Victorian 1.90 carat old mine cut diamond 18k gold five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Victorian five stone ring showcases a beautifully matched row of five old mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.80 carats, displaying a soft, romantic sparkle with...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k Yellow Gold English J & P 1.25ctw Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique English ring is a beautifully important old mine diamond piece, centered by a remarkable 1.01ct old mine cut diamond and accented by additional diamonds for a total weig...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.01 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Warm, romantic, and full of presence, this modern engagement ring showcases a captivating 2.01 carat GIA-certified cushion brilliant diamond with the soft, glowing charm of old mine ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.54ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Belcher Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion-shaped old mine cut diamond, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to an 18 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Jade and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Weight: 11 grams Stone: 2.74ct Jade, approx 0.64tcw Old Mine Cut Diamonds Stone Grade: I-L VS2- SI1 Measurements: 19.5 x 17.3 x 6.2mm Ring Size: 7 Hallmark: 14k Metal: 13k Engrave...
Diamond, Jade, Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ring with .50ct center Old Mine Diamond
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1970s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.3 grams Diamond Details: .50ct, Old Mine Brilliant, H Color, VS Cla...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.61ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Belcher Solitaire Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising one old mine cut diamond, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Marquise-Shaped 18K Gold Ring with 0.70 ct Old-Mine Diamond & 18 Old mine
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This striking navette-style ring, crafted in warm 18K yellow gold (750‰), features a bezel-set old-mine–cut diamond of approximately 0.70 carat at its center.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$140,000Sale Price|20% Off
5.14 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring In 18K Yellow Gold, GIA Certified.
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Breathtaking beauty ! GIA Certified 5.14 carat old European brilliant diamond engagement ring beautifully hand crafted in 18k yellow gold and silver. The details are as follows :...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Top Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
The ring has old mine cut and rose cut diamonds in a beautiful design.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s 1.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Three-Stone X ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with 3 Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.50 carat. Circa 1960s Size 10 1/4, resizable
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian Solid Gold 1.19ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Repousse Belcher Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Brilliant Cut - Belcher Prong Set - J Color - VS1 Clarity - 1.19ct (exact - certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Com...
Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
10.34ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring 18K Gold, Symbol of Nobility & Royal Power
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Throughout history, the greatest rulers didn’t wear crowns alone. They wore rings of power! Rings that sealed empires. Rings that commanded loyalty. Rings that carried the weight of...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold
Old Mine Cushion Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Yellow Gold & Black Rhodium
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Stunning 20.66 ct. old mine white diamond cushion cut. Handmade in 18k yellow gold and black rhodium.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Rhodium
Antique Silver and 18k Gold Ring. Five Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Shared Prong
Located in New York, NY
"Other Details: Primary Stone: Diamond Total Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.40 Carats Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Jewelry Type: Diamond Five Stone Ring Style: Five Stone Ring, Shared P...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Early Art Deco 1.35 CT Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Antique Gypsy Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.35 carats N color with SI1 clarity - flush set in platinum-topped bombé surround Flanked by rounded shoulders with high...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian Gold 1.6ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Marquise Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Chunky old mine cut diamonds perfectly hand pave set in a hand made ring with original patina preserved!
Diamond, Gold
French Antique Edwardian 18k Gold & Platinum Turquoise Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Turquoise - Oval Cabochon - Prong Set - Robin's Egg Blue Color - 12.15 x 8.24mm (approx.) (16) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Fishtail Pav...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
The ring features old mine cut diamonds set in a checkboard pattern.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco Egyptian Revival Scarab Ring Banded Agate Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a museum quality Art Deco Egyptian Revival masterpiece. The ring is adorned with a central Scarab carved in Banded Agate of great beauty. The Scarab is accented by two Old ...
Diamond, Agate, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.74ct Old Mine Brilliant Cut K-color SI2-clarity Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent solitaire engagement ring showcasing a GIA-certified 4.74-carat Old Mine Brilliant Cut diamond, graded K color and SI2 clarity, elegantly presented in a timeless four-p...
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian Gold 3.5ctw GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond Cushion Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Old Mine Cushiony Cut - Prong Set - Great Red Color - No Heat - Natural Inclusions - Thailand - 1.50ct (approx.) ** See Certification Details...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Fancy Yellow Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
This gorgeous ring features a large chunky fancy yellow old mine cut diamond that has a GIA report.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Men's 14k Gold .30ct Belcher Old Mine Cut Diamond Grooved Pinky Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Brilliant Cut - Belcher Prong Set - F Color - SI2 Clarity - 0.30ct (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$1,564Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 18K Old Mine Cut Diamond Buckle Ring, Size 6.75, Chester 1897
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: This exquisite Victorian buckle ring features a sparkling old mine cut diamond set in rich 18K gold. Polished to enhance its timeless beauty, it captures the eleganc...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Solid Gold Old Mine Rose Cut Diamond Oval Swirl Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- Numerous Natural Genuine Diamonds - Ole Mine Cut Center & Old Rose Cut - Prong & Pave Set Total Carat Weight: 0.75 (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Nouveau 14k Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Hand Engraved Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
It features a fine diamond with a unique old mine cut diamond neatly prong set at the open center, weighing approximately 0.38 carats with near-colorless G color and excellent VS1 cl...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified Old Mine 4.7 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This elegant solitaire engagement ring features a magnificent 4.7 carat natural antique cushion brilliant cut diamond, showcasing exceptional presence and refined proportions. The d...
Diamond, White Diamond
French Retro 1.14 Carat GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Retro 1.14 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring composed of 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 0.90 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 14K Gold Engagement
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A distinguished Victorian engagement ring featuring a 0.90 carat diamond, expertly cut in an Old Mine style.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Platinum w/ Gold Fiery Old Mine Cut Diamond & Sapphire Platter Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s)– (4) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - few have warm yellow color - 1.25ctw (approx.) (1) Synthetic Sapphire- Square Step...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Victorian Opal .8 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Antique Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
Brilliant Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and Red Fire Diamonds 8 Old Mine Cut Diamonds Each diamond is approximately 3mm in diameter and .1 Carats Total Diamond Weight: Approximately...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Old Mine Diamond Ring 14K Gold Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Old Mine Diamond Ring 14K Gold Vintage This vintage ring is made in solid 14K White Gold for the top and Yellow gold for the shank.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.95ct Ruby & Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This ruby & diamond cluster ring is an incredible example. A ruby of approximately 0.90ct is set in a glittering halo of Old Mine-cut diamonds totalling approximately 0.45ct.
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$89,600Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 3 Carat Old Mine Brilliant Diamond Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A charming yellow gold solitaire ring featuring a GIA certified 3 carat Old Mine Brilliant cut natural diamond.
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Halo Engagement Ring - GIA.
Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Demantoid Engagement Ring
By Art Carved
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Demantoid Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold Cluster Ring with 2 ct Old Mine-Cut Diamonds & Accent Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Elevate your collection with this exquisite 18K yellow gold cluster ring, masterfully crafted in solid 750‰ gold and featuring a 0.50-carat old mine-cut diamond at its center, surrou...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 4.14 Ct. GIA Certified Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Import, Edwardian era 4.14 Ct. Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring composed of 18k yellow gold and platinum.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.03ct Old Mine Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant Art Deco solitaire ring is set with a GIA-certified 1.03-carat Old Mine Brilliant cut diamond, displaying the beautiful character and charm associated with early hand-cu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian old mine cut fancy color diamond 18k rose gold bezel engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A rare and romantic treasure from the turn of the century, this Victorian engagement ring showcases a captivating one-carat old mine cut diamond in a natural fancy brownish yellow hue.
Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Belcher Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
This amazing Victorian old mine cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18k White Gold .37ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond Buttercup Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-Stone(s):- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Buttercup Prong Set - Faint Yellow Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.37ctw (exact ) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2.65 Grams ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Victorian Opal Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring 18K Gold Antique Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
The four antique Old Mine Cut Diamonds are absolutely stunning with brilliantly white color.
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Scrollwork Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A timeless heirloom, it combines classic gemstones with artisanal craftsmanship. Ring Size: FR 55 / US 7 Period: Mid-20th Century (c. 1950s–1960s) Style: Vintage Retro-Scroll Clus...
Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold
Victorian Pearl & Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in 18K Gold, 19th Century
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Specifications Style: Victorian, 19th Century Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰) Stones: 12 Old Mine Cut Diamonds, approx. 0.52 carat total 1 Central Pearl, likely natural Ring Size...
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
Art Deco Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring 14 Karat Gold Wedding Engagement Ring Antique
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning Antique Edwardian - Art Deco Diamond Engagement Wedding Ring with 3 gorgeous white Old Mine Cut Diamonds set in a classic setting in 14 Karat Yellow Gold.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Mario Buccellati Old Mine Cut Diamond Three-Stone Bombe Ring
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
The ring also features two Old Mine cut warm colored diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.00 carat, two Rose cut Diamonds, and filigree.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Rare Antique Tiffany & Co. Yellow Gold Emerald Old Mine Cut Diamond Halo Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Montclair, NJ
–Stone(s): – (1) Natural Genuine Emerald - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Green Color - Original Emerald - 0.40ctw (approx.) (8) Natural Genuine Diamond - Chunky Old Mine Cu...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco 1930s 1.67 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum over 14K yellow gold with an Old Mine cut Diamond weighing 1.67 carats, J color, VS1 clarity.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Vintage 13-14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Ring Size 4.75 #23089
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 12-14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Size 4 This vintage yellow gold ring features a sparkling old mine cut diamond set in an elegant square white gold setting that enhances its ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian 1900 Rosetta Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Old mine Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
At its center lies an old mine-cut diamond, weighing approximately 0.32 carats, graded H color with SI2-I1 clarity, radiating a soft, antique sparkle.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.20 carat old mine cut diamond 18k yellow gold silver five stone band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Set with 5 old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.20 carats total, the ring offers the soft, hand-cut sparkle that makes Victorian diamond jewelry so beloved.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Ring with old mine cut diamond up to 0.75ct 14k gold 2.7 grams
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring with old mine-cut diamond up to 0.75 ct – G/H - VS/SI - ring size US 5.5 – EU 16(50) Detailed description The top of the ring is 1.3 cm wide and 3.7 mm high.
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Edwardian French 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
This gorgeous antique Edwardian old mine cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow and white gold.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Mid Century 1950 Tiffany & Co GIA Flawless 2 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very good Era: Mid Century Year: 1950s (Diamond 1880s) Metal: 18 Karat yellow gold with purity, hallmark and carat weight Diamond: Carat Weight: 2.03 Cut: Old Mine Cushio...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique English 18k Gold 1.4ct Chunky Old Mine Cut Diamond 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Fishtail Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - Near Colorless - Nice Old Cuts Total Carat Weight: 1.40 (approx.)
Diamond, 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.
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.