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Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.50 Carat Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a vintage navette ring crafted in 18K yellow gold. Circa 1970. It features 15 diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Blue Enamel Pearl Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
IMPORTANT: can’t be resized This is a stunning Victorian navette ring crafted in 18K yellow gold
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 14k Amethyst Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous amethyst ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in 14k white gold, this striking
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.35 Carat Ruby 0.72 Carat Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian navette ring crafted in 14K gold. Circa 1890. It features: - 1 ruby: oval
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Inspired Sapphire and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This vintage inspired ring features 0.40 carat total weight in round blue sapphires and 0.25 carat
Category

20th Century American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 1870 Antique Navette Ring In 14Kt Gold With Diamonds And Green Garnets
Located in Miami, FL
Victorian classic navette ring with diamonds. Gorgeous antique ring, created in England during the
Category

Antique 1870s English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Turquoise Zircon 14 Karat Gold Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Intricately pierced navette shaped mounting with stylized shoulders Centering an oval turquoise
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Turquoise, Zircon, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century 18k yellow gold diamond navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid-Century 18k yellow gold ring sparkles with 21 brilliant diamonds, showcasing timeless
Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Turquoise and Pearl 9 Carat Gold Navette Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This amazing navette shaped ring holds three turquoise stones which is surrounded by smaller pearls
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, 9k Gold

Antique Diamond, Silver and Gold Navette Ring, Circa 1880
Located in London, GB
An antique navette shaped diamond ring, pavé set with 23, rose-cut diamonds, with an estimated
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Georgian Rosecut Diamond Blue Glass Gold Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bold silver and gold blue glass navette shaped rosecut diamond Georgian ring circa 1820. The ring
Category

Antique 1820s Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold

Antique French 18K Gold Garnet and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique French 18K gold navette-shaped ring featuring three rose-cut garnets and two old European
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Art Deco 14k Onyx, Diamond, and Enamel Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous onyx and diamond ring from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in 14k white gold, this
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Onyx, Diamond, Enamel, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Diamond Marquise / Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct yellow
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Cabochon Moonstone and Pavé Set Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
This outstanding moonstone ring from the late Retro (ca1950s) era is absolutely exquisite! Crated
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold

Antique 14k Rose Gold Diamond and Sapphire Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
This antique 14k rose gold ring features a striking marquise-shaped setting adorned with a halo of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Circa 1920s Platinum Old European Diamond Masonic Navette Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18K Gold Natural Diamond And Natural Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
rose cut diamond 0.70 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.85 ct. Ring
Category

2010s Asian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Georgian Style Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring 18 KT/ Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This superb antique Georgian Style ring is skillfully hand crafted of solid 18 KT rose gold topped
Category

Mid-20th Century European Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Estate Antique Victorian Platinum Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
For sale is a beautiful Victorian Era Rubellite Tourmaline and Diamond Ring! It is crafted out of
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, Platinum

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is has vs-s1-s2 clarity and H-I color. Ring size is US 5.75 (We offer free resizing) Box is not
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Diamond Filigree Navette Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 4.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond, 1 stone single cut 2.1 mm approximately .03 carat G-H color, VS2 clarity Ring
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Natural Pearl Mine Cut Diamond Navette Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boston, MA
An original victorian period natural pearl and old mine cut diamond ring in 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond H-I-J-K-L-M color and s1-s2-S3-Pique1. Ring size is US 7.5 (We offer free resizing) We can make
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Diamond Filigree Ring, 10K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6, Navette Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
This vintage diamond filigree ring is an exquisite piece of jewelry that exudes timeless beauty
Category

1990s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamond Navette Ring, 14K Yellow Gold, Ring Size 6.5, Diamond Statement
Located in McLeansville, NC
- round brilliant cut - 2.75 mm - approximately .15 total carats - F-G color, SI2-I1 clarity Ring Size
Category

Antique Early 1900s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Antique Navette Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This is an exquisite example of a Victorian Navette marquise-shaped ring. It is crafted in yellow
Category

Vintage 1910s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring, 9k Rose Gold and Silver
Located in NEWARK, GB
A charming antique Georgian rose cut diamond navette shaped ring. This ring has obviously had
Category

Antique 18th Century British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Navette Ring Ruby Doublet Seed Pearl 14 Karat Gold Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian era ring (circa 1880s to 1900s) crafted in 14k yellow gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Navette Ring Old Rose Cut Diamond Turquoise 14k Gold Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian turquoise & diamond ring (circa 1880s to 1900s), crafted in 14k
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Circa 1920s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Emerald Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color vvs-vs clarity. Totally is emerald 2 ct. Ring size is us 2 ct. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Turquoise and Seed Pearl Navette Ring, circa 1890s
Located in Addison, TX
of a victorian petite ring featuring an long slender symmetrical design incorporating seed pearls
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Natural Pearl, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color vs-s1 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.25 ct. Ring size is US 5.3 (We offer free resizing) We can
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 12k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has H-I-J color s1-s2-s3-Pique1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.2 (We offer free resizing) We can
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond

Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Totally is sapphire 0.80 ct. Ring size is US 7 (We offer free
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Antique Art Deco Circa 1920s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-G color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 7 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size. Acid
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is Rose cut diamond about 0.65 carat. The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and vs-s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond And Pearl Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-H color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 8.5 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
s1-s2-s3 clarity and H-I-J-K-Brown color. Totally about 0.25 carat Sapphire. Ring size is US 5.5 (We
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 1920s 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color and vs1-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make any size The box is not included. Please
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgian Gold and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850 Rose Gold Navette Ring, measuring 1 inch in length. Set with Rose Cut Diamonds in
Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14k Yellow Gold Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14k Yellow Gold Navette Dinner Ring. Featuring one oval
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 14 Karat Gold 0.405 Carat Old Cut Diamond Navette Openwork Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an elegant Art Deco navette ring crafted in 14K gold (56% pure gold in alloy) and adorned
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Cartier 1970 Sculptural Retro And Modernist Bold Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
An sculptural navette ring designed by Cartier. Very unusual bold ring created by the jewelry
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lavender Jade Diamond Navette Cocktail Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage ring, crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Lavender jade measures 12.1mm x
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Navette Shaped Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful Edwardian open navette shaped diamond ring circa 1910. Perfect for a right hand ring or
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14K Sapphire, Diamond Pearl Navette Scroll Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A vintage 14 karat yellow gold sapphire, diamond and pearl navette scroll ring. This ring features
Category

Vintage 1920s Cluster Rings

Materials

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

18k Yellow Gold Ring with Navette Cut Aquamarine
Located in Vannes, FR
18k Yellow Gold Ring with Navette-Cut Aquamarine This 18k yellow gold ring showcases a navette-cut
Category

Late 20th Century French Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Onyx Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This striking Art Deco navette-shaped dinner ring is composed of black onyx, center-pierced with a
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Garnet and 9 Carat Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The victorian garnet stones in this navette cluster ring are a gorgeous deep red and are so glossy
Category

Antique 1850s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Garnet, Gold

Antique Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Navette Edwardian 3 Carat
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A jaw-dropping 1 1/2" long authentic antique sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Known as a navette
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Navette Diamond Ring 18k yellow gold Platinum
Located in London, GB
Striking ring features geometric shapes, bold lines, and contrasting materials characteristic of
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Early Art Deco 1.85 Carat Diamond Navette Marquise Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a lovely example of an early Art Deco period diamond ring. The arrangement of old
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1880s Navette Shape Opal Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 3.5 Metal Type: 14 Karat Yellow Gold Weight: 2.2 grams Color Stone
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Navette Sepia Brooch
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A spectacular antique Georgian brooch set with a stunning navette shaped sepia. The sepia features
Category

Antique Early 1800s British More Rings

Materials

9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Platinum 1.50 Carat Diamond Navette Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Art Deco Platinum 1.50 Carat Diamond Navette Cluster Cocktail Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 3.87
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Jade Ring Vintage 18 Karat Yellow Gold Navette Mount Small Cocktail Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed jadeite jade small cocktail ring (circa 1950s to 1960s), crafted in 18 karat yellow
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow 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.