Cartier Ballerine Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Platinum .24ct Diamond Ballerine Engagement Ring by Cartier. With 1 round brilliant cut diamonds
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.09 Carat Diamond Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite diamond engagement ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of
Diamond, Platinum
$24,000Sale Price|20% Off
Iconic Cartier Ballerine with exceptional brilliance
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Ring Size: 58 EU / 8.75 US (resizable) Weight: 6.6 g Iconic Cartier Ballerine with exceptional
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
$128,000Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring and Wedding Band Set, a perfect symbol of love and
Platinum
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.32ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.32ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ballerine Ring Product Details Xupes Ref
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum 0.51 Carat Round Cut Diamond Ballerine Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
The Cartier diamond engagement ring from the Ballerine collection is a stunning piece of jewelry
Diamond, Platinum
$3,200Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier BALLERINE Round Diamonds French Pave Set Full Eternity Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier BALLERINE 0.37 ct Round Diamonds French Pave Set Full Circle Eternity Band Ring in Platinum
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Diamond Ballerine Solitaire Ring 0.9ct D/IF XXX
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A captivating platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier from the Ballerine Solitaire collection
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Round Brilliant Diamond 0.35 tcw F, VVS1 Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring Style:Solitaire with Side Stones Material: Platinum950
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Platinum Channel Set Diamond Eternity Band Ring .40cts TW
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier diamond band ring from the Ballerine collection finely crafted in platinum with channel set
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Round Brilliant Diamond 0.36 tcw FVVS1 Engagement Ring COA GIA
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Side Stones Ref. number
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine GIA Cert .45 F VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Size 4.75
By Cartier
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Discover the refined elegance of the Cartier Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring. This exquisite piece
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable
Cartier Ring Ballerine Platinum Diamond
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier house wedding ring in platinum 950 thousandths. ballerina model. set with 3 brilliant cut
Diamond, Platinum
Unavailable
Cartier Diamond Eternity Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier Ballerine full diamond eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring features twenty
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Cartier Ballerine Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
This Cartier Ballerine ring is platinum with one .05 carat diamond set flush in the band. The ring
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Diamond Ballerine Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
H, Clarity VS Condition: 9 - Excellent condition This Ring by Cartier is from their Ballerine
White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.32ct Diamond Ballerine Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire
Cartier Brilliant Cut 0.32ct Solitaire Diamond Platinum Ballerine Ring Brand Cartier Model 0.32ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Ballerine Diamond Wedding Ring
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful full diamond eternity ring in platinum from the Cartier Ballerine collection. The ring
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Diamond Ring 0.71 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning diamond engagement ring in platinum from the Ballerine collection by Cartier. The
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Pt 57
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: --- Metal: Platinum 950 Ring Size: 57
Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Pt 55
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: --- Metal: Platinum 950 Ring Size: 55
Platinum
Cartier Diamond Ballerine Ring 0.53 Carat GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A beautiful platinum Cartier diamond ring from the Ballerine collection. The ring comprises of a
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Platinum 1.84 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
This Cartier ring is an exquisite piece of jewelry from the Ballerine collection. It’s crafted from
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Platinum Diamond Wedding Ring Size 54
By Cartier
Located in Banbury, GB
2 cm Ring Size 54 Size Chart Condition Excellent Other Info Ring sizing approximately UK: N 1/2 / US
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Pt 48
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire 0.23ct Diamond Engagement Ring Pt 50
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Diamond Solitaire Ring Stones: Diamond (Center stone 0.23ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire 0.23ct Diamond Engagement Ring Pt 49
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Diamond Solitaire Ring Stones: Diamond (Center stone 0.23ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire 0.36ct Diamond Engagement Ring Pt 49
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Diamond Solitaire Ring Stones: Diamond (Center stone 0.36ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire 0.32ct Diamond Engagement Ring Pt 51
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Diamond Solitaire Ring Stones: Diamond (Center stone 0.32ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire 0.24ct Diamond Engagement Ring Pt 51
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Diamond Solitaire Ring Stones: Diamond (Center stone 0.24ct
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier ‘Ballerine’ Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Elegant and understated, this Cartier ‘Ballerine’ solitaire engagement ring presents a 0.40 carat
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Pt 50
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Pt 49
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Pt 48
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.38ct Diamond Ballerine Wedding Band
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier comes this beautiful Ballerine full eternity wedding band. A total of
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier ‘Ballerine’ 1.06 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
luxuriously presented in Cartier’s unique ‘Ballerine’ setting at the centre of this sophisticated engagement
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier ‘Paved Ballerine’ 1.51 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
French jeweller Cartier's 'Paved Ballerine' setting at the centre of this distinctive engagement ring
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Semi Paved Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Pt 49
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Semi Paved Stones: Diamonds ( total 0.09 carats
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Rose Gold 56
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Rose Gold 49
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Rose Gold
Vintage Cartier Ballerine 1.03 Carat Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier 'Ballerine' diamond ring set in platinum. The piece prominently
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Platinum Channel Set Diamond Eternity Band Ring .40cts TW
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier diamond band ring from the Ballerine collection finely crafted in platinum with channel set
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Brilliant Cut Diamond Ballerine Solitaire Ring 0.71ct G/VVS2
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A graceful platinum diamond ring by Cartier from the Ballerine Solitaire collection. The engagement
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage GIA Certified Cartier 'Ballerine' Diamond Solitaire Ring Set in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Cartier 'Ballerine' diamond ring set in platinum. The piece prominently
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Rose Gold 49 US 4.75
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Ballerine 3P Diamonds Wedding Band Ring Rose Gold 51 US 5.5
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: 3 Diamonds ( total 0.01 carats ) Metal
Diamond, Rose Gold
Cartier Ballerine 0.38 Carat Diamond Channel Set Wedding Band in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Brand: Cartier Style: Full Circle Channel Set Diamond Wedding Band Serial: B4072055 Ring Size
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York City, NY
Timeless diamond and platinum engagement ring by Cartier. It features a central round brilliant cut
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier .54 Carat Diamond Ballerine Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bethesda, MD
From the Ballerine collection by Cartier, a platinum diamond engagement ring. The center brilliant
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Pt 56 US 7.75
By Cartier
Located in Kobe, Hyogo
Item: Authentic Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring Stones: --- Metal: Platinum 950 Ring Size: 56
Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum E VVS2 0.27 Ct
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier Ballerine Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum E VVS2 0.27 CT PRIMARY DETAILS SKU: 114987
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Curved Diamond Band in Platinum 0.09 Ctw
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Authenticity; Brand: Cartier Collection/Series: Ballerine Metal Type: Platinum Metal Purity: 950 Ring Size: 6.0
Platinum
Cartier Ballerine curved Half Diamond Ring Pt950 US5.25
By Cartier
Located in Hokkaido, JP
This item is a "Cartier Pt950 Ballerine curved Half Diamond Band Ring"Platinum PT950, 3.5mm wide
Platinum
Cartier 2.15 Carat GIA Certified Diamond Platinum Ballerine Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Ottawa, Ontario
Ballerine design Cartier diamond ring comes with GIA Certificate also the classic and timeless Cartier red
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
, Width: 2.00 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Ballerine Wedding Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Cartier Ballerine Wedding Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold and Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
, Width: 2.00 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Ballerine Wedding Band Ring 18K Yellow Gold and Diamonds
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Ring Platinum with RBC Diamond E/VVS1 .23CT
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
: 5.75 - 51, Width: 1.65 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Ballerine Solitaire Ring Platinum with RBC Diamond E
Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Ring Platinum with RBC Diamond D/VVS1 .23CT
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
: Size: 4.5 - 48, Width: 1.65 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Ballerine Solitaire Ring Platinum with RBC
Platinum
Cartier Ballerine Solitaire Ring Platinum with RBC Diamond E/VS1 0.33 Carat
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Measurements: Size: 6 - 52, Width: 1.60 mm Designer: Cartier Model: Ballerine Solitaire Ring Platinum with RBC
1.47 Carat No Oil Panjshir Emerald Cut Ring in Platinum by Merkaba Beverly Hills
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A collector grade three stone platinum ring centered on a rare 1.47 carat Panjshir Valley emerald in a crisp emerald cut, accompanied by an AGL report and designated no oil. Sourced ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Multi-gemstone, Platinum
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum A striking example of Art Deco elegance, this antique engagement ring features a luminous old mine-cut diamond set within an in...
Diamond, Platinum
$9,900Sale Price|34% Off
Size: Size not marked. Medium fit.
Supreme Opulent Russian Sable Fur Stroller Length Coat
Located in Tustin, CA
Shown as the ultimate symbol of status and elegance, Russian Sable is considered to be the most coveted fur in the world. This Russian sable fur coat from Michael's Furs of Los Angel...
$475Sale Price|20% Off
Size: Small
Rene Ruiz Couture Black and Nude Strapless Silk Net Overlay Bustier Corset Top
Located in San Diego, CA
Gorgeous and sexy new RENE RUIZ black and nude strapless silk ruched bustier / corset! Features a nude silk backdrop, with a black net ruched overlay. Hidden zipper up the side with ...
John Galliano for Christian Dior Pink Silk Flower Dress
By Christian Dior, John Galliano
Located in Water Mill, NY
A beautiful blush pink silk dress with green and bright pink flowers by John Galliano for Christian Dior. It has ruched straps forming a front V, the skirt falls in gentle folds to ...
$4,800Sale Price|61% Off
Tiffany & Co. Embrace 7 Stone Diamond Wedding Anniversary Band
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Tampa, FL
Tiffany & Co. Embrace 7 Stone Diamond Wedding Anniversary Band with .57cttw round brilliant cut diamonds of fine quality set half way around in platinum. Finger size 4.5 US
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co Schlumberger 18K Gold Diamond Ring
By Jean Schlumberger for Tiffany & Co.
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Absolutely stunning Tiffany & Co Schlumberger diamond engagement ring circa 1970! A pristine and shiny 18K yellow gold band joins together an intricate leaf-like motif compromise...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
$1,036Sale Price|20% Off
Size: 10
1990s Bob Mackie Size 10 Black Crepe Sexy 90s Vintage High Slit Evening Gown
By Bob Mackie
Located in San Diego, CA
Sexy, yet sophisticated 1990s BOB MACKIE black crepe bodycon evening dress! Features an elegant sweetheart neckline, with satin trim. Figure flattering silhouette that hugs the body ...
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and White Coral Bow Ring
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in New York, NY
Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Diamond and White Coral Bow Ring Details: Ring size: US 6.75 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone: Diamond, Coral Weight 4.3 grams Hallmarked: VGA 18...
Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$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. ...
$175Sale Price|30% Off
Size: French 36 (Best Fits US 2-4)
Thierry Mugler Silk Animal Leopard Print Top, C.1990
By Thierry Mugler
Located in Atlanta, GA
Purrrr-fection! This Thierry Mugler C.1990 silk top is loaded with feline details beyond the animal print. It snaps at the back with an hourglass silhouette which nips at the waist...
Tiffany & Co. Signed 2.58 Carat GIA F VS2 Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
Celebrate love with this stunning Tiffany & Co. Signed Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring, a true symbol of timeless elegance. This exquisite piece features a 2.58 carat pear-shaped...
Diamond, Platinum
Beautiful Vintage White Sheer Pearl + Beads + Sequins Encrusted Shawl Scarf
Located in San Diego, CA
Beautiful vintage white sheer oversized piano shawl / scarf! Feature thousands of hand-sewn pearl, beads, rhinestones and sequins. Pearl tassels feature pink iridescent pailliettes o...
$744Sale Price / item|20% Off
W 0.27 in L 17 in
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18k Yellow Gold
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Everyday Emerald Ruby Minimalist Chain Necklace Gift for Mom in 18K Gold studded with pear cut emerald and ruby. This stunning piece of jewelry instantly elevates a casual look or dr...
Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Tiffany & Co. Etoile Platinum 1.26 Cts Total Round Pave Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in New York, NY
A discontinued and highly sought-after design from Tiffany & Co.'s iconic Etoile Collection, this platinum ring features a 0.49ct round brilliant center diamond (H color, VS1 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Tiffany & Co., 1.19 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Cushion Diamond Engagement Ring
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
Diamond cut: Cushion Brilliant Carat: 1.03 carats Measurements: 6.03 x 5.52 x 3.68 mm Color: Fancy Intense Yellow Clarity: VS1 Polish: Excellent Symmetry: Very Good Fluorescence: Fa...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
For its extraordinary range of bracelets, watches, rings and other adornments, French luxury house Cartier is undeniably one of the most well known and internationally revered jewelers in the world among clients both existing and aspirational.
Perhaps 1847 was not the ideal time to open a new watchmaking and jewelry business, as the French Revolution was not kind to the aristocracy who could afford such luxuries. Nevertheless, it was the year Louis-François Cartier (1819–1904) — who was born into poverty — founded his eponymous empire, assuming control of the workshop of watchmaker Adolphe Picard, under whom he had previously been employed as an assistant. Of course, in the beginning, it was a relatively modest affair, but by the late 1850s, Cartier had its first royal client, Princess Mathilde Bonaparte, niece of Napoleon Bonaparte, who commissioned the jeweler to design brooches, earrings and other accessories.
Under the leadership of Louis-François’s son, Alfred, who took over in 1874, business boomed. Royalty around the world wore Cartier pieces, including Tsar Nicholas II of Russia, the Maharaja of Patiala and King Edward VII, who had 27 tiaras made by the jewelry house for his coronation in 1902 and issued Cartier a royal warrant in 1904. (Today, the British royal family still dons Cartier pieces; Kate Middleton, Duchess of Cambridge, regularly sports a Ballon Bleu de Cartier watch.)
Cartier’s golden years, however, began when Alfred introduced his three sons, Louis, Pierre and Jacques, to the business. The brothers expanded Cartier globally: Louis reigned in Paris, Pierre in New York and Jacques in London, ensuring their brand’s consistency at their branches across the world. The trio also brought in such talents as Charles Jacqueau and Jeanne Toussaint.
One of Cartier’s earliest major successes was the Santos de Cartier watch — one of the world's first modern wristwatches for men. (Previously, a large number of people were using only pocket watches.) Louis designed the timepiece in 1904 for his friend, popular Brazilian aviator Alberto Santos-Dumont, who wanted to be able to check the time more easily while flying.
Cartier’s other famous timepieces include the Tank watch, which was inspired by the linear form of military tanks during World War I, and the so-called mystery clocks. Invented by watchmaker and magician Jean-Eugène Robert-Houdin and later crafted exclusively for Cartier in the house’s workshop by watchmaker Maurice Couët, the mystery clocks were so named because the integration of glass dials on which the clocks’ hands would seemingly float as well as structures that are hidden away within the base give the illusion that they operate without machinery.
On the jewelry side of the business, Cartier’s internationally renowned offerings include the Tutti Frutti collection, which featured colorful carved gemstones inspired by Jacques’s trip to India and grew in popularity during the Art Deco years; the panthère motif, which has been incorporated into everything from brooches to rings; and the Love bracelet, a minimal, modernist locking bangle inspired by medieval chastity belts that transformed fine jewelry.
While the Cartier family sold the business following the death of Pierre in 1964, the brand continues to innovate today, renewing old hits and creating new masterpieces.
Find contemporary and vintage Cartier watches, engagement rings, necklaces and other accessories 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.