1.67 CT Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Estate Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Estate diamond engagement ring crafted in platinum.
Category
Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
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Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Oval Cocktail Estate Ring 2.75 Ctw
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Original Art Deco diamond cocktail ring handcrafted in platinum. The ring features a center bezel set Old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.72 carats. Two Old European cu...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Platinum and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
The ring has been expertly crafted by repurposing a vintage pin into an elegant estate ring.
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Platinum 4.00 Carat Diamond Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A substantial, well-constructed estate ring that transitions from day to evening wear.
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Ring 14 Karat Rose Gold
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an estate ring that has been professionally cleaned.
Category
19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Marquise-Shaped 18K Gold Ring with 0.70 ct Old-Mine Diamond & 18 Old mine
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
Perfectly balancing vintage character and modern wearability, this ring makes a timeless statement on any hand. Technical Sheet: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold (750‰), French “Head of Eagl...
Category
1920s French Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ring Platinum Shield 14K Gold Band Antique
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ring Platinum Shield 14K Gold Band Antique This antique ring circa the 1910s is finely crafted in solid 14K gold for the shank and Platinum for the top (carefully tested and...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
Georgian Emerald Diamond Opal Ring 14K Gold Antique, c.1820s
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Georgian Emerald Diamond Opal Ring 14K Gold Antique, c.1820s This rare and highly collectible antique ring is finely crafted in solid 14K Yellow gold (carefully tested and guarantee...
Category
19th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail Rare Victorian Ring, Antique Ring, Ceylon Sapphire Ring, Diamond Ring, 14K Gold Ring (carefully tested and guarantee...
Category
1890s Late Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Diamond Ring Flower 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage 4.07 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Diamond Ring Flower 14K Gold Cocktail Vintage 4.07 TDW This stunning vintage ring is crafted in solid 14K White and Yellow gold (carefully tested and guaranteed). The ring is set w...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Amber Diamond Ring Elongated 14k White Gold and Sterling Silver Antique
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Amber Diamond Ring Elongated 14K White Gold and Sterling Silver Antique This old antique ring is crafted in solid 14K white blackened gold and Sterling Silver for the top. The metal...
Category
1890s Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Amber, Diamond, White Gold, Sterling Silver
Vintage Victorian Bohemian Garnet Gold Cluster Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Victorian Red Garnet Gold Cluster Ring. Securely Hand set with 5.00tcw Red Garnets. Hand crafted 9K Yellow Gold mounting. Measuring approx. 1” L x 1” W x 1”...
Category
Mid-19th Century Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Garnet, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.75 Carat Pear Cut Colombian Emerald & Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring Estate Size 7
Located in New York, NY
The estate ring is one of our finest pieces, with no color enhancement to ensure that the natural beauty of the emerald is fully appreciated.
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Fancy Yellow & White Diamond Ring 14K Gold Platinum 1.28 TDW Old Mine Toi et Moi
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Fancy Yellow & White Diamond Ring 14K Gold Platinum 1.28 TDW Old Mine Toi et Moi This gorgeous Fancy Yellow Diamond & White Diamond Ring circa the 1910s is a finely crafted solid 14...
Category
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum
Diamond and Enamel Victorian Gold Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Antique Victorian Diamond Enamel Gold Cocktail Ring. Securely Hand set with Diamonds, weighing approx. 1.20tcw Accented by Black Enamel. Beautifully Hand crafted in...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Enamel
GIA Unheated Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage 3 Stone Platinum Filigree Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is an estate ring that has been professionally cleaned and polished.
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Pearl and Diamond Edwardian Gold Solitaire Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely Hand crafted Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Ring. Centering an 8.5mm Pearl, surrounded by 10 Old European-cut Diamonds, approx. 1.50tcw, Hand set in Silver. Ring ...
Category
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Gold Crossover Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely crafted Edwardian Diamond and Pearl 'Toi et Moi' Bypass 14k Gold Ring. Securely Hand set in Silver with an Old European-cut Diamond, weighing approx. 0.15 Ca...
Category
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Art Deco Diamond Gold Vintage Square Top Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Elegant Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco Diamond Gold Square Top Cocktail Ring. Securely Hand set with .85tcw Diamonds. Approx. Dimensions .9" l x 0.8 " w x 0.5" h....
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Purple Sapphire GIA and Diamond Filigree Platinum Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Show Stopper Oval Purple Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Statement Platinum Ring. Centering an Exquisite securely nestled Hand set Exquisite Oval Pur...
Category
Early 20th Century Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire
Estate 18K Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in Cincinnati, OH
This unique ring is breathtaking and is sure to impress!! 18 karat white gold mounting. Center round brilliant diamond, approximately .92 tdw. K-L color, VS clarity. 38 straight bag...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
1.31 Carat Diamond Solitaire Art Deco Platinum Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Vintage Art Deco OEC Diamond Solitaire Platinum Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set Old European Cut Diamond, weighing approx. 1.31 Carats. ...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Old mine Diamond Ring 14K White Gold Art Deco Three stones 1.30 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
This vintage circa 1920s ring is crafted in solid 14K White Gold (carefully tested and guaranteed). Three old mine cut diamonds total 1.30 carats; the center diamond is .50 carat an...
Category
Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
GIA Antique 3 Stone 4 Carats Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Photography © Belrose Estate Jewelers, Santa Barbara, CA Item Id: BR00003LR
Category
Late 19th Century Czech Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1.51 Carat No Heat Blue Sapphire Antique Gold Ring Fine Estate Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Blue Sapphire Ring. Centering a securely nestled Hand set 1.51 Carat NO HEAT Blue Sapphire. The Sapphire has intact crystal inclusions indicating it...
Category
Late 19th Century Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Blue Sapphire, Gold, 9k Gold
Diamond and White Gold Estate Panel Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Diamond and White Gold Estate Panel Ring 14kt. White gold Panel Ring Old European Cut Diamonds Diamonds: 7pcs estimated 0.70ct G/H VS Size 4 Estate & Vintage Collection SKU: 21609
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, White Gold, Gold, 14k Gold
Platinum 1.00 carat Diamond Vintage Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This platinum ring features a central old European cut diamond set within a square, geometric frame, further embellished with baguette and round diamonds in a detailed, pierced and m...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 0.72 carat Diamond Vintage Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This platinum ring showcases a classic old European cut diamond held in a square, illusion-style setting, flanked by two smaller diamonds channel-set within geometric, stepped should...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 0.50 carat Diamond Vintage Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This platinum diamond ring features a round brilliant center stone held by four prongs, flanked by smaller accent diamonds prong set in a channel along the shoulders, creating a clas...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Tourmaline Cabochon Ring - VHK#292a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Victorian 15K Yellow Gold Tourmaline Cabochon Ring - VHK#292a Item Details: Year: 1880s Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: 15c Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 8....
Category
1880s Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Tourmaline, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Edwardian .95ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#203a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian .95ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#203a Year: 1910 Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight:...
Category
1910s Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Art Deco Ring Eternity Band Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An Art Deco ring designed as an eternity band, made of platinum with diamonds. The gemstones are channel set, Old European cut. This classic eternity band has perfect proportions. Wi...
Category
1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
White Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 3.20 carat Diamond GIA Certified Vintage Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This exquisite vintage-style engagement ring features an old european cut center diamond secured in a striking square-shaped head, all set atop a meticulously hand-engraved platinum ...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Edwardian Sapphire and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#1000
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian Sapphire and Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#1000 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 5.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 g...
Category
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Bombe Ring - VHK#285A
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond Bombe Ring - VHK#285A Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 6 (Sizable) Metal Type: platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 7.9 gram...
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Art Deco 18KT White Gold Sapphire And Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing the Estate Art Deco Period 18KT White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, a stunning and rare piece of vintage jewelry that captures the essence of the Art Deco era.
Category
1920s American Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold
Platinum 1.03 carat Diamond GIA Certified Vintage Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This platinum ring showcases a round brilliant diamond in an octagonal setting, surrounded by intricate openwork and milgrain detailing, embodying delicate elegance. Center Round Di...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 1.64 carat Diamond GIA Certified Vintage Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This platinum ring features an old mine cushion cut diamond nestled within an octagonal frame, further enhanced by intricate filigree, milgrain, and diamond accents, reflecting roman...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Platinum 0.50 carat Diamond and Synthetic Sapphire Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This ring features a central diamond set in a geometric, octagonal setting, accented with synthetic sapphires and smaller diamonds, all crafted in platinum with intricate milgrain de...
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
Estate Art Deco 1.00ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#951a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco 1.00ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#951a Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K & Palladium [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight:...
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Yellow Diamond
Estate Art Deco .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#878a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco .50ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#878a Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 11 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: ...
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ring Silver 18k Gold Enamel Diamond Antique Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous Victorian ring, made of silver and 18k gold, features enamel and diamond. The ring has striking design owing to its elliptic shape and the bright blue enamel in the center...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel
Antique Victorian Emerald and Solitaire Diamond Ring in Platinum Estate
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian Emerald & Solitaire Diamond Ring In Platinum Estate Size 5 Old Treasure Solitaire Approximately 1 Ct Brilliant Round Diamond in the C enter.
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#374a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#374a Item Details: Year: 1910s Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.3 gr...
Category
1910s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Platinum
18 k yellow gold tank ring - real rose cut diamonds - Retro estate bulky ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
For sale is this lovely bulky Rose Cut diamond ring. This Tank ring is made in 18 k pinkish Yellow gold and marked with a french eagle head mark. This type of ring is called a Tank r...
Category
Early 20th Century French Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2.8 Carat Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring 2.8 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, Estate, no color enhancement.
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Edwardian 14K Gold .70cttw Old Mine Diamond Ring - VHK#969 Item Details: Year: 1900s Ring Size: 6.75 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and White Gold Top [Hallmarked, and...
Category
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Estate Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engraved Floral Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Vintage Estate Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Engraved Floral Cocktail Ring.
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Deco Diamond Eternity Ring Vintage Platinum Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant vintage Art Deco era eternity ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 900 platinum. 34 single cut diamonds are estimated at 0.02 carats each and total an estimated 0.68 car...
Category
Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Silver Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautifully hand crafted Diamond and Pearl Ring combines classic Edwardian style with the symmetry of Art Deco. The ring is set with two pearls, approx. 7.5-8mm each, securely nestle...
Category
Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Silver, Gold
18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.81 carat Diamond Vintage Estate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
This 14 karat yellow gold ring features a classic old European cut diamond held by six prongs in a simple, elegant setting, showcasing the warm tone of the gold and the unique sparkl...
Category
1890s Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Estate 1920s Platinum GIA 1.15ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#37b
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 1920s Platinum GIA 1.15ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VEG#37b Item Details: Year: 1920s Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 gram...
Category
1920s Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Estate Art Deco Platinum GIA 1.12ct Old European Diamond Ring - VEG#58a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate Art Deco Platinum GIA 1.12ct Old European Diamond Ring - VEG#58a Item Details: Year: 1902s Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Cen...
Category
Early 1900s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Platinum
Estate 18K White Gold .80ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#268a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Estate 18K White Gold .80ct Old European Diamond Engagement Ring - VHK#268a Year: 1910s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] W...
Category
1910s Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
4 Carat Emerald Cut Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
A classic, Cocktail ring 4.0 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, with no color enhancement.
Category
Early 20th Century Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Victorian Gold Nugget Conversion Ring 14k Vintage Mined Jewelry Estate
Located in Torrance, CA
Originally an antique Victorian era stick pin (circa 1880s to 1900s), the natural gold nugget is crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. The ring is mounted with the original stick pin. Ou...
Category
Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Gold, 14k Gold, 22k Gold, 24k Gold
Art Deco Diamond Filigree Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Beautiful Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring centering a Brilliant cut Diamond, approx. 0.45 carat; wonderful H color and VS2 clarity, milgrain setting; shank is 18K and top mounting i...
Category
1920s Art Deco Antique Estate Rings
Materials
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
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Antique Estate Rings For Sale on 1stDibs
There is a broad range of antique estate rings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and 14k Gold. Our inventory is broad and distinctive, with accessories on offer that were made as long ago as the 18th Century to those produced as recently as the 20th Century. Pieces in our collection of antique estate rings made by Art Deco jewelers — as well as those associated with Victorian — are very popular. Estate Jewelry, Cartier and Masriera each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 111 Diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. There are many old european cut, round cut and emerald cut antique estate rings for sale. If you’re browsing the variety of antique estate rings for sale, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for men.
How Much are Antique Estate Rings?
On average, antique estate rings at 1stDibs sell for $2,325, while they’re typically $295 on the low end and $35,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.
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 rings, vintage 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 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.
Questions About Antique Estate Rings
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The difference between vintage, antique and estate engagement rings comes down to age and history. Rings that are over 100 years old are antiques, while those produced 20 to 99 years ago are vintage. Estate engagement rings are any rings that have had a previous owner. They can include antique, vintage and even contemporary rings produced during the last 20 years. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- What were antique rings made of?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Antique rings were made of a variety of materials. You can find pieces produced out of many of the same precious metals used today, such as yellow gold, white gold, sterling silver and platinum. In addition, some antique rings feature a material called pinchbeck, which is a combination of copper and zinc. On 1stDibs, explore a diverse assortment of antique rings.
- Do antique rings have hallmarks?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Yes, some antique rings have hallmarks. However, some do not. Before 1950, jewelry makers didn't add hallmarks to their pieces, but some did to indicate who produced the jewelry and/or tell the buyer what type of metals they contained. Shop a large collection of antique rings on 1stDibs.
- Is my antique ring real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 15, 2024To find out if your antique ring is real, you can first try researching the maker. Look for a hallmark inside the ring and then use trusted online resources to determine who produced it. From there, you can find out if the jewelry maker typically produced jewelry out of precious metals and genuine gemstones or specialized in costume jewelry crafted from less costly materials. Another option is to have an experienced jeweler or certified appraiser inspect your ring for you. Explore a wide variety of antique rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 24, 2024To tell if a ring is an antique, see if you can locate a maker's marking on the inside of the band. If you can, research the artisan, company or workshop using trusted online resources. By learning when they were active and reviewing image galleries of their work, you can often estimate approximately when a particular ring was produced. If your ring is 100 years old or older, it is an antique. In the event that you can't find a maker's mark or still have lingering questions about your ring's age, consult a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. Find a wide variety of antique rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 20, 2024To tell how old an antique ring is, you have two main options. First, you can conduct online research using trusted sources. If you know the maker of the ring or the ring has a maker's mark that you can use to identify who produced it, learning more about the designer, artisan or company and their styles can help with the dating process. When the maker is unknown, you can familiarize yourself with the characteristics of various antique jewelry styles, such as Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian, to try and identify the period in which your ring was likely produced. The second option is to have a certified appraiser, experienced antique dealer or knowledgeable jeweler date your ring for you. On 1stDibs, shop a large selection of antique rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, antique engagement rings do tend to be popular. They especially appeal to brides-to-be who want something unique and like the idea of owning a ring that has a long history. Rings from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras are among the most highly sought-after antique options. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of antique engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023You can buy antique rings online from a number of trusted platforms, including 1stDibs. Popular antique pieces on these platforms include band rings, signet rings, engagement rings, cocktail rings, wedding rings and more. The vast options for online ring shopping bring centuries of styles from across the globe to you, including rings made with precious metals like gold and silver and gemstones like diamonds, pearls, rubies, sapphires and garnets. Explore a wide range of antique rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023The difference between vintage and antique engagement rings is age. For an engagement ring to be considered an antique, it must be at least 100 years old. Vintage engagement rings are pieces made at least 20 years ago. Shop a collection of vintage and antique engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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