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1980s Center Pear Shape Emerald with Round Emeralds and Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring is finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with center pear shape emerald weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Emerald And Diamond Set Ring, 18 Carat Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
1980s/1990s in very good condition, set with emeralds for approximately 2.33 carats in total and a
Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald-Cut Emerald Ring with Diamonds
Located in McKinney, TX
Brilliant & Vivid Emerald Ring in 14k Yellow Gold with Diamond Accents. Features one emerald-cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold

Diamond Emerald Australian Pearl White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful ring in 14 kt white gold, all enriched with 3.03 ct emeralds, 4.16 ct diamonds, and
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

1970s Bulgari Cabochon Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
gold ring. Both shanks of the ring are set with twenty bright and white baguette diamonds.The baguette
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
sparkling round diamonds and 0.50 carats of vivid green emeralds. Circa 1980s. Measurements: 0.11" (3mm
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Men s Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold men's ring channel set with twelve square step cut emeralds, approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 23.68 Carat Aquamarine and 0.52 Carat Diamond, Platinum Ring Circa 1980
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
platinum. The ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card. A vintage
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Ruby Emerald Stackable Yellow Gold Rings
Located in Napoli, NA
A fine and impressive vintage 0.25 carat ruby, 0.25 carat diamond, 0.25 carat emerald and 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

1980s Columbian Emerald And Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Gorgeous Emerald & Diamond Gold Vintage Band. The color play is exquisite between the green
Category

Vintage 1980s Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1980s Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire and Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Chic 1980's 18 karat yellow gold ring with a center navette shaped design set with 7 round
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Ye...

GIA Cert Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful ring fine color Emerald and Diamond yellow gold ring. GIA cert# 2145648609. 1 GIA
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamond Three Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Emerald & Diamond Three Stone Cocktail Ring GIA Certified Octagonal Shape Step Cut Emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1980s Emerald Diamond Sapphire Platinum 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This wellmade Estate Green genuine Emerald Cocktail Ring is inspired in the Art Deco Era, It is
Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Platinum

White Diamonds, Emeralds, White Gold Fashion Band Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
white diamonds and little emeralds. Diamonds 0.62 ct Central and Little Emeralds 0.85 ct Total Weight
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Wishbone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
of diamonds. The diamonds total 60pts. Modelled in 18carat gold. Fully hallmarked London 1979. Ring
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Wishbone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous band holds four emeralds measuring a total of 40pts and in between there are diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 14 Carat Gold Wishbone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamonds. The diamonds total 16pts. Modelled in 14carat gold. Ring Size: M or 6 1/4 Weight: 2.2g
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Contrarié Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
diamonds and,for every flower,three strands of diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pearl, Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
diamonds weighing approximately .08 carats, G color, SI clarity. The face of this beautiful ring measures
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Total diamond weight: 1.75cts Total emerald weight:-1.22cts Ring size: 6 1/2 (Sizable) This
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Emerald Baguette Diamond Yellow Gold Ballerina Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This classic estate ballerina cocktail ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and set with with a
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Graff Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Ring
By Graff
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
emeralds tastefully making a heart framed with a row of twelve round brilliant cut diamonds. The emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamonds Blue Sapphires Rubies Emeralds Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
of diamonds, 5.95 ct of emeralds blue sapphires and rubies. Diamonds ct 0.23 Emeralds - sapphires
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Graff Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Graff
Located in New York, NY
emerald stones of an estimated 0.50 carats and sparkling diamonds of an estimated 0.50 carats. Made in
Category

Vintage 1980s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Diamond Gold Flower Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Flower Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 52 diamonds VVS1
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage 2 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring 14 Karat
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2 Carat Emerald & Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring. The ring features a center 1 carat green
Category

Vintage 1980s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Four Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds four emeralds which total 60pts and in between them sit three pairs of
Category

Vintage 1980s British Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Gold

Diamond Heart Cut Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Romantic Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This exquisite bright, vivid ring represents the spark of love and luxury. Crafted in 18K Yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s North American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Oval Sapphire Emerald Pave Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Solid 18k yellow gold dome oval bezel set sapphire emerald pave diamond gold cocktail ring. 1
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds an emeralds which measures 75pts and either side of them sit two trios of
Category

Vintage 1980s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Diamonds, Sapphires, Rubies, Emeralds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Band Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Band ring in 14k rose gold with beautiful decorations of emeralds, rubies, blue sapphires and
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Estate Emerald Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in US
Green/ Clarity VS Total Emerald Weight : 0.50 carats Second Stone: 0.30 cts Natural Diamonds G- VS/SI
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Vintage Colombian Emerald Triangular Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in US
Classic engagement ring that is centered with an natural square-cut emerald from Colombia with
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum

Diamonds, Tsavorite, Rubies, Emeralds, Rose Gold and Silver Beetle Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
emerald on the neck. All the neck and the wings are studded with diamonds. In addition, the rest of the
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Diamonds, Tsavorite, Rubies, Emeralds, Rose Gold and Silver Beetle Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
diamonds. In addition, the rest of the body is studded with tsavorite. The stem of the ring is movable
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage French and Italian Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Split Shank Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French and Italian Emerald Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Split Shank Ring. Featuring one oval
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Coral Rose, Sapphires, Emeralds, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Retro Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
gold studded with diamonds, emeralds and blue sapphires. The origin of this ring dates probably back to
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow and White Gold Dome Shaped Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
This 18 K white and yellow Gold emerald and diamond dome shaped cocktail ring features a nice bezel
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

J.E. Caldwell platinum diamond sapphire ruby emerald cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage J.E. Caldwell platinum ring combines dazzling diamonds with vibrant emeralds
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Sapphire and Ruby Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
an emerald, sapphire, ruby and very high color graded diamonds. The ring is a very good gauge of gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Emerald in this ring measures 1ct and is a great colour. Either side sits a trio of diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Diamonds, Tsavorite, Rubies, Emeralds, 9 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Beetle Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
with diamonds. In addition, the rest of the body is studded with tsavorite. This ring is totally
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Tsavorite, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage 14K White Gold Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York City, NY
A unique vintage ring from the 1980’s featuring three VS quality emerald diamonds set in a
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The wonderful bright emerald at the centre of this cluster measures approximately 30pts and is
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Erte "Peacock" Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Erté
Located in Chicago, IL
inch wide. Centrally set with a Marquise Emerald and surrounded by Diamonds. Finger size 6 3/4. Signed
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Coral Diamonds Emeralds Rubies Sapphires Rose Gold and Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Charming ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver, (length 3.8
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

GIA Certified 3.53 Carat Columbian Emerald Diamond Halo 2 Piece Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Tustin, CA
prong-set round brilliant diamond in 14 karat yellow gold. Removable ring guard fits around the emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning cluster boasts a 35pt emerald at the centre of it. Surrounding the beautiful green
Category

Vintage 1980s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Retro Boucheron Paris Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Retro Boucheron Paris Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring. Featuring three rectangular emeralds
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Inspired French GIA Colombian Emerald Diamond Onyx 18k Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Inspired Vintage French GIA Colombian Emerald, Diamond, and Onyx 18k Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Plat...

Vintage 1.20 Carat Emerald and Diamonds 4-Row Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.20 Carat Emerald and Diamonds 4-Row Ring 18k Gold. The center emerald weights approx 0.50
Category

Vintage 1980s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

8.50 Carat Emerald and Diamond Set White Gold Ring GIA
Located in Litchfield, CT
brilliant diamonds, this ring is the ultimate in big gemmy looks. The large emerald is brightly hued and
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Luise Pearl Sapphire Ruby Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Luise Gioielli
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
divided by single sapphires (total 5.34 carat) & diamonds (0.45 carat). 14 Kt white gold ring US Size
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, White ...

Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has G color and vvs-vs. Totally is emerald about 4 carat. Ring size is US 6.4 (We offer free
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Citrine Diamonds Rubies Sapphires Emeralds Rose Gold and Silver Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
cocktail ring in 9 kt gold and silver structure, 5.0 cm x 3.1 cm long, embellished with 0.28 ct diamonds, a
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Citrine, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Silver, Rose Gold

Vintage 12k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Emerald Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-H color and vvs-vs clarity. Totally is emerald 0.40 ct. Ring size is US 7.2 (We offer free resizing
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

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Diamond Emerald Ring 1980 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate diamond emerald ring 1980 for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a diamond emerald ring 1980 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic diamond emerald ring 1980 over the years, but those made by Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. An emerald cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and mixed cut versions for sale. Finding a diamond emerald ring 1980 for sale for women should be easy, but there are 180 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Diamond Emerald Ring 1980?

Prices for a diamond emerald ring 1980 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $245 and can go as high as $1,050,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,301.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

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 ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

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 ringsvintage 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.