Mens 24 K Gold Rings
Vintage 1980s Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
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Vintage 1970s Modernist Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s Italian Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, Black Diamond, Titanium
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Etruscan Revival Signet Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold
20th Century American Modern Chain Necklaces
Diamond, Emerald, Jade, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Italian Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wedding Rings
Diamond, Brown Diamond, White Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Wrist Watches
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique 18th Century Swiss Flatware and Serving Pieces
Gold, Enamel
Antique 1870s Victorian Pendant Necklaces
Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel
Late 20th Century American Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Wrist Watches
Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Link Bracelets
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1980s Swiss Wrist Watches
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Finding the Right solitaire-rings for You
Even as jewelry trends have come and gone, antique and vintage diamond solitaire rings are a classic fashion piece. Although enduringly popular as an engagement ring style, a solitaire ring — whether it's an emerald solitaire ring, a sapphire solitaire ring or another iteration — makes a fantastic addition to any outfit with a variety of shapes and settings to explore.
Solitaire rings have a single stone setting and a minimalistic band in which pressure, bezel or prongs hold the stone in place. They have a long history in jewelry, such as an example discovered in Israel with a single amethyst that could be as old as the third century A.D.
Simple gold rings with single diamonds were prized possessions in Ancient Rome. However, it was not until the 1940s that engagement rings with a solitaire diamond setting became widely popular.
After the turmoil of the Great Depression and World War II led to a decline in diamond prices, De Beers saw an opportunity. The diamond magnate teamed up with the ad agency N.W. Ayer for the “A Diamond Is Forever” campaign. It was a sensation and cemented the solitaire diamond as the leading engagement ring. Statistics show that diamonds are the most common gemstones for engagement rings, preferred by 87 percent of people. (On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.)
Today, the design of solitaire rings takes many forms, and those created by Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and other internationally celebrated jewelry houses are particularly sought-after accessories. Though the single-stone setting remains the same, bands have become more detailed, with some containing other stones or even multiple diamonds. Art Deco, Art Nouveau and other art movements have influenced the design of solitaire rings over the years. However, the simplicity of this accessory remains timeless.
Browse 1stDibs for a unique selection of antique and vintage solitaire rings to accent any fashion choice.
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