Skip to main content

Old European Cut Diamond 18 Yellow Gold

to
188
1,913
1,109
2,184
1,399
692
561
502
467
407
265
217
216
197
187
119
91
86
65
54
40
35
33
22
20
19
17
14
11
10
8
6
4
4
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
47
37
28
23
13
Sort By
Victorian 2.60ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian trilogy ring features three beautiful old cut diamonds. The centre diamond
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring natural Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US7.5 / 6 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old cluster Ring hand - made ca. early XX cent. with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold with
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 0.80ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
contrasting gallery and band of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco, Diamond Flower Brooch Pin
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
period. The 18 karat gold pin has been handcrafted from yellow and white gold and then set with old
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Gold Silver Diamond Ruby Emerald Jardiniere Pendant Brooch
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
forty-three rose cut diamonds, set in silver, backed in 9 karat yellow gold, with 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, 9k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 2.35ct Diamond Brooch, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 2.35 Colour: G-H Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.85ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s, this five stone ring showcases a sparkling collection of old cut diamonds. The
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Convertible Pendant Ring In 18Kt Gold With Ctw In Diamonds Sapphires And Coral
Located in Miami, FL
old European rose cut diamonds and 1 round brilliant cut diamond, with a total weight of 0.50 carats
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k ...

Kashmir sapphire and diamond coronet cluster, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
Kashmir sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to center with an oval old cut natural
Category

Antique 1890s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Natural Saltwater Pearl and 3.99 Carat Diamond Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Old European cut diamonds, totaling 2.42Ct. A stunning single, certified natural saltwater pearl
Category

Antique Early 1900s Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Ring Diamonds Blue Enamel solid 18k Gold Ø 6US /5.2gr
Located in SE
Great looking ring with an attached floret of seven old diamond cut Diamonds pave set in white Gold
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Boucheron Paris 1935 Art Deco Cocktail Ring 18kt Gold 7.55ctw Diamonds Jadeite
By Boucheron
Located in Miami, FL
in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and platinum parts for the settings of the diamonds. Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 2.50ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Victorian era. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 2.50 Colour: G-H Clarity: SI1
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 2.70ct Diamond and Pearl Bangle, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 2.70 Colour: G-H Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Bangles

Materials

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

Victorian 5.00ct Diamond Pendant/Brooch c.1880s
Located in London, GB
sparkling old cut diamond, encircled by a floral arrangement of further old cuts, creating a dazzling
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 0.85ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
a contrasting basket and band of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 3.50 Ct Colombian Emerald Diamond Arrow 18 KT Brooch
Located in Napoli, IT
, mouthwatering quality The arrow is further highlighted by tiny old cut Diamonds of .65 CT total G VVS Secure
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1.40 Carats Diamond tourbillon ring
Located in Uccle, BE
a center old European cut diamond of approximately 1.40 Carats ( H color - Si2 purity) and 28 8/8
Category

2010s Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Hand crafted in the 1910s, this timeless solitaire ring features a single old mine cut diamond. The
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Diamond tourbillon ring circa 1900 - 1910
Located in Uccle, BE
Tourbillon ring circa 1900 - 1910. Ring set with a center old European cut diamond of
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.40 Colour: G Clarity: SI1
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
rose cut on each side adding beautiful detailing. A classic band of contrasting 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.65ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.65 Colour: I Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1880s this Victorian solitaire design features a single old cut diamond at it’s
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Pendant, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
diamonds. Crafted in 18 carat yellow gold the pendant centres around a central 0.20 carat diamond with a
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 2.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 2.00 Colour: I-J Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Pendant, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
is 0.50 carat in size and is rub over set into contrasting 18 carat yellow gold. Encircling the gem
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.30ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
stunning look. The ring is crafted in 18 carat yellow gold, with an elegantly carved shank that embodies
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1927 Ring 1ctw natural Diamond Sapphire solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.75/1.3gr
Located in SE
shoulders in Platinum featuring two old European diamond cut Diamonds Ø 3.75 mm x 2.1 mm deep / ca. 0.25 ct
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.58ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This classic solitaire ring dates to the Edwardian era. A single 0.58 carat old cut diamond takes
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.20ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
. Set in 18 carat yellow gold, the emerald sits at 0.20 carat, whilst the flanking diamonds weigh 0.10
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1917 Ring 2ct natural Sapphire 2.2 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø5US/6.7gr
Located in SE
Swedish Cluster Ring set with claw set old diamond cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 11 old
Category

Vintage 1910s European Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
emerald. The 0.50 carat emerald is classically emerald cut and set within 18 carat yellow gold claws
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.70ct Diamond Five Stone RIng, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
shoulder. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 0.70 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 3.05 Carat Diamond and Ruby Dolphin Brooch Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
grades) P1 Cut Old European/Dutch Content 3.05 carats Number of Diamonds 108 Dimensions Length of drop
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring Sapphire 0.7 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS 6.5 / 2.56gr
Located in SE
. Bezel set lab made Blue Sapphire of old European diamond cut : Ø 3.5 mm / ca.0.5 ct , color is medium
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 2.55 Ct Diamond Snowflake Pendant
Located in Napoli, IT
Centra1 old European cut diamond of approx .25 Ct (H/SI) – 49 old mine and rose cut cut diamonds totalling
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 1.51ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Transitional Cut Carat Weight: 1.51 Colour: H Clarity: SI1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.50 Colour: I Clarity: VS1
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 1.00ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Colour: G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Bicolor Gold and Diamond Fleur De Lis Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
diamonds, one old European cut diamond and the band set with bright white single cut diamonds. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

"Rose Drop" Pendant with Sapphires Diamonds on 16" Chain in 14K 18K Gold
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
with a lobster clasp.* The top diamond is an old European cut, reasonably clean but low color -- you
Category

2010s American Contemporary Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gol...

Antique 0.40ct Diamond Signet Ring, hallmarked 1929
Located in London, GB
set within a hand crafted ring of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 1.50ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Five glistening old cut diamonds are on display in this Edwardian ring. The central diamonds sits
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 3.20 Ct Colombian Emerald 1.45 Ct Diamond Trinity 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Complementary Diamonds are a couple of old mine cut Diamonds displaying a great amount of sparkle for the
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 3.30ct Diamond Daisy Drop Earrings, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
earring features a rub over set into platinum a central old cut diamond weighing 0.20 carat surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Edwardian 3.30ct Diamond Triple Drop Pendant, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
yellow gold backing and suspended from a platinum chain. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

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

Chaumet Retro Brooch 18k Gold Diamond Pin Estate Jewelry
By Chaumet
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
is made of 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, and accented with Old European cut and old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 2.10ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Five glistening old cut diamonds are on display in this Edwardian ring. The central diamonds sits
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.32ct Diamond and Pearl Bracelet, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.32 Colour: H Clarity: SI Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 1.44ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.44 Colour: G Clarity: SI1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond and Enamel Cufflinks, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
: 0.20 Stone Shape: Old Cut Colour: H Clarity: SI Age: 1900s Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1980s British Victorian Cufflinks

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian 3.50ct Diamond Three Stone Carved Head Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
European Cut, Old European Oval Cut Carat Weight: 3.50 Total Colour: G-H Clarity: SI1 Metal: 18ct Yellow
Category

Antique 1870s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage IGI Certified 3.32 Carats solitaire diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
European cut diamond of 3.32 carats (I color - Si1 clarity). The ring weights 7.9 grams and is made of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Solitaire Diamond Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Edwardian solitaire diamond ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond, K colour, SI2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.00ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian ring showcases three old cut diamonds in a carved shank setting. The
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pearl Diamond Platinum Gold Double Clip Brooch Pin, French, 1930s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
with a pearl and Old European cut diamonds. They measure 1.5 x 1 inch (3.7 x 2.8 cm) and weigh 31.4
Category

Vintage 1930s French Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold, Platinum

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Old European Cut Diamond 18 Yellow Gold", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Old European Cut Diamond 18 Yellow Gold For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact piece of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 232 vintage or 277 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. Creating a choice in our collection of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Single Stone, Luigi Ferrara and Malpani Jewels are consistently popular. See these pages for an old european cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also rose cut cut and round cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for an object in our assortment of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is an Old European Cut Diamond 18 Yellow Gold?

On average, a piece of old european cut diamond 18 yellow gold at 1stDibs sells for $9,948, while they’re typically $425 on the low end and $130,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.