0.39 Carat Old European Cut Brown Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Monica, CA
. - 0.39 carat light brown old European cut natural diamond, I1 clarity, antique diamond likely cut before 1900 - Size: 5 ½ (resizable)
Diamond, Brown Diamond, White Gold
Art Deco old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco engagement ring is a striking example of early 20th-century precision and timeless elegance. At its center rests an old European cut diamond, celebrated for its broad f...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
GIA 5.46 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The diamond is graded M, faint brown in color and VS2 in clarity, giving it a warm, romantic glow that beautifully enhances the character of its old European cut.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Retro GIA 2.83 carat Old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This striking Retro engagement ring showcases a beautifully bold 2.83 carat old European cut diamond, glowing with soft, romantic brilliance and distinctive antique character. The ce...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
18kt White Gold Ring with 1.4ct Brown Diamond, Marquise & Brilliant Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificent 18kt White Gold Ring With 1.4 ct Brown Diamond, 3.6 Ct Marquise cut and Brilliant cut diamonds Brown brilliant cut diamonds, approx. 1.4 ct. Marquise diamonds: approx...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco GIA 1.38 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A graceful engagement ring from the Art Deco period, this elegant platinum design centers on a beautiful 1.38 carat old European cut diamond certified by GIA. The diamond’s softly ro...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
J.E. Caldwell GIA 4.02 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An extraordinary engagement ring from the renowned American jeweler J.E. Caldwell, this Art Deco masterpiece centers on a magnificent 4.02 carat old European cut diamond certified by...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
1.18ct Fancy Brown Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This vintage 1950's ring is the ideal engagement ring for women that would love to wear a piece of history as proof of their commitment and love. Taking centerstage is a breathtakin...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique 14k TT Gold .80ct GIA Old Cut Pinkish Brown Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Multi Prong Set - Fancy Pinkish Brown Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.80ct (exact - certified) Material: Solid 14k Yellow Gold...
Brown Diamond, Gold
Oval Ring with Brown Diamond Old Cut in 18Kt White Gold with Double Pave Shank
By Nicofilimon the Jewelry Designer
Located in Athens, GR
Oval Ring with Brown Diamond Old Cut, in 18Kt White Gold, with Double Diamonds Pave Shank The ring is handcrafted in 18Kt white gold. The center of the ring is set with brown old cu...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
GIA Natural Light Brown .80 Carat Light Brown Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
The center is stone is a natural color, light brown European cut diamond certified as light brown W to X range.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
GIA Certified .59 Carat Old European Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
All original 1930s Diamond Platinum engagement ring. Simple handmade engagement ring with a natural old European cut light brown sparkly center diamond with 4 round diamonds on each ...
Diamond, Platinum
IGI Certified Brown Diamond Ring in 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
This is not your typical diamond ring. Bold and unforgettable, it features a rare 1.60 carat natural fancy deep brown diamond — a striking alternative to the traditional white stone....
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Platinum Engagement Ring with 0.51ct Light Brown Diamond
Located in Stamford, CT
The platinum mounting provides a sleek, durable foundation that complements the diamond’s soft tone with understated contrast. Elegant and unconventional, this ring is a perfect choi...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco old cut diamond sapphire navette platinum ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Art Deco navette ring showcases two beautifully matched old European cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, displaying a soft and elegant brilliance with H-I ...
Blue Diamond, Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2.15 Carat Fancy Diamond Cut Diamond Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.15 Carat Fancy Diamond Cut Diamond Rose Gold Engagement Ring Stunning Scintillating and Unique! This two-toned diamond ring will leave a lasting impression! The center stone is ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Rossella Ugolini 18K Gold Sapphire 0.30ct Brown Diamonds Feather Stud Earrings
By Rossella Ugolini
Located in Rome, IT
Rossella Ugolini 18K Gold Black Rhodium 0.30 carats brown diamonds, blue sapphires Feather Stud Earrings, meticulously handcrafted in Rome, Italy, Dimension: 1,18 inches (3 cm ) in l...
Diamond, Sapphire, Brown Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Gold, 18k G...
GIA Certified 2.19 Carat Brown Diamond Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certified natural brown European cut diamond three stone Art Deco engagement ring. 2.19ct old European cut brown center diamond.
Brown Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
GIA 2.30 Carat Fancy Yellow Brown Diamonds Ring 18 Karat Edwardian Crown Deco*
Located in New York, NY
Edwardian Classic Threes GIA Certified: 1.36Ct Natural Fancy Yellow Brown European cut round diamond ring. Report # 2155624773 Stating: Fancy Brownish Yellow Si-1 clarity.
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Earrings "Happy Octopus" Gold Citrine Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Fancy Earrings "Happy Octopus" designed by U. Ullmann for Wagner Preziosen made of 18 carat yellow gold with extravagantly hand-engraved citrines by Carlo Wild and 39 natural brown-c...
Citrine, Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold
1.30 Carat Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Ring - Antique Circa 1890
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The fancy brown diamonds alternate in a checkerboard formation with eight further pavé set Old European cut diamonds, totalling 0.70cts.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold
$7,420Sale Price|30% Off
Ring with White, Black and Champange Diamonds in 18 Karat Red Gold
Located in Lucerne, CH
There is something chic and noble about the synergy of black, white and champagne-colour diamonds. Black diamonds are known for their bold and dramatic appearance, white for the clas...
Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Art Deco 2.18ct Diamond and 18ct White Gold Brooch Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The pierced decorated Art Deco bar design is ornamented to the centre with a claw set 1.50ct Old European round cut fancy brown diamond. The feature diamond is flanked with two coll...
Diamond, White Gold
GIA Certified 1.94 Carat Light Yellow Diamond Sapphire Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural fancy light golden yellow GIA certified accented with 42 step cut graduated sapphires in a 18k yellow gold setting. 1 old European cut natural fancy light brown yellow diam...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Old European Cut Brown Diamond Platinum/18 Karat Gold Ring of English Origin
Located in Aurora, Ontario
The ring band has 6 single cut diamonds in total, weighing: 0.06 carat total weight; In the center is 1 old european cut diamond that is a light brown colour with a slight pinkish u...
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold
4.00ct Old European cut Fancy Yellowish Brown Antique Diamond Cluster Ring,
Located in New York, NY
Antique diamond cluster ring centering an Old European cut diamond weighing 4.00ct., (Natural Fancy Yellowish Brown), framed by twelve Old Mine cut diamonds weighing app. 2.25ctw., f...
Brown Diamond, Diamond, 14k Gold
Midcentury 1.23 Carat Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, French, circa 1950
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
A superb and unique diamond solitaire ring. The light cognac colour stone in the centre is claw set within a central square, with wonderful – almost architectural – detailing at the ...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco 2.12 Carat Fancy Intense Yellow Moval Diamond Ring, GIA
Located in San Francisco, CA
A resplendent rich sunshiny yellow European-cut marquise diamond (aka Moval, due to its rounded tips), weighing 2.12 carats, radiates between a pair of natural brown European-cut dia...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Sparkling European Cut Champagne Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring in
Located in Boston, MA
A beautiful handmade ruby, and champagne diamond engagement ring in luxurious platinum. Centered by a beautiful antique European cut diamond, this ring features a halo of rich vivid...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Brown, Green and Cognac European Cut Diamond Earrings
Located in New York, NY
33.74 CT. of european cut diamonds
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Ring. Featuring one old European cut diamond with a weight of approximately 2.80 carats, graded M faint brown color, SI1 clarity.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Old European Cut Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Old European Cut Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring one old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.50 carat, graded fancy light brown, SI2 clarity.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1940's Retro 1.10 Carats Old European Cut Diamond Palladium Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.00 carat - very light brown in color with VS clarity Residing in a stylized fishtail square form head set by tri-bead ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Palladium
Art Deco GIA 1.56 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This exquisite Art Deco engagement ring centers a luminous 1.65-carat Old European Brilliant diamond, its historic cut radiating a warm, romantic glow. Two marquise diamonds frame th...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Antique Fancy Color Old European Cut Diamond Gold Men's Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
The 14K gold ring has a finely detailed scale pattern on the shoulders and is prong-set with a fancy golden-brown 1.88 ct old European cut diamond. Ring size 9 3/4 (19 mm)
Brown Diamond
Art Deco Fancy 6.04 Carats Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Unique and eye-catching, this is an Art Deco French Diamond Three Stone Ring. The center stone is a 3.04 carat old European cut fancy brown diamond color, I clarity.
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
1.70ct Triangular Orange Brown Diamond & Halo Ring in 18ct Yellow & White Gold
Located in London, GB
1.70ct triangular orange-brown diamond & halo ring in 18ct yellow & white gold. A striking 1.70ct triangular-cut natural orange-brown diamond takes centre stage in this unique desig...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold
Cartier Multicolored Old-Cut Diamond Flower Brooch, circa 1940s
By Cartier
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Retro Cartier Multi-Colored Old-Cut Diamond Flower Brooch, ca. 1940s A beautiful naturalistic flower brooch by Cartier Paris from the 1940s. The flowers are blossoming with very enc...
Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
White Yellow Golden Champagne Colored Fancy Cut Diamonds Gold Ring
Located in Birmingham, AL
This fancy cut diamond ring features 2 marquise cut white diamonds (which range "F-G" in color), 3 fancy yellow oval diamonds, 2 pear shape and 1 marquise cut golden diamond and 1 ma...
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Sold
H 0.2 in W 0.97 in L 2.64 in
Antique 1.10 Carat Diamond 6.50 Carat Peridot 14k Yellow Gold Brooch Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The flower head design is embellished to the centre with a yellow gold collet set Old European cut fancy light brown diamond. The scrolling stem of the floral design is embellished ...
Diamond, Peridot, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1940's Tiffany & Co. Diamond Dermantoid Garnet Ruby Vintage Pendant Pin Brooch
By Tiffany & Co.
Located in Boca Raton, FL
The pendant features 2.45 carat total weight white diamonds graded F-G color and VS clarity, and a center .23 carat Old European cut brown diamond with VS clarity.
Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Old European-cut Yellow-brown Diamond platinum Ring
Located in South Pasadena, CA
.65 Carat Yellow-brown Old European-cut Diamond Ring Natural color diamonds are so special, so different.
Diamond, Platinum
Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This platinum vintage engagement ring showcases a beautifully romantic approximately .75 carat Old European Cut diamond, graded M–N color and VS clarity, radiating soft, antique bril...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Sold
W 2.52 in L 1.24 in
18kt Pink Gold Necklace With White & Cognac Diamonds, Set with Matching Earrings
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Pink Gold Necklace With White & Cognac Diamonds, Set with Matching Earrings Can be worn smaller by clicking off middle pieces between loops. Necklace can be purchased with a g...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
18kt Pink Gold Earrings With 4.95ct Diamonds Can be Bought With Necklace
By Joël Glecer / Orologio
Located in Antwerp, BE
18kt Pink Gold Earrings With 4.95ct Diamonds Can be made smaller by clicking open parts between loops ! Can also be bought as a set with earrings as seen a photographs - Ref LU1752...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Brown Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.84ct Brown/SI2 old European cut diamond set in an 18kt yellow gold and silver hand crafted "Single Stone" mounting.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Art Deco 1.10 Fancy Deep Brown Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Essex, GB
The glowing and internally clean cognac-coloured old European cut diamond in the centre (graded by IGI as fancy deep brown) is secured in an eight claw coronet collet.
Diamond, White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Fancy Yellow Brown Diamond Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Roxbury centers a fancy yellow brown Old European cut diamond gauged at approximately 0.20ct wrapped within an 18kt yellow gold mil grained bezel.
Brown Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Late Victorian Brown and White Diamond Chequerboard Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Enquire for more ring resizing options. Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.67ct total Clarity: SI1-SI2 Colour: H-J Brown Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: ...
White Diamond, Brown Diamond, Yellow Gold
2.00 Carat Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
A stunning 18ct gold and diamond solitaire ring c1910. A solid 18 carat white gold example. Set with a natural old European cut diamond to the centre in claw setting. Approx 7.9m...
Brown Diamond, 18k Gold
Rose Cut Diamond Solitare Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Large rose cut diamond diameter 10mm×8mm in octagon shape excellent spark white color no inclousion with total estimate diamond weight of 3.5 carats centered in 14k gold solitaire ri...
4.96 Carat Green Beryl Square Radiant Cut Platinum Engagement Ring by Merkaba
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A refined platinum diamond engagement ring by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills, centered by a natural green beryl weighing 4.96 carats in a square radiant cut. The vivid green hue is pa...
Beryl, Green Beryl, Multi-gemstone, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum
7.55 Carat Peach Tourmaline Emerald Cut Platinum Diamond Ring
By Merkaba
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A 7.55 carat peach tourmaline emerald cut platinum diamond ring, handcrafted by Merkaba Jewelry Beverly Hills as a romantic collector jewel and meaningful alternative engagement ring...
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Harry Winston 2.02 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring GIA, circa 1980s
By Harry Winston
Located in Simpsonville, SC
Elevate your love story with this extraordinary Vintage Harry Winston Diamond Engagement Ring, a true testament to the timeless allure of one of the world's most prestigious jewelers...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum 1.04 carat Sapphire and Diamond Filigree Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Platinum Art Deco blue sapphire and diamond ring. The ring features a genuine earth mined round brilliant cut blue sapphire. It measures about 5.5mm and weighs 1.04 carats. The sapph...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
New Platinum 1.71ctw GIA Emerald Cut Diamond & Sapphire 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have a incredible, brand new, custom made diamond and sapphire three stone engagement ring crafted in solid platinum. It features a gorgeous, GIA certified, 0.91 carat emeral...
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
$68,000Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4 Carat Vintage Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
vintage engagement ring has a classic elegance and an impressively large 4.13 carat old European cut diamond center! The shoulders of the stately setting glitter with tapered baguett...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
1930s Art Deco Platinum 1.60 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: Platinum Weight: 3.8 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: 1.60 carat Color: N Clarity: VS Side Stone Detai...
White Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco GIA Vintage Antique 3.0ct Old EURO Diamond Sapphire Pt Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco GIA 3.0ct Old EUROPEAN Diamond Sapphire Platinum Engagement Vintage Antique Ring. Few come finer or as fabulous as this original handcrafted platinum diamond and sapphire ri...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage Platinum 2.23 Carat Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Circa 1930s - The center European cut diamond weighs 2.23ct and has M color and VS2 clarity. The diamond is set low in 4 triple prongs on the...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage Granat Brothers Old European Cut Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Ring size: 5.75 This stunning vintage diamond engagement ring will absolutely take your breath away. Exquisitely designed with multiple shapes of diamonds in a luxurious platinum se...
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Harry Winston Platinum 4.05 cts Diamond Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Harry Winston platinum RBC diamond engagement ring with GIA certificate center diamond 4.05 cts E color SI1, with 2 heart shape diamond approx 1.50 cts Marked HW PT 950 4.05 ring siz...
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold, 1960s Peridot & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Peridot Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1960s Step back in time with this exquisite vintage ring from the 1960s, featuring a captivating marquise-shaped design. At its centre...
Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Deco Cushion Cut Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A beautiful delicate Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond white gold Ring. with a 2.50 ct cushion cut Natural sapphire surrounded by a halo of old mine cut diamonds.
White Gold
Vintage 3.01 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Montgomery, AL
We always love a beautiful old European cut diamond!! Ring Details Material: Platinum Era: Edwardian 1900 - 1920 Weight: 4.8 Grams Shank Width: 1.7mm Head Height: 6.8mm Head Width: ...
Diamond, Platinum
1.06 Carat GIA Emerald and Diamond Art Deco Platinum Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful and finely detailed Platinum Cocktail Ring, center securely nestled with a 1.06 Carat Emerald, GIA Lab Report, surrounded by round Diamonds, weighing approx. 0.60tc...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
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.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.