Skip to main content

Gold Diamond Rings 1979

to
305
3,837
2,422
1,436
896
887
3,775
611
586
498
454
3,889
1
2
3,888
1
2,448
1,395
46
821
523
353
268
161
to
185
115
75
46
42
711
399
256
80
57
23
10
8
7
5
2
2
2
1
3,844
45
2,340
1,460
Sort By
Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
. Diamond total 11pts. Stones set in platinum and band modelled in 18ct gold and fully hallmarked London
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

1970s Oval Cut Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold ring shank. This impressive cocktail ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sapphires Diamonds Pearl Yellow Gold 14 Carat Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
in 14 Karati yellow gold. The ring has a small pearl in the center and is entirely surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Round Cut Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
blue sapphire ring with rare faceted detailing surrounded by 0.39 carats of sparkling diamonds while
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.2 grams. Totally is diamond about 1.20 ct. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s Turkish Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Boucheron 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Malachite Ring, 1970s
By Boucheron
Located in Zurich, CH
Attractive 18 karat yellow gold, diamond and malachite ring by French jewelry house Boucheron
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Band Rings

Materials

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

1970s Malaya Garnet Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Oval Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, gazelle head hallmark. Characteristic of its era, this vintage ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Revival French 18K Green Gold French Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Victorian Revival French 18K Green Gold French Cut Diamond Engagement Ring. This gorgeous
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Coral, Green Enamel, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with green enamel and, on it, a structure with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel

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

Signed DRA Vintage 14K Gold Pearl, Ruby Diamond Floral Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
A signed DRA vintage 14K gold floral cocktail ring centered with a luminous 6.55mm cultured pearl
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k 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

Emeralds, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing retrò ring in 14 karat rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

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 2.94tcw Diamond and 14k White Gold Ballerina Cocktail Ring 1970s
Located in Towson, MD
One glamorous 1970s ballerina design ring crafted in 14 karat white gold, showcasing a striking
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Ring with Emerald Stones and Diamonds
Located in Tel Aviv, IL
14 Karat White Gold Ring with Emerald Stones and Diamonds Elegant white gold ring with 5 rows of
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold

Vintage Turquoise Ring Two Tone Gold and Diamonds 18 Karat
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Turquoise Diamond Ring 18K Two Tones of Golds - Yellow and White Gold approx 18.2gr Center
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Diamonds Agate Opals 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This alluring ring artfully combines 14-karat yellow gold and sterling silver, creating a piece
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Agate, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Amethyst, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, details in white gold studded with diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian master goldsmiths
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Marquise Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York City, NY
Beautiful Vintage 18kt Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond ring from the 1970’s era. Featuring a .50ct
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Gold Cocktail Ring 3 Carat Natural Opal Gemstone Diamond Ring circa 1970
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Retro Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring set with an approximately 3 Carat Natural Opal Cabochon
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold

Men s Women s Mid Century Jade Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
natural diamonds weighing nearly 1 carat total, the elongated octagon face of the ring offers excellent
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Tourmaline and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamonds total approx 35pts. fully hallmarked London 1978. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Cluster Diameter: 10mm
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold

Enamel Diamonds Emerald Yellow Gold 14 Karat Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. Splendid retro ring made entirely by hand in 14 Karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Important Cocktail Ring – Tanzanite 33 ct Diamonds, 18K White Gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Diamonds: approx. 1.17 ct total 18K white gold, 15.40 g Diameter: ~3 cm Height: ~1.5 cm Complimentary
Category

Vintage 1970s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 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 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

White Agate, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with a band of white agate and, on it, a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose 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 10.20 carat amethyst opal diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
refined touch of brightness, all set in warm 18k yellow gold that elevates the ring’s bold, sculptural
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

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

Magnesite, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central magnesite and, laterally, a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

Vintage 1970s Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

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

Vintage 1970s Italian More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k TT Gold Diamond Florentine Polished Finish Cocktail Statement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 0.08ctw (approx.) - Fiery For Small Diamonds. Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Top Area
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 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

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

Sapphire, Onyx, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Retrò ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central sapphire between two lateral onyx
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

French 1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Rectangular Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. An elegant vintage ring, its rectangular setting
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Ring with Brilliant-Cut Center
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
An exceptional vintage diamond cluster ring crafted in 14K yellow gold, showcasing a dazzling round
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
is bordered by shimmering white diamonds totalling aprox 90pts. Ring Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2 Panel
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Retro .07ctw Diamond Long Dinner Ring, 10KT Bi Color Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
A retro 10 kart bi color gold diamond long dinner ring. This statement ring features a vertical bow
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Kt. White Gold Diamonds Emerald Cocktail Ring
Located in Rome, IT
Ring made of 18 kt. white gold with diamonds and emerald. Diamonds are set on different levels creating a three-dimensional geometry. The emerald is set in the center of the ring, su...
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White 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

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
in 18carat gold. Fully hallmarked London 1975. Ring Size: I 1/2 or 4 1/2 Face Width: 6mm Height Off
Category

Vintage 1970s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond N Letter Written Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.21 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Art Deco Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold Round Diamond GH-SI
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage Art Deco Round Diamond Ring Has a simplicity beauty to it, not too gaudy. Diamond is 0.55
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White 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

Diamond ring in 14-karat white gold with numerous brilliant-cut diamonds
Located in bronshoj, DK
A diamond ring in 14-karat white gold with numerous brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling approximately
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 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

Vintage 1.50 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Vintage 1.50 Carats total weight Diamonds Dome Ring. Size 8 18k White Gold Circa 1970's
Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s 14KT Yellow Gold Marquise Sapphire and Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold statement from the 1970s, this vintage swirl ring pairs soft curves with confident presence
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 2.05 Carat Garnet and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 2.05 carat garnet and 0.08 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Gold Diamond Rings 1979", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Gold Diamond Rings 1979 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate gold diamond rings 1979 for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 3647 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect gold diamond rings 1979 may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing gold diamond rings 1979 — 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 emerald cut alternatives. Most of our gold diamond rings 1979 for sale are for women, but there are 603 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Gold Diamond Rings 1979?

The price for a gold diamond rings 1979 starts at $100 and tops out at $495,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,688.

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.