18k Gold & Platinum 5.51ctw GIA Sapphire Old Mine Cut Yellow Diamond Bezel Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Octagonal Cut - Prong Set - Brilliant Blue Color - Clean - No Heat - Ceylon - 3.49ct (exact) ** See Certification Details Below for Comp...
Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1960's Old Mine Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Belcher Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 1.30 carat total - N color with SI1 clarity Set via deeply pierced belcher claw prongs Flanked by tri-split shoulders With gr...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA 2.14 ct Fancy Yellow Old Mine Cut Diamond in Art Deco Style Mounting
Located in Nashville, TN
A luscious, natural, sunshine-filled, GIA® 2.14 carat Old Mine Cut fancy yellow diamond is set in a mil-grained bezel and flanked on either side by a half moon cut diamond.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.29ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
There is so much detailing in this piece of art, reflecting the intricate craftsmanship and exquisite attention to detail representative of the early 20th Century. An impressive 1.2...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Onyx Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Silver Top Old Mine Diamond Onyx Shield Ring.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Vintage Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Engagment Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Vintage 14k gold ring centered with 1 old mine cut diamond estimate weight of 0.70 carats H colour white vvs clearity excellent cut and spark flanked with several old mine cut diamon...
Belle Epoque Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring 18 Karat Gold Engagement Crown Tiara
Located in New York, NY
This is an extraordinary antique Belle Epoque Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in a stunning and very rare Crown or Tiara motif of great beauty. The Old Mine Cut Diamonds are set in Silve...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Belle Époque French GIA 1.52 carat old mine cut diamond 18k gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Belle Époque French ring centers on a radiant 1.52 carat old mine cut diamond, certified by GIA #2536480164, displaying exceptional brightness with its F color and SI1...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
1.50 Carat Old Mine Diamond Split-Shank Solitaire Engagement Ring in Yellow Gold
By Bracken Jewelers
Located in Santa Monica, CA
A split-shank solitaire engagement ring featuring a 1.50 carat “new” old mine cut diamond, handcrafted by Bracken Jewelers in Los Angeles, California.
Diamond, 22k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Old Cut Diamond Knot Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically designed knot ring. This substantial heavy piece has been crafted from a toned 9ct gold and showcases a chunky knotted face which plays host to an oval fac...
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Belle Époque French GIA 1.52 carat old mine cut diamond 18k gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Belle Époque French ring centers on a radiant 1.52 carat old mine cut diamond, certified by GIA #2536480164, displaying exceptional brightness with its F color and SI1...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique 14k Yellow Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Swirl Motif Ring
Located in New York, NY
Step back into the romance of a bygone era with this exquisite antique ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, centered on a beautifully faceted old mine-cut diamond, and gracefully framed ...
Edwardian 1890 Ring in 14kt yellow Gold and Silver with Old mine Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Surrounding the centerpiece are eight Old Mine Cut diamonds, with a combined approximate weight of 0.40 carats, graded H-J color and SI2 clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a lovely diamond cluster ring. At the centre of this open face we find single chunky round faceted old mine cut diamond.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian 2.11 CT Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old mine cut diamond weighing 2.11 carat - G color with SI1 clarity Set in an eight pronged mounting with pierced arch motif gallery Flanked by subtle knife edge should...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Gold 0.45ctw 3 Old Chunky Mine Cut Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Chunky Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds Total Carat Weight: 0.45 (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
STELTMAN ring with three old mine cut diamonds up to 2.60ct 18k gold
By Steltman
Located in The Hague, ZH
Please contact me by email after purchase and before shipping set with - 1 x 7.5 mm old mine cut diamond total approx. 1.20 carat color J/K clarity SI - 2 x 5.8 mm old mine cut d...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Men's Gold Silver Top Old Mine Cut Diamond 3 Stone Wide Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Synthetic Emerald - Square Step Cut - Pave Set - Green Color - 4.7x4.6mm (approx.) (2) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - G Color - SI1 Clarity - ...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
GIA 1.67 carat old mine cut diamond 18k gold engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Radiating warmth and exceptional clarity, this modern engagement ring showcases a 1.67 carat GIA-certified cushion brilliant diamond whose old mine influence is seen in its romantic,...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful diamond cluster ring from the Edwardian era. This piece features a centralised rub-over set round faceted old cut diamond that is surrounded by an open sunbu...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 14k Yellow Gold Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Mine Diamond Burma Ruby Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage Old Mine Cut Diamond East West Cluster Ring in Polished 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal Purity: 14 Karat White & Yellow Gold Gemstones: Diamond Diamond Total Carat Weight: 2.64 CTW Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Diamond Color: G–H Diamond Clarity: SI–I Ring Size: 8 Rin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
GIA Certified 2.04ct Toi et Moi Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This elegant Toi et Moi ring features two GIA-certified old mine cut diamonds weighing 1.02 carats each, creating a perfectly balanced and symbolic design.
Diamond, 14k Gold
René Boivin Sculptural Gold Ring w/ 6.02 Carat Old Mine-Cut Diamond, Circa 1960
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
sculptural René Boivin ring dating from the 1960s, set at its centre with a remarkable 6.02-carat old mine cushion-cut diamond, white in colour and of SI clarity, showcased by a bold...
Diamond, 18k Gold
14k Yellow Gold 1.52ctw Old Mine Cushion Sapphire Diamond Bypass Moi Et Toi Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Old Mine Cut - Burnish Set - Vivid Blue Color - 1.0ct (approx.) (1) Natural Genuine Diamond -Old Mine Cushion Cut - Burnish Set - Nice B...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian old cut diamond 18k yellow gold and silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This delicate Edwardian ring showcases a charming arrangement of 12 old mine and rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, each stone reflecting the individuality and char...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.90ct Opal and 0.90ct Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
- Victorian antique opal & diamond engagement ring - 0.90ct vibrant opal centre - Six Old Mine-cut diamonds totalling approx. 0.90ct - Antique (Victorian) circa 1837-1901 - 18K...
Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large Cabochon Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Large Cabochon Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Halo Ring Description: This statement ring features a significant 27.12-carat oval cabochon ruby with a high-domed profile and a saturated ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver
$1,624Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian 18K Sapphire & Old Mine Cut Diamond Celestial Star Ring, Size 7
Located in Upland, CA
About This Ring: This Edwardian 18K gold ring showcases three delicate stars, each centered with a precious stone, two blue sapphires and one old mine cut diamond.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Antique 2.9ct Old Mine & European-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring, 1890
Located in Firenze, IT
In the center is set an Old Mine-cut diamond of approximately 1.10 carats, which is flanked by two European-cut diamonds of approximately 0.90 carats each.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Soltaire ring with old mine cut diamond up to 3.40ct M/N SI1 18k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k yellow gold solitaire ring with old mine cut diamond total 3.40ct – M/N – SI1 - ring size U.S. 6.5 – EU. 17(53) Detailed description the top of the ring is 1.1 cm wide and 9.1 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Snake Ring
Located in London, GB
The head of the snake is adorned with silver set round faceted old mine cut diamonds, showcasing a captivating white sparkle.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning cluster ring featuring a chunky old cushion cut diamond at the centre of the face.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Circa 1890s 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Cluster Navette Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1890s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.6 grams Diamond Details: Weight: .90 ct total weight Cut: Old European brilliant...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 15ct rose gold antique diamond cluster ring. The ring features a central 0.45 carat old cut diamond that is surrounded by a further 12 smaller old cut diamonds. E...
Diamond, 15k Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
At its center rests a captivating Old European cut fancy yellow diamond of SI clarity, radiating warmth and vintage charm.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 2.45ct Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
- Victorian antique diamond cluster engagement ring - 1.10ct Old-cut centre diamond - Nine Old-cut diamonds totalling approximately 1.35ct - 2.45ct approx. total - Antique (Victor...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
0.65 Carat Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an charming diamond solitaire ring. This piece has been crafted from recycled antique 18ct yellow gold and set with a 0.65 carat old cut diamond amidst an undulating bor...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Mens Diamond Ring 14K Gold Band Old Mine .93TDW Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This amazing vintage ring for a gentleman is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold for the top and set with white and fiery Old mine cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
$10,320Sale Price|20% Off
19th Century Tiffany & Co. Antique Opal Ring with Old Mine cut Diamonds in 14k
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Sausalito, CA
Encircling the opal are 12 Old Mine–cut diamonds, totaling approximately 1.50 carats, graded H–I color and VS1 clarity.
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
Antique Old Cut Diamond Cluster Flower Ring Silver/14k Yellow Gold
Located in South Pasadena, CA
Circa early 1900's. This ring is dainty but packs a punch with a mix of sparkly old mine cut and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
10mm Natural Saltwater Pearl Ring. Old mine Diamond Halo Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Primary Stone: Pearl Primary Stone Weight: Approx. 21-Chows Secondary Stone: Diamonds Secondary Stone Weight: Approx. 1.40-Carats Secondary Stone Cut: Old Mine Cut Jewelry Type: Co...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Peruzzi Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Old Peruzzi Cut Diamond Navette Ring. This incredible Victorian old Peruzzi cut diamond navette ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. This b...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14k Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Old Mine Diamond Flush Set Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
This gorgeous ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold. The center holds an old mine cut diamond and has two natural vivid red rubies on each side.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
$2,145Sale Price|40% Off
Antique Old Mine Diamond and Sapphire Platinum + 14K Yellow Gold Ring ca. 1900's
Located in New York, NY
This antique ring, handcrafted in Platinum and 14K yellow gold, features exceptional deep blue sapphires and old mine-cut diamonds in a low-profile setting designed for both comfort ...
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Antique Victorian Old Mine Diamond and Opal 14k Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Orlando, FL
Specifications: 14k rosy yellow gold Total weight: 2.8 grams Ring size: 6.25 (resizable) Head measures approx. 29.3 mm long x 8.1 mm wide Shank tapers from approx. 2.2 mm to 1.3 mm G...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Cut Diamond Floral Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Cut Diamond Floral Ring. This beautiful Edwardian old cut diamond floral ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum pron...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian ring with old mine and rose cut diamonds up to 0.50ct 14k gold, silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold and silver ring with old mine cut and rose cut diamond total 0.50ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 8.75 - EU. 18.75(59) Detailed description the top of the ring is 2.5...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver
Mens Diamond Ring 14K Gold Band .75ct Old Mine Solitaire Vintage
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Mens Diamond Ring 14K Gold Band .75ct Old Mine Solitaire Vintage This amazing vintage ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow Gold and set with a solitaire Old Mine cut diamond.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.53 Carat Ruby Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate(1890s) Birmingham England Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Old Mine Cut Natural Ruby Carat Weight: Approximately 0.53 Carats Accent Stones: Two Old M...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ring with emerald and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.80ct 14k gold and silver
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold with silver ring set with emerald and old mine cut diamonds totaling 0.60ct – G/H - SI - ring size U.S. 6 – EU. 16.5(52) detailed description: The top of the ring i...
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver
Ring with ruby verneuille and old mine cut diamonds up to 0.30ct 14k gold
Located in The Hague, ZH
14k yellow gold ring set with ruby and old mine cut diamond up to 0.30 ct - F/G - VS/SI - ring size US 10.25 - EU 20 (63) Detailed description: The top of the ring is 7.4 mm wide...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.56ct Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Prong Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold in the center with: One (1) old mine cut natural diamond: Measurements: 4.10mm - 3.10mm in diameter x ~2.52mm in depth.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$16,800Sale Price|40% Off
3.88 Carat Total Three-Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Elongated 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
It features three Old Mine cut diamonds, all prong set and arranged in a single vertical column.
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold Top [Hallmarked, and...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Late Art Deco old mine Diamond 0.80 crt solitaire ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An elegant and timeless 14k yellow gold solitaire ring, showcasing a beautiful old brilliant-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.80 carats.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Old Mine Diamond Natural Sapphire Platinum Wedding Engagement Ring Victorian
Located in New York, NY
This is an absolutely stunning Old Mine Cut Diamond, Natural Sapphire and Pearl, Platinum and Gold Antique Art Deco - Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring.
Diamond, Sapphire, Pearl, Platinum, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself.
Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.
Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.
For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.
Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.
In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so.
Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.
Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle.
BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.
A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in.
Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.
Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.
Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
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