4.13 CTW Diamond Emerald Platinum Vintage Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.84 carat - H color with VS2 clarity Flanked by emerald cut emeralds weighing approximately 1.72 carats total Transparent...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Emerald & Diamond Floral Halo Ring in Platinum
Located in Bloomington, MN
Emerald & Diamond Floral Halo Ring in Platinum This ring is crafted in platinum and features a 0.65-carat emerald-cut Colombian emerald set at the center. The emerald is surroun...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.