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2.13ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, Emerald and Brilliant Cut Diamonds, Platinum
2.13ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, Emerald and Brilliant Cut Diamonds, Platinum

2.13ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, Emerald and Brilliant Cut Diamonds, Platinum

Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire

Quite an unusual three stone diamond ring having at its centre an emerald cut diamond flanked to

Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Hennell of Bond Street Emerald Diamond Ring 1980s
Hennell of Bond Street Emerald Diamond Ring 1980s

Hennell of Bond Street Emerald Diamond Ring 1980s

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Fallen Oak is a chic, contemporary (circa 1980's) ring by the famous English jewelry company

Category

Vintage 1980s British Cocktail Rings

Montreaux 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
Montreaux 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring

Montreaux 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring

By Montreaux

Located in Chicago, IL

Montreaux 18K yellow gold ring, with 124 full cut round diamonds set in platinum, weighing 8.31cts

Category

Vintage 1980s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

DAVID WEBB Gold Platinum Emerald Diamond Tiger-Eye Enamel Set
DAVID WEBB Gold Platinum Emerald Diamond Tiger-Eye Enamel Set

DAVID WEBB Gold Platinum Emerald Diamond Tiger-Eye Enamel Set

By David Webb

Located in Verona, IT

18kt yellow gold, platinum and blck enamel ring and earrings, featuring diamond, emerald and tiger

Category

Vintage 1980s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

0.75 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Vintage Cluster Ring 18 Carat White Gold
0.75 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Vintage Cluster Ring 18 Carat White Gold

0.75 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Vintage Cluster Ring 18 Carat White Gold

Located in Hamilton, AU

diamonds, the emerald whispers of past loves and adventures. We have named this timeless adornment The

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

White gold vintage cocktail ring set with aquamarine and diamonds
White gold vintage cocktail ring set with aquamarine and diamonds

White gold vintage cocktail ring set with aquamarine and diamonds

Located in PARIS, FR

18Kt (750°/°°) white gold cocktail ring in 18k (750°/°°) set in its center with a clear emerald

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

Natural Color Aquamarine and Diamond Mounted in 18 Carat Gold Ring
Natural Color Aquamarine and Diamond Mounted in 18 Carat Gold Ring

Natural Color Aquamarine and Diamond Mounted in 18 Carat Gold Ring

Located in London, GB

size A Natural coloured Aquamarine ring of Emerald cut measuring 18mm in length and 9mm wide

Category

Vintage 1980s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

11.5 Carat Aquamarine AAA and Diamond Cocktail Ring
11.5 Carat Aquamarine AAA and Diamond Cocktail Ring

11.5 Carat Aquamarine AAA and Diamond Cocktail Ring

Located in Aliso Viejo, CA

approx. 1 carat of white G-HVS round brilliant diamonds set in a three-prong style. The ring is sized a

Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

David Webb Fish Serpent Enamel Ring
David Webb Fish Serpent Enamel Ring

David Webb Fish Serpent Enamel Ring

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

“David Webb” 18k yellow gold fish serpent ring with white enamelbody, diamonds and two cabochon

Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

JACK GUTSCHNEIDER Diamond, Tourmaline and Gold Ring
JACK GUTSCHNEIDER Diamond, Tourmaline and Gold Ring

JACK GUTSCHNEIDER Diamond, Tourmaline and Gold Ring

Located in Mt. Kisco, NY

JACK GUTSCHNEIDER Diamond, Tourmaline and Gold Ring. The 18 karat yellow gold ring has twelve cut

Category

Vintage 1980s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Cartier Ring, Nigeria Collection, Diamonds and Colored Stones
Cartier Ring, Nigeria Collection, Diamonds and Colored Stones

Cartier Ring, Nigeria Collection, Diamonds and Colored Stones

By Cartier

Located in Paris, IDF

A 750/000 yellow gold Cartier large ring, Nigeria collection, paved with brilliant cut diamonds and

Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Ring, Nigeria Collection, Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Em
Cartier Ring, Nigeria Collection, Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Em

Cartier Ring, Nigeria Collection, Diamonds, Rubies, Sapphires and Em

By Cartier

Located in Paris, IDF

Yellow gold, 18Kt, Cartier large ring, Nigeria collection, paved with brilliant cut diamonds and

Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1980s Large Aquamarine, Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Ring by Repossi
1980s Large Aquamarine, Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Ring by Repossi

1980s Large Aquamarine, Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Ring by Repossi

By Repossi

Located in London, GB

A 1980s large aquamarine, diamond and 18ct gold ring by Repossi the aquamarine itself measures W

Category

Vintage 1980s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Diamond and Precious Gemstone Bypass Modern Ring
18 Karat Diamond and Precious Gemstone Bypass Modern Ring

18 Karat Diamond and Precious Gemstone Bypass Modern Ring

Located in Pikesville, MD

A sleek and modern diamond and precious gemstone open bypass ring featuring .66 carats of bright

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Fashion Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
2.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Fashion Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold

2.50 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Fashion Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Tampa, FL

This is a high quality blue sapphire and diamond Estate engagement - fashion ring that features a

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s Vivid Purple Amethyst & Diamond Ring 18 Carat White Gold
Vintage Circa 1980s Vivid Purple Amethyst & Diamond Ring 18 Carat White Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s Vivid Purple Amethyst & Diamond Ring 18 Carat White Gold

Located in Hamilton, AU

folly. The Adrianna Ring Gem Details The emerald cut vivid purple amethyst is estimated to weigh 4.70

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Mellerio Paris Multi Gemstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Mellerio Paris Multi Gemstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring

Mellerio Paris Multi Gemstone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring

By Mellerio Paris

Located in QLD , AU

2.80mm semi set Ceylon type sapphires and 1 x 3.00mm semi set natural emerald. The ring measures 13.00

Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

David Webb Multi Gem Gold Dome Ring
David Webb Multi Gem Gold Dome Ring

David Webb Multi Gem Gold Dome Ring

By David Webb

Located in Lakewood, NJ

A diamond and multi-gem in 18k gold elaborate dome ring by David Webb. Contains round brilliant

Category

Vintage 1980s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Brazilian Pink Imperial Topaz
Brazilian Pink Imperial Topaz

Brazilian Pink Imperial Topaz

Located in Aliso Viejo, CA

eight prong split fashion and the side diamonds are set in a bar setting. The ring is forged from

Category

Vintage 1980s Brazilian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Topaz, Platinum

1980's Bezel Set Rectangular  Emerald  Diamond Gold  Dome Ring
1980's Bezel Set Rectangular  Emerald  Diamond Gold  Dome Ring

1980's Bezel Set Rectangular Emerald Diamond Gold Dome Ring

Located in New York, NY

Surrounded By Ten Full Cut Diamonds Weighing Approximately .50 cts Total Weight. Made In America in the 1980

Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Ring
18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Ring

18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Ring

Located in Pikesville, MD

A beautiful, well made 18 karat yellow gold ring featuring a genuine saturated emerald at

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Ring
18 Karat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Ring

18 Karat Diamond, Emerald and Ruby Ring

Located in Pikesville, MD

A truly unique find. This large 18 karat two tone gold diamond, emerald and ruby ring has an eye

Category

Vintage 1980s Byzantine Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

14 Karat Vintage Emerald and Diamond Ladies Ring
14 Karat Vintage Emerald and Diamond Ladies Ring

14 Karat Vintage Emerald and Diamond Ladies Ring

Located in Jackson Heights, NY

14k Yellow gold Weight= 7.3 gr Diamond= 0.30 ct total Emerald= 0.20 ct total Size= 5 1/2

Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

1980s Dramatic Pear Shaped Emerald with Diamond Bypass Gold Cocktail Ring
1980s Dramatic Pear Shaped Emerald with Diamond Bypass Gold Cocktail Ring

1980s Dramatic Pear Shaped Emerald with Diamond Bypass Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in New York, NY

Pear Shaped Emerald. ring Is Also Embellished With Approximately 4 Carts Of Full Cut Diamonds. Large

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Emerald Diamond Gold Ring

1980s Van Cleef & Arpels Coral Emerald Diamond Gold Ring

By Van Cleef & Arpels

Located in Paris, IDF

embellished with pink coral highlighted with circular-cut emeralds and brilliant cut diamonds. The eyes are

Category

Vintage 1980s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1980s Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cocktail Ring
1980s Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cocktail Ring

1980s Gold Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Cocktail Ring

Located in Lambertville, NJ

An 18k yellow gold ring set with rubies, emeralds, sapphires and approximately 0.46ctw of G/VS

Category

Vintage 1980s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Original David Webb Enamel Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring
Original David Webb Enamel Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring

Original David Webb Enamel Emerald Ruby Diamond Ring

By David Webb

Located in Lakewood, NJ

A large 18k yellow gold ring set with a cabochon ruby center stone and two cabochon emerald side

Category

Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier Daphnée Diamond Emeralds 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
Cartier Daphnée Diamond Emeralds 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring

Cartier Daphnée Diamond Emeralds 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring

By Cartier

Located in Paris, FR

Daphné bombe ring signed Cartier. Set with a central brillant cut 0.20 carat white diamond and two

Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Two-in-One Diamond, Emerald and Gold Cross over Rings
Two-in-One Diamond, Emerald and Gold Cross over Rings

Two-in-One Diamond, Emerald and Gold Cross over Rings

Located in St.amford, CT

Diamond cross over ring and emerald band that can be fitted together or worn separately. The cross

Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Modern Band Ring
18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Modern Band Ring

18 Karat Emerald and Diamond Modern Band Ring

Located in Pikesville, MD

A wearable modern 18 karat yellow gold hexagon shaped band ring featuring round brilliant diamonds

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Solitaire Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
14K Yellow Gold Solitaire Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

14K Yellow Gold Solitaire Emerald Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

A traditional solitaire engagement ring with Emerald Cut Diamond center. The ring is made in 14K

Category

Vintage 1980s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate 18K Yellow Gold 2.15 CTW Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring 13 Gr.
Estate 18K Yellow Gold 2.15 CTW Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring 13 Gr.

Estate 18K Yellow Gold 2.15 CTW Colombian Emerald & Diamond Cocktail Ring 13 Gr.

Located in Houston, TX

Estate 18K Yellow Gold 2.15 CTW Natural Colombian Emerald & Diamond Ring Sz 6 One Pear Shaped

Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Pear Shaped 3.24 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
18 Karat Pear Shaped 3.24 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring

18 Karat Pear Shaped 3.24 Carat Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring

By Giovane

Located in Pikesville, MD

diamond carats total weight cocktail ring. A vivid and well saturated beautifully shaped emerald is

Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Tiffany & Co. 3-Stone Diamond and Emerald Anniversary Ring 1.05 Carat H VVS2
Tiffany & Co. 3-Stone Diamond and Emerald Anniversary Ring 1.05 Carat H VVS2

Tiffany & Co. 3-Stone Diamond and Emerald Anniversary Ring 1.05 Carat H VVS2

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Middletown, DE

Being offered for your consideration is a stunning 3 stone Diamond and Emerald VINTAGE Tiffany & Co

Category

Vintage 1980s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hammerman Brothers Opal Diamond Ring 1980s
Hammerman Brothers Opal Diamond Ring 1980s

Hammerman Brothers Opal Diamond Ring 1980s

By Hammerman Brothers

Located in Los Angeles, CA

Verona is an eye catching 18k yellow gold ring from the 1980's made by a fantastic American jewelry

Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Man's Diamond Band Ring
Yellow Gold Man's Diamond Band Ring

Yellow Gold Man's Diamond Band Ring

Located in Chicago, IL

18K yellow gold gents band ring set with three emerald cut diamonds weighing .90cts, G color, VS

Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hawkantiques Impressive 2.97 Carat Ruby Diamond and More Mosaic Ring
Hawkantiques Impressive 2.97 Carat Ruby Diamond and More Mosaic Ring

Hawkantiques Impressive 2.97 Carat Ruby Diamond and More Mosaic Ring

Located in Napoli, IT

rub mount framed with French cut Natural Emeralds and insert of Black Onyx giving an effective result

Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Ruby, 18k Gold

Buccellati 18kt Gold Diamond Ring with Emerald Cabachon sz 4 1/2
Buccellati 18kt Gold Diamond Ring with Emerald Cabachon sz 4 1/2

Buccellati 18kt Gold Diamond Ring with Emerald Cabachon sz 4 1/2

By Buccellati

Located in Cloverdale, CA

Buccellati 18kt Gold Diamond Ring with Emerald Cabachon This has a safety band inside and will fit

Category

1980s Italian Other

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

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Diamond Emerald Ring 1980 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate diamond emerald ring 1980 for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a diamond emerald ring 1980 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic diamond emerald ring 1980 over the years, but those made by Van Cleef & Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany & Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. An emerald cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and mixed cut versions for sale. Finding a diamond emerald ring 1980 for sale for women should be easy, but there are 180 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Diamond Emerald Ring 1980?

Prices for a diamond emerald ring 1980 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $245 and can go as high as $1,050,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,301.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.