ZHIVA
Vintage Diamond Lion's Head 14k Gold Ring
A lion’s head carved in 14k gold, a transitional‑cut diamond gripped in its jaws and one in each eye — 1950s, and afraid of nothing.
- One of one
- Authenticated
- Insured shipping
★★★★★ 5.0 on Google · 15 client reviews
Questions about this piece? Email sasha@zhivajewelry.com — a real person answers.
- Era: Vintage, 1950s
- Style: Lion‑head statement ring
- Centre stone: Transitional cut diamond (set in the lion’s mouth)
- Accent stones: Two round diamonds (the eyes)
- Metal: 14k yellow gold
- Total weight: 13.35 grams
- Ring size: 9.5 US — can be resized
- Availability: One of one
A lion’s head sculpted in solid 14k gold — mane carved strand by strand, mouth open, a transitional‑cut diamond held in its jaws and a smaller diamond set into each eye. More than thirteen grams of gold. You feel this one before you see it.
The transitional cut is the diamond of exactly this moment: cut in the mid‑century bridge between the old European and the modern round brilliant, so it carries more fire than an antique stone but still a little of the hand behind it. The right stone for a 1950s ring — bright, but not machine‑cold.
The lion has meant the same thing in every culture that ever carved one: strength, courage, command. Worn here as a ring, it’s a declaration — a Leo’s birthright, a statement piece for anyone who wants their jewelry to roar. Substantial, sculptural, and genderless in the way the boldest pieces always are.
One of one. Size 9.5 US, can be resized.
Sizing & Resizing
The size of this piece is listed in the specifications above. Most rings can be resized; some cannot (this is noted in the listing) because of eternity settings, engraving or hallmarks.
Tell us your size before or after you order and we will confirm what is safely possible for this piece. Resizing is free and typically takes 4–6 business days. If the piece is returned, a $150 fee is deducted from your total refund amount.
Shipping
Complimentary fully insured shipping within the United States, sent signature-required. Orders ship within 1–3 business days unless the piece is being sized or inspected.
International shipping is available on request. Duties and import taxes are the responsibility of the recipient. In case of a return (domestic or international), a $90 fee is deducted from your total refund amount.
Returns
Returns are accepted within 3 calendar days of delivery, provided the piece comes back in its original condition and packaging.
Engraved and bespoke pieces are final sale. Contact us before returning anything so we can arrange insured return shipping.
Authenticity & Condition
Every piece is examined in person before it is listed. Era, metal, stone weights and condition are described as accurately as we can determine them, and any wear or repair is disclosed in the listing. Where applicable, pieces come with their original GIA or other laboratory certificate. Every purchase comes with an insurance appraisal that lists you as the owner, with a suggested retail replacement value.
Antique jewelry carries its history. Small signs of a long life are expected, not defects.
I worked with Sasha to design a custom engagement ring for my girlfriend. I had no idea where to start, and I was on a time crunch. I didn't know anything about diamonds or jewelry. Sasha was super knowleadgeble, and informative. She guided me through the entire ring making process seemlessly. We sourced a few GIA diamond options, she helped me choose the best diamond for my budget and preferncess. Then she designed a classic solitaire two tone setting, and I was able to approve the CAD and 3D printed model. My girlfriend is over the moon. Thanks God, I trusted Sasha's taste. After engagment we came back for wedding bands! Happy returning customer.
I purchased the most beautiful vintage earrings from Sasha and couldn’t be happier with the experience! She is so professional, fast responses and very knowledgeable. I am a stylist, so having vintage statement earrings with old cut diamonds is absolutely perfect for my collection. Highly recommend working with Sasha and ZHIVA.
I went to Sasha about a year ago with something really special to me - my grandmother’s old gold, along with some new diamonds I wanted to incorporate into pieces I would actually wear and enjoy.
Sasha completely understood the sentimental value behind everything and helped transform those materials into beautiful, modern pieces while still keeping the connection to my family. I love that I can now wear something that carries so much history and meaning, but still feels like me.
The entire process felt thoughtful, personal, and trustworthy. I’m so happy with how everything turned out and would absolutely recommend Sasha to anyone looking to redesign heirloom jewelry or create something truly meaningful.
You may also like
More from the Estate
· Members Only ·
Don't Miss the Next One
This piece is one of one. The next drop will be too.
Join the Vault for VIP early access to every new arrival — before the public, before it sells.
No spam. Only the drops. Unsubscribe anytime.
From the Journal
Antique Diamonds & Diamond Cuts
What a 1 Carat Diamond Really Looks Like: Size, Price Jumps and Smarter Choices
What a 1 carat diamond really looks like: about 6.4 to 6.5 mm for a well-cut round, why...
Read more
Can Diamonds Chip or Break? What 'Hardest Material' Really Means
Can diamonds chip or break? Why Mohs 10 hardness is not toughness, how octahedral cleavage works, where diamonds...
Read more
Diamond Shapes Guide: Oval, Cushion, Emerald, Pear and Marquise — and Their Antique Ancestors
Diamond shapes compared: oval, cushion, emerald, Asscher, pear and marquise, with face-up size, bow-tie, length-to-width ratios, durability, colour...
Read more