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1.51 Carat Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.51 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold trilogy ring
Category

Vintage 1970s English Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring with Ruby and White Diamonds
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Description: A stunning 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a vivid ruby and sparkling white
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.25 Carat Sapphire and 1.15 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage sapphire and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated boat
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.60 Total Colour: G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

White Diamonds Gray Pearl 18 kt White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant cluster ring mounted in 18 K white gold adorned by leaves details studded by white diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Certified Burma Ruby No Heat Diamond Filigree Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Florentine Engraved ring, handcrafted in 18k yellow and white Gold, featuring in the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

1970s Bulgari Diamond and Coral ring
By Bulgari
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
1970s Bulgari Diamond and Coral ring. A stylized coral palmette, , three coral leaves - two light
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1970s 45.09 Carat Aquamarine Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage 45.09 carat aquamarine and 0.96 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Hydrothermal Topaz, Tsavorite, Diamonds, 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful ring in 18 kt rose gold structure mounted with a central hydrothermal topaz surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 18kt Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Ring Fully Hallmarked 0.45ct Ruby A charming vintage
Category

Vintage 1970s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 0.60 Carat Diamonds and Sapphire Ruby Cabochon Ring 18 Karat 750
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.60 Carats Diamonds & Sapphire Ruby Cabochon Ring. The diamonds weight approx 0.20 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Majestic Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Majestic Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring This stunning Natural Cabochon Sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Mid-Century 18kt yellow white Gold Cocktail Ring with 2.00 Cts in Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
treasured statement ring from this iconic era. • Period: Mid-Century (circa 1970s) • Metal: 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

CARTIER Paris Cocktail Ring 18Kt Yellow Gold With 3.73 Cwt Sapphires Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Paris France by the jewelry house of Cartier, back in the late 1970's. The cocktail ring has been
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

David Webb Gold and Diamonds Ring
By David Webb
Located in Darnestown, MD
David Webb 18 karat gold ring with 12 diamonds set in platinum. Hammered surfaces on top and sides
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1970s Pearl and Sapphire Diamond and White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage cultured pearl and 0.50 carat sapphire, 0.12 carat diamond and 18 karat white
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Blue Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing retrò ring in 18 karat white gold structure mounted with an heart shape sapphires, diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hydrothermal Ceylon Sapphire, Diamonds, Sapphires, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central hydrothermal ceylon sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Diamonds 18 Karat White Yellow Gold Vintage Bow Ring
Located in Milano, IT
Elegant vintage ring crafted in 18 karat yellow and white gold with 3 white brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
The IGI Certified White Gold Diamonds and 3.40ct Ruby Cocktail Ring is a dazzling statement piece
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Italian Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is composed of 18kt yellow gold and features a stunning array of pave diamonds, set in an
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

3 Carat Diamond Cluster Gold Nugget Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
brilliant white diamonds and is set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is a size 6 Total gram weight is 16.74. 34
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Natural 25 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
crafted 18 karat white gold mounting. Triple prong set at each corner secure this center gem and it is
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Men’s Swirl Ring with GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Diamond in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
This striking vintage men’s ring centers on a GIA certified 1.03 carat round brilliant cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Spessartine Garnet Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
bright white sparkly round brilliant cut diamonds all set in polished 18 karat yellow gold. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Vintage Diamond Sapphire Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage Diamond Sapphire Ring An 18k yellow gold dome ring, set with circular
Category

Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

CLASSIC Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 2.30 Ctw Diamonds Colombian Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
created in Italy, back in the 1970's. The ring has been crafted as a cluster in solid yellow gold of 18
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Blue Sapphire Round Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
2.75 ct Total Weight Round Cut Diamond & Blue Sapphire Band / Ring 18K Yellow Gold. The ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Exquisite 18 Karat Yellow Gold Aquamarine Diamonds Sapphires Cocktail Ring
Located in Rome, IT
18 kt. yellow and white gold cocktail ring with round-cut diamonds, aquamarine and blue sapphires
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Green Tourmaline Flower Ring with Diamond
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This beautiful flower ring is made with 18 karat gold, 3 carat total weight of green tourmaline
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Vintage Pearl and Diamond 18ct White Gold Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
diamonds, weighing total approximate weight of 0.50ct. Tested 18 carat gold. English circa 1970's. UK
Category

Vintage 1970s English Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Illario Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Ruby Ring
By Illario
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful ring of vortex design in 18kt yellow gold showcasing a cabochon ceylon sapphire (8 cts
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Oscar Heyman 1970s Platinum Diamond and Royal-Blue Sapphire Cluster Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Chicago, IL
Created in New York City by the iconic Oscar Heyman Company, this dazzling cluster ring is a trend
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Colored Diamond Stack Ring by David Webb
By David Webb
Located in San Antonio, TX
18k gold triple stack ring, set with white, champagne and fancy brown diamonds. Signed DAVID WEBB
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Estate 1.20 Natural Sapphire 1.0 G VVS Diamond Cluster ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Timeless Blue Sapphire This simply gorgeous Sapphire & Diamond ring dates mid-century, 70’s approx
Category

Vintage 1970s European Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.18 Carat Ruby and 1.38 Carat Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.18 carat ruby and 1.38 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

21.82 Carat Amethyst and 1.59 Carat Diamonds Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and impressive vintage amethyst and diamond cocktail ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.42 Carat Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive 1.42 carat blue sapphire and 0.22 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold cluster ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Mauboussin Paris Ruby and Diamonds Ring
By Mauboussin
Located in Milano, IT
Indulge in luxury with this stunning Mauboussin Paris ruby ring, featuring a vivid red ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

3.70 Carats Cabochon Ethiopian White Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A gorgeous 1970s cocktail ring, featuring a 3.70 carats cabochon Ethiopian white opal, set on a
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Cultured Pearl and 1.70 carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold. This impressive ring is supplied with an independent diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 2.60 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
clarity. To help the diamonds look their absolute best the halo has been crafted from 18 carat white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Georg Hornemann Diamond and Gold Ring
By Georg Hornemann
Located in Litchfield, CT
, SI1 clarity diamonds HALLMARKS: Avantgarde, HORNEMANN, 750 for 18k, CREATION, and maker's mark STOCK
Category

Vintage 1970s German Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Aquamarine Colour Topaz, Diamonds, Turquoise, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by diamonds. For
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Topaz, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

OSCAR HEYMAN Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold, Platinum, 2.98 Ctw Emeralds Diamonds
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Miami, FL
ballerina ring has been crafted as a Yin-Yan in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and platinum, all with high
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Cartier "Toi Moi" Ring in diamonds, onyx, corail and yellow gold.
By Cartier
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Cartier "Toi & Moi" ring in yellow gold paved with diamonds, set with an onyx and a coral cabochon
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Tahitian Pearls and 1.00 Carat Diamonds Cluster Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Tahitian Pearls & Diamonds Cluster Cocktail Ring 18k Gold. The ring features 9.7mm pearls on each
Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Aquamarine, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold and Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with petals in 18 kt rose gold with a central
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

HRD Certified Yellow Gold Flower Set Ring and Earrings with Diamonds
Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette
Ring size 57 , Top diameter 1.9cm , Top height : 0.5cm Earrings : diameter : 1.7cm This HRD
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring, c.1970s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1970s, this eye-catching cocktail ring features a large cultured pearl as its
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

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

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ceylon No-Heat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tampa, FL
Exceptional unheated Ceylon blue sapphire surrounded by brilliant-cut diamonds in an elegant 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s 2.10 Carat Baguette and Round Cut Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold featuring Baguette and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Cartier Deux Tetes Croisses Heart Motif Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, by Cartier, France. This charming diamond ring, with its subtle hearts motif
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rudolf Trudel 18 Carat Gold Ring with Ruby and Diamonds
By Trudel
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A small 18 carat gold ring set with a facetted oval natural ruby (app. 1.27 carat, unheated Burma
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Opal Diamonds and Enamel Vintage Ring Filigree Design Blue Enamel
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Opal Ring with Diamonds and Enamel. the finger size currently is 11.5 (it is possible to
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage 1970s era ring is set in hand-engraved 18 carat yellow gold with an enticing
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 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.