GIA 2.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made of platinum, this ring centers a sparkling GIA certified old mine cut diamond that weighs 2.50ct.
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.50 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made of platinum, this ring centers a sparkling GIA certified old mine cut diamond that weighs 2.50ct.
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Edwardian Platinum GIA Graded 1.15ct Diamond Stackable 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond (at the center)- Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - K Color - I1 Clarity - 0.39ct (exact, certified) ** See Certification Details Below for Complete...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Filigree Band Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Diamond Color: G–H Diamond Clarity: I1 Diamond Stone Count: 1 Ring Size: 5 Ring Band Width: 1.5mm - 2.6mm Total Weight: 2.7 Grams Stamped: 18k Estate Condition: Very good; Profession...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Art Deco White Gold 1.02ctw Old Mine Cut Chunky Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color - 1.02ctw (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian Yellow Gold 1.2ctw Old Diamond Repousse Work 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (5) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White Diamonds - 1.20ctw (approx.)
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold


Mid Century 1950 Tiffany & Co GIA Flawless 2 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Prepare to fall in love with this Tiffany & Co. Internally Flawless diamond engagement ring. An antique 2.03 carat old mine cut, hand-faceted with the broad facets, high crown, large...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Gold 1.04tgw Diamond & Sapphire 5 Stone Ring with Scrolled Gallery
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, sapphire, and yellow gold ring, comprising one larger and two smaller old mine cut diamonds and two oval cut blue sapphires, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a ban...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Old Mine Cut Diamond East West Cluster Ring in Polished 14 Karat Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Metal Purity: 14 Karat White & Yellow Gold Gemstones: Diamond Diamond Total Carat Weight: 2.64 CTW Diamond Cut: Old Mine Cut Diamond Color: G–H Diamond Clarity: SI–I Ring Size: 8 Rin...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Stunning 1.28 Carat Old Mine Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This magnificent platinum engagement ring is centered with a sparkling old mine cushion cut diamond that weighs 1.28ct. and is graded I color with SI1 clarity.
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Marquise-Shaped 18K Gold Ring with 0.70 ct Old-Mine Diamond & 18 Old mine
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Perfectly balancing vintage character and modern wearability, this ring makes a timeless statement on any hand. Technical Sheet: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰), French “Head of Eagl...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco GIA 1.26 Carat & 1.01 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Superb Art Deco era 2-Stone Ring with two Old Mine Cut Diamonds and Sapphires, composed of platinum.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
4.26 Carat Vivid Green Colombian Muzo Mine Emerald & Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
Lab Comments: This vividly saturated emerald of 4.26 ct is reminiscent in hue of the varieties displaying the legendary colors found in the world renown Muzo mines. They are formal...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 1.82 Carat Old Mine Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Every facet of the diamond sparkles with brilliance, creating a breathtaking display of beauty and grace. 7 old mine cut diamonds circa 1890 in an antique revival style platinum en...
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Vintage Solitaire Engagement Ring 14k Old Mine
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 6 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Era: Vintage Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .08ct ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
.47 Carat Old Mine Diamond 18k White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Elegant and full of antique character, this vintage 1930 -1940 filigree engagement ring ring features a captivating approximately 0.47 carat Old Mine cut diamond, celebrated for its ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Yellow Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Old Mine .11ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $40 or Down 1 size for $30 Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .11ct Cut: Old Mine C...
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Old Mine Diamond and Opal 14k Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Orlando, FL
Specifications: 14k rosy yellow gold Total weight: 2.8 grams Ring size: 6.25 (resizable) Head measures approx. 29.3 mm long x 8.1 mm wide Shank tapers from approx. 2.2 mm to 1.3 mm G...
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Mine Oval Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring. This incredible Edwardian Old Mine Diamond engagement ring is crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$3,931Sale Price|20% Off
Antique 9K Yellow Gold Pearl and Old Mine Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Specifications: Material: 9K Yellow Gold Gemstones: Diamond: Central old mine-cut, approximately 0.60 carats Clarity: SI1 Colour: G - H Natural salt water pearls - Quantity: 7 Size:...
Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold
Antique Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow and White Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This 18 carat gold five-stone ring is truly stunning, seamlessly combining antique charm with timeless elegance. The piece showcases 5 old cut diamonds, gently graduating in size, e...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Platinum Peruzzi Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
The larger diamonds are surrounded by a selection of 40 single and Old Mine Cut diamonds that are bead set into the ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Peter Suchy EGL 1.35 Carat Old Mine Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Diamond engagement ring. EGL certified round old mine cut center diamond with 2 round brilliant cut side diamonds in a three stone platinum setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Yellow Gold Diamond Victorian Starburst Buckle Band - 18k Old Mine Antique Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 8 Sizing Fee: Up 2 sizes for $100 or Down 1 size for $80 Specific Year: 1886 Era: Victorian Metal Content: 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .06c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
EGL Certified 1.12 Carat Old Mine Diamond Two Tone Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
The two-tone gold band, meticulously crafted to perfection, embodies a harmonious blend of white and yellow gold, enhancing the diamond's radiant sparkle with every glance. 1 old m...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring Size 5 #21890
Located in Washington Depot, CT
14 Karat Yellow Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring Size 5- This exquisite ring is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features a stunning old mine cut diamond-known for its unique hand-cut...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Gold .60ct Old Mine Diamond Cross w/ Open Swirl Sides Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
This lovely ring carries 5 old mine cut diamonds neatly and individually prong set in a cross design.
Diamond, 14k Gold
2.6Ct Sphene Ring with Earth-Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold – Oval 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
A natural sphene blazes with green-gold fire that surpasses a diamond's at the heart of this ring, framed by earth-mined diamonds in solid 14K yellow gold. Untreated and seldom seen,...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Diamond Pearl Ring 10k Rose Gold Sz 5 Blue Enamel Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Particulars: Weight: 6 grams Stones: Old mine & rose cut diamonds total an estimated 0.12 carats (estimated at L-M color and SI1-I1 clarity).
Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, Enamel
Edwardian old cut diamond 18k yellow gold and silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This delicate Edwardian ring showcases a charming arrangement of 12 old mine and rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, each stone reflecting the individuality and char...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
2.4Ct Turquoise Ring with Earth Mined Diamond Accents: Solid 14K Gold 11x7.5mm
Located in Columbus, OH
Specifications Item Type: Ring Center Stone: Turquoise Treatment: Impregnated Weight: 2.47cts Stone size: 11x7.5mm Head size: 12.3x8.6mm Shape: Cushion Hardness: 5-6 Country of Orig...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5 US/ 2.46 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
$8,400Sale Price|20% Off
Emerald Cut Eternity Diamond Wedding Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This striking ring features 2.08ct of vibrant emerald cut diamonds set in an elegantly simple modern band.
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold
1950s Art Deco Platinum Diamond & Ruby Ring — Old Cut ~0.60 ct
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A commanding 1950s Art-Deco inspired ring crafted in solid platinum, where vintage geometry meets luminous sparkle. At its heart sits an old-cut diamond (estimated ~0.60 carat) bezel...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Rose Gold Diamond Sapphire Edwardian Cluster Ring 18k Mine .36ctw Stripe Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 4 1/4 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $40 or Down 2 sizes for $30 Era: Edwardian Date: 1900s - 1910s Metal Content: 18k Rose Gold & 18k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Dia...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold
Unisex Antique Victorian 18k Gold & Platinum 1.24ctw Old Cut Diamond Buckle Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
The 5 old mine cut diamonds stand out with their nice large size, displaying tremendous amount of brilliance and fire in which is guaranteed to catch the eye, and are adorned with 8 ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1940 Ring 0.1ct Diamond solid 18K Gold ØUS 5 / 1.8gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Oval Burma Sapphire Three Stone Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 5 Total Weight: 2.99 grams Diamond and sapphire antique cocktail, three-stone ring with a half round shank.
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Peter Suchy 2.80 Carat Diamond Platinum Three Stone Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
The center stone is enriched by two oval brilliant cut side diamonds with a total carat weight of 1.16cts. designed to encapsulate love and commitment in its radiant glow.
Diamond, Platinum
2.20ct. Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center stone is accentuated by dazzling old mine diamonds that weigh approximately 0.80ct.
Diamond, Platinum
2.40 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
The center stone is accentuated by dazzling old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.70ct. graded H color with VS clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
Peter Suchy GIA 14.07 Carat Tanzanite Diamond Three Stone Platinum Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
Breathtaking and spectacular Earth mined oval tanzanite and diamond engagement ring.
Diamond, Tanzanite, Platinum
$22,800Sale Price|20% Off
Sugarloaf Cabochon Blue Sapphire & Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Sugarloaf Cabochon Blue Sapphire & Old European Cut Diamond Ring. The ring weighs 6.2 grams, size 6.25, the Center stone is a natural Sugarloaf Cabochon Shaped Blue Sapphire wei...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
$3,750Sale Price|25% Off
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Old Minor Cut Diamond Set in a "Fish-tail" Wedding ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 14k Yellow Gold Old Minor Cut Diamond Set in a "Fish-tail" Wedding ring Specifications: Metal: 14K Yellow Center Stone: 5 Old Minor Cut Diamonds 1.05 cts. Weights: Approxim...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Art Deco Three-Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original 1930's diamond engagement ring. GIA certified 1.01ct Old European cut diamond, in a platinum setting with two old mine accent diamonds. All three diamonds have great brillia...
Diamond, Platinum
1.20 Carat Basaltic Sapphire 1.59 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique ring is further accented with eight impressive mine cut diamonds pavé set between the feature stones, in addition to an Old European cut diamond to either end, completin...
Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
1.63tcw 14K Colombian Emerald-Pear Cut & White/Black Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Setting Style: Bezel/Pave Setting Material: 14K White Gold Setting Weight: 4.1 Grams Main Stone: Emerald Shape: Pear Cut Weight: 1.54-Carats Clarity: Semi-Transparent Color: Green L...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Three Stone White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This charming 18k white gold ring from the Edwardian era is centered with a sparkling old mine cut diamond that weighs 0.76ct. and is flanked by two smaller old mine cut diamonds wei...
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
19th century Diamond Flower ring
Located in Lisboa, PT
Antique 19th century Portuguese diamond ring. This is a unique piece, with a lot of character and presence. The flower is quite big, making it a statement piece every time you wear ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver
1.07 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Vintage style diamond engagement ring. 1 old mine cut .65ct center stone accented with 8 round cut diamonds in a platinum setting with engraving and filigree detail along the crown. ...
Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .63 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.1 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA REPORT #:5201992325 Weight: .63 carat Cut: Old Mine Brilliant / Antique Cu...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Nouveau Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
An Art Nouveau Emerald and diamond ring handcrafted in 18k gold. The ring is set with one beautiful emerald cut 2.90 ct Natural Emerald.T hree rows of sparkling old mine cut diamonds...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Ring 2.5ct Emerald 1ctw Diamonds 14K Green White Gold Ø 5 US / 4.3gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Diamond, Emerald, Silver, 14k Gold, White Gold
6.45 Carat No-Heat Burma Ruby Oval Cut & Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
All set in a luxurious 18K white gold band with a floral basket mounting the center stone and an open back. Details: Item Type: Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring Metal: 18K White Gol...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique Diamond Coiled Snake Engraved Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Gorgeous design ring, dated '1900, handcrafted in 18K gold. The head of the snake is embellished with a large sparkling Old mine cut Diamond eye, weight 1,30 Carat graded I/J Color S...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Large 6.36ct Fancy C5 Natural Pear Cut Diamond 18K Gold Ring, AUSCERT certified.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
This handmade beauty's fabulous design, its rare & impressive diamond's size, its desirable shape & top-quality materials make this ring quite special. ~~~ It centers...
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18kt Gold Halo Ring with Diamonds & Pearl
Located in Aventura, FL
SPECIFICATIONS: Period: Circa 1910s, Antique Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Baroque Pearl & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 5 1/2 (sizable) Ring Width: 0.55 inches (14.0 mm) Total weigh...
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.10 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Reflections in photographs may detract from the true representation of this fine example of this 8 claw engagement ring. Diamond Quality Colour G Clarity VS2 Cut Old Mine Content 1....
Diamond, Platinum
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.
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.
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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.