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Three Modernist Gold Stacking Rings
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k. Industrial design meets chic in these stacking rings, each a different color of
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1977 Andrew Grima Modernist Fantasy Cut Amethyst White Diamond Gold Ring
By Andrew Grima
Located in London, GB
by sculptural diamond-set claws all to a tapered white gold shank. 1 fancy polished amethyst 9.00cts
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Gold

Cartier Three Color Gold Modernist Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Simple but bold 3 color 18kt Gold Ring. Model not to often seen . Size 7 1/4 - but can be sized
Category

Early 2000s French Modernist Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Vermeil

Modernist 1950s Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Modernist 1950s Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Ring Modernist 1950s emerald and diamond ring
Category

Vintage 1950s Modernist Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

3.50ct Green Tourmaline Diamond Modernist Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
fourteen-karat yellow gold, this ring is in excellent condition. Remarks from Lawrence Jeffrey: “One
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, White Diamond, 14k Gold

French 1970s Modernist Sapphire Diamonds White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats white gold, eagle's head hallmark. This beautiful retro ring is set with a deep
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Modernist Green Moonstone Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
. Its understated modern 18k yellow gold form is accented with white gold V’s surmounted by diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Moonstone, White Diamond, 18k Gold

1960s Modernist Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Birmingham, AL
This funky 18k yellow gold design is vintage to the Modernist period of the 1960s-70s. It features
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Modernist 8.5 Carat Citrine and Diamond White Gold Ring
By Bucherer
Located in Litchfield, CT
the contemporary design lends it understated elegance. Finely handmade in eighteen-karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Majo Fruithof Pair of Heavy Modernist Gold Rings
By Majo Fruithof
Located in Litchfield, CT
results in this pair of heavy gold rings by Majo Fruithof. The brilliant opposites motif in yellow and
Category

1990s Swiss Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Modernist 25 Carat Tourmaline Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Swiss. This sleek modernist ring is visually rife with notes of Industrial
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, White Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Lapis Lazuli Modernist Ring by Prof. Reiling
Located in Zurich, CH
Groovy 18 karat white gold diamond and lapis lazuli modernist ring by Prof. Reiling, Germany, 1970s
Category

Vintage 1970s German Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Modernist Gold Coral Black Onyx Diamond Ring
Located in Birmingham, AL
This beautifully made ring centers a 23.6 x 19.6 mm cabochon cut piece of coral set in yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Modernist Ring in 14 Carat White Gold with Numerous Diamonds
Located in bronshoj, DK
Modernist ring in 14 carat white gold with numerous diamonds. In very good condition. Stamped
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Eighties Modernist Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, Switzerland. This ultra-cool modernist ring sparkles, its sleek visual narrative
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bræmer-Jensen, Denmark, Modernist Ring in 14 Carat Gold and White Gold
Located in bronshoj, DK
Bræmer-Jensen, Denmark (1957 - 1991). Modernist ring in 14-carat gold and white gold. Mid-20th
Category

Mid-20th Century Danish Modern Band Rings

Materials

14k Gold, White Gold

Bulgari Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Dome Modernist Vintage Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
marks for 18 karat gold Fully signed for Bvlgari Circa: 2000s Ring size: Stamped 55 for ring size 7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

1970s Modernist Gold and Diamond Loop Design Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Modernist two-color gold and diamond statement ring of stylized dimensional loop design, in 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

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

Modernist 18 Karat and 22 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
colors of gold, this ring is a hand-made one-of-a-kind. Used by a professor of goldsmithing at The School
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

New 18k Yellow White Gold 0.26ctw Diamond Polished Triangle Modernist Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Clarity - 0.26ctw (exact) Total Carat Weight: 0.26 (exact) Material: 18k Yellow Gold w/ White Gold Top
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

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

14-karat gold ring in white gold and rose gold. Modernist design. Mid-20th C.
Located in bronshoj, DK
14-karat gold ring in white gold and rose gold. Modernist design. Mid-20th century. Makers mark: SC
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1.35 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond 18K White Gold Solitaire Modernist Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage 1.35 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Solitaire Modernist Ring. Featuring
Category

Vintage 1980s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Swedish Modernist Alliance Ring in 18 Carat White Gold with Diamonds, 1988
Located in bronshoj, DK
Swedish modernist alliance ring in 18 carat white gold with diamonds. Dated 1988. In very good
Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

French 1970s Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This white gold ring is set with 17 brilliant
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1970s Modernist Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. This extremely original yellow gold ring
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Modernist Tourmaline and Diamond-Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, Swiss. This elegantly contemporary ring is set with a 2.0 carat lush red
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Chaumet White Gold Anneau Dome Ring
By Chaumet
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, by Chaumet, Paris, France. This elegant white gold ring has a chic understated
Category

1990s French Modernist Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

MODERNIST 1970 Sculptural Ring in Textured 18Kt Gold With European Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural modernist textured statement ring. This is a very interesting sculptural and unusual
Category

Vintage 1970s German Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Modernist 18 Karat White Gold Three Diamond "Love" Ring/Wedding Band, Cartier
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This stunning modernist ring / wedding band was realized by Cartier- one of the world's finest
Category

20th Century French Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Modernist Ring, a Zorab Creation
By Zorab Creation
Located in San Diego, CA
Daringly artful in it's grace is the Modernist ring, a Zorab Creation. Fashioned from the art era
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Topaz, Tsavorite, Zircon, 18k G...

WILHELM MÖLLER Modernist Cocktail Ring 14Kt Gold 9.42 Ctw Tourmaline Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Austrian modernist cocktail ring designed by Wilhelm Möller. Very unusual contemporary cocktail
Category

1990s Austrian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

Swedish Modernist Alliance Ring in 18 Carat White Gold with Diamonds, Dated 1976
Located in bronshoj, DK
Swedish modernist alliance ring in 18 carat white gold with diamonds. Dated 1976. In very good
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Modernist 18k Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k. This hand-made modern ring has that wonderful hippie-made vibe. A magically
Category

Vintage 1970s Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century 1.80 Carats Old European Cut Diamonds 18K White Gold Modernist Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Mid Century 1.80 Carats Old European Cut Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Modernist Ring. Featuring
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Jose Hess 0.91 Carat Diamond 14 Karat Gold Unisex Band Ring
By Jose Hess
Located in Philadelphia, PA
profile Fully signed Jose Hess and numbered with dated inscription Stamped 14k for 14 karat gold Ring
Category

20th Century Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

16 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond Modernist Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1990s, 18k, Swiss. The stylish narrative of this huge 18k white gold ring is underscored by
Category

1990s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Cartier Modernist Tank Solo Moonstone Ring Size 50 18 Karat White Gold
By Cartier
Located in Fairfield, CT
The image depicts a luxurious vintage Cartier Tank Solo ring, crafted from 18 karat white gold. The
Category

20th Century Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Italian Modernist 1970 Concretism Sculptural Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gold of 18 karats with textured and polished finishes. This ring has a lot of influence of the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Italian Modernist 1970 Concretism Sculptural Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gold of 18 karats with textured and polished finishes. This ring has a lot of influence of the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

REINHOLD REILING 1970 Germany Modernist Ring In 18Kt Gold With Lapis Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
crafted with modernist geometric patterns in solid yellow gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The
Category

Vintage 1960s German Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Paul Binder Modernist Ruby and Diamond Ring
By Paul Binder
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, by Paul Binder, Zurich, Switzerland. This sleek one-of-a-kind modernist jewel is
Category

Vintage 1960s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow and white gold (stamped 14K) engagement ring prong set with with one 0.57 carat
Category

Vintage 1930s Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Onyx Cameo Ring, 10k White Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
An unusual vintage 10k white gold Onyx cameo ring. It has a black onyx cameo with a soldier in
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modernist Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 10k Gold, White Gold

Modernist 1970s 4.80 Carat Amethyst Diamonds Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 14 karats yellow gold. Modernist ring, it is set with 4 claws of an emerald-cut amethyst
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Modernist 18 Karat and 22 Karat Gold Ring circa 1980s American
Located in Litchfield, CT
colors of gold, this organo chic eighties ring is a hand-made one-of-a-kind. Used by a professor of
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Modernist 14 Karat Two Tone Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An unusual two tone 14 karat gold ring set with diamonds in a contemporary asymmetric style. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Meister Modernist Lapis and Diamond Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
fine white diamonds (G color, VS clarity), this fabulous ring by the esteemed Zurich jewelry house
Category

1990s Swiss Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Majo Fruithof of Zurich Massive Modernist Aquamarine Ring
By Majo Fruithof
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 18k, by Majo Fruithof, Zurich, Switzerland. Stylishly bold, this 18k white gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold, White Gold

CARTIER 1970 Modernist Enameled Signet Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier ring is excellent. Beside the little normal wear, there is no damage to the gold. The 12 diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Signet Rings

Materials

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

Italian 18 Karat Yellow White Gold Adjustable Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This fascinating Italian made gold ring is unlike any ring we have seen before in that it is
Category

20th Century Italian Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Italian 18K white Gold Geometric Motif Fashion Ring
Located in Kingston, NY
Italian 18K white gold geometric motif fashion ring designed with one oval faceted purple sapphire
Category

20th Century Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Purple Sapphire, White Gold

Modernist Diamond-Set Snake Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k. Full of modernist verve, this unusual white gold snake ring features a .34
Category

Vintage 1960s Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier 1970 Geometric Modernist Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold with Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Geometric modernist ring designed by Cartier. An unusual sculptural V shaped ring, created by the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1960s French Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This gorgeous daisy style ring is claw set with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Modernist 1960 Sculptural Geometric Ring In 14Kt Gold With Diamonds Tiger Eye
Located in Miami, FL
retro-modernist period, back the late 1960's. This sculptural ring has been crafted with geometric
Category

Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tiger s Eye, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

MODERNIST 1970 Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With Diamonds Tiger Eye
Located in Miami, FL
modernist period, back in 1970. The one-of-a-kind ring has been crafted, with a geometric shape in solid
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tiger s Eye, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Yellow and White Gold Swiss Modern Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1970s, 18k, Switzerland. This stylish Swiss Modern ring features 3.0 carats of superb white
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

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Modernist White Gold Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact modernist white gold ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 449 vintage or 172 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect modernist white gold ring 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. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic modernist white gold ring over the years, but those made by Cartier, Van Cleef Arpels and Bulgari are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A modernist white gold ring can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 379, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and oval cut versions for sale. Finding a modernist white gold ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 200 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Modernist White Gold Ring?

The price for a modernist white gold ring starts at $120 and tops out at $200,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,800.

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 Modernist White Gold Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Yes, white gold can be used in wedding rings. In fact, the precious metal offers distinctive benefits because it doesn't tarnish and resists corrosion. The metal is also relatively malleable, allowing it to be adorned with intricate details and engravings. Shop a range of white gold wedding rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023
    What karat white gold is best for wedding rings depends on personal preferences. Generally, 18-karat white gold has more visible yellow undertones because it contains more gold. Because it is a harder metal, 14-karat white gold may resist scratches better than 18-karat. On 1stDibs, find a variety of white gold wedding rings.
  • 1stDibs ExpertSeptember 16, 2024
    How much a 10k white gold ring is worth changes over time. On its own, 10-karat white gold has value, but scrap metal prices tend to fluctuate. A ring may be worth more than the going rate for 10-karat white gold based on its maker, age, style and other factors. A certified appraiser or knowledgeable jeweler can provide you with a more specific valuation. Explore a collection of white gold rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Whether platinum or white gold is better for engagement rings is a matter of personal preference. Each type of precious metal has certain advantages. White gold tends to be more affordable and is less malleable, increasing its durability. Platinum requires less maintenance and retains its color over time. Find a variety of platinum and white gold engagement rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023
    Whether you should wear a yellow or white gold sapphire ring is a matter of personal choice. Some people love the look of contrasting metals and stones, so they may prefer to place a cool blue or clear sapphire in a warm-toned yellow gold setting. Those who want a more unified look can choose metals and gemstones with a similar color temperature, such as white gold with a blue sapphire. Shop a wide variety of sapphire rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023
    Yes, you can wear a rose gold wedding band with a white gold engagement ring if you wish. Your bridal jewelry should represent your sense of style, so you're free to mix and match pieces however you see fit. If you want to create a cohesive look, choose a wedding band and an engagement ring with similar elements, such as matching gemstones or decorative embellishments. Find a large selection of wedding bands and engagement rings on 1stDibs.