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Gold Diamond Rings 1979

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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 Blue Topaz and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Striking blue topaz set simply and the ring is modelled in 18carat yellow gold. The diamond total
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, White 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

1980s Jean Dinh Van 18 Karat Gold Anthea Ring with Diamonds
By Jean Dinh Van
Located in Oakland, CA
Vintage Jean Dinh Van ‘Anthéa’ 18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds This vintage late 1970's, early
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

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

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Topaz, Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central topaz surrounded by a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage 18KT Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring, Oval Natural Sapphire
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 18 karat yellow gold sapphire and diamond ring. This engagement ring features an oval
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

2.75ct Ceylon Sapphire and 2.88ct Diamond, 18ct White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
white gold ballerina ring; part of our sapphire jewelry collection. This stunning, fine and impressive
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White 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 2 carat sapphire diamond 14k yellow gold swirl cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring from the 1970s is crafted in 14k yellow gold and features sixteen marquise cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Estate 0.20 Carat Diamond Gypsy Dome Gents Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Circa 1970s 0.20 carat round brilliant diamond F-G I1 Flush set in a gypsy style dome ring. 6.3
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Diamonds Heart Shape Onyx White Gold Fashion Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fabulous heart shape fashion ring in 14K white gold mounted with heart shape onyx in the center and
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage diamond 18k yellow gold five stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring from the 1970’s is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features five round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold 0.87ctw Diamond 0.56ctw Sapphire Three Flower Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant 14k white gold ring showcases a timeless floral cluster design, featuring 0.87 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Channel Diamond Eternity Wedding Band, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - diamonds, 32 stones - round brilliant cut - 1.6 mm - approximately .50 total carats -F-G
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow 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

Vintage 14K Gold Emerald Diamond Ring 0.84 TCW Bypass Design
Located in Miami, FL
An elegant vintage 14K yellow gold bypass ring weighing 5.8 grams, featuring a vivid pear-shaped
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamond total is approx 52pts. Each opal measures 35pts. Modelled in 18carat gold and stones set in
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 14kt. white gold 23.10 ct. jade diamond cluster ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Vintage 14kt. white gold jade diamond cluster ring. Made in Circa. 1970's Hallmarked with 585
Category

Vintage 1970s European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold and Platinum Daisy Ring with Emerald and Diamonds
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A charming daisy-style ring crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum (950‰), centering on a vibrant
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this glossy 18ct gold ring are three Diamonds and two Rubies. The three diamonds total 60pts
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Sapphire Diamond Pyramid 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
cocktail ring. Make a statement with with thirty two sapphires and twenty three diamonds all prong set in a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

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

Vintage 1970s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a vintage Sleeping Beauty Arizona Turquoise ring, featuring a mesmerizing turquoise
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold

Kutchinsky vintage 18kt yellow gold 0.36ct. round brilliant Diamond Band Ring
By Kutchinsky
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage Kutchinsky diamond band ring crafted in 18kt yellow gold. The ring is grain-set with
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow 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

Vintage Italian 18K Gold Mesh Band Ring with Purple Enamel Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Pop of Purple Elegance: This exquisite ring from 1970s Florence, Italy, combines bold color with
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

HAMMERMAN BROTHERS 1970 Geometric Ring 18Kt Gold With 3.54 Ctw Diamonds
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Miami, FL
gold. The 70 diamonds are secured in the settings. This ring has been carefully inspected to guarantee
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Emeralds, Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Gorgeous ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with emeralds,rubies and sapphires and, between
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

1.01 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage diamond trilogy ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with 18k white gold settings. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Dress/Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in Zurich, CH
Ravishing 18 karat yellow gold and diamond dress/cocktail ring, circa 1970. Of abstract asymmetric
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18K Gold Vintage Italian White Enamel Diamond Mesh Ring Mesh Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning vintage ring from the heart of Italy blends classic design with modern versatility
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Unique Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White and Red Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
. The two arcs in red gold on each side of the ring band are a cute detail to ring and definitely gives
Category

Vintage 1970s English Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Black and White Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Snake Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing snake ring in 14 kt white gold structure studded with white and black diamonds on all the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1.50 Carats Diamond Cluster Ring in 14K White Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning vintage ring is a true statement piece, featuring a bold and intricate diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 12k Gold Natural Diamond And Turquoise Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 7.4 grams. Totally is diamond 0.90 carat. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold

Tiffany Co. Donald Claflin Coral Diamond Gold Platinum Enamel Ring
By Donald Claflin for Tiffany Co.
Located in Greenwich, CT
, gold, platinum, and black enamel dome ring has a powerful one-of-a-kind personality. Signed Tiffany
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels 40.50 Carat Beautiful Blue Aquamarine Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in West Hollywood, CA
The Van Cleef & Arpels 40.50 Carat Beautiful Blue Aquamarine & Diamond Gold Ring is a stunning
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold

Vintage 3 Carat Blue Sapphires Diamonds Band Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 3 Carat Blue Sapphire & Diamonds Band Ring 14k Gold. The ring features a natural
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k 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

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.2 grams. Ring size is US 8 (We offer free resizing
Category

Vintage 1970s Turkish Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage GIA 3.90 carat sapphire diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 18k white gold cocktail ring showcases a 3.90 carat GIA-certified heated Thai sapphire
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Amethyst, Diamonds, Tourmalines, Tsavorites, Iolite, 14 Kt Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Unique cluster ring realized in 14 kt white and rose gold, mounted with a big amethyst in the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Iolite, Tourmaline, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, W...

Vintage Two-Tone 0.30 Carat Diamond Bezel 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Two-Tone 0.30 Carat Diamond Bezel Ring. The ring features center 0.20 carat Diamond and
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1970 s Diamond Coral 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Flanked by tapered shoulders Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 1970s Ring size: 8 3/4 and sizable Measures
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Blue Topaz and Diamond 9 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Striking blue topaz set simply in 9 carat white gold and sat either side is a trio of diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, White Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds three deep blue sapphires which total 50pts and two pairs of diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

18 K white Gold Band Ring Baguette Diamonds Paul Binder Zurich
By Paul Binder
Located in Zurich, Zollstrasse
used frequently. The Ring is set with 68 Baguette Diamonds in a channel setting. The total weight is
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold White Coral Diamond Alhambra Ring from Van Cleef & Arpels. With 1 round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 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 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Pretty Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.80 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Triple Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
ring itself is modelled in 18ct yellow gold. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 6 3/4 Weight: 2.4g
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Geometric Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Sapphire Geometric Cocktail Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 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

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

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Prettty Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.8 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ring with .50ct center Old Mine Diamond
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1970s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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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.