Skip to main content

Diamond Ring 18k 1970

to
186
2,551
2,471
980
533
182
2,502
497
380
314
277
2,554
3
1
2
15
2,505
1
1,587
950
22
513
389
161
134
112
to
165
111
69
39
38
325
252
192
46
36
14
8
7
7
3
2
2
2,533
26
1,545
957
Sort By
Vintage 5.68ctw Champagne Diamond Marquise Cluster Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and glamorous 1970s vintage 18K yellow gold diamond cluster ring, designed with the dramatic
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Double Wrap Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Double Wrap Cocktail Ring. This incredible vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.55 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The cluster style design is
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Starburst Ring with Marquise Center
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
Radiating brilliance and vintage glamour, this striking 18K yellow gold ring showcases a dazzling
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sabbadini GIA Aquamarine 26.45cts Diamond Step-Cut 18K Gold Cocktail Ring
By Sabbadini
Located in Miami, FL
diamond band, adorned with baguette and round brilliant diamonds. The ring features a hugger shank for a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Original 1970 French White Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Valenza, IT
Stunning 2.41 Carat, 71 Top Quality White Diamond French 1970's Yellow Gold Setting Band Ring: this
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris Diamond Band Ring 18K Rose Gold Size 6
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
Cartier Paris Diamond Band Ring 18K Rose Gold Size 6 This exquisite Cartier band ring is made in
Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18k Gold Onyx Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Van Cleef & Arpels 18k Gold Onyx Diamond Ring. This vintage ring weighs 7.6 grams and is size 8.75
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Bvlgari Bulgari Band Ring 18k Gold Cabochon Ruby Diamond AGL Certificate
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vintage Bulgari band ring made 18k gold, featuring cabochon ruby and diamonds. The ring comes
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage French 1.10 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring circa 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.10 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Unisex Vintage 18k Gold 1.10ctw Baguette Tourmaline Square Diamond Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This sharp tourmaline and diamond vintage band ring is very well crafted in solid 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage Sleeping Beauty Arizona Turquoise ring, featuring a mesmerizing turquoise
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Retro 18K Yellow Gold Pearl Diamond Rope-Detail Cocktail Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
diamonds, pavé-set Period: Retro / Vintage (circa 1970s–1980s) Style: Cocktail ring, cluster design, rope
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Gold 5.40ctw Citrine Diamond Cushion Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and radiant statement piece, this vintage 18K gold cocktail ring centers a vibrant approx
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Italian 18K Gold Mesh Band Ring with Purple Enamel Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pop of Purple Elegance: This exquisite ring from 1970s Florence, Italy, combines bold color with
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Tiffany Co. Donald Claflin Sapphire Diamond 18k Gold Platinum Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Diamond 18k Gold Platinum Ring. This extraordinary piece, bearing the legacy of both Tiffany & Co. and the
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Spatialism 1970 Artistic Sculptural Yin Yang Ring 18Kt Gold With Diamonds Coral
Located in Miami, FL
Spatialism period, of the 1970s. This unusual and rare one-of-a-kind ring is made of 18 karat solid yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

CHAUMET 1970 Paris Cocktail Ring In 18Kt With 15.70 Cts In Diamonds Malachite
By Chaumet
Located in Miami, FL
, created in Paris France back in the 1970 by the jewelry house of Chaumet. This massive statement ring has
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring Ca. 1970 featuring a bypass design with lines of diamonds and emeralds. The ring is
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold Vintage Italian White Enamel Diamond Mesh Ring Mesh Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning vintage ring from the heart of Italy blends classic design with modern versatility
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage 10.20 carat amethyst opal diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
refined touch of brightness, all set in warm 18k yellow gold that elevates the ring’s bold, sculptural
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the extraordinary 18K Gold Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring, a truly unique and
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

14.00ct Vivid Blue Natural Tanzanite (certified) Diamond 18K Gold Cocktail Ring.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This magnificent cocktail ring features a breathtaking Natural Tanzanite of superb Vivid Blue
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.25 carat old European cut diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1970’s ring highlights a luminous old European cut diamond complemented by fine F
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 1970 Modernist Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With 21.60 Ctw Diamonds And Coral
Located in Miami, FL
An Italian modernist cocktail ring. Fabulous cocktail ring created in Italy back in the 1970's
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Men’s 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cushion Cluster Pinky Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and sophisticated men’s pinky ring crafted in solid 18K yellow gold, featuring a cushion
Category

Vintage 1970s Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Mexican Fire Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
18K white gold Mexican Fire Opal and diamond ring. Opal is 3.55 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Fire Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage GIA 3.90 carat sapphire diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k white gold cocktail ring showcases a 3.90 carat GIA-certified heated Thai sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Geometric Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Geometric Cocktail Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.10 Carat Diamonds Hammered Design Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.10 Carat Diamonds Hammered Design Ring 18k Gold. The ring measures 10mm in height and
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Angel Castelo 18K Onyx Diamond Spinner Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage Angel Castelo kinetic spinner ring crafted in 18K gold, featuring a central bowl component
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

2ctw 5 Stone Diamond Wedding Band Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Ring, Stackable
Located in McLeansville, NC
This 18K yellow gold stackable diamond wedding band ring features five shimmering gemstones for a
Category

Vintage 1970s Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

OSCAR HEYMAN 1970 Band Ring In 18Kt Gold, Platinum 1.24 Ctw in VS Diamonds
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
in New York City by the iconic jewelry makers of Oscar Heyman, back in 1970's. The ring has been
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18ct White Gold 1970’s French, Square Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Square Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold French Stamped Circa 1970’s Beautiful, French
Category

Late 20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has generally F-G color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 8.2 We can make any size. Box is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Stacked Sapphire Diamond Multi-Band Ring, 18K
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
An instant stack and a lovely statement piece, this ring is composed of four gold bands, each set
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

ROGER LUCAS 1970 Cubism Geometric Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Lapis Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
, created with cubism patterns, back in the 1970. The rare cocktail ring has been attributed to the Canadian
Category

Vintage 1970s Canadian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

CARTIER Paris 1970 Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 6.23 Cts In Diamonds Coral
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the 1970. The ring is rare and was carefully
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

3.50ct Oval Australian Solid Opal Diamond 18K White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Performed in 18K White Gold, the ring is centrally set with a magnificent Australian Solid Opal
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold, 18k Gold

Mario Buccellati Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow White Gold
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Roma, RM
An elegant and finely crafted vintage diamond band ring by Mario Buccellati, dating to the 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct White Gold, Diamond Daisy Illusion Cluster Ring, Hallmarked Birmingham 1970
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct White Gold Hallmarked London 1970 Makers Mark D & Co
Category

Late 20th Century English Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Flower Motif Ring 18K Yellow Gold ~2.13ctw
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Fairfield, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Flower Motif Ring 18K Yellow Gold ~2.13ctw This exceptional 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Ring 18-Carat Gold, Natural Sapphire and Diamonds - Circa 1970
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage ring (circa 1970) in 18-carat white gold (750 thousandths). It is adorned with brilliant
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Superb 1.00ct Round Baguette Diamond Cluster Flower Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Visually striking & reminiscent of a famous designer, this superb ring is crafted in 18K Yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Natural Emerald
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds Material: 18K Yellow Gold Center stone: Natural Emerald Weight
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Dress/Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold and diamond dress/cocktail ring, circa 1970. Of abstract asymmetric
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fred of Paris 1970 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold Diamonds Citrines Green Enamel
By Fred Paris
Located in Miami, FL
Paris, France by the house of Fred, circa 1970's. It was crafted in solid 18 karat yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A dramatic and sculptural vintage statement ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, centering a vivid oval
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Band
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
five stone diamond band has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The vintage ring has a textured finish
Category

Vintage 1970s English Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Modern 1970 Sculptural Geometric Ring in 18kt Gold Diamonds Coral and Onyx
Located in Miami, FL
period, back in the early 1970. This ring is an statement piece crafted with sculptural motifs in solid
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 ct. The diamond is has vs
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 1.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 ct. The diamond is has H-I
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in 18K yellow gold, centering a vivid emerald cut emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

MAUBOUSSIN Paris 1970 Coral Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 4.20 Ctw In Diamonds
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
Paris France by the jewelry house of Mauboussin, back in the 1970. This stunning and rare cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Buccellati Macri Diamond Ring by Gianmaria Buccellati 18K Yellow Gold Sz 4.5
By Gianmaria Buccellati
Located in Fairfield, CT
Buccellati Macri Diamond Ring by Gianmaria Buccellati 18K Yellow Gold Sz 4.5 This Gianmaria
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Diamond and 18K White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.72 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s British Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.48ct Madagascar Sapphire and 2.10ct Diamond 18ct White Gold Cluster Ring 1970
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond, 18 karat white gold and 18 karat yellow gold set cluster ring; part of our diverse vintage
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White 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.