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Vintage Enameled Diamond Snake Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
well as approx 0.10 carats of old minded diamonds on the head of the snake. The ring is made of 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 18kt gold amethyst and diamond ring, by Gasal
Located in Braintree, GB
VINTAGE 18KT GOLD AMETHYST AND DIAMOND RING BY GASAL A substantial 18kt gold ring featuring an
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Double C Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
: 6.1 grams Ring Size: K (50) - Resizable Double C Dimensions: 9mm x 8mm Diamond Weight: Approx. 0.10ct
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Estate Diamond Lapis Ring 18 KT Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
This superb 1970 ca ring has been hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold, Italian origin Unique sturdy
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This multi-stone ring features 25 round mixed cut sapphires measuring approximately 3.42-3.95 mm in
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s 100.00 Carat Citrine Ring with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an Oval cut Citrine weighing approximately 100.00 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Italian 18 Karat Gold Carved Coral Cameo Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Carved Coral Cameo & Diamond Ring composed of 18k yellow gold. The carved coral depicts a
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Ruby Diamond and White Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive ruby and diamond eternity ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The multi-claw full eternity
Category

Vintage 1970s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Van Cleef Arpels Ruby Sapphire Emerald Diamond Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Hicksville, NY
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Ruby Sapphire Emerald & Diamond Ring Year: 1970s Item Details: Ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Handcraft 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 18 Karat White Gold cocktail ring.Handmade by artisans assembled with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Charles Krypell Ruby and Diamond Gold Ring
By Charles Krypell
Located in Darnestown, MD
diamonds. The ring is intentionally uneven in height as part of the three dimensional almost fabric-like
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 0.65 Carat Diamond and Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage 1970s diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated six claw
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pearl and Diamond Horseshoe Ring
Located in New York, NY
. Set with 10 pearls and 19 diamonds. Ring Size: 5.75 Resizable free of charge Metal type: 18 Karat
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage gold ring with rubies and diamonds, circa 1970s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Vintage ring set in 18-karat yellow gold (0.750 fineness). The geometric ring is decorated with
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 13.04ct Aquamarine and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 13.04 carat aquamarine and 0.20 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1970s 2.40 Carat Diamond and White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970s 2.40 carat diamond and 18k white gold twist style cocktail ring; part
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Natural 2 Carat Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 4 total ct - Ruby 2 ct RING SIZE: US 9 - IT 20 - FR 60 - UK S
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

7.76 carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
diamonds HALLMARKS: au750 for 18k, and G7 maker's mark STOCK NUMBER: 26473 Jewelry acquired from
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cultured Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting. The pierced decorated
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

PICCHIOTTI 18kt Yellow Gold Ring with Chrysoprase and Diamonds
By Picchiotti
Located in Aventura, FL
: Modernist Creator: Picchiotti Metal: 18Kt yellow Gold Natural Stone: Diamonds & Chrysoprase Ring size: 6 3/4
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 12 Carat Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
brilliant cut diamonds - VVS clarity, G color. Circa 1970 The ring is original in every part and it comes
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 18KT White Gold Colombian Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring, 1970s
Located in Braintree, GB
engagement rings, and fine vintage jewellery. The geometric diamond surround features mixed diamond cuts
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pink Coral, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central big pink coral surrounded by a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bulgari Ceylon sapphire and diamond trombino ring, circa 1970s.
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
Bulgari Ceylon sapphire and diamond trombino ring. Set to centre horizontally with an octagonal
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 4.92 Carat Fire Opal and 1 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage English 4.92 carat fire opal and 1 carat diamond, 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Fire Opal, Yellow Gold

Colombian Emerald No Heat GIA Ring with Diamonds
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning emerald and diamond ring set in 18 karat gold. The central stone is an octagonal 2.56
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s David Webb 10.00 Carat Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with a Cabochon Sapphire weighing approximately 10.00
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated setting is embellished
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Berlin Iron, White Gold, 18k Gold

Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a flower of rubies and a flower of
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

AGL Certified Red Sapphire Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
AGL Certified Red Sapphire & Diamond Flower Cocktail Ring 1 round cut red sapphire surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1970s Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
sapphire and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite ring harmoniously blends 18-karat yellow gold with 800 silver to create a piece
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Diamond and White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Pavé-set with an X of round brilliant-cut diamonds 18k white gold Ring size 6; Gross weight 16.1 g
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1.25 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1.25 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
1970s sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated mount
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. 18K Yellow Gold Emerald Diamond 7-Stone Embrace Wedding BandRing
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
This authentic Tiffany Co. Embrace band is crafted in polished 18K yellow gold and features
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Baguette and Round Diamond Cabochon Sapphire Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
18 Karat Baguette and Round Diamond Cabochon Sapphire Ring Sophisticated and full of class! 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Vintage French 1970s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated, oval shaped
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s 3.05 Carat Emerald Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 3.05 carat Zambian emerald and 0.96 carat diamond, 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
with the mark for 18k gold (18CT). This impressive diamond half eternity ring is supplied with an
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

Black and White Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring, 5.50 Carats
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Stunning 18 Karat White Gold, Black and White Pave Set Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring. Rows of semi
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Vintage 2.21 Carat Diamond Bridal 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2.21 Carat Diamond Bridal 18k White Gold Ring. The ring feature center diamonds approx
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s Cultured Pearl and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique cultured pearl and 0.18 carat diamond, 18k white gold cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Handcraft Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Citrine Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring.Handmade by our artisans assembled with
Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Kt. White Gold Diamonds Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Rome, IT
. 2,24 Peso oro 18 kt. gr. 17,30 Misura anello: US 7.75 - French 56 L'anello è ridimensionabile. 1970 ca
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rubies, Enamel, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a frame of
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Dome Rings

Materials

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

French 3.96 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage French 3.96 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Three-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This vintage 18 Carat Gold and platinum beauty holds three bright diamonds with a total weight of
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Crossover Moi et Toi Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This elegant ring features two diamonds each measuring 40pts. The diamond shoulders total 7pts each
Category

Vintage 1970s British Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s 0.93 Carat Oval Cut Ruby 1.06 Carat Diamond Flowers Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Oval cut Ruby weighing 0.93 carat, accented by 4 Marquise
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Handcraft Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 18 karat yellow and white gold cocktail ring. Handmade by artisans
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Black Diamond and Onyx Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Bethesda, MD
♦ Designer / Hallmarks: Van Cleef & Arpels ♦ Metal:  18 karat ♦ Gem stone: 20 Diamonds = .60 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Diamond Emerald Accents
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
diamonds weigh .60 and .40 carats in total respectively. Despite its larger-than-average size, the ring has
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

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

Rock Crystal Citrine Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A large and impressive cocktail ring, the body made out of carved rock crystal, showcasing an oval
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, White Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

1970s Oval Cut Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.84 carat natural sapphire and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 karat white
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Bvlgari Two-Toned Gold and 2.33 Carat Pear-Shaped Diamonds Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white and yellow gold with two Pear-Shaped Diamonds; one weighing 1.17 carat
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1970s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.40 carat natural ruby and 0.60 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 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.