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1970s 18K Gold Plated Synthetic Yellow Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Diamond Ring. This vintage-inspired masterpiece showcases a whimsical design, featuring synthetic clear
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold Plate

Vintage Retro Diamond Green Enamel 18K Gold Channeled Dome Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
his regal design will captivate everyone! This Vintage 1950's ring, Features textured Green
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 4 carat purple star sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring from the 1970s features a captivating 4 carat cabochon cut purple star sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18k David Webb Diamond Cabochon Emerald Ruby Hammered Cocktail Ring 7.75
By David Webb
Located in Winter Springs, FL
A name that’s speaks for itself. This original David Webb ring has been done in 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Bruno Guidi 1970 Brazil Toi Et Moi Sculptural Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds
By Bruno Guidi
Located in Miami, FL
designer and goldsmith Bruno Guidi, back in the 1970. This toi et moi ring has been crafted with Brazilian
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18ct Gold 1970’s Amethyst Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Amethyst Ring 18ct Gold Tested Hallmarked London 1971 Makers Mark J & P Fabulous sized
Category

Late 20th Century English Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage GIA 13.07ct Emerald Minor with 8.90ct Diamonds Ring 18k White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Vintage emerald with diamonds high jewelry ring, circa 1970's.   Approximately 21.97ct total
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage GIA 2.21 carat old mine cut diamond 18k gold solitaire engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamond paired with the warm romance of 18k rose gold. At its center rests a GIA-certified 2.21-carat Old
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 1970 Paris Band Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With VVS Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
the platinum. The diamonds are secured in the settings. This eternity ring has been carefully
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18k White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.24 carat ruby and 0.12 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold half
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Vintage 18K Rope Ring, 0.25ct Emeralds 0.20ctw Diamonds, Size 6.25
Located in Miami, FL
A bold and highly detailed vintage rope ring in rich 18K yellow gold weighing 8.6 grams. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Modernist 1970 Bold Cocktail Ring In 18Kt With 3.15 Cts Of Diamonds And Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
the early 1970's. This ring has been crafted, with a geometric stepped patterns in solid yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Paul Binder 1970 Swiss Square Eternity Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.80 Ctw Diamonds
By Paul Binder
Located in Miami, FL
atelier of Paul Binder in Zurich Switzerland, back in the 1970. This ring has been carefully crafted with
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Band Rings

Materials

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

GIA 4.30 carat Ceylon no heat sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k yellow gold ring from the 1970’s showcases a 4.30-carat oval cut blue sapphire of
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rare Vintage Cartier Emerald Diamond Mimi 18k Yellow Gold Oval Cabochon Ring
By Cartier
Located in Birmingham, GB
Rare Vintage Cartier Emerald And Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Mimi Dome Ring. A very rare yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Circa 1970s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.05 carat. Clearity is diamond G color and vs... Ring size is US 8.1 We can
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Emerald and Diamond 18K Gold Ring by Tiffany Co.
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This immaculate 18K yellow gold ring by Tiffany & Co. features a stunning 3.15-carat oval sugarloaf
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage GIA 6.19 carat old European cut diamond 18k gold plat engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
diamonds, historic beauty, and engagement rings with true presence and soul.
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Lion Head Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous retro vintage ring features a lion head design crafted in 18k yellow gold and set
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970’s 18ct Gold Sapphire Diamond Square Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Sapphire & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked London 1971 Makers Mark B K T
Category

Late 20th Century English Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Jean Thierry Bond 1970 Paris Ring in 18kt Gold with 1.92 Ctw Diamonds Tourmaline
Located in Miami, FL
the jewelry atelier of Jean Thierry Bond, back in the late 1970. This cocktail ring has been crafted
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Trillion Sapphire Ring with Channel Sapphires Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
A striking modern sapphire ring crafted in solid 18K white gold and set with a brilliant trillion
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Christian Dior 1970 Paris Ring 18 Karats Gold with 1.96 Ctw Diamonds and Coral
By Christian Dior
Located in Miami, FL
A ring designed by Christian Dior. Colorful piece, crafted in Paris France in solid 18 karats of
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.5 grams. Totally is diamond 1.80 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 8.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.5 grams. Totally is diamond 1.75 ct. The diamond is has F
Category

Vintage 1970s European Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Cocktail Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.45 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s Turkish Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Burma No-Heat 62.60 Carsts Sapphire Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Exceptional sugarloaf sapphire Hand-crafted ring features a mesmerizing no-heat Burma sapphire from
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.6 grams. Totally is diamond 1.40 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

David Thomas Diamond and 18K Gold Ring, c. 1973
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite diamond and 18 karat yellow gold ring was crafted by the renowned British modernist
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Estate Carrera Y Carrera 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Double Horse Head Ring
By Carrera
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate Carrera Y Carrera 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Double Horse Head Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Modernist 18K Two-Tone Gold and Diamonds Wedding Band Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
, expertly crafted in 18K two-tone gold. The elegant wave pattern creates a sense of movement, embodying the
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Retro Gold 1.25 Carat Natural Diamond Ruby Sapphire Ring Circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro 18k yellow gold statement ring showcasing approximately 1.5 carats of natural colorless
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

French, Yellow 18K Gold Daisy Ring with Sapphire and Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
This bold daisy-style ring is crafted in 18K yellow gold and centers on a cushion-cut Ceylon
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1970s Brutalist 18K Gold Ring with Marquise Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
. vintage Brutalist ring, 1970s jewelry, 18k gold ring, marquise sapphire ring, diamond and sapphire ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Amethyst Decorated Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 4.07Ct Moonstone and 5.95Ct Diamond, 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 4.07 carat moonstone and 5.95 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, White Gold

BVLGARI Italy 18k Yellow Gold, Yellow Sapphire, Aquamarine Diamond Ring 1970s
By Bulgari
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Bvlgari Italy 1970s 18k Yellow Gold, Yellow Sapphire, Aquamarine & Diamond Ring Vintage Here is
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.37 Carat Diamonds Conch Shell Dome Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.37 Carat Diamonds Conch Shell Dome Ring 18k Gold. One of a kind extraordinary conch shell
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

VINTAGE 18k Yellow Gold, Wood, Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring Vintage 1970s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 1970s 18k Yellow Gold, Diamond, Wood & Ruby Cocktail Ring Here is your chance to purchase
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.3 grams. Totally is diamond 0.42 carat. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.10 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.10 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of
Category

Vintage 1970s English Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.50 Carat Aquamarine and Diamonds Cocktail Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.50 Carat Aquamarine and Diamonds Cocktail Ring 18k Gold. Wow what a masterpiece ring with
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald (est 1.20ct) Diamond (est .60ct) Cluster Ring, 18K Yellow Gold ...
Located in Canterbury, England
This beautifully designed emerald and diamond cluster ring from the 1970's is set in 18K Yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Ring with Black Star Sapphire and Baguette Diamond Accents
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A bold and distinctive men’s ring crafted in rich 18K yellow gold, featuring a captivating oval
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Black Star, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modernism 1970 Cocktail Ring in 18Kt Yellow Gold with Rock Quartz VS Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
modernist period, circa 1970's. This piece was crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats, with the surfaces
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18k Gold GIA Pear Cabochon Opal W/ Diamond Emerald Bark Textured Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a unique vintage cocktail ring that was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. This large
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18k Gold 1.92ctw Carved Lapis Round Diamond 4 Section Dome Bombe Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This beautiful vintage bombé ring was crafted from solid 18k yellow gold. It features a round dome
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Snail Style Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.4 grams. Totally is diamond 1.50 ct. The diamond is has F
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Rope Design Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Paul Binder 1970 Swiss Square Eternity Ring In 18Kt white Gold With VS Diamonds
By Paul Binder
Located in Miami, FL
jewelry atelier of Paul Binder in Zurich Switzerland, back in the 1970. This ring has been carefully
Category

Late 20th Century Swiss Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond 0.13 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs1-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.10 ct. Ring size
Category

Vintage 1970s European Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

French GIA 13 carat emerald yellow sapphire diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
double cabochon cut. Framed by sunny yellow sapphires and brilliant white diamonds, its sculptural 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1.80ct Natural Diamond (G/VS) Cluster Retro Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Exquisitely crafted in 18K Yellow Gold, this superb Retro Ring is lavishly set (in 4 rows) with
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

1976 Ring 0.75ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold US7 / 5.5gr
Located in SE
Vintage Emerald and Diamonds Ring. 18K Yellow White Gold. Swedish hallmarks of maker, date code is
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 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.