Skip to main content

Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Rings

to
1,014
9,659
7,982
4,274
3,884
456
9,037
1,358
738
843
438
14
277
6,427
3,135
62
30
151
131
266
329
339
551
534
414
6
6,864
2,818
178
3323
1112
844
515
405
to
2
165
125
117
54
44
1,475
1,246
742
587
304
149
90
78
24
10
10
9
3
3
2
1
9,642
218
8,299
819
Sort By
Vintage 13-14K Yellow Gold Old Mine Diamond Ring Size 4.75 #23089
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 12-14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Size 4 This vintage yellow gold ring features a sparkling
Category

20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Exquisite Mid-Century Vintage Diamond Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
White Gold Ring Size: 6.5 (Resizable) Center Diamond: Approximately 0.22 carats Side Diamonds: Six
Category

Mid-20th Century American Romantic Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring Wedding Band -14k Rd .10ctw Flowers
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .07ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
A stunning vintage engagement ring featuring a sparkling marquise cut diamond at the center
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Oval Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 6 (resizing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Marquise Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Style: Statement Ring Ring Size: 7.75 (resizing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Vintage Ring - 14k Roud .42ctw Intertwinted Rope
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Ring Vintage 14K Gold Band Two Stone Wedding Engagement 1.96 Ctw
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This vintage ring is made in solid 14K Yellow gold and White gold for diamonds setting. One diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Wedding Band - 14k Single Cut Vintage Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .05ctw Cut: Single Color: H - I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 3.52ct Diamond Ring Spray Cluster Cocktail 14k White Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elaborate vintage mid century cocktail ring (circa 1950s to 1960s), crafted in 14 karat white gold
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cabochon Emerald Diamond Ring Vintage Sz 5.75 14k Gold Gemstone Engagement
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish and finely detailed emerald & diamond ring crafted in 18k yellow gold (circa 1970s to 1980s
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage diamond 14k white gold wedding band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 14k white gold wedding band glistens with thirteen perfectly set round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 14k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Enamel Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
. Clearity is center diamond H color and vs. Totally is side diamond is 0.68 carat... Ring size is US 6.2 (We
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Retro Vintage Tiffany Belt Buckle Ring of 14k Gold Sapphire and Diamond
Located in Lewisburg, PA
testing, confirming its 14k composition. The ring is presented in good vintage condition—with only a few
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Floral
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Cocktail Floral This absolutely stunning vintage ring is finely
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage GIA diamond 14k white gold three stone engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1980s ring is crafted in 14k white gold and features a 0.99 carat round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Diamond Cocktail Ring 2.05ct
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K White Gold Vintage Diamond Cocktail Ring with open-work design. There is a mix of Pears, RBC
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Retro Engagement Ring Wedding Band - 14k Rd .48ctw Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .30ct Cut: Round Brilliant Color: F Clarity: VS1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Vintage Wedding Band - 14k Round .28ctw Seven-Stone Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 1/4 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Long Marquise Cut Sapphire w/ .50ct Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Clarity - 0.50ctw (approx.) Total Carat Weight: 0.50 (approx.) Material: Solid 14K Yellow Gold with White
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 14K Yellow Gold 2.88ct Gia Ceylon Sapphire Halo Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Ladies handmade 14K yellow gold vintage, diamond and sapphire cocktail, halo, cluster ring with a half
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage GIA Certified 0.40 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage GIA Certified 0.40 Carat Round Diamond Engagement Ring 14k White Gold. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Men’s Vintage Bolt Design 0.18 Carat Princess Cut Diamonds Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Men’s Vintage Bolt Design 0.18 Carat Princess Cut Diamonds Ring 14k Gold. Very unique ring
Category

Vintage 1980s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage diamond 14k white gold wedding band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in the 1990s, this vintage 14k white gold wedding band features 33 round brilliant cut
Category

1990s Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 14K White Gold Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This delicate Edwardian filigree ring, crafted in 14K white gold, captures the refined elegance of
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.72ctw Diamond Flower Clusters Ring 14k White Gold Size 7 Engagement Vintage
Located in McLeansville, NC
- J Clarity - I1 - I2 Metal: 14k White Gold Weight: 5.1 Grams Stamps: 14k Face Height: 6.4 mm Rise
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold Tahitian South Sea Black Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Ring with Tahitian Black Pearl and Diamonds Elegant and timeless, this
Category

Early 2000s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Ruby Ring 14K White Gold Band Vintage Floral
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ruby Ring 14K White Gold Band Vintage Floral This absolutely stunning vintage ring
Category

20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Diamond Honey Comb Flower Chunky Heavy Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
/J Color - SI2/I1 Clarity - 0.85ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 17.96 Grams
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Diamond Vintage Bypass Ring - 14k Round Brilliant .72ctw Three-Stone
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 9 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $50 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K Gold Diamond Turquoise Ring Victorian
Located in Wallkill, NY
Stunning Petite Victorian Gold Turquoise and Mine Cut diamonds. Ring can be sized by us or your
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century American Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Beze lMoonstone Cats Eye Gemstones Diamond Pyramid Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
(approx.) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 6.28 Grams Ring Size: 8.0 (We can custom size this ring
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Cat’s Eye, Moonstone, Emerald, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Blue Gemstone Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Oval Blue Gemstone Ring This stunning Oval Blue Gemstone Gold Ring is in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 70s Nugget Ring 24k Gold Diamond 14k Stacking Band Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage nugget & diamond ring (circa 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold (the gold
Category

Late 20th Century American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, 24k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Platinum GIA 19.47ctw Oval Aquamarine Old Diamond Weave Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) Material: 14k Solid Yellow Gold w/ Platinum Baskets & Weave Weight: 18 Grams Ring Size: 10.0 (We can custom
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Sapphire Diamond Tulip Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage sapphire & diamond tulip ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 14k Yellow Gold 1.58ct Princess and Round Cut Diamond Statement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A striking ring featuring a central diamond flanked by smaller round diamonds. The central diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold 0.46ct Round Brilliant Diamond w/ Accents Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This gorgeous, all original, midcentury diamond ring was very well crafted in solid 14k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold .45ctw Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Promise Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
All original vintage illusion set diamond ring. Guaranteed to please! Enjoy! --Stone(s):-- (1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Style 14k White Gold 1.15ctw Round Cut Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
: Solid 14k White Gold Weight: 5.33 Grams Ring Size: 9.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Vintage .70ct TDW Spiral
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Vintage .70ct TDW Spiral This vintage circa 1960s ring is
Category

Mid-20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Tourmaline and Diamond Vintage Style Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Metal: Solid 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: US 3-8 Total Gemstones Weight: 1.34 carat. (approx.) Total Gram
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

14k White Gold IGI 1.46ctw Diamond Milgrain Engraved Work Vintage Style Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
(approx.) Total Carat Weight: 1.46 (approx.) Material: Solid 14k White Gold Weight: 4.24 Grams Ring Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Geometric Black Onyx 14k Gold ring with diamonds. Sz 3.5
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
. Details: 14k white Gold, total ring weight 3.5 grams. Onyx is measured 7mm by 14mm side diamonds are 1.5mm
Category

Early 2000s Fashion Rings

Materials

14k Gold

Retro Vintage Moonstone Sapphire Ring Diamond Sz 6.25 14k Gold Palladium 1940s
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish retro vintage moonstone ring (circa 1940s), crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and palladium
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Moonstone, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Go...

Vintage Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Ring 6.25 14k Gold Engagement Filigree Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed vintage Art Deco diamond & sapphire ring (circa 1920s to 1930s) crafted in 14k
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

3.66tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Emerald Cut Diamond Halo Vintage Gold Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Displayed is a vintage Colombian emerald and diamond halo handmade ring. At its center lies a rare
Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Emerald Diamond Tulip Ring Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Stacking Band Estate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage emerald & diamond tulip ring (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.20tcw 14K Emerald Diamond Accent Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
vintage charm and delicate floral accents, the ring is adorned with brilliant round cut diamonds, gracing
Category

2010s Zambian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Engagement Ring Flower Shape 14k Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
Yellow Gold Diamond Ring Flower Shape Ring 14k Gold Engagement Ring Moms Gift Light weight can be
Category

2010s Indian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

14K Yellow Gold Jade Diamond Ring
Located in Sewickley, PA
This elegant jade and diamond ring showcases a rich green jade centerpiece carved in a classic
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Diamond Flower Engagement Ring 4.9g
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
14K white gold vintage engagement ring. The center Diamond is a Round Brilliant Cut and weighs
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 2 Carat Pear Shape Citrine and Diamonds Engagement Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2 Carat Pear Shape Citrine and Diamonds Engagement Ring 14k Gold. The ring features a
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold

14K Gold Ring with Marquise Emerald and Diamonds
By Daizy Jewellery
Located in Istanbul, TR
14 kt gold ring with emerald and diamonds. Vintage style emerald ring. May birthstone ring
Category

2010s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold

Diamonds Direct .50ctw Diamond Band Ring, 14k White Gold, Ring Size 5.25
Located in McLeansville, NC
: "14k" *Diamonds Direct* SKU: R3685 A Couple Of Things to Note: * This is a vintage item and may show
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k White Gold 0.70ctw Old Diamond Navette Eternity Wedding Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This stunning and very well made vintage diamond band was crafted from solid 14k white gold and
Category

Vintage 1940s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14k Gold Large Rough Uncut Amethyst Crystal Diamond Coral Textured Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This magnificent vintage cocktail ring is crafted in solid 14k yellow gold and is set with a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Vintage 14 K Gold Diamond Rings", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of vintage 14k gold diamond rings available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 2605 vintage editions and 432 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of vintage 14k gold diamond rings to choose from, but Modern and Art Deco vintage 14k gold diamond rings are of considerable interest. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by Estate Jewelry, Antinori Fine Jewels and Alberto are consistently popular. A selection of round cut, oval cut and old european cut can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of vintage 14k gold diamond rings, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are Vintage 14k Gold Diamond Rings?

On average, vintage 14k gold diamond rings at 1stDibs sell for $1,581, while they’re typically $119 on the low end and $300,000 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.  

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.