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Used Effy Jewelry

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Striking Effy Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard White Gold Pierced Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Tustin, CA
earliest EFFY jewelry creations. Weighs 8.5 grams.
Category

20th Century American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Modern Design Effy 4.20 Carat Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard Pendant on Chain
By Effy
Located in Tustin, CA
chain are hallmarked "BH" and stamped "14K". The BH hallmark was used for the earliest EFFY jewelry
Category

20th Century American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer EFFY Ruby Open Key Gold Pendant Necklace Estate Fine Jewelry
By Effy
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Detailed Designer EFFY Ruby encrusted Open Key Pendant, set with 0.50tcw
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

EFFY Gemstone Diamond Flower Ring
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
Rare EFFY gemstone floral ring crafted with moveable Briolette cut stones. Gemstone: Citrine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Garnet, Peridot, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold

Effy Turquoise and Diamond Pendant
By Effy
Located in Webster, NY
. The necklace is stamped with the makers mark “EFFY” as well as 14K to represent the gold purity.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Turquoise, 14k Gold

Effy Nature Butterfly Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
14 kt Yellow Gold Cognac and White Diamonds 0.45 ct twd Ring Size: 7 Total Weight: 3.87 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Ruby Earrings By EFFY
By Effy
Located in Dallas, TX
Delightful swirls of diamonds and rubies set in 14 karat rose gold by EFFY. These earrings feature
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Panther Diamond and Emerald Ring by EFFY
By Effy
Located in Wailea, HI
Effy Signature 14K Yellow Gold Diamond & Emerald Panther Ring, 0.92 CTW** Unleash your wild
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Effy Sterling Silver “Splash” Sapphire Square Earrings
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: Effy Material: Sterling silver Sapphire: 3.56cttw Mixed Blue Dimensions: earrings measure
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Sapphire, Sterling Silver

Effy White Gold Black White Diamond Earrings
By Effy
Located in Dallas, TX
Pave set black and white diamonds set in 14 karat white gold by Effy. Great earrings for any
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy Cheetah Braided Leather Bracelet, Sterling Silver
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
An Effy sterling silver cheetah braided leather bracelet. This gent's leather bracelet features a
Category

Early 2000s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Sterling Silver

EFFY Amethyst and Diamond Ring 14k Rose Gold
By Effy
Located in Honolulu, HI
Ring Specifications: ​ ​Designer: EFFY Metal: 14k Rose Gold Total Weight: 3.4 Grams Diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy Signature Panther Ruby, Diamond and Emerald Ring
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
14 kt Yellow Gold Approximate Total Carat Weight of all stones: 2.41 ct twd Color: H Clarity: I1 Total Weight: 7.4 grams Ring Size: 7.25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Natural Diamond Halo Ring
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
Effy Rose Gold Pink Sapphire & Natural Diamond Halo Ring Metal: 14k rose gold Weight: 4.18 grams
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold

EFFY Sapphire Diamond Ring - White Gold 14k Oval 1.50ctw
By Effy
Located in Greensboro, NC
Retail Price: $3200 Size: 8 1/4 Note: Please contact us for a resizing quote. Brand: EFFY Metal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

EFFY Sterling Silver 18 Karat Yellow Gold Twist Rope Band
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy Sterling Silver and 18K Yellow Gold Band Ring This authentic Effy ring is a size 6.75
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

EFFY Sterling Silver 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant #18617
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
EFFY Sterling Silver & 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Cluster Pendant This beautiful pendant by amazing
Category

20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

Effy Ocean Bleu 14K White Gold Blue Topaz Diamond Ring
By Effy
Located in San Fernando, CA
EFFY Define your style with elegance in this extraordinary marquise-shape blue topaz (Approx. 7-1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, White Gold

Yellow Gold Sapphire Ring by Effy from the Watercolors Collection
By Effy
Located in Dallas, TX
How fun is this! Composed of 14 karat yellow gold, this dazzling ring is by Effy from the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Emerald Drop Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
EFFY 14 Karat White Gold Diamond & Emerald Drop Hoop Earrings Metal: 14k white gold Weight: 2.7
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

Natural Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Estate Band BH Effy
By Effy
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring 14K Gold Estate Band BH Effy This absolutely stunning estate ring is
Category

Late 20th Century Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Gemstone Station Necklace 14K Yellow Gold 19" length Modern Designer
By Effy
Located in Fairfield, CT
Effy Gemstone Station Necklace 14K Yellow Gold 19" length Modern Designer This Effy gemstone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Designer Effy Pearl Hoops in 14kt Yellow Gold Freshwater Pearls Retail
By Effy
Located in West Hempstead, NY
These Designer Effy Pearl Hoops in 14kt yellow gold feature stunning freshwater pearls, adding an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 2.45 ctw, 14K White Gold, Diamond, and Emerald Panther Ring
By Effy
Located in Derby, NY
Effy 14K White Gold, Diamond, and Emerald Panther Ring Part of the Effy Panther collection, this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, White Gold

Designer Effy s 1.52 Carat Tanzanite Stud Post Back Earrings Sterling Silver
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's 1.52 Carat Natural Tanzanite in Trillionshape Stud Post back Earrings sterling
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Tanzanite, Sterling Silver

Effy .60 Carat Blue Sapphire Diamond Halo White Gold Pendant Necklace
By Effy
Located in Stamford, CT
Effy Invisible set blue sapphire and diamond pendant necklace. 1 round center sapphire with 8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy s Cabochon Tanzanite and Yellow Sapphire Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Effy's 15 MMCabochon Tanzanite & Yellow Sapphire Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold 14 Karat yellow Gold 10
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Yellow Sapphire, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Duo 14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet #20620
By Effy
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Effy Duo 14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Bangle Bracelet- This stunning 14K gold two-tone oval
Category

20th Century Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Safari 14K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire Diamond Snake Cocktail Ring
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
EFFY Safari 14K Rose Gold Pink Sapphire & Diamond Snake Cocktail Statement Ring Metal: 14k rose
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold

Effy Signature 14K Yellow Gold Pave Diamond Emerald Panther Cocktail Ring
By Effy
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Effy Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold  Size: 7 Top Width: 1/2" Weight: 5.52
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Designer Effy s, 4 Carat Natural Emerald 14 Karat White Gold Bangle
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer piece for affordable price Designer Effy's 1.5 Pointer Each,14 Karat White Gold Bangle
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

14k Rose Gold EFFY 4.80 Carat Opal .20 Carat Diamond Post Earrings
By Effy
Located in Eagan, MN
the earring is stamped "14k EFFY". They have a butterfly closure which is stamped "14k" and "EFFY
Category

2010s American Art Deco Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy Diamond Leather Bracelet White Gold, 14k Round Cut Accents Heart Adjustable
By Effy
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: Effy Metal Content: Guaranteed 14k Gold as stamped Stone Information: Natural Diamonds
Category

20th Century Unknown Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy Rose Gold Natural Brown, Black White Pavé Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
Effy Rose Gold Natural Brown, Black & White Pavé Diamond Huggie Hoop Earrings Metal: 14k rose gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

EFFY Diamonds and Green Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet 13.50 Carat
By Effy
Located in San Diego, CA
EFFY Diamond & Emerald Diamond Bracelet Style: Links Metal: 14kt Yellow Gold Size / Measurements
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Collection Natural Emerald and Diamond Disc Pendant Necklace in White Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
. Established in 1979 by renown jewelry designer, Effy Hematian, his critically acclaimed collections are widely
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold

EFFY Collection Black and White Diamond Pave Square Ring 2.02 Carat Total
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 6.5 Brilliant black and white pave diamond cocktail ring by Effy fills the finger with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy s Round Tanzanite and Diamond Stud Earrings 14 Karat White Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Round Tanzanite & Diamond Stud Earrings 14 Karat White Gold Post Earrings with
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy 14 Karat White Gold Blue Topaz Natural Diamond Square Pendant Necklace
By Effy
Located in Baltimore, MD
Effy 14 Karat White Gold Blue Topaz & Natural Diamond Square Pendant Necklace Metal: 14k white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, White Gold

Designer Effy s Natural Black Diamond and Diamond Dangling Earrings 14K Y Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Natural Black Diamond & Diamond Dangling Earrings 14K Y Gold Post Earrings with
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, 14k Gold, Gold

Designer Effy s Natural Sapphire and Diamond Stud Earrings 14 Karat White Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Natural Sapphire & Diamond Stud Earrings 14 Karat White Gold Post Earrings with
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy s Natural Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Dangling Earrings 14K W Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Natural Pink Tourmaline and Diamond Dangling Earrings 14 Karat White Gold Post
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold

EFFY Emerald Frog Solitaire Pendant - Yellow Gold 14k Oval Cab .37ct Amphibian
By Effy
Located in Greensboro, NC
Brand: EFFY Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Emerald Treatment: Oiling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Designer Effy s 1.52 Carat Expresso Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's 1.52 Carat Expresso Diamond Cocktail Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold Champagne and White
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Designer Effy s, 1.5 Carat Natural Emerald 14 Karat Yellow Gold Bracelet Bolero
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer piece for affordable price Designer Effy's one 8X 6 Emerald cut emerald , natural Emerald
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 4.43ctw Tanzanite Diamond Halo Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 6.75-7
By Effy
Located in McLeansville, NC
Clarity - VS2 Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 4.8 Grams Stamps: 14k Effy Face Height: 17 mm Rise Above
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Yellow Gold

EFFY Blue Topaz 15.30 ct Diamond .85 ct in 14k White Gold
By Effy
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Expertly crafted in 14k white gold, this EFFY® ring features a stunning 13-1/3 ct. t.w. London Blue
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, White Gold, 14k Gold

Designer Effy s Natural Oval Emerald Diamond Stud Post Earrings 14 Karat Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Natural Oval Emerald & Diamond Stud Post Earrings 14 Karat Gold Two emerald
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy 10 Carat Total Emerald and Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
By Effy
Located in Hicksville, NY
: Size: 7, can be resized Metal: 14 karat Yellow Gold Weight: 11.3 grams Hallmark: EFFY 14 Finger to top
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Effy Watercolors Diamond and Multi-Color Sapphire Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
testament to Effy's expertise in fine jewelry design. The warm tones of the 14 karat yellow gold complement
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow S...

Designer Effy s Diamond Rose Flower Stud Omega back Earrings 14 Karat Rose Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's Diamond Rose Flower Stud Omega back Earrings 14 Karat Rose Gold Post with Omega
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Designer Effy s 0.42 Carat Diamond Rose Stud Post Back Earrings 14 Karat Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's 0.42 Ct Diamond Rose Stud Post back Earrings 14 Karat Rose Gold This exquisite
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Effy Collection Round Bezel Set Diamond Station Necklace in 14 Karat White Gold
By Effy
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This stunning Effy diamond station necklace embodies elegance and versatility. Crafted in lustrous
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy 14 Karat White Gold 1.0 Carat Round Diamond Huggies Hoop Earrings
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer: Effy Material: 14k White gold Diamonds: 12 round brilliant cut =Approximately 1.0 Ct
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Effy s 1.9Ct Blue Sapphire 0.36Ct Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's 1.9 Ct Blue Sapphire & 0.36Ct Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14 Karat White Gold
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Striking 4.32 Carat EFFY Ruby and Diamond Checkerboard White Gold Wide Band Ring
By Effy
Located in Tustin, CA
Very stylish ladies 14 karat white gold designer “Effy” ruby and diamond wide band ring features a
Category

20th Century American Modern Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Designer Effy s 1.4 Carat Black and White Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Gold
By Effy
Located in New York, NY
Designer Effy's 1.4 Carat Black & White Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Kt White Gold 58 1.5 MM
Category

2010s Used Effy Jewelry

Materials

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

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Used Effy Jewelry For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate piece of used effy jewelry for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 29 vintage or 186 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for an item from our selection of used effy jewelry may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. A choice in our collection of used effy jewelry of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring Diamond, from our inventory of 179, is particularly popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and emerald cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our used effy jewelry for sale are for women, but there are 65 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Used Effy Jewelry?

Prices for a piece of used effy jewelry can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $140 and can go as high as $17,900, while this accessory, on average, fetches $1,680.

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.  

Questions About Effy
  • 1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024
    Effy Hematian's real name was Fatollah Hematian. During the 1970s, he left his native Iran for New York City, where he founded Effy Jewelry in 1979. He named the company after his own nickname. Today, Effy is widely known for producing luxury handmade jewelry featuring precious gemstones, such as diamonds, emeralds and sapphires. Shop a diverse assortment of Effy jewelry on 1stDibs.