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French 1970s 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Wedding Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. This white gold diamond wedding band is adorned
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Amazing Coral Claw Ring
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Coral Claw Ring from the 1970's with a massive white coral bead set in an 18k textured claw
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Open Work Abstract Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
18 carat white gold. The piece boasts a beautiful array of round brilliant cut diamonds and princess
Category

Vintage 1970s European Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. This lovely daisy ring is set with a central oval emerald held in 4
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.25ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the 1970s and centres around a lively green emerald. The 1.25
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

French 1970s Emerald Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats white gold, head of eagle hallmark. It comes straight from the 1970s, this
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Cartier Six Stone Diamond Love Heart Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier six stone diamond love heart ring in 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is designed
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 1970s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Petals Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Lovely retro ring, it represents a flower whose
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s 2.19Ct Cabochon Cut Chrysoberyl and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
) and verified as 18k gold. The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Chrysoberyl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Floral Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds circa 1970s
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautiful 1970's custom made floral motif ring designed with 14 karat gold, 4 white diamonds .25
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s Frascarolo Bull Ring
By Frascarolo
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and black enamel with Single cut Diamonds and Round cut Rubies as
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Retro 18kt White Gold Cabochon Rubelite And Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Set with an oval cabochon rubelite weighing approximately 5carats to the old-cut diamond surround
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, White Gold, 18k Gold

CARTIER Paris Mimi Ring Band In 18Kt Gold With 2.36 Ctw In Rubies Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
France by the jewelry house of Cartier. The ring has been crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

BLACK STARR FROST Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 4.45 Ctw In Diamonds Emeralds
By Black, Starr Frost
Located in Miami, FL
, “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend.” Collateral: This Black Starr & Frost ring is accompanied by a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring, circa 1975
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with an octagonal
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

OSCAR HEYMAN Cocktail Ring 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.52 Ctw In Diamonds Rubies
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The ring is embellished with a gorgeous
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Kutchinsky vintage 18kt yellow gold 0.36ct. round brilliant Diamond Band Ring
By Kutchinsky
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Kutchinsky diamond band ring crafted in 18kt yellow gold. The ring is grain-set with
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Jean Dinh Van 18 Karat Gold Anthea Ring with Diamonds
By Jean Dinh Van
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Jean Dinh Van ‘Anthéa’ 18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds This vintage late 1970's, early
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage 1.00ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This captivating vintage cluster ring dates back to the 1970. At its centre, a 1.00 carat emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

GUCCI Milano GG Running Ring Band In Solid 18Kt White Gold And VS Diamonds
By Gucci
Located in Miami, FL
ring is excellent. Besides the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 35 diamonds are
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Amethyst Peridot Orange Light Blue Topaz Iolite Garnet Rose Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 18K rose gold mounted with an amethyst in the center (12mm X 10mm) and white
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, Garnet, Iolite, Peridot, Topaz, 18k Gold, Rose ...

Diamonds Amethyst Peridots Orange Light Blue Topaz Iolite Garnet Rose Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 18K rose gold mounted with special amethyst in the center and white diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Topaz, Peridot, Iolite, Garnet, White Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Rose ...

Vintage 18 kt White Gold Rosette Cluster Diamonds ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A vintage 18 kt witgouden rozet-cluster ring is een elegante en klassieke ring met een rozetvormig
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

MIKIMOTO Tahitian Pearl Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 9.33 Ctw Rubies Diamonds
By Mikimoto
Located in Miami, FL
jewelry company of Mikimoto. The cocktail ring has been crafted in solid white gold of 18 karats with high
Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Rhod...

1970s Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats white gold. Elegant vintage marquise ring with gold wire basket and band. The
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Citrine Zebra Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted with black enamel over 18k white gold with a Citrine at the center weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 1.55ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful green emerald takes centre stage in this vintage cluster ring. The oval cut emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
blue stones are pairs of diamonds measuring 4pts per pair. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold
Category

Vintage 1970s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.20ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring features a vivid blue heated sapphire at its centre weighing 1.20 carat
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Piaget Enamel Invisible Set Sapphire Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
By Piaget
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Invisible Set Sapphire Enamel Ring by Piaget. With 8 princess cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful 1.00 carat ruby features in the centre of this vintage trilogy ring. The round cut ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

GIA CERTIFIED Huge Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 54.31 Ctw Sapphire Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
blue star sapphire of 50.01 carats and eighty-four white colorless diamonds. This cocktail ring is a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, Wh...

Diamond 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold Textured Bombé Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Offering a stunning sparkle and timeless elegance, this bold cocktail ring is a true statement
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Dome Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 3.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful vintage cluster ring features a stunning emerald cut sapphire at its centre. The
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Chunky Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 18ct gold band holds three glistening diamonds totalling 1 carat with the central
Category

Vintage 1970s British Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

4.27 Carat Emerald, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central emerald and, laterally, a diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1973
Located in London, GB
This charming Vintage cluster ring centres around a deep red ruby. The 0.60 carat ruby is an oval
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

OSCAR HEYMAN Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 2.64 Ctw In Diamonds And Rubies
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The ring is embellished with a gorgeous selection of
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Vintage Invisibly Set Diamond Sapphire Large Boule Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef Arpels Paris Vintage Invisibly Set Diamond Sapphire Large Boule Ring From Our
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Paul Binder Swiss Modern Tahitian Pearl and Diamond Ring
By Paul Binder
Located in Litchfield, CT
, designed this modernist ring to feature a gorgeous Tahitian black pearl set with cascading white diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s European Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Cocktail Ring 18kt Gold Platinum with 2.65 Cts Emerald and Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
Cocktail ring Designed by David Webb (1925-1975). Beautiful and colorful collector's piece
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

FRENCH Modernist Geometric Ring In 18Kt Gold With 52.40 Ctw Diamonds Tiger Eye
Located in Miami, FL
A French geometric sculptural cocktail ring. This is a beautiful statement modernist cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tiger s Eye, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Characteristic of the cocktail rings of its era
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1970s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Retro Flake Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This enchanting vintage ring features a flake
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond and White Gold Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Very elegant Art Deco style three stone ring . Approx. weight of the center stones : 0,55 ct. (G
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 1970s Aquamarine Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Important marquise ring, it is decorated with an
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Van Cleef Arpels 24.29 Carat Cushion Cut Yellow Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with a GIA certified Cushion cut Diamond, Fancy Yellow color
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 3.29 Carat Emerald and 1.75 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 3.29 carat natural emerald and 1.75 carat diamond 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Called a marquise ring because of its shuttle
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Marquise Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Beautiful Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond ring from the 1970’s era. Featuring a .50ct
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

G.I.A. No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Halo Handmade Princess Diana Style Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
G.I.A. No Heat Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Halo Handmade Princess Diana Style Ring Sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 2.05 Carat Garnet and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 2.05 carat garnet and 0.08 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Vintage Ring in 18Kt Gold with 1.78 Ctw in VS Diamonds and Citrine
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A ring designed by Cartier. Very cute piece hand crafted in solid 18 karats yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Malaya Garnet Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Oval Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, gazelle head hallmark. Characteristic of its era, this vintage ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
. Diamond total 11pts. Stones set in platinum and band modelled in 18ct gold and fully hallmarked London
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Gold Diamond Parrot Cockatoo Bird Ring
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning 18K Yellow gold Bird ring. The workmanship on this is exquisite. Hallmark is illegible
Category

Vintage 1970s French Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

1970s Italian Liquid Design Ring
Located in New York, NY
A fun 18kt gold ring of unusual liquid form design, highlighted by fine brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

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Diamond Ring 18k 1970 For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact diamond ring 18k 1970 you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 2721 vintage or 4 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a diamond ring 18k 1970 may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing diamond ring 18k 1970 — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and David Webb each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and brilliant cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a diamond ring 18k 1970, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Diamond Ring 18k 1970?

On average, a diamond ring 18k 1970 at 1stDibs sells for $4,203, while they’re typically $340 on the low end and $495,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Diamond Ring 18k 1970
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The mark 18K on a ring stands for 18-karat gold. 18-karat signifies that the ring is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, zinc or nickel. The additional metals strengthen the ring, making it more durable. Shop a range of expertly vetted 18-karat jewelry on 1stDibs.