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French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
rose- cut diamonds. This antique ring is engraved inside with the inscription: "Perronne L. Paris Avril
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique French Turquoise Natural Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
accentuated by round turquoise cabochons on each side all set within curves of rose cut diamonds. Length: 1.8
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Pearl Diamonds Ruby Drop Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
- back earrings, they have a round frame on which are set 5 rose- cut diamonds, and in the center a
Category

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

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yel...

French 19th Century Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Pendant Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds. At the base, in a tassel, a pear-shaped emerald surmounted by a diamond, finishes this antique
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

19th Century 18 Karats Yellow Gold Sapphire Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
around each other. The two heads are set respectively with an antique brilliant cut diamond and a faceted
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with 4 rose cut diamonds starred set. The departure of the ring on both sides is eventful. Height: 8.3
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Cushion Cut Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Cluster Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
set with a slightly cushion cut lavender blue sapphire surrounded by 8 brilliant cut diamonds. At each
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose-Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Snake Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
represents an openwork decoration of a coiled snake whose head is set with a rose- cut diamond. Height: 11.4
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with old cut diamonds the one of the center being of more important size. On both sides of the head, on
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Openwork Design Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
brilliant- cut diamonds separated by a horn of plenty set with 4 brilliant- cut diamonds. At the beginning
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
entirely set with antique brilliant-cut diamonds. On either side of the head, the start of the ring forms a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century French Garnet Diamond Two Color Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
For pierced ears. Pairs of earrings in 18 carat white and yellow golds. Each diamond earring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

French 19th Century 5 Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Garter Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
top with an openworked line of antique- cut diamonds, bordered with a gold thread. On both sides of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century French 6.20 Carat Hessonite Garnet Rose Cut Diamonds Antique Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
hessonite orange garnet surrounded by rose-cut diamonds. On both sides, the start of the ring forms a fleur
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
, with claws of an intense blue sapphire in an antourage of rose-cut diamonds. Total weight of the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century 18 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Diamonds Daisy Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
of an antique brilliant- cut diamond surrounded by 10 antique brilliant- cut diamonds. On both sides
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

New French Cushion Cut Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Cluster Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
slightly cushion cut lavender blue sapphire surrounded by 8 brilliant cut diamonds. At each side of this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Aquamarine Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
, this magnificent antique ring is set on silver of rose- cut diamonds which surround an aiguemarine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Chimera Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
chimera, wings outstretched, holding an antique cushion-cut diamond in its claws. The rest of the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

19th Century Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Lever, Back Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
emerald on an openwork setting and surmounted by an antique cushion-cut diamond. The attachment system
Category

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

Materials

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

19th Century 0.90 Carat Turquoise Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
adorned on the top with a turquoise cabochon, surrounded by rose- cut diamonds. The basket is openwork. On
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
Pendant in 18 karat yellow gold. Lovely antique pendant, it is set with 9 rose- cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
its round setting with 10 rose- cut diamonds, the one in the center being larger. Height: 9.8 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
its round setting with 10 rose- cut diamonds, the one in the center being larger. Height: 9.8 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Medallion Locket Pendant
Located in Poitiers, FR
medallion is bordered on the obverse of a crown of laurels, with in the center an antique- cut diamond in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

19th Century Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Pompadour Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
the center in an entourage of rose- cut diamonds. Total weight of the emerald : about 0.29 carat
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French Natural Pearl Diamond and Cameo Brooch
Located in Firenze, IT
Brooch in 18K gold and silver adorned with a cameo in the profile of a woman in a chiselled closed setting, surrounded by pearls and ribbons, holding a pearl in a pendant. Dimension...
Category

Antique 1870s French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

French 19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Swallow Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
brooch, is engraved of a pattern of swallow, whose body is set with rose- cut diamonds and the eye of a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Mellerio dits Meller French Antique Blue Sapphire Diamond and Gold Bracelet
By Mellerio dits Meller
Located in New York, NY
A French Antique 18 karat gold bracelet with blue sapphires and diamonds by Mellerio dits Meller
Category

Antique 1860s French Napoleon III Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

French 19th Century Rose- Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Bangle Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
-cut diamonds. The practically invisible clasp is hinged with a safety catch. Width : 17 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Bangles

Materials

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

19th Century Yellow Gold Silver Diamond and Agate Cameo Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
diamonds. Size : 3 x 2cm. Finger size: 6. Gross weight: 10g.
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

"Marquise" Ring 18 Carat Gold Set with Old-Cut Diamonds, Engagement Ring
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
cut diamonds for approximately 2 carats in total, its total weight is 4.7 grams. "Marquise" model
Category

Antique 1880s European Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

19th Century French Diamond Natural Pearl You and Me Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
charming antique ring is adorned with a natural pearl button shape, and an antique brilliant- cut diamond
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Starry Pompadour Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
the top of an antique cushion-cut diamond, on a starry decoration decorated with small rose- cut. The
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French, 2.17 Carats Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
platinum and gold ring of square shape, it is set with 9 modern brilliant- cut diamonds, thae one of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

19th Century 1.70 Carat Cabochon Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
-cut diamonds. Weight of the emerald: 1.70 carat approximately. Total weight of diamonds: around 0.60
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century 1.95 Carat Yellow Diamond Black Enamel 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
set on its top with an antique marquise-cut diamond in fancy yellow. 2/3 of the mounting body is black
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cherubs Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
brilliant- cut diamond and a cushion- cut emerald. Weight of the emerald : 0,30 carat approximately. Weight
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
rose- cut diamonds. The start of the ring is formed by 2 palmettes. Height: 8.3 mm, width: 9.5 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
represents a flower whose heart and petals are set with antique brilliant cut diamonds. On both sides of the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French 18kt Gold Diamond And Amethyst Episcopal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
" adorned with a large oval amethyst of approximately 24 ct surrounded by rose cut diamonds. XIXth century
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Antique French 18kt Gold Diamond And Amethyst Episcopal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
" adorned with a large oval amethyst of approximately 24 ct surrounded by rose cut diamonds. XIXth century
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Fashion Rings

Materials

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

French, 19th Century, Emerald Diamond 18 K Yellow Gold Openwork Bangle Bracelet
Located in Poitiers, FR
gold cord. The top of the bracelet is wider, and decorated with rose-cut diamonds and step-cut emeralds
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Napoleon III Bangles

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Lily of The Valley Brooch
Located in Poitiers, FR
of the valley, set with 5 rose- cut diamonds. The clasp is a pin with safety hook. Height : 2.6 cm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Brooches

Materials

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

Antique French Opal And Diamond Engagement Ring Late 19th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
-cut diamonds, surmounted by a crown also set with diamonds and two emerald cabochons, the mounting
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
claws with an antique cushion-cut diamond. On either side, at the start of the ring, 2x3 falling rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Pair of Ear Studs with Natural Pearl and Old Diamond
Located in Firenze, IT
pearl each, diameter approx. 5.1 mm, together 18 old European cut diamonds, together approx. 1.22 ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century German Napoleon III Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

French 2.75 Carat Ceylon Sapphire 1.62 Carat Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
set with an oval cut royal blue sapphire surrounded by 10 brilliant cut diamonds. At each side of this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
ring is set with an antique brilliant- cut diamond, accompanied by a round ruby. Two branches set with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century 3 Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
antique cushion- cut diamonds. Weight of the main diamond : 0,50 carat approximately. Total weight of the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings

Materials

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

French 3.25 Carat Tanzanite Diamonds Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster 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

French 1, 92 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

French 19th Century 4 Carat Jade Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
on its top a cabochon of green jade surrounded by rose- cut diamonds. Weight of the jade : 4 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
openwork design and a cushion-cut antique diamond in the center. Height : 5 mm approximately, width : 5 mm
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

19th Century Yellow Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
yellow oval sapphire in an entourage of rose-cut diamonds. Total weight of the sapphire : approximately
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Natural Pearls Diamonds 18 Karat Gold Sleepers Earrings
Located in Poitiers, FR
rose-cut diamond. The hanging system is from the front. Height: approximately 11.7 mm, width
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Drop Earrings

Materials

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

19th Century Turquoise Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
turquoise matrix surrounded by rose- cut diamonds. The basket is openworked with arabesques. Weight of the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

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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.