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1.40 Carats Diamonds Emeralds 18 Carat White Gold Whirlwind Ring
Located in Paris, FR
White gold ring set with diamonds and emeralds forming a whirlwind motif. Estimated weight of the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Kutchinsky Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring
By Kutchinsky
Located in Torino, IT
Unconventional and stylish Ring crafted in Yellow Gold and Diamond, designed by Kuchinsky , famed
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.20 Carats Sapphire Diamonds 18 Carats Yellow Gold Pompadour Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Pompadour ring centred with an oval-cut sapphire and surrounded by round and baguette-cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rare Jumbo Sized Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Spectacular Vintage Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
cut Diamonds for 1.60 Ct approx rated as G VVS all matched between them Ring's crown is 20 mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage 16 Carat Amethyst and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning cocktail ring features a vibrant purple amethyst center and 20 round diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Diamond, 18k Gold

French 1.0 Carat Natural Sapphire .35 Carat Diamond Late Midcentury Unique Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The French Signature This unique vintage ring dates 1970 – bearing stamps for French origin One
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s Yellow Gold and Diamond geometric Ring
Located in Torino, IT
Sleek and intriguing 1970s geometric Ring finely crafted in rich 18 karat Gold and brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Gilbert Albert Gold Pearls Diamonds 18 Carat White Gold Cocktail Ring
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Paris, FR
/2) Swiss work, circa 1970/1980 Sold with its original travel pouch Ring weight: 20 g 18-carat
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Oval Cabochon Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring Yellow Gold
Located in East Grinstead, GB
18 Karat Cabochon Emerald & Diamond Cluster Ring Yellow Gold A very pretty flower design, emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Wide Diamond Gold Oval Shape Split Shank Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
18k yellow gold wide diamond pave ring, oval design, paved on top and around sides, pave set with
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage High Quality 1970s Ring with Diamonds and Sapphire, Great Model
Located in Antwerp, BE
: unknown Style: Vintage Period: ca. 1970 Material: 18K white gold (touchstone tested)   Technique: The
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Artist Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Boivin Yellow Diamond Pave Gold Bombe Dome Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
A diamond and gold ring, designed as a pave set diamond bombe dome mounted in 18kt yellow gold.
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Sapphire and Diamond Modern Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
A truly unique mid-century modern style 18 karat yellow gold blue sapphire and diamond ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.82ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This vintage 0.82ct Diamond solitaire ring is a stunning piece, exuding timeless elegance and
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Sapphire Yellow and White Diamond Gold Ballerina Ring
Located in London, GB
Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ballerina Ring set in 18 carat yellow gold. Finger size (UK) M, US 6.5
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Marquise Shape Pave Diamond Modern Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
Created in 1977, this 18 karat yellow gold modern elongated marquise-shape statement ring is
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning Cocktail Ring with One big Natural Untreated Ruby 11.21crt and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Style: Vintage Period: ca. 1970 Material: 18K white gold Diamond(s): 18 brilliant cut diamonds with
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1970s Christian Dior Wooden Band Ring Set with Diamond Mounted in 18 Karat Gold
By Christian Dior
Located in Cosenza, Italia
A simple and elegant 18 karats yellow gold band ring with 6 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Kt Gold Ring, Coral, Pink Cut Diamonds
Located in Palermo, IT
18 kt gold ring, pink coral, pink cut diamonds. Set 0.25 ct pink cut diamonds, AA quality; The
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Neoclassical Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat Two-Tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond Fashion Ring
By J Rossi
Located in Mansfield, OH
Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat 2 tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond fashion ring. This unique creation is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1970s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Design Ring
Located in Torino, IT
This distintive and imposing 1970s 18 karat Yellow Gold free-form ring with approx 1.30 carat
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s 18 Carat Yellow Gold Seven Stone Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
1970s 18ct Yellow Gold Seven Stone Diamond Cluster Ring. Set with seven fine quality round
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Aquamarine Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
. Mounted in 18 K white gold. Total weight: 16,89 g. Ring size: 57 ( US 8 ) Resizable
Category

Vintage 1970s European Post-War Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Carat Yellow Gold Peridot and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
18ct Yellow and White Gold Peridot and Diamond Cluster Ring, Set with one central oval Peridot
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold Oxblood Coral Ring with Diamonds
By Okura Coral
Located in Tokyo, JP
Nowadays, 10mm Chiaka Sango (oxblood coral) is very rare. This 18 karat yellow gold ring, with its
Category

Vintage 1970s Japanese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat White Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
18ct White Gold Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring. Set with one central oval Australian Opal in a
Category

Vintage 1970s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Garnet and Diamond Estate Rose Gold and Sterling Silver Ring
By Maximira
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Natural Garnet and Old Miner Diamond Ring handcrafted in 18k Rose Gold and Sterling
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

SSEF Certified 3.22 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This SSEF Certified Colombian Emerald with minor oil treatment is set in a 18 karat gold ring and
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Citrine and Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bright and sunny oval citrine blazes from the center of this handsome 18 karat yellow gold ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ring, Diamonds, Lapiz Lazuli, 18 Carat Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ring in 18 carts yellow Gold,diamonds and lapiz lazuli. -10 brillants'cut white
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

David Webb 1970s Ring Diamonds, Ruby, Gold, Platinum and Enamel
By David Webb
Located in London, GB
David Webb 18k gold,platinum,diamonds,ruby,and green enamel ring.The green enamel body features the
Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

1970s Enrico Cirio Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Ring
By Enrico Cirio
Located in Torino, IT
Diamonds set in 18k Yellow Gold Each piece Cirio created was therefore a unique artwork, a fantasy, a play
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Bezel Set Solitaire Ring in 18ct White Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This gorgeous Diamond solitaire ring in 18ct White Gold is the epitome of elegance and simplicity
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Blue Topaz, Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
18ct White Gold Blue Topaz, Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring. Set with a large central
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Pear Shape Ruby and Diamond Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
Circa 1975, this 18 karat yellow gold dramatic cocktail ring features Merlot colored fancy cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1970s Free-Form Design Gold Turquoise Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Shaker Heights, OH
This impressive mid-century 1970s 18k gold free-form design ring features lovely gemstones: two
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Stunning 1.20 Carat Natural Sapphire 1.10 Carat Triangular Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
the high quality and great net style of this exclusive engagement ring It dates 1970 ca Beautiful ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Flower Design Ring
By Kurt Gaum
Located in Chicago, IL
Kurt Guam 18K yellow gold " flower design" cluster ring prong set with 21 full cut round diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring 18 Carat Gold Dated, 1972
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This beautiful ring has been commissioned in 18ct Yellow Gold and features an ornate 18ct White
Category

Vintage 1970s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gilbert Albert Lilac Ring
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Paris, IDF
Gilbert Albert Lilac Ring Yellow gold, Amethyst and Diamonds, circa 1970, maker's mark Swiss
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Vintage Mario Buccellati Ruby and Diamond Ring Yellow Gold
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage Mario Buccellati Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. The Cabochon Ruby weighs
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring by Elizabeth Gu Defner
Located in Paris, IDF
Erotic ring, white gold, emerald cabochon, diamonds, signed, circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Modernist More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Daou Ellipse Diamond and Emerald Yellow Gold Oval Concave Ring
By Daou
Located in London, EMEA - British Isles
A Diamond and Emerald set handmade Yellow Gold Ring. A striking miniature sculpture, the Ellipse
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

AGL Certified 3.77 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This 18k yellow gold ring features an AGL certified 3.77 carat blue sapphire center stone, with
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s David Webb Yellow Gold, Platinum and Diamond Band Ring
By David Webb
Located in Torino, IT
Extremely elegant 1970s David Webb geometric Ring finely crafted in rich 18 karat Yellow Gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1970s Frascarolo Yellow Gold, Enamel, Ruby and Diamond Horse Ring
By Frascarolo
Located in Torino, IT
1970s Exquisite and recognizable Frascarolo’s Ring featuring a perfectly structured three
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Style Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
18ct White Gold Art Deco Style Aquamarine, Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Cocktail Ring. Set with a
Category

Vintage 1970s British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1970s Italian Yellow and White Gold, Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Torino, IT
Extremely elegant geometric Ring finely crafted in Italy in 1970s in rich 18 karat polished Yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Dome Rings

Materials

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

1970s Italian Malachite, Diamonds, White and Yellow Gold Dome Ring
Located in Torino, IT
Unusual 1970s Italian Diamonds White and Yellow Gold dome Ring in Malachite shaping a textured
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Dome Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Seventies Modernistic Artist Design Ring with Large Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 56 & 17
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

EGL Certified 5.40 Carat Sapphire 0.30 Carat 18 Karat Diamond Ring
Located in Mobile, AL
. The ring has London hallmarks, 1975, 750 for 18 karat gold and EWA. Size 7 3/4.
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Unique David Webb 18 Karat Enamel Cat Ring
By David Webb
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Whimsical 18kt. yellow gold David Webb multi color enamel ring with diamond accents on the head
Category

Vintage 1970s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Henry Dunay Chrome Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Henry Dunay
Located in Fort Lauderdale, FL
Henry Dunay green tourmaline and diamond ring crafted in 18 karat gold. Size 10. Circa 1970s. The
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

David Webb Rock Crystal and Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By David Webb
Located in Torino, IT
An extremely chic and opulent fluted Rock Crystal, and brilliant-cut Diamonds dome Ring signed
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Hallmarked 1974 18ct White Gold Emerald Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
Vintage Flower-like Ring. Surrounding the Diamond are 6 bright bluish-green Emeralds with another 6 round
Category

Vintage 1970s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

De Vroomen 18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Diamond 1979 Band Ring
By Leo de Vroomen
Located in London , GB
A diamond ring made by Leo De Vroomen in 1979. The ring has a textured band set with an undulating
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modernist Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Midcentury Era .11 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Band Ring
Located in Crownsville, MD
gold ring with 8 total .015 carat round cut diamonds (1.5mm diameter each). Emerald measures 3mm, and
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 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.