Skip to main content

Diamond Ring 18k 1970

to
151
2,539
2,459
979
532
183
2,491
488
381
313
276
2,542
3
1
2
15
2,493
1
1,573
952
22
514
387
162
132
112
to
165
110
69
38
36
326
247
190
46
36
14
8
7
7
3
3
2
2,521
26
1,537
952
Sort By
Vintage 1.00ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1979
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Victorian style ring showcases a central old cut diamond, flanked by round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This classic cluster ring holds a central sapphire and diamonds around the edges. The sapphire is a
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 Carat White Gold Large Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, England, 1973
Located in London, GB
This absolutely stunning 8x1 diamond cluster ring is set with a 1.53 carat round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s English Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Diamond and gold dome pinky ring by CF Carlman, Stockholm, Sweden.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
1972, topped with 0.4cts old european cut diamonds set in 18kt gold. Dome pinky ring. Approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This timeless 1970s trilogy ring features a vibrant blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by a pair
Category

Vintage 1970s British Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18K White Gold Round Cut Eternity Wedding Band - Size 7
Located in Great Neck, NY
wedding band is crafted in 18k white gold. There are round cut diamonds going around the entire ring and
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Various Shapes Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Various Shapes Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald & Diamond 18k Gold Dome Ring. The total approx carat
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

BOUCHERON Paris Clover Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.94 Ctw In Diamonds Rubies
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
vivid red rubies. Diamonds: Mounted in French pave settings, with 18 calibrated round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18 carat Yellow gold Vintage ring with 3.00 ct Garnet and Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
content: 18 KT (hallmarked) Garnet ) – approx. 3.00 crt Natural diamonds – approx. 0.25 crt H/SI Sizes
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pair of 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond Ruby and Sapphire Nesting Rings
By effegi
Located in New York, NY
Two is better than one. A very easy to wear set of rings. Both rings are designed in 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

South Sea Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cluster Flower Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This charming cluster engagement ring, exquisitely crafted from 18 carat white gold, is centred
Category

Vintage 1970s English Romantic Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18-kt Yellow Gold and Diamond and South Sea Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
- 18-kt Yellow Gold - Approximately 1.5 carats of square-cut diamonds - Approximately 1.5 carats of
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamonds either side of the opal total 15pts each side. The ring itself is modelled in 18ct gold. London
Category

Vintage 1970s British Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

KURT WAYNE Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.71 Ctw Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
. Traditionally, the jeweler used 18 K gold and precious stones – emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc. Item
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 5.91 Carat Sapphire Diamond Gold Dome Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Sapphire and diamond ring. Cushion brilliant cut center sapphire in a cluster of round and rose
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1977
Located in London, GB
A vibrant natural ruby is set between two diamonds in this beautiful trilogy ring dated c.1977. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Cluster Spray Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Crossover Style
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring Size: 5.5 This exquisite diamond and ruby ring absolutely bursts with sparkle! The unique
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.70ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
This 1970s ring was made in petite proportions to centre a round brilliant cut diamond between a
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1.90ct Ruby and 2.95ct Diamond Bombé Ring by CF Carlman, Stockholm, 1971
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
1.90ct Ruby and 2.95ct Diamond Bombé Ring by CF Carlman, Stockholm, 1971 Bold, colorful, and
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 1970s 3 Carat No Heat Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Sublime daisy ring, it presents in the center an
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Oval Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold Cluster Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1970s, this standout dress ring offers a beautiful blend of subtle radiance and
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1970s Bombe Diamond Emerald Sapphire Ruby 18 Karat Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This fashionable circa 1980's Estate Retro cocktail ring is crafted in solid 18K yellow gold. It is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.85ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
A vivid oval ruby is flanked by round brilliant diamonds in this three stone ring from the 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1973 Geometric Onyx Ring 18kt Gold with 1.45ctw in Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
with checkerboard patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, with high polished finish. Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co 31ctw Tanzanite with 120 Round 4.2ctw VS G-H Diamonds In 18K Gold
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Sewickley, PA
This extraordinary Tiffany & Co. cocktail ring showcases a mesmerizing 31-carat oval-cut Tanzanite
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Yellow Gold

Vintage Five-Stone Diamond Platinum and 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
set atop a fine 18 carat yellow gold shank. Circa 1970's, England. Stamped M.L., 18CT. UK finger size
Category

Vintage 1970s English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s 2.60 Carat Sapphire and 1.90 Carat Diamond Band
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Baguette cut Sapphires weighing approximately a total of
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cluster 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring, 1974
Located in London, GB
This wonderful coronet cluster engagement ring features a cabochon emerald of a beautiful colour
Category

Vintage 1970s English Romantic Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s David Webb Cabochon Ruby Sapphire and Emerald Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum with a Cabochon Ruby weighing 5.71 carats, a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

17.17ct Natural Unheated Blue Colour Change Sapphire and Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Finely crafted in 18 carat white gold, this cocktail cluster ring is a fantastic work of art sure
Category

Vintage 1970s English Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Cartier Abstract Seventies Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
white diamonds (G color, VS clarity), this fabulous ring by the esteemed French jewelry house, Cartier
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: 750 for 18k, maker's hallmark, Swiss, 23 W SI, 1.38 for diamond weight and
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Swiss Modern Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Swiss. This stylish Swiss Modern ring has that seventies bravura and extra-chic
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Van Cleef Arpels Double Headed Coral Duck Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with carved Coral, Diamonds, and Emeralds. Signed by Van Cleef
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 1.5 carats. The diamond halo totals 48pts
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

David Webb Cocktail Ring In 18kt Gold Platinum With 3.10 Cts Gems And Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in Miami, FL
the settings of the diamonds. The ring is embellished with eight natural earth mined gemstones such
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

6.5 Carat Amethyst And 1.5 Carat Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold, 1970s, Italy
Located in New York, NY
6.5 Carat Amethyst and 1.5 Carat Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold, 1970s This ring has a 6.5
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
the gorgeous centre stone sit two shimmering diamonds. The diamonds are round and bright and measure
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 9 Carat Gold and Platinum Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ruby cluster ring holds a central ruby measuring 2.2 carats and either side of the gorgeous
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Fantasy Style Yellow and White 18 Karat Gold Ladies Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
One (1) ladies ring in yellow and white 18 karat gold (stamped), fantasy style, polished finish
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold

Estate 1.85 Ct Round and Baguette Cut 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This estate Diamond ring is 1970 ca Superbly hand crafted of solid 18 KT bicolor version Sleekly
Category

Vintage 1970s European Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tannler of Zurich Snake Ring
By Tannler of Switzerland
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Tannler, Zurich. This charming seventies double snake ring mixes ancient
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Carat White Gold Multiple Row Diamond Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
brilliant cut white diamonds. Modelled in 18 carat white gold. Diamond total approx 2ct. Ring Size: L or 5
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Lapis Lazuli Corallium Rubrum 18 Karat Yellow and White Gold
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant slightly domed band ring has been made out of 18 karat gold in 1970 ca. The outer
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Carat White Gold Multiple Row Diamond Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
white diamonds. Modelled in 18 carat white gold. Diamond total approx 1.40 carats. Ring Size: L 1/2 or
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Diamond and White Yellow and Rose Gold Jewelry Suite
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage Italian 0.86 carat diamond and 18 karat white, yellow and rose gold jewelry
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18 Carat White Gold Diamond Full Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamond weight approximately 0.69 carats. Modelled in 18 carat white gold. Band Width: 2.35mm Depth to
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Andrew Grima Diamond Sapphire and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring 1977
By Andrew Grima
Located in New York, NY
A brilliant-cut diamond, baguette-cut sapphire, and 18-karat gold ring by Andrew Grima, 1977. This
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Wedding Band
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
An eternal ring by Van Cleef & Arpels, crafted in France in the 1970s, exceptionally made with 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s French Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Swiss Modern Aquamarine and Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Switzerland. This sleek Swiss Modern jewel features a luminous deep blue 20.00
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Morganite Oval Stone in Diamond Mounting
By Emis
Located in New York, NY
Ring signed Emis in 18kt Yellow Gold and Diamond setting . High mounted with alternating Diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Morganite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.50 Ct Red Ruby 1.60 Ct F VVS Diamond 18 Kt
Located in Napoli, IT
This very charming vintage ring is 1970 circa Skilfully hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Van Cleef and Arpels Emerald Diamond Stacking Band
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels Stacking Band Green Emerald Cabochon & Diamonds Stacking Ring, this variation
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Beryl, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970s Italian lapis and coral a Contrariè ring.
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
encounter, union, and enduring bonds. Lapis lazuli, coral and 8/8 diamond on 18kt gold. Dating circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1975 Gem Set Coral Band in 18Kt Yellow Gold with VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
18 karats, with high polished finish. Diamonds: Mount in a French pave setting, with 20 calibrated
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.25 Carat Diamond Band, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
classic 1970s effect. The ring has sparkle with a 0.25 carat diamond in the centre which is rub over set
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The boat shape setting in this ring holds a total of 5 diamonds totalling 20pts. The smooth band in
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Diamond Ring 18k 1970", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.