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Navette Rings

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Antique Edwardian GIA Burma Ruby Diamond Cluster 18 Karat Gold Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Burma Ruby Damond Cluster Navette Ring. The ring features a GIA certified marquise cut ruby
Category

Vintage 1910s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Russian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring. This gorgeous ring is
Category

Antique 1880s Russian Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Horizontal Diamond Navette Ring, 10K White Gold, Ring, Floral Diamond
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 10 karat white gold horizontal diamond navette ring. This statement ring features a
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Navette Ring, 14K White Gold, Ring, Diamond Cluster
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat white gold diamond navette ring. This cluster ring features a marquise shape
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mini Diamond Navette Ring, 10K White Gold, Ring, Marquise Diamond Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 10 karat white gold mini diamond navette ring. This ring features a single cut nouns
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold, White Gold

Late Victorian 18k/Sterling Silver 3-Stone Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous diamond navette ring from the Late Victorian (ca1900) era! This fashionable piece is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Rose Cut Diamond and Natural Pearl Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Delicate Edwardian Navette ring with French Hallmarks. The ring is done in 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Opal Sapphire Navette Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.5, Rainbow Opal Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
If you're looking for a unique and vibrant ring, this 0.60ctw Opal Sapphire Navette Ring is the
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Navette Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.5, Diamond Statement
Located in McLeansville, NC
This vintage-inspired 0.40ctw Ruby Diamond Navette Ring is a true gem. Made with 14K yellow gold
Category

Early 2000s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Navette Ring. Featuring one oval
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco .05ct Diamond Filigree Navette Ring, 18k White Gold, Ring Size 5.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
Step back in time with this exquisite Art Deco .05ct diamond filigree navette ring. Crafted in 18k
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.71 Ctw Sapphire Diamond Navette Ring, 14k Yellow Gold, Vintage
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold sapphire and diamond navette ring. This diamond shape ring features
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Sardinian Red Coral Navette Ring Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Long Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage Sardinian red coral navette ring (circa 1950s to 1960s) crafted in 18 karat yellow
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Jadeite Navette Ring Vintage 22k Yellow Gold Jade Cocktail Jewelry Sz 5.5
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage jade navette ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 22 karat yellow gold. Jade
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, Gold, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Garnet Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Garnet Navette Ring. This impressive
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Edwardian 18K White Gold Platinum Top Old Euro Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K White Gold Platinum Top Old Euro Diamond Navette Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Amethyst and Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring. At its heart, a 0.85-carat marquise-cut amethyst radiates a deep, rich
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Purple Sapphire and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
A navette shape setting with a center, oval faceted, purple sapphire of natural color and no heat
Category

Vintage 1930s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold

1870s Enamel Diamond Gold Navette Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1870s Yellow and Red Gold with silver top Navette shape ring measuring 1 1/4 inch long and 1
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Victorian 15k Sapphire and Diamond Navette Ring, Chester, 1893
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stylish Victorian 15K gold antique navette ring made in Chester 1893
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold

1970s 0.62 Carat Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a 1970s diamond marquise ring. The ring is set with 22 round brilliant cut diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond

Victorian Diamond Ruby Gold Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
in 18k yellow gold. Ring size 5-3/4 and can easily be resized to fit, if needed this would come
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Handmade Diamond and Emerald “Navette” Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
tradition, the ring is a unique creation that will become a treasured heirloom. Size 7 (a hint larger
Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

0.25ctw Small Diamond Navette Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, RingSize 6, Diamond Cluster
Located in McLeansville, NC
This beautiful 0.25ctw navette diamond cluster ring radiates classic beauty. Crafted in 14K yellow
Category

1990s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold French Old Cut Diamond Enamel Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold French Old Mine Diamond Enamel Navette Ring. This
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond and Ruby Navette Ring. This incredible
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue Topaz Sapphire Diamond Filigree Navette Ring, 14KT YG, Ring Size 6.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold blue topaz, sapphire and diamond filigree navette ring. This pointed
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz

Antique Victorian Navette Ring Persian Turquoise Rose Cut Diamond 10k Gold 5.25
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian turquoise & diamond navette ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Navette Ring Turquoise Seed Pearl 10k Yellow Gold Sz 5.75
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian era navette ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 10 karat yellow gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Rose Cut Diamond Oval Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a magnificent antique Victorian oval navette ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features
Category

Early 20th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 18 Karat Yellow Gold TW 3.95 Carat VS Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a stunning Edwardian navette ring crafted in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1910. Diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Navette Ring, 14K White Gold, Marquise Shape Ring, Diamond Clus
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat white gold diamond navette ring. This ring features a marquise shape with prong
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Navette Ring Persian Turquoise Rose Cut Diamond 10k Gold 5.25
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian turquoise & diamond navette ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

0.72ctw Sapphire Diamond Navette Ring, 10K White Gold, Ring Size 6.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
Add a touch of elegance to your collection with this stunning sapphire and diamond navette ring
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 10k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum .87ctw Gia Fancy Yellow Diamond Marquise Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This super elegant antique Edwardian period navette ring is crafted in solid platinum and features
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian French 18 Karat Gold Platinum Rose Cut and Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
A gorgeous Antique Victorian French 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Rose Cut and Ruby Navette Ring that
Category

Antique 1890s French Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Diamond Navette Ring Wreath 18k Gold Platinum Sz 7.5 Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Edwardian diamond navette ring crafted in 18k gold & 900 platinum (circa 1910s
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Black Opal Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Black Opal Navette Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

14KT White Gold Diamond Horizontal Navette Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat white gold navette diamond ring. This ring features a horizontal navette motif
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Black Onyx and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Estate Art Deco style 18K yellow gold and platinum black onyx and diamond navette ring. Showcasing
Category

20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

English Antique Sapphire Diamond Gold navette Ring
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Sapphire and Diamond 18K navette shape cluster Ring, English C.1896. The ring set with 5
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English More Rings

Edwardian 18k Diamond and Emerald Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
yellow gold, this ring features a substantial navette centerpiece, which is encrusted with stones
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Edwardian 18k Diamond and Emerald Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
yellow gold, this ring features a substantial navette centerpiece, which is encrusted with stones
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

0.90ctw Diamond Navette Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.75, Diamond Cluster
Located in McLeansville, NC
Experience timeless elegance with our stunning 0.90ctw Diamond Navette Ring, crafted in luxurious
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Ruby Gold Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
rubies, blue sapphires and white diamonds aligned perfectly in 18k yellow gold. Ring size 5-1/4 and can
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Inspired Diamond Sapphire Gold Navette Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
yellow gold. Ring size 7-1/4 and can easily be resized, if needed this would come complimentary with your
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

French 1930s Art Deco Blue Gems Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Navette Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
antique ring features a navette-shaped motif entirely set with rose-cut diamonds, openworked and set in
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Black Onyx Navette Ring, 10K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 5.75, Black Onyx Marquise
Located in McLeansville, NC
Add some bold and dramatic flair to your jewelry collection with this stunning black onyx navette
Category

1990s Fashion Rings

Materials

Onyx, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Navette Ring 14k Yellow Gold Sz 6 Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish antique Victorian opal & diamond navette ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14 karat
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

0.90ctw Diamond Navette Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.75, Diamond Cluster
Located in McLeansville, NC
Experience timeless elegance with our stunning 0.90ctw Diamond Navette Ring, crafted in luxurious
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 18 Karat Gold Old Cut and Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Art Deco navette ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features 2 Old European cut
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 14 Karat Gold Pearl 1.18 Carat Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a magnificient Art Deco navette ring crafted in 18K white gold. The piece features cultured
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Edwardian Diamond Marquise Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring. Boasting Approx 1.75cts of Gorgeous, Brilliant Cut Diamonds Great Finger
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Diamond Marquise / Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1870 Fabulous, Victorian marquise/navette shaped
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Marquise Two-Tone 18K Gold Diamond Navette Ring
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
déploie en une forme navette allongée, où les diamants sont disposés de manière graduée dans un sertissage
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Navette Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stunning ring holds a total of approx 80pts of diamonds all of which are set in platinum and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Former marquis navette ring, France, mid-20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Beautiful French marquise ring. Made of 18-carat yellow gold and white gold elements, studded with
Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

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Navette Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of navette rings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our selection of items includes 1514 vintage examples as well as 164 contemporary versions. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of navette rings includes designs that are universally popular, but Victorian and Art Deco styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. Many examples in our inventory of these items are appealing no matter their origins, but Luigi Ferrara, Mattioli and Cartier produced popular versions that are worth a look. While most can agree that any pick from our collection easily elevates most outfits, but the choice of diamond versions from the 1031 available is guaranteed to add a special touch to your ensemble. A selection of old european cut, round cut and brilliant cut can be found today on these pages. If you’re browsing the variety of navette rings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.

How Much are Navette Rings?

Prices for navette rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $95 and can go as high as $436,746, while navette rings, on average, fetch $2,996.

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 Navette Rings
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    Navette is another word that describes the marquise shape of a gemstone. A navette is an elongated oval that’s pointed at both ends and is typically used to describe the curve of a gem rather than a faceted gemstone. You’ll find a variety of Navette-shaped jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.