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French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
trembling earrings, they are decorated with antique brilliant- cut diamonds. The lower part shakes. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

French Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum 3 Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum. Magnificent, this ruby-diamond ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 20th Century Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chimera Pendant Chain Necklace
Located in Poitiers, FR
chain with a chimera pendant in amatized gold. The creature holds a rose-cut diamond in its mouth. The
Category

Early 20th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flowering Branch Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
a flower and its foliage set with rose-cut diamonds. The stems are decorated with brilliant-cut
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Si...

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
features arabesque floral motifs, cornucopia and egrets, all set with old-cut and rose-cut diamonds. At the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver, Yellow ...

19th Century 4.50 Carat Cabochon Emerald Diamonds Duchess Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
ring, it is set with a cabochon emerald in closed setting surmounted by 2 antique cushion- cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, St...

19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
5 oval rubies in fall surmounted on both sides of a line of 2x7 rose-cut diamonds. The beginning of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Antique 19th Century Diamond Silver Gold Flower Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
set antique cut diamond surrounded by 11 pistils set with diamonds. The ribs of the delightfully
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold, Rose Gold

French, 19th Century, Diamonds Pearl 18 Karat Rose Gold Duo Daisies Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
pattern decorated with rose- cut diamonds and centered each one of 2 buttons pearls supposed fine. The
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose- Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. This antique diamond ring can be worn on either
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Gold Bracelet with Locket Back Heart Pendant with Diamond Set Flower
Located in Munich, Bavaria
heart with locket back is decorated with a diamond set flower.
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Lever-Back Daisy Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
earrings, each adorned in the center with a claw-retained rose-cut diamond in a double surround of claw
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

19th Century Enamel Diamonds Surround 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds. The whole is surrounded by rose-cut diamonds. The attachment system is with a safety hook. Height
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

French 19th Century Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
-cut diamonds set on either side of a cushion-cut sapphire. On both sides, on the start of the ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century French Diamond Natural Pearl Earrings and Ring Set
Located in Poitiers, FR
antique ring is double ring and is decorated on top with an antique brilliant- cut diamond as well as a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

19th Century Turquoise Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Clip Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds. Underneath, a silver motif is also set with antique cushion- cut diamonds and follows the curve
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

French 19th Century Coral Enamel Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
, centered with a rose- cut diamond. The coral pearl is surrounded by Greek motifs and then by a double
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

French 19th Century Natural Pearls Diamonds Onyx Cameo Set
Located in Poitiers, FR
a woman, adorned at the four cardinal points with rose-cut diamonds separated by natural pearls. On
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III More Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yell...

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver Brooch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
transformation, it represents a knot moved and decorated with rose- cut diamonds. A pin with a safety hook allows
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

French 19th Century Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Lever, Back Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
in the center of a half pearl supposed natural and 4 small rose- cut diamonds. The fastening system
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

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

19th Century Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Transformation Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
center of a cushion- cut blue sapphire surrounded in radiation of antique- cut diamonds, the top and the
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

19th Century Duo Mabé Pearls Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
that overhang a decoration of small leaves each set with rose-cut diamonds. Diameter of the pearls
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chimeras Band Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
the center of an antique cushion-cut diamond surmounted on both sides of a double line of 2x4 rose-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Snowflake Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
a flake set in the center with an antique brilliant-cut diamond and rose-cut diamonds. The hanging
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Si...

French 19th Century Diamonds Enamel 18 karat Yellow Gold Locket Pendant Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Sublime antique jewelry from the Napoleon III period, consisting of an antique brooch representing a
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 18 K Lyre Gold Brooch Apollos Instrument Flowers Diamonds Silver Garnet
Located in Munich, Bavaria
out of silver and set with diamonds. The almandine is surrounded by a white enamel frame.The lyre is
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

19th Century Natural Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
sapphire, shouldered by two antique brilliant- cut diamonds which are supported by two chiseled gold leaves
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Crescent Moon Brooch with 4.5ct Old Cut Diamonds, circa 1900 s
Located in Firenze, IT
-cut diamonds, for a total weight of approximately 4.50 carats, set in an 18-carat silver and gold
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold

French 1880s Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Yellow Gold Silver Brooch Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
interlacing plant motifs and fleur-de-lisé motifs, all openwork and adorned with rose-cut diamonds. In the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silv...

Antique French Gold and Old Cut Diamond Bangle Bracelet Circa 1860
Located in Firenze, IT
The opening rigid bracelet bears three flowers paved with old cut diamond approximately 3,5ct
Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

19th Century Diamonds Chrysoberyl Cat s Eye 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
-cut diamonds within wide claws that hold a sugarloaf-cut cat's eye chrysoberyl. Total weight of the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Silver Bouquet Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
of the pattern is set with rose- cut diamonds. The attachment system is a pin with safety. Height
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver

19th Century Natural Pearl Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Duo Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
and a brilliant-cut diamond with an openwork swirl on both sides set with rose-cut diamonds. Diamond
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 19th Century Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
arabesque motifs, adorned with half-pearls in a line. In the center, a rose-cut diamond is held in place by
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French, 19th Century Pearl Diamonds Yellow Gold Platinum Charles Templier Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds, separated in the center by a fine baroque pearl. The attachment system is a pump with pin. Pearl
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum, ...

"Toi et Moi Ring in 18K Gold with 1.20 ct Old European Cut Diamond Pavé"
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Elegant 19th century ring in 18K rose gold, set with old-cut diamonds of approx. 1.20 carats in
Category

Antique 1890s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Pompadour Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds, all vintage, held in place with claws. The diamonds in the center and at the 2 ends are larger
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century 2 carat Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
whose heart and petals are represented by antique-fashioned brilliant-cut diamonds, the center one being
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century 3, 90 Carats Diamonds Bouquet Silver 18 Karat Yellow Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
flowers and its leaves moved and set with antique- cut diamonds. In the center 2 antique cushion-cut
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

French 1, 87 Carat Tanzanite Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
pompadour ring, it is set with claws of an oval tanzanite surrounded by modern brilliant-cut diamonds in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Old Cut Diamond And Natural Pearl Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
button pearl and an old-cut diamond, underlined by scrolls set with rose-cut diamonds. Pearl size
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

French 19th Century Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Bar Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
adorned with a row of seven cushion-cut sapphires, separated by small rose-cut diamonds. The fastening
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

18 Carat Gold Ring Set With 3 Coral Beads And Antique Cut Diamonds Enhanced With
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
visible only on the back of the ring), surrounded by a pavement of old-cut “rose” diamonds, enhanced by a
Category

Antique 1890s French Napoleon III Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold

19th Century Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
baroque pearl set in rose-cut diamonds held in claws. Diameter of the pearl : 5,5/6 mm approximately
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century Fine Pearls Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Badge Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
motif adorned with 6 pearly white oriental half-pearls and a small rose-cut diamond in the center. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century Pink Sapphire Rose-cut Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
pink sapphire in a setting of rose-cut diamonds set on paillon. A trapeze motif is set into the base of
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Double Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
decorated on the front of 3 half pearls and rose- cut diamonds in geometrical setting. Height : 8.5 mm
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

19th Century Natural Pearl Pear- Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
natural button pearl in the center, topped on both sides with antique pear-cut diamonds. On both sides, on
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

19th Century Natural Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Round Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
brooch is adorned with natural pearls, each separated by two rose-cut diamonds. The clasp is a pin with
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

French 19th Century Diamond Fine Pearls 18 Karat Rose Gold Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
features a floral motif in the center, with a rose-cut diamond at the heart and petals set with semi-fine
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

Pearl, Natural Pearl, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French 19th Century Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Rose Gold Snake Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
intertwined snakes, one with a round emerald and the other with an antique-cut brilliant-cut diamond. The ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Men s Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
second one with a rose- cut diamond. Height : 16.4 mm in the center, width taken at the tip of each
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
fleur-de-lis motif at the base of the band, holding a brilliant-cut antique diamond and a round ruby. A
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Old Cut Diamond Black Enamel and 18K Rose Gold Bangle, Circa 1880
Located in Firenze, IT
: 2.3 cm. An 18K rose gold bangle, circa 1880, embellished by 15 old-cut diamonds and black enamel
Category

Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

French 19th Century Certified Natural Pearls Diamonds Rose Gold Drop Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
are formed each one of an oval shape pattern, set with antique diamonds and centered of a baroque
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold,...

French 1850s Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
decorated on its top of a you and me of supposedly natural pearls, and of two antique cushion- cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

19th Century Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold 3 Rings Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
round sapphires and a cushion- cut diamond. On both sides, on each of the rings, is set a rose-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings

Materials

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

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Napoleon Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate napoleon diamond for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 210 vintage editions and 17 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a napoleon diamond 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. Finding an appealing napoleon diamond — no matter the origin — is easy, but Baume and Mellerio dits Meller each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a rose cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also antique cushion cut cut and oval cut cut versions available here, too. If you’re browsing our inventory for a napoleon diamond, 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 Napoleon Diamond?

The price for a napoleon diamond starts at $750 and tops out at $52,500 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,458.

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.