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Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Opal Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.37 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Pearl Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

GILBERT ALBERT 1970 Sculptural Organic Ring In 18Kt Gold Diamonds Tourmaline
By Gilbert Albert
Located in Miami, FL
Organic ring designed by Gilbert Albert (1930-2019). This is a very rare cocktail ring created in
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow G...

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Pearl Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.6 grams. Totally is diamond 1.20 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.28 ct. The diamond is has F
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
1.15 ct. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7.5 (We can make any size) Box
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.60 carat. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.70 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.55 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage 0.85ctw Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Leaf Band 18k Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A vibrant vintage 18K yellow gold gemstone and diamond band ring, styled in an elegant leaf motif
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Buccellati Ruby Ring (Approx. 7.40-Carats) Diamond Halo, 18k Yellow Gold
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
, crafted in luxurious 18k gold and exquisitely accented with diamonds. At the heart of this elegant
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Richard Krementz Gemstones Tanzanite Diamond Platinum 18K Gold 3 stone Ring RKG
By Estate Jewelry
Located in Brambleton, US
Richard Krementz Gemstones Tanzanite Diamond Platinum 18K Gold 3 stone Ring RKG 1866 This
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum, 18k Gold

1.02 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage diamond solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold, with a 18k white gold setting. The
Category

Vintage 1970s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.60 Carat Orange Tourmaline 2.30 Carat Diamond, 18k White Gold Ballerina Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
18 karat gold. This impressive vintage orange tourmaline ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond and
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, White Gold

La Triomphe 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Onyx Sculptural Ring c. 1970s
By La Triomphe
Located in New York, NY
Signed La Triomphe 18K yellow gold diamond onyx cocktail ring set with 28 round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Sapphire Dome Ring
Located in New York, NY
Diamond & Sapphire Dome Ring Ring Size: 5.75 Resizable free of charge Metal Type: 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Square Style Unisex Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10 grams. Total is main brilliant cut diamond about 0.60 ct
Category

Vintage 1970s European Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K Gold 1.20ctw Diamond Sapphire Textured Tiered Overlap Geometric Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely magnificent vintage cocktail ring that is crafted from solid 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Gold Ring Diamond French Jewelry Dome Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage French ring is made from 18k yellow and white gold and has a bold, structured look
Category

Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1976 Nordic Ring solid White 18K Gold Diamonds US 8.75 / 4.2g
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K White Gold decorated with Diamonds. Made in Sweden, Marked 18K; maker's
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k White Gold natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 4.6 We can make any size. Acid tested to be 18k real
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified Burma Ruby and Diamond Ballerina Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
3.37 mm, weighing approximately 0.95 carat. The ring is beautifully crafted in 18k yellow gold with
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Aqua Marine Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 6.5 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.35 ct. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

1.12 Carat Ruby and 1.33 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.12 carat ruby and 1.33 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

An 18k Gold Jean Pierre Bellin Ring with Coral and Diamond Flowers
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold ring with a cabochon cut coral and flowers set with diamonds on each side, French
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Retro Emerald Diamond gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A retro Emerald and diamond ring handcrafted in 18 kt yellow gold. The ring is set with one
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Angel Skin Coral Diamond Yellow Gold Circa 1970
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
A stunning estate ring circa 1970, featuring fine "angel skin" coral and scintillating white
Category

Late 20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

REINHOLD REILING 1970 Germany Modernist Ring In 18Kt Gold With Lapis Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
created in Pforzheim Germany, by the artist goldsmith Reinhold Reiling circa 1968-1970. The ring has been
Category

Vintage 1960s German Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

AGL Certified 5.40 Carat Emerald Minor Oil and Diamond 18k Julius Cohen Ring
By Julius Cohen
Located in Miami, FL
trapezoid cut diamond side stones set in an 18k yellow gold ring. AGL certified with treatment and origin
Category

Vintage 1970s Zambian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.45 Carat Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Stackable Rings 18k
Located in Miami, FL
Multi-Gemstone Vintage 1.45 Carat Emeralds, Sapphires, Rubys and Diamonds Stackable Rings 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18K Gold, Onyx, Mother of Pearl And Small Diamond Geometric Ring Italian
Located in North Miami, FL
This stunning vintage Italian square 18K gold, onyx and mother of pearl ring is geometric and so
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Onyx, Pearl, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5 US/ 2.46 gr
Located in SE
Vintage European Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold decorated with 6 pave set
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Retro / Vintage 1970s Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18k Gold
Located in London, GB
red in contrast to the cool white brilliant diamond, held in 18ct yellow and white gold for contrast
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 6 Carat Amethyst and Diamonds Floral Leaf Cocktail Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 6 Carat Amethyst and Diamonds Floral Leaf Cocktail Ring 18k Gold. One of a kind
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous diamond cluster ring. This classic vintage piece has been crafted from 18ct
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Turquoise and Diamond Ring.
Located in Firenze, FI
Unique Ring mounted in white gold , set with natural Persian Turquoise ( The most-prized turquoise
Category

Vintage 1970s Persian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Ruby Sapphire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Ruby and Diamond Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A stunning and rare vintage bypass ring by Van Cleef Arpels, crafted in rich 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Onyx Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Geometrical design ring in yellow gold with onyx and diamonds. Circa 1970s.
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Vintage Carre Cut Sapphire Ring (Approx. 0.8-Carats) Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
detail, this ring is made from high-quality 18k yellow gold, a material known for its warmth and timeless
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 0.8ct Diamond Nugget 10.90gr Sculptural Geometric Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold 0.80ct Diamond Nugget Free Form Ring; Diamond Dinner Ring; Diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Caliber Cut Ruby And Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.18 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

A Castelo Spinner Ring c1976 Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Sz 5 Kinetic
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Angel Castelo diamond motion ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold (circa 1976
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 4.65 carat cabochon jade 18k yellow gold bezel ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, set in warm 18k yellow gold. Flanking the center stone are eight baguette cut diamonds totaling
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Cabochon Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamonds (total est weight .48 cts). Circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970s Geometric Diamond Gold RIng
Located in New York, NY
A geometric design diamond cocktail ring, showcasing round and baguette cut diamonds, on a fine
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Solitaire Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
Located in Firenze, FI
Beautiful 3-stone ring . 1.20 ct oval ruby. 4 diamonds, approximately 0.10carats each, G color, Vs
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ring natural 2ct Blue Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø7US /5.8gr
Located in SE
Ring with beautiful natural Blue Sapphire accented with old diamond cut diamonds. Vintage Everyday
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s Three Ring Set Diamonds Emeralds Rubies Sapphires 18k Yellow Gold Size 3.7
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1970s Three Ring Set with diamonds emeralds rubies sapphires in 18k yellow gold size 3.75. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1977 Halo Ring solid 18K Gold 2.45ct Sapphire 0.7ct Diamonds Ø6.5US/5.6g
Located in SE
British Cluster Halo Ring set with oval cut natural untreated Sapphire surrounded with 12 old
Category

Vintage 1970s English Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 18K Yellow Gold Bow Pave Blue Emerald Strip Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
This exquisite ring by Van Cleef & Arpels showcases beautiful craftsmanship in 18k yellow gold. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s Handmade 18k White Gold Natural Diamond Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Totally is diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has F-G color and vvs-vs clarity
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1970s 3.5 Carats Diamonds Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A chic and undulated baguette cut diamond (3.5cts total) cocktail ring. Mounted on 18k white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18KT Yellow Gold, Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 18 karat yellow gold sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. This September birthstone ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

JEAN-PIERRE BELIN Serpenti Diamond Ruby Emerald 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This gorgeous vintage Jean-Pierre Belin Serpenti ring features a snake design crafted in 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1.30Ct Ruby and 0.39Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.30 carat ruby and 0.39 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold, 18
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18KT Gold Kutchinsky Diamond Ring, 1970s
By Kutchinsky
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage 18kt yellow gold diamond ring by Kutchinsky, dating from the 1970s and showcasing the
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 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.