Skip to main content

1940 Platinum Diamond Ring

to
53
1,271
401
277
167
54
1,275
221
183
128
85
1,299
9
1,248
7
1
780
513
6
226
224
68
68
48
to
16
11
10
7
4
397
396
30
10
6
4
3
3
2
1
1,295
4
734
545
Sort By
1940 Platinum Diamond Ring, Approx. 5 Carats Total Weight
1940 Platinum Diamond Ring, Approx. 5 Carats Total Weight

1940 Platinum Diamond Ring, Approx. 5 Carats Total Weight

Located in Chicago, IL

An elegant diamond ring set with approximately 5.00 carats total weight of diamonds. The diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 0.82 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ring Circa 1940
Vintage 0.82 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ring Circa 1940

Vintage 0.82 Carat Diamond and Platinum Ring Circa 1940

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 0.82 carat diamond and platinum ring; part of our diverse

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1.77 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1940
Vintage 1.77 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1940

Vintage 1.77 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1940

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.77 carat (total) diamond and platinum solitaire ring

Category

Vintage 1940s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

.25 Carat Diamond Platinum 1940's Band Ring
.25 Carat Diamond Platinum 1940's Band Ring

.25 Carat Diamond Platinum 1940's Band Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

Vintage 1940's pieced scroll design .25 carat diamond platinum band ring. 22 round brilliant cut

Category

Mid-20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Solitaire Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.81 Carats, Circa 1940
Vintage Solitaire Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.81 Carats, Circa 1940

Vintage Solitaire Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.81 Carats, Circa 1940

Located in London, GB

York City was the centre for hand crafted platinum rings, set with diamond and gemstones. In 1934 John

Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940
Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940

Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in London, GB

A Vintage Van Cleef & Arpels emerald and diamond platinum ring, circa 1940. Set its centre with a

Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage 1.14 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring, Circa 1940
Vintage 1.14 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring, Circa 1940

Vintage 1.14 Carat Diamond and Platinum Cluster Engagement Ring, Circa 1940

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.14 carat diamond and platinum cluster ring; part of our

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940
Vintage Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940

Vintage Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring Circa 1940

Located in London, GB

A vintage jade and diamond engagement ring in platinum, circa 1950. This ring features a central

Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Platinum

Vintage 1940’s Platinum & Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring
Vintage 1940’s Platinum & Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring

Vintage 1940’s Platinum & Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Cocktail Ring Platinum Stamped Circa 1940’s Gorgeous, Vintage, Diamond Cocktail Ring

Category

Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum 1940’s French Peridot & Diamond Ring
Vintage Platinum 1940’s French Peridot & Diamond Ring

Vintage Platinum 1940’s French Peridot & Diamond Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Peridot & Diamond Ring Platinum French Stamped Circa 1940’s Fabulous, French crafted

Category

Mid-20th Century French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Ring with 0.45ct Diamond and Onyx, Circa 1940
Art Deco Platinum Ring with 0.45ct Diamond and Onyx, Circa 1940

Art Deco Platinum Ring with 0.45ct Diamond and Onyx, Circa 1940

Located in OVIEDO, AS

Platinum, Diamond and Onyx Art Deco Style Ring 1940's ring with a bright and shining central

Category

Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Platinum

1940 Platinum .25cttw Diamond Arched Wedding Band
1940 Platinum .25cttw Diamond Arched Wedding Band

1940 Platinum .25cttw Diamond Arched Wedding Band

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1940 Item Details: Ring Size: 7.25 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.6

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond And Platinum Ring, 1.60ct, Circa 1940
Late Art Deco Diamond And Platinum Ring, 1.60ct, Circa 1940

Late Art Deco Diamond And Platinum Ring, 1.60ct, Circa 1940

Located in London, GB

An Art Deco, Odeonesque style, diamond cocktail ring, with three, claw set, round old-cut diamonds

Category

Mid-20th Century British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Art Deco ring set with diamonds and calibrated rubies, circa 1940
Platinum Art Deco ring set with diamonds and calibrated rubies, circa 1940

Platinum Art Deco ring set with diamonds and calibrated rubies, circa 1940

Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR

Magnificent platinum Art Deco ring from the 1940s, showcasing the geometric elegance typical of the

Category

Vintage 1940s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Platinum 1940 s Ring Set with 1.34 ct Round Cut Diamonds
Platinum 1940 s Ring Set with 1.34 ct Round Cut Diamonds

Platinum 1940 s Ring Set with 1.34 ct Round Cut Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

Platinum 1940 s Ring Set with 1.34ct Diamonds Diamonds: 27 Round cut diamonds. Centre diamond 0.3

Category

20th Century European Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940 Retro 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 1.40 Cts in  Diamonds
1940 Retro 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 1.40 Cts in  Diamonds

1940 Retro 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 1.40 Cts in Diamonds

Located in Aventura, FL

(circa 1940s) • Metal: 18kt Yellow Gold and Platinum • Stones: Natural Diamonds • Ring Size: 5 (sizable

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1940 Antique Platinum Eternity Ring With 1.32 Ctw In Diamonds
Art Deco 1940 Antique Platinum Eternity Ring With 1.32 Ctw In Diamonds

Art Deco 1940 Antique Platinum Eternity Ring With 1.32 Ctw In Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

An eternity ring band with Natural Diamonds. Beautiful classic art-Deco eternity ring made in

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Retro Deco 1940 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum with Diamonds
Retro Deco 1940 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum with Diamonds

Retro Deco 1940 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum with Diamonds

Located in Aventura, FL

grams. Ring width: 0.77 inches. Period: 1940's Style: Retro deco Metal: 18Kt Yellow Gold 7 & Platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

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

ART DECO 1940 Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 2.34 Cwt Carre Diamonds & Emeralds
ART DECO 1940 Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 2.34 Cwt Carre Diamonds & Emeralds

ART DECO 1940 Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 2.34 Cwt Carre Diamonds & Emeralds

Located in Miami, FL

An art-deco platinum ring with large sapphire and diamonds. This beautiful ring was created in

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1940
Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1940

Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1940

Located in London, GB

Diamond cocktail ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back grain setting an

Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

White Diamond Open Work Platinum Band Ring, Circa 1940's
White Diamond Open Work Platinum Band Ring, Circa 1940's

White Diamond Open Work Platinum Band Ring, Circa 1940's

Located in Stamford, CT

1940’s Diamond open work platinum band ring. Set with 48 round diamonds. 10mm wide size 10. 48

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1940’s Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring
Vintage 1940’s Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Vintage 1940’s Platinum Sapphire & Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Cocktail Ring Platinum Circa 1940s Fabulous, vintage cocktail ring. Set with gorgeous

Category

Mid-20th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

SAMUEL MAYOR 1940 Art Deco Platinum Eternity Ring With 5.14 Ctw VS Diamonds
SAMUEL MAYOR 1940 Art Deco Platinum Eternity Ring With 5.14 Ctw VS Diamonds

SAMUEL MAYOR 1940 Art Deco Platinum Eternity Ring With 5.14 Ctw VS Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

An art-deco diamonds ring designed by Samuel Mayor. This is a fabulous eternity ring with

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Late Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.85 Carats H SI1, Circa 1940
Late Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.85 Carats H SI1, Circa 1940

Late Art Deco Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.85 Carats H SI1, Circa 1940

Located in London, GB

A late Art Deco diamond ring, set with a 0.85ct, H colour, SI1 clarity, Edwardian-cut diamond, in a

Category

Vintage 1940s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Toi et Moi 1940 Platinum Ring with 4.10 CTW in Diamonds and Blue Sapphire
Toi et Moi 1940 Platinum Ring with 4.10 CTW in Diamonds and Blue Sapphire

Toi et Moi 1940 Platinum Ring with 4.10 CTW in Diamonds and Blue Sapphire

Located in Aventura, FL

Circa 1940s, this exquisite Art Deco Toi et Moi platinum ring features a stunning oval-shaped blue

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Platinum 1940's Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring – 2.20 Carats
Platinum 1940's Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring – 2.20 Carats

Platinum 1940's Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring – 2.20 Carats

Located in Los Angeles, CA

A Rare Treasure: Toi et Moi Retro Diamond & Ruby Ring in Platinum This one-of-a-kind Toi et

Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Vintage 1940’s Platinum, Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring
Vintage 1940’s Platinum, Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring

Vintage 1940’s Platinum, Diamond Full Eternity Band Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Eternity Band Platinum Tested Circa 1940s Our vintage platinum eternity band is a true

Category

Mid-20th Century European Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco .91ct Diamond Platinum Ring GIA I VVS1 Original 1930's-1940's
Art Deco .91ct Diamond Platinum Ring GIA I VVS1 Original 1930's-1940's

Art Deco .91ct Diamond Platinum Ring GIA I VVS1 Original 1930's-1940's

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Antique from 1930's-1940's Art Deco GIA .91ct Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Synthetic ruby and diamond buckle ring, circa 1940.
Synthetic ruby and diamond buckle ring, circa 1940.

Synthetic ruby and diamond buckle ring, circa 1940.

Located in London, GB

, the ring is adjustable up to five sizes. Tested yellow gold and platinum, circa 1940.

Category

Vintage 1940s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Circa 1940s Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
Circa 1940s Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring

Circa 1940s Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 8.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Retro Diamond Ring
Platinum Retro Diamond Ring

Platinum Retro Diamond Ring

Located in Miami, FL

Platinum Weight 6.92g Retro Center Diamond Approx. 0.40ct Ring Size 5.5 Measurements 0.44in x 0.75

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.8 grams Center Diamond

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

.50 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: Platinum Weight:4.0 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

1940's 18kt Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring with Ca 3.50 Ct Sapphire & Diamonds
1940's 18kt Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring with Ca 3.50 Ct Sapphire & Diamonds

1940's 18kt Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring with Ca 3.50 Ct Sapphire & Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

1940' s 18kt Yellow Gold & Platinum Ring With Ca. 3.50 ct Sapphire & Diamonds Sapphire: Emerald

Category

20th Century Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 2.60ct
Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 2.60ct

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 2.60ct

Located in Narberth, PA

A stunning diamond engagement ring from the Retro (ca1940)era! This gorgeous platinum ring features

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Diamond Retro Ring
Platinum Diamond Retro Ring

Platinum Diamond Retro Ring

Located in Miami, FL

Platinum Weight 9.5g Center Diamond Approx. 0.90ct Total: 2.50ct Retro Ring Size 3.75 Measurements

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Item Details: Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Tested and Hallmarked] Weight: 3.1 grams

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.35ct
Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.35ct

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.35ct

Located in Narberth, PA

A gorgeous diamond engagement ring from the Retro (ca1940s) era! Crafted in platinum, this

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Platinum Ring With Clusters of Diamonds
Diamond Platinum Ring With Clusters of Diamonds

Diamond Platinum Ring With Clusters of Diamonds

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

Platinum Ring circa 1940's. Curved shape with 2 flower shaped clusters of diamonds separated by one

Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.06ct
Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.06ct

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.06ct

Located in Narberth, PA

A beautiful diamond engagement ring from the Retro era (ca1940s)! Crafted in platinum, this ring

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement RIng .90ct
Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement RIng .90ct

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement RIng .90ct

Located in Narberth, PA

An exquisite diamond engagement ring from the Retro (ca1940s) era! Crafted in platinum, this ring

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.25 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
1.25 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

1.25 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 1.25 carat diamond and contemporary platinum solitaire ring; part of

Category

Vintage 1940s Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Invisible set sapphire and diamond ring, French, circa 1940
Invisible set sapphire and diamond ring, French, circa 1940

Invisible set sapphire and diamond ring, French, circa 1940

Located in London, GB

Invisible set sapphire and diamond ring. Set with seventy six tapered baguette cut natural

Category

Vintage 1940s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage 1940’s 18ct Gold & Platinum Diamond Engagement
Vintage 1940’s 18ct Gold & Platinum Diamond Engagement

Vintage 1940’s 18ct Gold & Platinum Diamond Engagement

Located in Brighton, GB

Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1940’s Beautiful, vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.66ct
Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.66ct

Retro Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.66ct

Located in Narberth, PA

A beautiful diamond engagement ring from the Retro era (ca1940)! Crafted in platinum, this ring

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Circa 1940s Platinum Vintage Baguete Diamond Band Ring
Circa 1940s Platinum Vintage Baguete Diamond Band Ring

Circa 1940s Platinum Vintage Baguete Diamond Band Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Year: 1940s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested

Category

Vintage 1940s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.48 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
1.48 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

1.48 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond Details

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
GIA Certified 1.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

GIA Certified 1.20 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 6.0 grams Center Diamond Details GIA CERTIFIED Center

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Retro Diamond Platinum Vintage Heart Vine Band Ring
Retro Diamond Platinum Vintage Heart Vine Band Ring

Retro Diamond Platinum Vintage Heart Vine Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

diamonds fully around Weighing approximately 0.60 carat total H color with VS2 clarity Tested as platinum

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1940s Platinum Bridge Ring with Rubies and Diamonds
1940s Platinum Bridge Ring with Rubies and Diamonds

1940s Platinum Bridge Ring with Rubies and Diamonds

Located in Milano, MI

Refined 1940s bridge ring, finely handcrafted in platinum (950 hallmark) and engraved with the

Category

Vintage 1940s European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "1940 Platinum Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

1940 Platinum Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1940 platinum diamond ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Platinum, Gold and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 1957 vintage or 2 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a 1940 platinum diamond ring 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. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing 1940 platinum diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Suzanne Belperron each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and emerald cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 1940 platinum diamond ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 1940 Platinum Diamond Ring?

On average, a 1940 platinum diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $5,934, while they’re typically $313 on the low end and $395,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.