Vintage 2.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage solitaire ring features a sparkling 2.00 carat diamond at its centre.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, hallmarked 1965
Located in London, GB
With hallmarks dating to 1965, this timeless solitaire ring features a single round brilliant cut diamond at its centre. The 0.50 carat stone has colour of I and clarity of VS2. It i...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.01ct Cushion Diamond H VS2 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire setting is available upon request. This GIA certified natural 3.01 carat cushi...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 1.85ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1950s this stunning solitaire showcases a 1.85 carat transitional cut diamond as its centrepiece. With an I in colour and VS1 in clarity the diamond is of good quality,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1940s French Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage French 0.49 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold, platinum set solitaire ring; part our vintage jewelry/estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 7.01ct D SI1 Cushion Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Unmistakably rare and crafted by nature, this ...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.01ct H SI2 Cushion Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire is available upon request. Unmistakably rare and crafted by nature, this GIA c...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 3.05ct J VS2 Round Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Unmistakably rare and crafted by nature, this ...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage Princess Cut Diamond and White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.48 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire style engagement ring; part of our diverse vintage diamond jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA 1.20ct Oval Vintage Cathedral Snowflake Halo White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this ring ❤️ to receive price updates** Crafted from white gold , This exquisite diamond ring showcases an exquisite design that captivates with its unique blend of elegance a...
Diamond, White Gold
Antique and Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.42 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set solitaire engagement ring; part of our diamond jewelry and estate jewelry collectio...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Men's Ring - 10k Mine .38ct Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 10k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .38ct Cut: Mine Color: K Cl...
Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 4.01ct Cushion I VS1 Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose: this GIA certified natural 4.01 carat cushion cut diamond is available loose and can be mounted upon request. Excep...
Diamond, White Gold
White Gold Diamond Vintage Ring - 14k Single Cut Floral Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $35 or Down 1 size for $35 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .01ct Cut: Single Color: ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald Solitaire diamond ring 18KT gold
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Zambian emerald in 18KT yellow gold solitaire setting, modern bezel ring. The emerald is 1.80 carats at 9mm.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
0.22 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine vintage 0.22 carat diamond solitaire engagement ring crafted in contemporary 18 karat white gold with a platinum setting; part of our diamond jewellery collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
$1,140Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Rope Design Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.9 grams. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.05 ct. Totally is brilliant cut diamond 0.08 ct. The diamond is has G color and vs1 clarity. Ring siz...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$3,466Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 14.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make any size. Please contact fo...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 7.01ct Pear H SI2 Natural Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Offered loose, this GIA certified natural 7.0...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA 3.5 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond I VS1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose; mounting into the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Exceptionally rare and crafted by nature, this...
Diamond, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Salt and Pepper 1.32ct Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in New York, NY
This vintage ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a striking 1.32 carat salt and pepper diamond set as a solitaire.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 4.03ct Cushion Cut Diamond I SI1 Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; this GIA certified natural 4.03 carat cushion cut diamond is available loose and can be mounted upon request into t...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,491Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good conditioN. Total weight is 4.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.10 ct. The diamond is has F color and vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 5.75 We can make any size. The box is not i...
Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA Certified 5.02ct E VS2 Emerald Cut Diamond Loose or Set in Solitaire Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
**Save this diamond ❤️ to receive price updates** *Offered loose ; mounting in the pictured solitaire ring is available upon request. Remarkably rare and crafted by nature, this GIA...
Diamond, White Gold
$1,228Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 18k Gold Handcrafted Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.15 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.75 We can make any size. The box is not i...
Diamond, 18k Gold
$2,238Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1950s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is main rose cut diamond 0.56 ct. Totally is side brilliant cut diamond 0.25 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and G-H color...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Vintage Midcentury White Gold 1.3ctw Diamond Solitaire w/ Baguette Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity - 6.1mm - 0.90ct (approx.) Natural Genuine Diamonds - 18 Old Single Cut & 6 Bague...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
3.93 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.93 carat diamond and contemporary 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set solitaire engagement ring; part of our diverse jewelry and e...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
18 Carat Square Prasiolite Quartz and Diamond Gold Vintage Solitaire Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Vintage Prasiolite Quartz and Diamond Gold Solitaire Ring.
Diamond, Quartz, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Oval Emerald and RBC Diamond Gold Halo Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Oval Emerald and Diamond Gold Halo Solitaire Ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k White Gold 0.28ct Diamond Solitaire Scalloped Inspired Ornate Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity - 4.15mm - 0.28ct (approx.) Material: Solid 14k White Gold - Stamped 14k Weight:...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.5 Carat OEC Diamond Gold Solitaire Vintage Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage OEC Diamond and RBC Diamond Gold Solitaire Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
1.01 Carat Round Diamond Vintage Bezel 14K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Natural 1.01 carat round brilliant diamond bezel set solitaire ring in 14K white gold featuring H-I color and SI1 clarity with flush setting. Total weight 3.0 grams, 8mm bezel diamet...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Solitaire Two-Color Gold and Diamond Wave Engagement Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A unique design for a solitaire ring, this piece features a single diamond surrounded with a wave-like design of yellow gold, set on yellow gold. The diamond contrast with the gold a...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage White Gold 0.68ctw Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Promise Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Round Cut - Prong Set - I Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.58ct (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brill...
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Vintage IGI Certified 3.32 Carats solitaire diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Vintage solitaire diamond ring. A kind of classic design with a unique touch (the bicolor gold on the band of the ring) that makes it one of a kind!
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The vintage white gold, diamond solitaire ring features an antique 0.59 Ct Old European round cut diamond set in relief within a six claw / prong setting.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.12 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive vintage diamond solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier Round 0.25ct Diamond Ellipse 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Brilliant Cut Natural Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Band Ring Stunning yellow gold ring set with a fine 0.25ct (hallmarked) natural round diamond.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 2.10 Carat Princess Cut GSI Diamond Gold Solitaire Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! 2.10 Carat Princess Cut GSI Diamond and 0.45tcw Round Brilliant Cut Gold Solitaire Ring. Centering a Princess Cut GSI Diamond, weighing approx. 2.10 Carat. Surround...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold .35ct Round Illusion Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Illusion Prong Set - I Color - SI2 Clarity Total Carat Weight: 0.35 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weigh...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage French 1.38 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine, and impressive vintage French 1.38 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage jewellery and estate jewelry.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Gold Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring. Centering a Hand set securely nestled 0.90 Carat Old European Cut Diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18k Gold .45ct Round Diamond Squared Solitaire Filigree Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity- 0.45ct (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2.60 Grams Ring Size: 3...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage Marquise Diamond and Ruby Solitaire Gold Band Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Solitaire Vintage Solitaire Marquise Diamond and Ruby Gold Band Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950s Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.28 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold solitaire ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s 14k Yellow Gold Round Brilliant Solitaire Diamond Wide Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1970s diamond solitaire ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features a wide polished band with a single round brilliant cut diamond set at the center.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Men's Ring - 14k European .33ct Buttercup Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .33ct Cut: European Col...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1960s Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Solitaire engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive platinum set vintage 0.35 carat diamond solitaire ring in 18 karat yellow gold; part of our diamond jewellery and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
$1,185Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 carat. The diamond is has G color and s2. Ring size is US 7.2 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size....
Diamond, Gold
Victorian 18kt Gold Solitaire Ring with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This late Victorian-era ring is a stunning blend of elegance and craftsmanship, expertly crafted in 18kt yellow and white gold. At the center of this beautiful piece lies a full cut ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Cartier 0.30ct Round Diamond VVS Ellipse 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Vintage Cartier Round Brilliant Diamond 18k White Gold Solitaire Ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking solitaire ring featuring a centralised round faceted old European cut diamond.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1.52 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Solitaire Ring 1972
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.52 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set unisex solitaire ring; part of our diverse collection of engagement rings.
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold
1940s Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.36 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold, platinum set solitaire ring; part our vintage jewelry/estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
.15ct Vintage Solitaire Ring 14kt*
Located in New York, NY
Rope Twist Cluster .15ct Natural Round Cut Diamonds. Vs-2 clarity I color. 14kt yellow gold 1.9 Grams Overall ring: 6.2mm Depth: 6.8mm Current ring size: 5 May professional...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,097Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage Circa 1960s 9k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 carat. The diamond is has K color and s3 clarity. Ring size is US 8 Acid tested to be 9k real gold. We can ...
Diamond, 9k 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.”
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.