26 Carat Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
14K white gold cocktail ring with 26.75 carat emerald cut blue topaz. Features 14K white gold 26.75 carat Swiss Blue, blue topaz with an emerald cut 1 carat total weight in diamonds...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
$2,000,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 26 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Exquisite Antinori di Sanpietro platinum ring featuring a remarkable 26-carat cut-cornered cushion brilliant diamond, certified by GIA.
Diamond, Platinum
EGL Certified .26 Carat Diamond Transitional Cut Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940's late Art Deco transitional diamond engagement ring with six side diamonds in it's original platinum setting. EGL certified. 1 Transitional brilliant cut diamond, approx. tot...
Diamond, Platinum
.26 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Channel Set Domed Band Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Domed diamond channel set wedding band. 18k yellow gold with 6 round brilliant cut and 4 step cut baguette diamonds. 6 round brilliant cut diamonds, H VS approx. .12cts 4 step cut ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
.26 Carat Round Diamonds Twin Bands Ring 18 Karat*
Located in New York, NY
.26ct. Natural Diamonds eternity bands Round, Brilliant Cuts G color Vs-2, clarity Tube set diamonds / Flush 5.2 grams Size 5 and may not resize. 2.4mm thick 1.7mm depth ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$67,257Sale Price|35% Off
IGL Certified 26 Carat Zambia Emerald Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in New Delhi, Delhi
An exquisite and rare big Zambia emerald of 26 carats, fine grade and quality , very hard piece, spectacular green, on a contemporary design of ring in 18k gold with round brilliant ...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Swiss Blue Topaz 26 Carats with Diamonds Paradizia Ring
By Paradizia
Located in Laguna Beach, CA
Description Stunning vibrant Swiss Blue Topaz with pave diamonds ring. Item # R150 Materials and Weight Swiss blue topaz, 19.8 x 11.8mm, trillion cut, 26 carats.
Diamond, Blue Topaz, Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
26 carat Aquamarine and Diamond Halo Ring mounted in platinum
By codebyEdge
Located in London, GB
It is difficult to find an exceptionally beautiful cut cornered Aquamarine of exquisite and fine colour saturation these days. We loved the extraordinary cutting and set this remarka...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
.26 Carat Diamond Negative Space 18 Karat Gold Oval Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
It is set with .26 carats pave diamonds. The ring is a size 7 and may be resized to larger or smaller upon request.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Yellow Diamond 1.04 carat & Blue Sapphire Ring 18 Karat Gold Art Deco Ring (#26)
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Art Deco Style Ring Bold statement ring Center is natural Yellow Diamond surrounded with Blue Sapphire.
Blue Sapphire, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
29, 54 carat Amethyst, 3, 26 carat Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, Campania
Fabulous ring in 18k yellow gold structure mounted with a big 29.54ct drop amethyst, surrounded by top quality white diamonds. The origin of this ring goes back to the 1970s, it was ...
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Cert. 26 Carat Sapphire No Heat Cabochon & Diamond Art Deco Dome 18K Ring
Located in Miami, FL
GIA Certified 26.47 Carat No Heat Sri Lanka Origin Blue Sapphire and Diamond Dome Art Deco Style Ring in 18K White Gold. Item Details: - Item Type: Cocktail Ring - Metal: 18 Karat ...
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
$192,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 26 Ct. VIVID GREEN EMERALD Minor Oil Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
GRS Certified 26 Ct. Vivid Green Emerald Ring in Platinum collet-set, brilliant-cut diamonds A rare and refined treasure — this 26-carat vivid green emerald is GRS certified with no...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
5.53 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Floating Band Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This band ring is crafted from 18-karat gold. It is hand set in 5.53 carats emerald & .26 carats diamonds.
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold
1.78 Carat Pink Sapphire and Diamond Baguette Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pink sapphire, 7.2- x 7.20mm, 1.78 carat Baguette cut diamonds, .26 carat total Ring size 6.5 Complimentary sizing as needed
White Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold
$1,500
Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
The color of the diamonds is SI. The clarity is VS2-SI1. It is made out of 26 diamonds totaling 0.30 carats This ring comes in a size 6.5.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond 18 Karat Gold Eternity Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This ring is handmade with brushed 18K Gold and .26 carats of sparkling diamonds.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Unavailable
26 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
A large rectangular light blue aquamarine is set at the center, measuring 20 x 16.3 x 11.3 for an approximate weight of 26 carats! This stunning gemstone is surrounded by 62 Old Euro...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
26 Carat Pyrope Garnet and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stunning to its kind, a 26 Carat Rich Pyrope Garnet embellished with alternating 0.90 carat round diamonds and 1.54 carat garnet gemstones Center Stone: Garnet Center Stone Carat We...
Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold
Certified 26 Carat Cushion Cut Morganite and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Sydney, NSW
Handmade 18 carat rose and white gold ring, set with a 26 carat Cushion cut Morganite, bezel set in rose gold, surrounded by 32 round brilliant cut white diamonds and 4 pear shaped d...
Diamond, Morganite, 18k Gold
26 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Aquamarine ring 26ct Oval Cut with 34 White diamonds at 1.19ct set in White Gold 14k. Aquamarine with diamonds at each side and sparkling like a crystal clear ocean, it was bel...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
26 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Aquamarine ring 26ct Oval Cut with 34 White diamonds at 1.19ct set in White Gold 14k. Aquamarine with diamonds at each side and sparkling like a crystal clear ocean, it was bel...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
26 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Aquamarine ring 26ct Oval Cut with 34 White diamonds at 1.19ct set in White Gold 14k. Aquamarine with diamonds at each side and sparkling like a crystal clear ocean, it was bel...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
26 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ring 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Aquamarine ring 26ct Oval Cut with 34 White diamonds at 1.19ct set in White Gold 14k. Aquamarine with diamonds at each side and sparkling like a crystal clear ocean, it was bel...
Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold
14 Karat White Gold .26 Carat Diamond Stackable Wedding Band Ring
Located in Gainesville, FL
You are viewing a beautiful diamond stackable wedding band. This band is crafted from 14K white gold and weighs 1.6 grams. This ring features (13) natural round cut diamonds for an e...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Cober with 26 Brilliant-Cut Diamonds Unique 14 Carat Yellow Gold Signet Ring
By Vincent Cober
Located in OSS, NH
Cober Jewellery Unique 14 Carat Yellow Gold Signet Ring with 26 Brilliant-Cut Diamonds About Cober Jewellery: Cober Jewellery designs exclusive jewellery, wedding rings, engagemen...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 26 Carat Star Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Platinum Deco ring featuring a 26ct star ruby cabochon accented by 2 trapezoid cut diamonds weighing 1.60cts total and 6 baguette cut diamonds weighing .15cts total. The ring is a s...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
26+ Carat Cushion-Cut Tanzanite Ring with 4 Carat Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This extraordinary, 26.08 carat tanzanite is truly an extraordinary gemstone. There are total of 4.0 carats of shimmering white diamonds, this brilliant cushion-cut gem exhibits th...
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
GRS Certified 26 Carat Massive Colombian Emerald Diamond Statement 18K Ring
By Malpani Jewels
Located in Hung Hom, HK
A gigantic 26 carat Colombian emerald which is GRS certified is set along with 2.09 carats of white brilliant round diamond.
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
.26 Carat Natural Diamonds Band Ring 14 Karat "I Love You"
Located in New York, NY
Love Statement. .26ct. Natural Diamonds band Round, Brilliant Cuts H color Vs-2 clarity Bead Set 11 grams Size 8.5 9.2mm wide 14kt white gold.
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
14 Karat Rose Gold .26 Carat Diamond Band
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 14k rose gold Diamonds: 15 round brilliant cut = .26cttw Color: G Clarity: VS Ring size: 7 (please allow two additional shipping days for sizing req...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Semi-Mount Halo Ring 14 Karat Gold Engagement for Center with Diamonds .26 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
This ring is a size 6 - 6 1/4, but it can be re-sized up 2 sizes for a $30 fee or down 1 size for a $25 fee. Once a ring is re-sized, we guarantee the work but we are unable to offer...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum 2 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Not too long but packed full of diamonds. Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Head Length: 21mm Head Width: 15.8mm Head Height: 3mm Shank Width: Tapering from ...
Diamond, Platinum
Turquoise Diamond gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18 Karat Rose and White Gold Ring Set with a Cabochon Shaped Turquoise Surrounded by 25 Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds Weighing .26 Carats.
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold
Aquamarine and Diamond ring
By Pampillonia
Located in Bethesda, MD
Set in platinum this ring features a center Assher cut Aquamarine weighing 2.75 carats and thirty-four round micro-pavé set diamonds weighing .26 carats.
Aquamarine
Certified 26 Carat Aquamarine 5.29 carat Diamond Cocktail Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Sensational Aquamarine hand crafted Ring mounted in 18k white gold and set with a rare natural Certified Aquamarine of 26 carat, measurements 19.58 x 15.86 x 10.78 mm and surrounded ...
Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold
Bulgari 26 Carat Star Sapphire Diamond Gold Dome Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Bethesda, MD
The cabochon greyish blue star sapphire weighs approximately 26 carats and is framed with 24 brilliant diamonds weighing .24 carats.
Diamond, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold
1, 26 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
Lovely emerald cocktail ring. The center of this dome ring is a lively 1,26 carat oval emerald. Around it 30 top quality diamonds are set in a scale like motive cluster reminding. E...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 26 Carat No Heat Cabochon Blue Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Ring Details: ✔ Metal: White Gold ✔ Metal Purity: 14K ✔ Ring Weight: 19.1 grams ✔ Ring Sizes: 6.5 (adjustable) Sapphire Details: ✔ Sapphire Weight: 26 carats ✔ Sapphire Cut: Ca...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Marquise Diamond Emerald Cocktail Ring 2.70 Carats Ballerina Hollywood Celebrity
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very Good Era: Retro Year: 1940s Metal: Platinum Center Diamond: Carat Weight: 1.25 Cut: Marquise Color: I Clarity: SI Additional Gemstones: 12 baguette emeralds = 2.70 ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond 1.50 Carat Sapphire Ring Cocktail Halo Platinum Octagon
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very good Era: Art Deco Year: 1940 Metal: Platinum Center Gemstone: Natural Diamond Carat Weight: 0.76 Cut: Old European Color: K ( warm white, not yellow ) Clarity: VS1 ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Tiffany Sapphire Cocktail Ring Diamond Ballerina Certified Unheated Natural
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Very Good Era: Mid Century Year: 1960 Metal: Platinum, 18k prongs Center Gemstone: Natural Blue Sapphire (unheated) Carat Weight: 3.81 Cut: Oval Color: Intense Blue Cla...
Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
26 Diamonds 18 Carat White Gold Full Band Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Ring set with 26 brillant cut diamonds Weight of the diamonds : approx 0.80 Carats Color of the diamonds : H/I 18 Carats white gold, 750/000th Dimensions of the ring : 21.5 x 2.5...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
26 Carats Cushion Amethyst Diamonds 18 Carats Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Amazing and huge yellow gold cocktail ring set with a large 26 carat amethyst and 12 small brilliant cut diamonds.
Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco 26 Carat Star Sapphire Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
A lavender grey blue 26 carat star sapphire with a distinct and shimmering six-legged star is the focal point of this striking original Art Deco ring in platinum.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Round Brilliant Cut Diamond F VS1 Ring Platinum .26 Carat
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Condition: Great. No Visible signs of wear. Accessories: Box Measurements: Circumference 0", Width 0.05", Depth 0" Designer: Cartier Model: Round Brilliant Cut Diamond F VS1 Ring Pla...
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Diamond Antique Engagement Ring .26 Carat Platinum
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautiful Art Deco diamond Antique engagement ring features a .26ct. Apx. Transitional cut diamond with VS1 clarity and G color. The accenting Single cut diamonds weigh .10ct. Apx....
Diamond, Platinum
1990s Otto Klein 26 Carat Amethyst Diamond Sapphire Emerald Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Dusseldorf, NRW
1990s Otto Klein 26 Carat Amethyst Diamond Sapphire Emerald White Gold Cocktail Ring 18k white gold, amethyst (approx. 26 carat), 8 brilliant cut diamonds (E; lc – vvs1; approx. 0.8 ...
Amethyst, White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
$650
Size: Medium / Large
1990s Vintage Tadashi Shoji Black + Nude 90s Sexy Body Con Dress LBD Sz Medium
By Tadashi Shoji
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy 1990s Tadashi Shoji dress! Black stretch that hugs the body in all the right places! Black, with nude peeks of fabric in between at the bust, which evokes just the right amount ...
$199Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 2
1990s Diane Von Furstenberg ' Leaf ' Print Safari Strapless Cotton Blouse
By Diane von Furstenberg
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful 90s Diane Von Furstenberg green and white cotton strapless top! 3-D leaf print, with a trapeze/free flowing waist. Buttons at top back. Can easily be dressed day to night. ...
Verheyen London Edward Leather Coat with Faux Fur Collar in Black - Size uk 16
By Verheyen London
Located in London, GB
Verheyen London Edward Leather Coat with Faux Fur Collar in Red - Size uk 16 The Edward Leather Coat created by Verheyen London is a romantic design inspired by the 1970s and Edward...
Oscar de la Renta Black Velvet beaded Gown, Halter Top Bodice 6
By Oscar De La Renta
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a sexy evening gown from Oscar de la Renta. It is made of black velvet and has a fully beaded bodice. It is a halter style top, that crosses in the back. The skirt is slit up...
14.64 Carat Briolette Aquamarine Diamond White Gold Dangle Earrings
Located in Stamford, CT
1950's aquamarine and diamond dangle earrings. These stunning mid-century Briolette cut aquas have a total weight of 14.64cts. The 14k white gold tops are each adorned with four sing...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
DOLCE & GABBANA Brown Fur Tote Bag Handbag HOBO Purse New Never used
By Dolce & Gabbana
Located in Wallkill, NY
Dolce Gabbana Hand Bag with a wide black leather strap. Inside zippered pocket. Animal Print Lining. Authenticity card inside pocket. New old stock Circa late 1980s early 90s, never ...
Estate 34.59 Carat Aquamarine And Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Derby, NY
Estate 34.59 Carat Aquamarine And Diamond Platinum Ring Showstopper! This gem of a ring, 34.59 carat vintage aquamarine surrounded by .90 ctw. in baguettes will add lots of sparkle...
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Medium
Sylvia Ann 1970s Rose Print Pink Ivory Chiffon Vintage 70s Maxi Dress Gown
By SYLVIA ANN
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s SYLVIA ANN pink, ivory and green chiffon ruffled maxi dress / gown! Features rose bouquets in various sizes throughout. Flutter sleeves, with a flowy layer of chiffon drap...
$676Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Small - Small Medium
1970s Tachi Castillo Hot Pink Mexican Crochet Vintage Cotton 70s Maxi Dress
By Tachi Castillo
Located in San Diego, CA
Chic 1970s TACHI CASTILLO hot pink 3/4 bell sleeve cotton crochet boho maxi dress ! Castillo was a Mexican designer who was famed for her textile works, and her ability to transform ...
Antique Certified 4.97ct Fancy Light Yellow Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique 4.97ct old cushion cut diamond three stone ring set in 18k yellow gold and platinum. The ring is centrally set with a stunning antique old cushion cut diamond wh...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1980s Travilla Size 10 Black Matte Silk Jersey Rhinestone Vintage 80s Gown Dress
By Travilla
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful and timeless WILLIAM TRAVILLA black matte silk jersey rhinestone encrusted long sleeve evening gown ! Features flattering ruching throughout the bodice. Interior shoulder p...
Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed. Upon pond...
Diamond, Gold
Vintage 1950s Cocktail Dress
Located in London, GB
A head turning cocktail dress from the 1950s. The dress has a deep v neckline and backline. with a flared skirt and wonderful velvet flowers and detail on the hem.
Syna Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
By Syna Jewels
Located in Fort Lee, NJ
Created in 18 karat yellow gold Blue Topaz 7 carats approx. Diamonds 0.04 carat approx. Ring size US 7, can be sized Limited edition About the Designers ~ Dharmesh & Namrata Draw...
Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$9,920
H 7.9 in W 17.7 in L 4.3 in
Chanel Shopping XL Quilted Jumbo Vintage 90's Runway Tote Black Calfskin Bag
By Chanel
Located in Miami, FL
Chanel Shopping XL Quilted Jumbo Vintage 90's Runway Tote Black Calfskin Bag W 17.7 x H 7.9 x D 4.3 " Handle Drop. 11.8 " Similar bag from the same collection (slightly smaller and...
Edwardian Reddish-Pink Tourmaline and Rose Cut Diamond Ring (1901-1914)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Edwardian Pink Tourmaline and Rose Cut Diamond Ring (1901-1914) Hand fabricated in platinum and 18 Karat yellow Gold, glisten and glows with a bright fuchsia Reddish-Pink Emerald cu...
Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
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 rings, vintage 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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.