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Belgium Vintage Rings

Belgian Vintage DIAMOND and BLUE SAPPHIRE 18 karat White Gold Ring
Belgian Vintage DIAMOND and BLUE SAPPHIRE 18 karat White Gold Ring

Belgian Vintage DIAMOND and BLUE SAPPHIRE 18 karat White Gold Ring

Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette

"Medieval kings wore Sapphires around their necks as a defence from harm" - Beth Bernstein. This gorgeous belgian vintage ring was designed in the 70s and features a fabulous centr...

Category

20th Century Belgian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 2.54ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow & White Gold, Belgium
Vintage 2.54ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow & White Gold, Belgium

Vintage 2.54ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow & White Gold, Belgium

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning vintage Belgian 2.54 carat diamond and 18k yellow gold, 18k white gold set cocktail ring; an addition to our vintage jewelry collections.

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Belgian 1940s Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Vintage Belgian 1940s Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring

Vintage Belgian 1940s Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 0.42 carat diamond (total) and 18k white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.

Category

Vintage 1940s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage IGI Certified 3.32 Carats solitaire diamond ring
Vintage IGI Certified 3.32 Carats solitaire diamond ring

Vintage IGI Certified 3.32 Carats solitaire diamond ring

Located in Uccle, BE

Vintage solitaire diamond ring. A kind of classic design with a unique touch (the bicolor gold on the band of the ring) that makes it one of a kind!

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Diamond Floral Twist Ring in 18k White Gold
Vintage Diamond Floral Twist Ring in 18k White Gold

Vintage Diamond Floral Twist Ring in 18k White Gold

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A fine and impressive vintage 0.42 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold twist style cocktail ring; part of our diverse vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections.

Category

1990s Belgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring
Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring

Vintage Diamond and Ruby 18 karat Yellow Gold Ring

Located in Esch sur Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette

It was only through the development of the chemistry and mineralogy that distinctions could be scientifically made. This wonderful belgian ring was designed in the 70s, the nature ...

Category

20th Century Belgian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Diamonds 0.35 carats 18KT White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Natural Diamonds 0.35 carats 18KT White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring

Natural Diamonds 0.35 carats 18KT White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerpen, BE

This muted vintage engagement ring features a oval shape cluster of baguettes set in the center with prong set round diamonds along the outer halo in a glamorous Victorian style enga...

Category

2010s Belgian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond 0.50 Carats 18KT Yellow Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement  Ring
Natural Diamond 0.50 Carats 18KT Yellow Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement  Ring

Natural Diamond 0.50 Carats 18KT Yellow Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerpen, BE

Make a statement of love and luxury with this Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, where brilliance meets timeless charm. Crafted from 18K Yellow Gold, this breathtaking piece is a true ...

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 karat solid gold tank ring set with natural authentic diamonds
Vintage 18 karat solid gold tank ring set with natural authentic diamonds

Vintage 18 karat solid gold tank ring set with natural authentic diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

For sale is this lovely bulky brilliant Cut diamond ring. This Tank ring is made in 18 karat solid Yellow gold and marked with a 0,750 mark. This type of ring is called a Tank ring t...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Post-War Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Diamond 0.50 carats 18KT Rose Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring
Natural Diamond 0.50 carats 18KT Rose Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring

Natural Diamond 0.50 carats 18KT Rose Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerpen, BE

Make a statement of love and luxury with this Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, where brilliance meets timeless charm. Crafted from 18K Rose Gold, this breathtaking piece is a true ma...

Category

2010s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Natural Diamond 0.50 carats 18KT White Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring
Natural Diamond 0.50 carats 18KT White Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring

Natural Diamond 0.50 carats 18KT White Gold Cluster Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerpen, BE

Make a statement of love and luxury with this Diamond Halo Cluster Engagement Ring, where brilliance meets timeless charm. Crafted from 18K White Gold, this breathtaking piece is a t...

Category

2010s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18KT White Gold Natural Diamonds Emerald Cut Trilogy Vintage Engagement Ring
18KT White Gold Natural Diamonds Emerald Cut Trilogy Vintage Engagement Ring

18KT White Gold Natural Diamonds Emerald Cut Trilogy Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerpen, BE

A trio of emerald-cut diamonds radiates a clear and magnificent shine on this stunning engagement ring set with sparkling accent diamonds along the White gold shank. Elegance re-ima...

Category

2010s Belgian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Recent Sales

Vintage Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Ring, 1910s
Vintage Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Ring, 1910s

Vintage Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Ring, 1910s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 59 & 18¾ , Size US 8¾ , Size UK: R - Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to ch...

Category

Vintage 1910s Belgian Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, ...

Vintage 1950s Platinum Engagement Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Vintage 1950s Platinum Engagement Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Vintage 1950s Platinum Engagement Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 56 & 17¾ , Size US 7½ , Size UK: O½ - Free resizing (only ...

Category

Vintage 1950s Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring, 1940s
Vintage Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring, 1940s

Vintage Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring, 1940s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage   Period: ca. 1940   Material: Two tones of precious ...

Category

Vintage 1940s Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Vintage Platinum Diamond Sapphire and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Vintage Platinum Diamond Sapphire and Pearl Cocktail Ring

Vintage Platinum Diamond Sapphire and Pearl Cocktail Ring

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage Fifties (of the twentieth century) Style specifics: ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Stunning Vintage Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring, 1920s
Stunning Vintage Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring, 1920s

Stunning Vintage Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring, 1920s

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 53 & 17 , Size US 6¼ , Size UK: M - Free resizing (only fo...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1950s Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.85 Carat Diamonds
Vintage 1950s Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.85 Carat Diamonds

Vintage 1950s Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.85 Carat Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage Fifties (of the twentieth century)   Style specifics:...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring
Vintage Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring

Vintage Art Deco Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: excellent condition Ring size Continental: 53 & 17 , Size US 6¼ , Size UK: M - Free resizing (only fo...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring with Big Rose Cut Diamonds
Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring with Big Rose Cut Diamonds

Vintage Diamond Cluster Ring with Big Rose Cut Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage Period: ca. 1870 Material: 18K bi-color (yellow and...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage 1960s Gold Art Ring with Interchangeable Precious Stones Spheres
Vintage 1960s Gold Art Ring with Interchangeable Precious Stones Spheres

Vintage 1960s Gold Art Ring with Interchangeable Precious Stones Spheres

Located in Antwerp, BE

Extra information: When we bought this ring the owner told us that the artist was a Japanese lady goldsmith artist working in Belgium who made this ring.

Category

Vintage 1960s Belgian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Quartz, Tiger's Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Platinum Ring with Big Pearl and Rose Cut Diamonds
Vintage Platinum Ring with Big Pearl and Rose Cut Diamonds

Vintage Platinum Ring with Big Pearl and Rose Cut Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 52 & 16½ , Size US 6 , Size UK: L - Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to cha...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Vintage Pear Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Vintage Pear Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring

Vintage Pear Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring

Located in Knokke, BE

This classic 90's design features a 0,50ct pear shaped diamond as center stone. What makes it unique and very special indeed are the princess shaped diamonds (3,79ct) who have been e...

Category

1990s Belgian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning Vintage Platinum 1.74 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Slightly Domed
Stunning Vintage Platinum 1.74 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Slightly Domed

Stunning Vintage Platinum 1.74 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring Slightly Domed

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 65 & 20¾ , Size US 11¼ , Size UK: W - Free resizing, but b...

Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

1950s Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring with 1.32 Total Carat Weight
1950s Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring with 1.32 Total Carat Weight

1950s Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring with 1.32 Total Carat Weight

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage Fifties (of the twentieth century)   Period: ca. 1950...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1970s Artist Diamond Matching Set Necklace, Ring, Bracelet, Earrings
Vintage 1970s Artist Diamond Matching Set Necklace, Ring, Bracelet, Earrings

Vintage 1970s Artist Diamond Matching Set Necklace, Ring, Bracelet, Earrings

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage Seventies (of the twentieth century) Period: ca. 197...

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Genuine Vintage Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Genuine Vintage Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Genuine Vintage Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: excellent condition Ring size Continental: 61 & 19½ , Size US 9½ , Size UK: S½ - Free resizing (only ...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat White Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamonds Flower Vintage Style Ring
18 Karat White Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamonds Flower Vintage Style Ring

18 Karat White Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamonds Flower Vintage Style Ring

Located in Antwerpen, BE

gorgeous vintage style flower shaped ring, with beautiful details on the sides of the ring (see in pictures). featuring a gorgeous oval shape green Colombian emerald of 0.49ct and su...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Belgian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Original Vintage Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Original Vintage Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring

Original Vintage Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: excellent condition Ring size Continental: 58 & 18½ , Size US 8¼ , Size UK: Q - Free resizing (only f...

Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Vintage Art Deco Engagement Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
Vintage Art Deco Engagement Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds

Vintage Art Deco Engagement Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: excellent condition Ring size Continental: 53 & 17 , Size US 6¼ , Size UK: M - Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to cha...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yello...

Vintage Diamond and Pearl Engagement Ring Belle Epoque Period
Vintage Diamond and Pearl Engagement Ring Belle Epoque Period

Vintage Diamond and Pearl Engagement Ring Belle Epoque Period

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: excellent condition   Ring size Continental: 54 & 17¼ , Size US 6¾ , Size UK: N - Free resizing (only ...

Category

Vintage 1910s Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yell...

Vintage 1950s Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring, Lady Di Style
Vintage 1950s Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring, Lady Di Style

Vintage 1950s Platinum Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring, Lady Di Style

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 49 & 15¾ , Size US 5 , Size UK: J Free resizing (only for ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Diamond Opal Engagement Ring with a Total Carat Weight of 5.12
Vintage Diamond Opal Engagement Ring with a Total Carat Weight of 5.12

Vintage Diamond Opal Engagement Ring with a Total Carat Weight of 5.12

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage Period: ca. 1950 Material: platinum Diamond(s): 1...

Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Vintage Art Deco Diamond and Natural Sapphire ‘1.10 Carat’ Engagement Ring
Vintage Art Deco Diamond and Natural Sapphire ‘1.10 Carat’ Engagement Ring

Vintage Art Deco Diamond and Natural Sapphire ‘1.10 Carat’ Engagement Ring

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 58 & 18½ , Size US 8¼ , Size UK: Q - Resizing: Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we ...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Vintage Art Deco Large Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Also Called Solitair
Vintage Art Deco Large Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Also Called Solitair

Vintage Art Deco Large Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Also Called Solitair

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 54 & 17¼ , Size US 6¾ , Size UK: N - Free resizing (only f...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco Navette or Boat Shaped Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Vintage Art Deco Navette or Boat Shaped Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds

Vintage Art Deco Navette or Boat Shaped Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds

Located in Antwerp, BE

Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: very good condition Ring size Continental: 56 & 17¾ , Size US 7½ , Size UK: O½ - Free resizing (only for extreme resizing we have to c...

Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s White Gold Fully 1.98 Carat Diamond Set Wedding Band
Vintage 1970s White Gold Fully 1.98 Carat Diamond Set Wedding Band

Vintage 1970s White Gold Fully 1.98 Carat Diamond Set Wedding Band

Located in Antwerp, BE

Country of origin: Although it does not carry any legible control marks we believe this to be of Belgian origin. Style: Vintage Seventies (of the twentieth century) or more info on ...

Category

Vintage 1970s Belgian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.07Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Dress Ring - Vintage Belgian Circa 1940
2.07Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Dress Ring - Vintage Belgian Circa 1940

2.07Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Dress Ring - Vintage Belgian Circa 1940

Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne

A stunning, fine and impressive antique Belgian 2.07 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry collections This stunning v...

Category

Vintage 1940s Belgian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Light Green Rectangle Tourmaline Cocktail Ring
Vintage 18 Karat Gold Light Green Rectangle Tourmaline Cocktail Ring

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Light Green Rectangle Tourmaline Cocktail Ring

Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.

This is a modern cocktail ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features rectangle beautiful light green tourmaline. Weight: 3.54g Size: 17.5 (US 7.25) IMPORTANT: please ask about t...

Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Metro Diamond Five-Row Ring in White Gold
Vintage Tiffany & Co. Metro Diamond Five-Row Ring in White Gold

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Metro Diamond Five-Row Ring in White Gold

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in London, England

A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. Metro diamond five-row ring set in 18k white gold.

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

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Belgium Vintage Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, there are many options to choose from in our inventory of belgium vintage rings. Frequently made of gold, 18k gold and white gold, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 203 vintage editions and 24 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. modern and Art Deco are consistently popular styles when it comes to belgium vintage rings. William De Lillo, Hana Or and Maison Martin Margiela each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 121 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many round cut, mixed cut and brilliant cut belgium vintage rings for sale. Most of our belgium vintage rings for sale are for women, but there are 41 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are Belgium Vintage Rings?

Prices for belgium vintage rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $199 and can go as high as $45,700, while belgium vintage rings, on average, fetch $1,636.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.

No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.

Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.

Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry

The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.

Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.