Antique Edwardian 18k Gold & Platinum 0.52ctw Sapphire Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Sapphire - Old Oval Cut - Multi Prong Set - Gorgeous Blue Color - 0.40ct (approx.) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut - Pave Set - Nice ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Peridot and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step into elegance with this exquisite 18ct yellow gold and platinum ring, a stunning example of Edwardian craftsm...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Carved Opal and Diamond Ring Hallmarked 1905
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold Hallmark Birmingham 1905 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct gold Edwardian era opal ring, a true testament to the artistry of its period.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Emerald Diamond Ring Edwardian Platinum Top 18K Yellow Gold F1 Emerald
Located in Fairfield, CT
Antique Emerald Diamond Ring Edwardian Platinum Top 18K Yellow Gold F1 Emerald This Edwardian ring is made in 18k yellow gold with a platinum-topped setting, a style commonly used i...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum, Edwardian Carved Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite 18ct gold Edwardian era opal ring, a true testament to the artistry of its period.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold synthetic ruby and diamond ring from the Edwardian era. The vibrant rich red of the rubies is highly complimented by the contrasting bright white sparkle ...
Ruby, 18k Gold
Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 3.20 g.
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a navette shaped opal cabochon measuring 5.0 x 15.0 mm White with spectral play-of-color - bead set with halo surround Platinum-topped and prong set with old European cut d...
Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A bright ruby sits between two contrasting old cut diamonds in this Edwardian engagement ring. The oval ruby has a weight of 0.60ct, creating the perfect visual balance with the diam...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 1.20ct Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian trilogy ring features a vivid emerald at its centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This incredible Edwardian no heat sapphire and diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k y...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Edwardian three stone ring features a beautiful natural blue Sapphire at its centre, flanked by a pair of old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A lively blue sapphire sits between two charming old cut diamonds. The sapphire is oval in shape and weighs 0.40 carat. The diamonds set to either side are 0.35 carat each and they h...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 11.05 Ct Blue Zircon and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18K Rose Gold
Located in Napoli, IT
True love is what you will feel for this ring on the first sight Stunning, mesmerising, top quality, rare era, all facts that will make conscious of having one of the finest ever of ...
Diamond, Zircon, Blue Zircon, 18k Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 0.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian period, this stunning three stone ring features a vivid blue sapphire at it’s centre, flanked by a pair of sparkling old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Emerald Diamonds Ring 14 Karat 1.20 Carat Edwardian Deco*
Located in New York, NY
.60ct Natural Oval emerald ring. 6x4mm emerald, even green clean clarity and transparent. .60 carat natural marquise & round diamond H-I color Vs-2 Si-1 clarity 14 karat yell...
Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Opal & Diamond Oval Shaped Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Cluster Ring 19ct Gold Stamped Circa 1890 Introducing a stunning Victorian 18ct gold cluster ring, featuring an exquisite oval opal at its centre, set in yellow gold...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.8 Carat Blue Oval Sapphire and Old European Cut Diamond Gold Ring
By Non Branded
Located in New York, NY
This antique-style ring features a 1.8-carat oval blue sapphire at its center, showcasing a rich blue hue. Surrounding the sapphire are old European-cut diamonds with a total stated ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold
9K Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning tribute to timeless elegance, this vintage-style ring features a luminous oval amethyst at its heart — rich in royal purple hues. Nestled above and below are six round ame...
Amethyst, Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
1950's English Edwardian Revival Sapphire Diamond 3-Stone 18k Gold Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Condition: Good (minor abrasions, nibbles on sapphires) Era: Edwardian Revival Year: 1950s Metal: 18k Yellow gold with purity & hallmarks Sapphires: (3) Carat Weight: 1.15 (0.65 cen...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Edwardian Sapphire Ruby Old Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Cluster 18k yellow gold ring
Located in London, GB
An original Edwardian Natural Ruby, sapphire and old cut diamond cluster toi et moi ring set into 18ct yellow gold. A pretty 18carat gold Edwardian double heart ring that has been ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold
$1,702Sale Price|20% Off
Edwardian 0.60 CTW Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K Yellow Gold and Pl
Located in Bloomington, MN
Edwardian 0.60 CTW Pink Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum A beautiful example of Edwardian-era jewelry, this antique ring features a 0.40-carat pink sap...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Three Stone Opal and Diamond Ring, Hallmarked 1904
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1904 Maker's Mark S. B&S Ld- S Blanckensee & Son Ltd- Frederick Street, Birmingham Presenting a stunning 18ct yellow gold Edwa...
Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Edwardian 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This stunning trilogy ring from the Edwardian period features an oval cut, 0.90 carat, ruby at it’s centre flanked by two 0.20 carat old cut diamonds, all claw set into a platinum mo...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
This jaw dropping ring, an Art Deco design piece of art is made of white gold and features an approx. 0.70 carat central bezel set blue sapphire. The rest of the ring’s top contains ...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
Emerald and Diamond Oval Openwork Three Stone Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An oval Openwork plaque creates a dramatic backdrop for this Emerald Three Stone Ring, displaying three green emeralds surrounded by sparkling diamonds. Crafted as an exquisite Emera...
Emerald, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Vivid Oval Emerald Diamond Sun Ray Halo Unique Luxury Vintage 18 White Gold Ring
By Galt & Bro. Jewelers
Located in Tysons, VA
Vivid Oval Emerald Diamond Sun Ray Halo Unique Luxury Vintage Style White Gold Ring 18 Karat White Gold 10.00 CT Vivid Fancy Intense Green Oval-Shape Emerald Emerald is a very vivid,...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold
Platinum Cocktail Ring with GIA Certified Oval Star Sapphire - Size 4.75
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Stone Information - --------------------------------------------- Primary Stone(s): Sapphire - Stone Grading: - Origin: Natural - Sri Lanka - Report #: GIA 6233957489 - Color: Pale ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Style Engagement Ring in 18K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A captivating Ceylon sapphire at its center, radiating a deep, rich blue hue. Surrounded by a sparkling diamonds, the design adds a touch of vintage glamour and sophistication. The g...
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Gübelin Certified 10ct Unheated Ceylon Sapphire Ring, Victorian-Edwardian Style
Located in London, GB
An impressive unheated Ceylon sapphire and diamond ring, centred with a substantial oval-shaped sapphire weighing 10.04 carats.
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold
Rubellite Tourmaline & Diamond Ring
Located in Wailea, HI
4.06 Carat Oval Rubellite Tourmaline with 0.75 Carats of Round Brilliant Diamonds in Platinum ring Band Width 2.7mm, Ornament Width 16.6mm, Ornament Length 20.2mm
Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum
Edwardian Certified 6.35 Ct Imperial Topaz 1.20 CT Diamond three stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Find Imperial Topaz is also known as “precious Topaz”. It is the most sought after in the Topaz family, considered to be the colour of the setting sun, imperial topaz gets its n...
Imperial Topaz, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold
AGL Certified 7.76 Carat Oval No Heat Burma Blue Sapphire Ring in Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
It's a unique ring with celebrated antique origins. Details: - Type: Ring - Metal: Platinum - Weight: 5.78 Grams - Setting: Bezel - Origin: Edwardian, circa 1915-1935 - Size: 5.5 (a...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Unheated 1.23ct Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring GIA - Delightful!
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply stunning Estate ring set in solid Platinum and featuring a stunning Unheated Padparadscha Sapphire almost certainly from Sri Lanka weighing 1.23ct. The beautifully made Esta...
Diamond, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
Burmese Spinel and Diamond three stone ring, early 20th Century.
Located in London, GB
Burmese spinel and diamond three stone ring. Set to center with a cushion-shape natural unenhanced Burmese Spinel in an open back claw setting with a weight of 1.92 carats, flanked b...
Diamond, Spinel, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
0.40ct Old cut diamonds and oval-shaped old cut rubies alternate in quintessential Edwardian era fashion to comprise this beautiful and colourful five stone ruby and diamond ring.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
Moonstone Diamond Cocktail Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An enchanting Moonstone Statement Ring featuring a luminous oval cabochon moonstone, gracefully accented by sparkling diamonds in solid 9K yellow gold. The elegant cathedral-style se...
Moonstone, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Antique Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly beautiful ruby and diamond cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find an oval shaped natural Burmese ruby possessing a vivd red colour tone with no evidence...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Tsavorite and Diamond Ring with GIA Report
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8.5 grams Center Stone Details: GIA REPORT #: 2225950726 Center Stone: Tsavorite, Oval Cut, Green Color. Approxi...
Diamond, Tsavorite, Yellow Gold
Certified Vintage Caged Line Ring Shank with Oval Cabochon Lavender Type A Jade
Located in Miami, FL
Experience the timeless sophistication of this stunning lavender jade ring. The oval shape cabochon cut jade has been certified as a Type A natural jade by Mason Kay, a respected aut...
Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold
Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.17 carats with Diamond 0.80 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length: 2.1 cm Ring Size: 52 Total Weight: 6.24 grams "We first opened doors in 1980 whe...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked, Birmingham 1922, Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Opal Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Makers Mark G & G Birmingham 1922 A beautifully preserved early 20th‑century opal and diamond ring crafted in solid 18ct gold and full...
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.76 Carats Ruby Ring with White Diamond Halo
Located in London, GB
The centre stone in this one-of-a-kind yellow gold ring is a sublime pinkish red ruby cabochon, specially selected from the Haruni vault. Full of passion and spirit, the ruby is surr...
White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby to centre in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 3.41 carats, flan...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Cabochon Emerald Diamond Halo 2 Tone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This would make an awesome right hand cocktail or statement ring as well. Condition: New Era: Edwardian Revival Metal: 18K White & Yellow Gold Gemstone: Natural Emerald Carat We...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Peridot and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
An oval peridot shines at the heart of this vintage-style ring, glowing with a fresh, green radiance. Diamonds surround the center stone in a graceful halo, adding a delicate shimmer...
Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Amethyst Diamond and Peridot Suffragette Ring Birmingham 1902
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1902 Immerse yourself in history with this exquisite 18ct gold-stamped Edwardian suffragette ring, a true testamen...
Peridot, Diamond, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Gold
Ruby Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring in 9k Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Alternating oval rubies and diamond pairs form a mesmerizing geometric rhythm in this Ruby Eternity Wedding Band. Crafted as an exquisite Ruby Diamond Eternity Ring, protective bezel...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Blue Topaz & Diamond Vintage Style Floral Cluster 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A gorgeous ring with blue topaz and diamond flower motif. The center prong set with a delightful sky blue oval cut topaz within a halo surround of eight blue topaz.
Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring Platinum Topped 18K Rose Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring Platinum Topped 18K Rose Gold This antique navette ring centers on an oval ruby weighing approximately 0.54 carats, set in an 18K rose gold bez...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum
9K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A mesmerizing trio of opals are arranged in a stunning three-stone design, enhanced by sparkling diamonds that bring additional shine and brilliance. The opal’s captivating play of c...
Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Garnet and Diamond Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Tells a story of enduring love and timeless elegance. At its heart, the deep red garnet represents passion, strength, and devotion, its rich color evoking the warmth of deep affectio...
Diamond, Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ruby Diamond Floral Engagement Ring in 9k Yellow Gold with Milgrain
Located in Bangkok, TH
A striking oval-cut ruby takes center stage in this romantic Ruby Engagement Ring 9k. Designed for the unique bride, this Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring is framed by sparkling accent d...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Tourmaline Diamond Victorian Style Lattice Band Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Elegant in both color and craftsmanship, this Tourmaline Band Ring features five round and oval-shaped natural tourmalines framed by sparkling diamonds within an intricate lattice d...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Amethyst and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Featuring a rich, oval-shaped amethyst at the center, this stunning piece captures attention with its deep purple hue and regal presence. Surrounding the gemstone, sparkling diamonds...
Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Natural Rhodolite and Diamond Vintage Style Engagement Ring in Solid 9K Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Romantic in every detail, this Rhodolite Engagement Ring is crafted in solid 9K yellow gold and features a vibrant oval rhodolite framed by sparkling diamonds. Graceful openwork shou...
Rhodolite, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold, Gold
Blue Sapphire Red Ruby Diamond Double Heart Vintage Style Crown Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A vintage style sapphire and ruby double heart ring, set with oval shaped blue sapphire weighing .25 carats and ruby weighing .20 carats, both set to the center of round cut diamond ...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Solid Gold Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Regally elegant, this Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring exudes timeless sophistication and refined craftsmanship. A smooth, deep-blue sapphire cabochon takes ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Duo Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Duo ring features captivating oval natural ruby and blue sapphire, set side by side to symbolize love and connection. Accented by sparkling diamonds, the design blends rich color wit...
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A natural oval blue sapphire set in a sleek bezel setting, offering both security and sophistication. The center stone is beautifully framed by a floral-inspired design, adorned wit...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.
Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.
During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.
Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.
Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.
Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.
Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other jewelry 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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.