Cartier Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.51ct D/VVS2 GIA Certified
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A stunning platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier. The solitaire ring features a round brilliant cut diamond set in a classic 4 prong mount weighing 1.51ct, D colour and VVS2 cl...
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 crafted from platinum and mounted with a 0.51ct round diamond (F-G color, VS1-VS2 cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.63 Carat Radiant Shape F-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.63 Carat Radiant Shape F-VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.63 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 2.47 Carat Round Brilliant G VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 2.47 Carat Round Brilliant G VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 2.12 Carat Diamond Number of Stones:...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 2.27 Carat Princess Cut F VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 2.27 Carat Princess Cut F VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 2.27 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 ...
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Platinum Ring. Cartier Wedding Band 1895 2.5mm Band. Certificate
By Cartier
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Cartier Platinum 2.5mm Band. Genuine Cartier 1895 Wedding Band ring. Condition: Great. Comes with Original Cartier Certificate Details: 3.1grams total Size 6.5
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.83 Carat Round Brilliant E VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 0.83 Carat Round Brilliant E VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 0.55 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: ...
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER London 1960 Gipsy Ring In Platinum With Burmese Ruby & Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A platinum ring with ruby designed by Cartier. This is a beautiful and very rare vintage ring created in London England by the French jewelry house of Cartier, between the 1955 and ...
Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Signed Art Deco Colombian Emerald Onyx & Diamond Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
Cartier signed and stamped. Product Specifications: Item Type: Cocktail Ring Design Style: Art Deco Halo Metal: Platinum Ring Size: 5, (adjustable) Ring Face: 14mm Setting Style: Be...
Onyx, Emerald, Diamond, Platinum
Ladies Cartier 1895 950 Platinum 3.5mm 0.04ct Round Diamond Wedding Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Houston, TX
Brand: Cartier Gender: Ladies Metal Type: 950 Platinum Ring Size: 7.5 Width: 3.5 mm Weight: 6.28 grams CARTIER Ladies designer made polished 950 platinum, diamond wedding band ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.51 Carat Round Brilliant D VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.51 Carat Round Brilliant D VVS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.51 Carat Diamond Number ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 3.41 Carat Round Brilliant H VVS2 Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 3.41 Carat Round Brilliant H VVS2 Diamond Platinum Wedding Ring Style: Wedding Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 3.41 Carat Diamond Number of Sto...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Love Band Ring. Diamond Engraved Wedding Ring Platinum 5.4mm Sized 3.75
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 3.75 US, Signed: Cartier Color: F Color Clarity: VVS Metal: Platinum Stone: Diamond Style: Art Deco Width Of Band: 5.4mm This exquisite Cartier Love Band is a timeles...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.91 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 0.91 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Gemstone 1: 0.91 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: FVY C...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Engagement Ring with 1.64 Carat Round Diamonds F-VVS1 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Elevate life's precious moments with this stunning engagement ring.
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Paris Vintage Solitaire Ring In Platinum With 1.01 Carats VVS Diamond
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A refined example of Cartier’s legendary craftsmanship and enduring design philosophy, this vintage ring represents the perfect harmony of exceptional diamond quality, elegant platin...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Platinum Princess Cut Diamond Wedding Band
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A timeless and sophisticated CARTIER wedding band crafted in luxurious platinum and set with an elegant line of invisibly set princess-cut diamonds.
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 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing 0.40 cts total weight approximately set all ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Engagement Ring 3.41 Carat Heart & Round Diamonds E VVS2 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Video: Video Link Detailed Description: This enchanting vintage Cartier engagement ring is a true symbol of elegance and love.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Love Diamond Platinum 5.5mm Band Ring Size US 4.5 EU 49
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Brand: Cartier Collection/Style: Love Diamond Band Ring Material: Platinum (Pt950) Hallmarks: Cartier Pt950 49 NV7525 Gemstones: Natural diamond approximately 0.05ct Design: Cla...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Bague Meli Melo TDD50 Platinum Pink Sapphire Diamond Ring US5.25
By Cartier
Located in PARIS, FR
Cartier Meli Melo model ring in platinum adorned with marquise, oval and pear-shaped pink sapphires, for a total of approximately 1.10 ct, and 3 round brilliant-cut diamonds, for a t...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
26868 Cartier 1895 Solitaire 1.49 H VVS1 Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
1895 collection from Cartier Platinum ring weighs 5.2g Round diamond weighs 1.49ct Diamond H color VVS1 clarity Diamond laser inscription ''GIA 2239106716'' Ring size #49 (US size ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.51 Carat Round Diamond G VVS2 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Sleek sophistication meets timeless elegance in this platinum engagement ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1.52 Carat Round Brilliant Shape F-VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 1.52 Carat Round Brilliant Shape F-VS2 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: Platinum Gemstone 1: 1.52 Carat Diamond Number of St...
Diamond, Platinum
26482 Cartier Etincelle Platinum Diamond 2.6mm Wedding Ring Band #48 Sz 4.5
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
Cartier Etincelle collection Platinum ring weighs 4.1g 15 round diamonds total weight 0.51ct Diamond F color VS1 clarity Band measures 2.6mm wide Band size is #48 (U.S. size 4.5) S...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire 1895 Ring 0.30ct H/VS2
By Cartier
Located in Mayfair, London, London
A lovely platinum diamond engagement ring by Cartier from the Solitaire 1895 collection.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.30ct Diamond Engagement Ring Platinum Sz 5 Estate COA GIA Signed
By Cartier
Located in Torrance, CA
Estate Cartier diamond engagement ring crafted in 950 platinum (circa 2001).
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Etincelle Diamond Wedding Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classic diamond half eternity ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Solitaire 1895 0.66ct G-VVS2 Diamond Pt950 Platinum Ring US 4.75
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item Number: 31360503 ■Brand: Cartier ■Product Name: Solitaire 1895 Ring ■Ref. Number: N4163600 ■Material: 1P Diamond (0.66ct G-VVS2), Pt950 Platinum ■Weight: Approximately 2.8g ■R...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.73 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 0.61 carat - H color with SI1 clarity Prong set in a square form head and flanked by platinum-topped cathedral shoulders B...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier Caresse D'Orchidees Pink, Yellow & White Diamond Flower Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cartier Caresse D'Orchidees pink, yellow and white diamond flower ring in platinum, accompanied by Cartier paperwork and Cartier box.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Engagement Ring and band 1.06 Carat Round Diamond F VVS1 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Detailed Description: Embrace timeless elegance with a vintage Cartier engagement ring crafted in platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Eternity Platinum Diamond Band size 50
By Cartier
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A refined Cartier Platinum Ring, adorned with a series of exquisite diamonds set in a sleek 2.5mm band.
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 embodies the artistry and luxury synonymous with Cartier, showcasing a harmonious ...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier White Platinum Engagement Ring with 1.02 Carat Round Diamonds G VS2 GIA
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Video: Video Link Detailed Description: Elevate your style with this vintage Cartier engagement ring, crafted from luxurious white platinum.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1895 Round Diamond 0.88 tcw Engagement Ring in Platinum GIA COA Box
By Cartier
Located in San Diego, CA
Cartier 1895 Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Solitaire with Diamond Accents Ref. number: QF**** Metal: Platinum PT950 GIA: 2106981161 Size: 6.25 TCW: 0.88 tcw Main Diamond: Rou...
Diamond, Platinum
$280,000Sale Price|60% Off
1895 Cartier 5.10 Carats Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Cartier engagement ring, featuring a 5.10 carats round brilliant cut diamond, set on a classic four prong setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Platinum Ring with Colombian Emerald, AGL Certified
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent Cartier signed ring, showcasing a vivid 12.25-carat Colombian emerald, certified by the American Gemological Laboratories (AGL).
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Cartier 1980's Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Platinum Vintage Ballerina Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut diamond weighing approximately 0.93 carat - G color with VS2 clarity Prong set at an angle in yellow gold atop a cluster of round and oval cut rubies Weighing a...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cartier 7.51 Carat GIA Certified Burma Sapphire, Diamond, Gold and Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A Cartier sapphire and diamond ring, set with an emerald-cut, non heat treated Burma sapphire, with an estimated weight of 7.51 carats, in an 18ct yellow gold four claw setting, with...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Vintage Cartier Diamond Band Platinum Size 4.5 (48)
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage Cartier band ring is made in platinum and features a full circle of round brilliant-cut diamonds in a channel setting.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Vtg Meli Melo Platinum and Diamond & Gemstone Ring Size 54 c 1990s
By Cartier
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
Gorgeous & Unique Cartier Ring. The Meli Melo design features variously polished and faceted gemstones bezel-set in 950 platinum.
Aquamarine, Chalcedony, Diamond, Tourmaline, Mandarin Garnet, Platinum
C De Cartier Platinum F VVS2 .30ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring w/ Box
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - F Color - VVS2 Clarity - 0.30ct (exact) Material: Solid Platinum - Stamped PT950 Weight: 7.1 Grams Rin...
Diamond, Platinum
C De Cartier Platinum .56ct Half Bezel Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Size 49
By Cartier
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Round Brilliant Cut - Half Bezel Channel Set - VS Clarity - F/G Clarity - 0.56ct (exact - stamped) Total Carat Weight: 0.656 (exact) Mate...
Diamond, Platinum
$52,402,300
Cartier 0.46 Carat Diamond Ballerine Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous diamond engagement ring from the world renowned luxury jewellery house of Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Ruby and Diamond 'Nigeria' Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Like a jeweled tapestry woven in passion and light, the ‘'Nigeria’ ring is a celebration of intensity and allure. Deep crimson rubies and luminous diamonds are artfully pavé-set in p...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cartier 1 Carat Round Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Half Eternity Platinum G VVS1
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Origin: France Material: Platinum Ring Size: 3.5, resizable at no extra cost Signed: Cartier The centerpiece of this elegant Cartier engagement ring is a GIA-certified 1.00-carat ro...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.90ct Diamond ‘Ballerine’ Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
From the designer Cartier comes this stunning solitaire from their Ballerine collection. At its centre sits a 0.90 carat round brilliant diamond graded H in colour and VS in clarity....
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Panthère Ring in Platinum with Diamond, Emerald & Onyx – US 6 1/4
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item No.: 24290719 ■Brand: Cartier ■Product Name: Panthère de Cartier Ring ■Material: Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, PT950 Platinum ■Weight: Approx. 26.9g ■Ring Size: Approx.
Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum
Cartier GIA Certified 10.29 Carat I VS2 Emerald Cut Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Cartier
Located in Boston, MA
This impressive diamond ring is offered by Shreve, Crump & Low. This 10.29 carat GIA Certified I VS2 emerald cut diamond is custom set in a handcrafted Cartier platinum ring.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 1 Carat Round Engagement Ring. GIA Diamond Half Eternity Platinum F VS1
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Material: Platinum Signed: Cartier The centerpiece of this elegant vintage Cartier engagement ring is a 1.00-carat round brilliant cut diamond in F color and VS1 clarity.
Diamond, Platinum
CARTIER Paris Starburst Three-Stones Ring In Platinum & 1.55 Carats VVS Diamonds
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A timeless example of Cartier’s renowned craftsmanship and elegant design philosophy, this three-stone ring represents the perfect balance of exceptional diamonds, refined platinum w...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Cartier Pavé Diamond Set Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 7.7 grams Band Width: 4.5mm - 2.5mm Ring Size: K (50) Diamond Weight: Approx. 1.00ct Diamond Details: Colour: G, Clarity: VS Marked: 'Cartier' Se...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$34,800Sale Price|20% Off
Cartier 5.50 Carat Princess Cut Diamond Platinum Eternity Band
By Cartier
Located in Chicago, IL
This magnificent Cartier eternity band, crafted in lustrous platinum, features a continuous row of dazzling, high-quality princess-cut diamonds totaling approximately 5.50 carats.
Diamond, White 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 Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.49 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
This classic Cartier ring centers with a sparkling GIA certified round brilliant cut diamond that weighs 0.49ct. graded F color with VS2 clarity. The center diamond is accentuated by...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Monture Cartier Marquise Diamond Cluster Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Condition: Used (Excellent) - Professionally polished to appear brand new Weight: 7.3 grams Ring Size: M (52) - Resizable Face Dimensions: 14mm x 14mm Marquise Diamond: Approx. 2.0 C...
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier 0.20 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
Here we have a refined diamond solitaire ring from the world renowned jewellery house of Cartier.
Diamond, Platinum
Cartier "Americana" Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Cartier "Americana" Ruby, Sapphire & Diamond Ring Description: Designed by Oscar Heyman for Cartier, this refined band ring features three parallel rows of channel-set square-cut ge...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum
Cartier Destinee Solitaire Diamond 0.56ct F-VS1-Ex Platinum Ring US 3 3/4
By Cartier
Located in Tokyo, JP
■Item No: 32710708 ■Brand: Cartier ■Name: Destinee Solitaire Ring ■Ref.: N4246000 ■Material: 1P diamond (D0.56ct F-VS1-Ex), Side diamond, Pt950 platinum ■Weight: 4.1g (Approx) ■Ring ...
Diamond, Platinum
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.