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Vintage Chaumet Paris 18k Gold Buckle Ring Diamonds
By Chaumet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. This vintage 18k gold and diamond buckle ring reflects both the artistry and timeless appeal associated
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18k gold onyx, coral and diamond cocktail ring
Located in London, GB
This is a striking 1970's French made 18k gold cocktail ring. A large oval coral measuring 35mm x
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

1970 s Bombe Large Diamond Cluster 18K Gold Platinum Rope Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This Stunning ring with pave diamonds is designed as a bombé plaque, prong-set with large round
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Cabachon Emerald Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The Cabachon Emerald 30 carats is a real show stopper! One hundred and ten square cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s Diamond Enamel 18K Gold Dome Statement Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Presenting a Vintage 1970's Diamond Onyx 18K Gold Dome Statement Ring forged in 18K Yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

20 Carat Cabochon Emerald Diamonds Ring White 18 Karat Gold, 1970
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
of exceptional quality. 1970. The ring band is set with fine Diamonds. The difference of the deep
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Diamond Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Snake Ring. Featuring three single cut diamonds with a
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This stunning vintage ring from the 1970s is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features an elegant
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire and Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This divine 18K yellow gold ring centers a captivating 10-carat oval sugarloaf cabochon cut blue
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Diamond Pyramid 18k Yellow Gold Statement Ring
Located in MIAMI, FL
the ring are all white in color and display Vvs clarity. The ring is crafted in solid 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
A very cool French 18 carat gold ring set with four discs of lapis lazuli to create a godronné or
Category

20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Estate Jose Hess 18K Gold Diamond Cluster Ring
By Jose Hess
Located in Houston, TX
Jose Hess ring composed of 18K yellow and white gold marked on the inside "108245 Jose Hess 18K
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Rose Flower Diamond Cocktail Ring 18k White Gold
Located in MIAMI, FL
Gorgeous creation crafted in 18k white gold. This beautiful cocktail ring is crafted in the style
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Coral and Diamond Crossover Ring, Circa 1970
Located in London, GB
An Italian coral and diamond set crossover ring, formed of two tapering carved, polished coral
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Owl Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Diamond Sapphire 18k Yellow Gold Owl Ring. Featuring 26 old European cut diamonds with
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Modernist 18k Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k. This hand-made modern ring has that wonderful hippie-made vibe. A magically
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

An 18k Gold and Diamond Mellerio Tartelette Ring
By Mellerio
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold tartelette ring set with sixteen brilliant cut diamonds different sizes
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An 18 Karat Yellow Gold & Diamond Ring by Cartier – 5.70 CTS Diamonds E color VS1 clarity, Original
Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.70ctw Diamond Leaf Motif Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 21 stones - full cut round - 2.3 - 3.4 mm - approximately 1.70 total carats - F
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bvlgari Bulgari Emerald Sugarloaf Cabochon Ring Diamond 18k Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An amazing Bulgari emerald cabochon ring, crafted of 18k gold, features diamonds. The emerald of
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Turquoise Cabochon Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Orlando, FL
are set within diamond-shaped plaques, adding subtle brilliance while maintaining the ring’s bold
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20 Carat Cabochon Emerald Diamonds Ring White 18 Karat Gold, 1970
Located in Herzelia, Tel Aviv
of exceptional quality. 1970. The ring band is set with fine Diamonds. The difference of the deep
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold

Yellow Diamond Swirl Engagement Ring, 18K White Gold, Ring Size 6.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stamps: 18K JABEL Ring Sizings & Modifications: *Please reach out before your purchase for pricing and
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Jean Vendome, A Gold and Diamond Ring, c 1970
By Jean Vendome
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Jean Vendome, A stylish diamond ring. The 1 1/8" ,18k yellow gold ring of geometric design with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Gubelin Abalone Shell 18k Gold and Diamond Earclips and Ring
By Gubelin
Located in San Antonio, TX
1970's Gueblin Abalone Shell and Diamond Abstract Shell Earclips and Ring set in 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Modernist Yellow Gold Diamond Green Chrysoprase Ring, circa 1970
Located in Cape May, NJ
condition and ready to wear. It is signed AV 18K. The ring is a size 7 and weighs 9.4 grams Era: 1970's
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring, circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
true representation of this fine 18ct yellow gold trilogy diamond ring. Item Ref. SKU: C5014
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18k gold natural black opal and diamond cocktail ring
Located in London, GB
This striking 1970s black opal ring is set in 18k gold and adorned with 5 round cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s European Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage Kutchinsky 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, Circa 1970
By Kutchinsky
Located in London, GB
A vintage Kutchinsky 18 karat yellow gold diamond ring, circa 1970. This statement ring is formed
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

c. 1970 Jean Vendome Diamond, Pearl and White Gold Ring
By Jean Vendome
Located in New York, NY
A diamond, cultured pearl and 18 karat white gold ring, by Jean Vendome, c. 1970. Stamped with
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Snake Ring 18K Yellow Gold w Diamonds and Center Emerald
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Snake Ring 18K Yellow Gold w Diamonds and Center Emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Buccellati 18k Gold Turquoise Diamond Band Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Palm Beach, FL
Turquoise and diamond wide band ring, featuring an openwork leaf and flower pattern in 18k white
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co Circa 1970 Donald Clafin Coral Diamond Enamel Ring 18K Gold 17gr
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
Tiffany Circa 1970 Donald Clafin Coral Diamond Enamel Ring 18K Gold 17gr Donald Claflin was one of
Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Italian 1980 18K Etruscan Star Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A striking example of late 20th-century Italian craftsmanship, this 1980s ring draws inspiration
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow White Gold, Ring, Oval Ruby
Located in McLeansville, NC
This stunning 2.34ctw ruby and diamond halo cocktail ring is the perfect combination of classic
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage French 1.50 carat diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage French ring dazzles with an array of fine round brilliant diamonds, each chosen for
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Tigers Eye Diamond 18k Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in MIAMI, FL
the design approximately 0.64 ct. The diamonds are white in color and Vs/Si in clarity. The ring is
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tiger s Eye, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Ladies Ring with Blue Sapphire and Diamonds, circa 1970
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18k yellow gold ladies ring with blue sapphire and diamonds Circa 1970's Hallmarked 18K
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

MODERNIST 1970 Sculptural Ring in Textured 18Kt Gold With European Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
ring, created in Europe with modernist patterns, back in the 1970. The beautiful ring is very artistic
Category

Vintage 1970s German Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Italian Modernist 1970 Concretism Sculptural Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gold of 18 karats with textured and polished finishes. This ring has a lot of influence of the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Italian Modernist 1970 Concretism Sculptural Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gold of 18 karats with textured and polished finishes. This ring has a lot of influence of the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring, Circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring, Circa 1970 This charming snake ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

Buccelati Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond 18K Gold Marquise Cocktail Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Miami, FL
This stunning vintage Buccellati cocktail ring is expertly crafted in 18K two-tone gold, showcasing
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Mauboussin Jadeite, Diamond, Citrine and Lavender Tourmaline 18k Gold Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in New York, NY
A sumptuous Mauboussin ring mounted on 18k yellow gold with jadeite, diamonds, citrine and lavender
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Jade, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, Yello...

Bvlgari Spiga 18k White Gold Double Wrap 7 Diamond Sections Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
ring is adorned with round brilliant-cut diamonds, adding a touch of sparkle and luxury. Crafted in
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Andrew Grima Big Emerald and Diamond Ring, Vintage 1970 in Aesthetic Design
By Andrew Grima
Located in London, GB
Statement ring in aesthetic design set with big oval cabochon emerald and diamond ring. Centering
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Thin Diamond Eternity Wedding Band, 18K White Gold, Ring, Stackable
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 18 karat white gold thin diamond eternity band. This stackable diamond band features an
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mauboussin 18K Yellow Gold, Diamond Emerald Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18K Yellow Gold, Diamond & Emerald Ring by Mauboussin - 1.51 carat center Diamond, Ten French-Cut
Category

20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage French Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French Ruby and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one oval mixed cut ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Boucheron Ring 18k Gold Sapphire Diamond
By Boucheron
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage cocktail ring created by Boucheron, Paris in the 1970s. Made of 18 karat yellow gold, the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gubelin 1970 Kurt Aepli 18Kt Gold Geometric Ring Diamonds, Jasper Bloodstone
By Gubelin
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric ring designed by Kurt Aepli (1914-2002) for Gubelin. An exceptional sculptural piece of
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jasper, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French Old Mine Cut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French Old Mine Cut Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Dome Ring. Featuring one old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

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

Bulgari Diamond Three Cabochon Rubies 18k Gold Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari 18 karat yellow gold ring with 3 cabochon rubies totaling approximately 7.61 carats and
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 2.45 Carats Green Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage 2.45 Carats Green Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring one oval mixed cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Gilbert Albert 1970 Swiss Interchangeable Organic Ring 18Kt Gold with Diamonds
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Miami, FL
versatile ring has been crafted with organic textured patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Agate, Carnelian, Diamond, White Diamond, Hematite, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold...

CARTIER 1970 Modernist Enameled Signet Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
1970 by the jewelry house of Cartier. This ring has been crafted as a piece of Italian art in solid
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Signet Rings

Materials

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

Puig Doria 1970 Geometric Sculptural Ring 18Kt Gold with Cubic Carving Diamond
By Puig Doria
Located in Miami, FL
cocktail ring was conceived with Spanish cubism parameters and crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats
Category

Vintage 1970s Spanish Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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