A Jaffe Ring
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Wedding Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s North American Artisan Bridal Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Band Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Bridal Rings
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Early 2000s Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold
Recent Sales
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Late 20th Century American Contemporary Wedding Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold
20th Century Band Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Gold
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings
Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 2000s Contemporary Band Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
2010s American Modern Wedding Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
2010s Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
A Jaffe Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is an A Jaffe Ring?
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 rings, vintage 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 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, a wedding ring can be a diamond ring. In fact, you're free to wear any type of ring that appeals to you as a wedding ring. You could opt to wear a solitaire diamond ring to symbolize your wedding vows or a band ring that features multiple diamonds, such as an eternity band that shows diamonds all the way around its surface. Find a large selection of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 27, 2023Yes, a solitaire ring can be a wedding ring. Some men choose to wear a ring set with a single gemstone, like a diamond or a sapphire, to symbolize their wedding vows. Women may also opt for solitaire rings. However, it can be difficult to wear a solitaire ring with an engagement ring. You can address this challenge by wearing your wedding ring on your left hand and your engagement ring on your right hand. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 3, 2023What a three-ring wedding ring means is largely a matter of personal interpretation. However, many people associate the top engagement ring with the promise of marriage, the middle ring or wedding ring with the promise of vows and the third ring or eternity ring with anniversaries. Shop a collection of wedding rings from some of the world's top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Whether your wedding ring should match your engagement ring is up to personal preference. Many people choose engagement rings and wedding rings that complement one another in shape, color and materials. However, you're free to choose whatever rings appeal to you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of wedding and engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between a promise ring and an engagement ring is what each type of jewelry symbolizes. An engagement ring represents a promise to marry, usually sometime relatively soon. Promise rings ordinarily mean that a couple would like to one day marry but isn't yet ready to become formally engaged. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of engagement rings and promise rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024What makes an engagement ring an engagement ring is your decision that a particular piece of jewelry represents your promise to get married. There are no rules when it comes to engagement rings. Any ring that appeals to you can serve as a symbol of your engagement. Shop a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, you can wear a diamond ring as a wedding ring if you wish. Your wedding jewelry should reflect your taste and style, so you're free to choose any type of ring you desire. One option is to wear a diamond solitaire as a wedding ring. An eternity wedding band dotted with diamonds is a popular alternative. Many brides opt for two identical eternity bands, wearing one on either side of the engagement ring as guard rings. Shop a wide range of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, you can use your engagement ring as your wedding ring. Although many people choose to wear a separate wedding band, you're free to have your new spouse slip your engagement ring onto your finger during your wedding ceremony. In this case, you would forego wearing a wedding band entirely. On 1stDibs, shop a selection of antique and vintage engagement rings.
- How do I identify my ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 23, 2024To identify your ring, first look at the band’s interior for markings. Most rings have a maker’s mark, but you may need a magnifying glass to see the details clearly. You will usually also find a metal purity hallmark if the ring is made of precious metal. Some rings may have additional markings, such as a serial or style number or place of manufacture. Using trusted online resources, you can often determine the maker of a ring using these pieces of information. However, a certified appraiser or experienced jeweler can assist you if you have any difficulty. Find a wide range of antique, vintage and contemporary rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a Navajo ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A Navajo ring is a silver ring crafted with ornate designs. These designs can be simple swirls or complex skulls. The ring features a stone as its centerpiece, usually turquoise, malachite or obsidian. Shop a collection of Navajo jewelry from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- What is an alliance ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021An alliance ring is a band with a row of diamonds on it. This may be a five-stone row or a row that only covers (nearly) half of the band. However, the diamond row might also go all the way around. We call this an alliance ring as long as there is (just) a string of diamonds on the band. Shop a range of antique and vintage alliance rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a baguette on a ring?1 AnswerRoman Malakov DiamondsMarch 22, 2021A baguette is a type of diamond cut. A baguette on a ring typically means that the ring is set with a baguette cut diamond. Baguette cut diamonds are classic cuts used as side-stones or accent diamonds.
- What is a seal ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A seal ring — or signet ring — is a popular gift for anyone who desires an expressive, timeless piece of jewelry that can feature all manner of engraved motifs, gemstones, specific symbols or monograms. Signet rings get their name from signus, which means “sign” in Latin. The rings, which may historically be referred to as “seal rings,” date back thousands of years and were used as a form of signature. Whatever may have been engraved on the ring — a married couple’s initials, a family crest — identified ownership for the purposes of authenticating documents and more when impressed on soft wax. Find antique and vintage signet rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a rolling ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 5, 2021A Rolling Ring is a trinity ring, also known as a Russian wedding band. It is a type of ring design that has three interlocking bands. These bands that form the ring are solid metal, which can be two-toned, tri-color, or gold. Find a range of antique and vintage rolling rings on 1tsDibs.
- What is a flex ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A flex ring is a ring that is designed as a link chain, in order to give the wearer more flexibility in moving fingers and ease of wearing. They are very popular and offer a comfortable jewelry accessory option for different occasions. Find a collection of antique, vintage flex rings jewelry on 1stDibs today.
- What is a floating ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A floating ring, also known as a floating halo ring, features a gemstone in the center, encircled by a halo ring of small accent gemstones, to give it a distinct style. In a floating ring, the central gemstone is separate from the surrounding halo accent gemstones. Find a collection of vintage floating rings on 1stDibs today.
- What is a cocktail ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A cocktail ring is a large ring typically set with a precious gemstone. These opulent rings are ideal for cocktail parties, hence the name. These rings are designed with bright colors and flashy sizes to attract attention.
- What is a crest ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A crest ring, also known as a signet ring, was traditionally a significant accessory for affluent and powerful men. It is distinguished from ordinary rings by an engraved or raised symbol, a series of words or characters, or image on the ring's top half that was representative of the owner in some way. On 1stDibs, find a variety of crest rings.
- What is a target ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertSeptember 28, 2021Target rings are named so for their distinctive circular design of concentric circles that resembles a target. Target rings were often given as symbols of love and admiration and were developed in the Edwardian era to illustrate the Cupid’s arrow going through the eye. Find your first target ring on 1stDibs.
- What is a gypsy ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A gypsy ring is one in which the stone setting is flush with the metal. Accent diamonds or lesser stones placed into wedding rings are commonly set in this gypsy setting. The gypsy ring was popular in the late Victorian era. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of gypsy rings and other jewelry.
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