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Fishtail Setting

14K Diamond Eternity Band
14K Diamond Eternity Band

14K Diamond Eternity Band

By Rose and Choc

Located in Wallingford, CT

French pave fishtail setting with 2.5mm diamonds on 14k solid gold Metal: 14k Gold Stone: Natural

Category

2010s American Romantic Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1950s Vintage Diamond Platinum 3.3mm Wedding Band
1950s Vintage Diamond Platinum 3.3mm Wedding Band

1950s Vintage Diamond Platinum 3.3mm Wedding Band

Located in Santa Monica, CA

platinum fishtail setting with a knife-edge shank. It measures 3.3mm at its widest and is size 5. It is one

Category

Vintage 1950s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.52 Total Carat Round Diamond 1950s-Inspired Platinum Engagement Ring
1.52 Total Carat Round Diamond 1950s-Inspired Platinum Engagement Ring

1.52 Total Carat Round Diamond 1950s-Inspired Platinum Engagement Ring

By Bracken Jewelers

Located in Santa Monica, CA

. It features a 1.42ct round diamond in a square fishtail setting, accented by intricate milgrain

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum 1950s 1.90 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Vintage Platinum 1950s 1.90 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

Vintage Platinum 1950s 1.90 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Boston, MA

sparkle. The substantial center diamond is secured in an elegant low fishtail setting, letting it take

Category

Vintage 1950s American Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Natural Diamond 0.77 Carats 18KT White Gold 7 Solitaire Half Eternity Band
Natural Diamond 0.77 Carats 18KT White Gold 7 Solitaire Half Eternity Band

Natural Diamond 0.77 Carats 18KT White Gold 7 Solitaire Half Eternity Band

Located in Antwerpen, BE

: 7 Setting Style: 4 Prong/Fishtail Setting Average Color: F-G Average Clarity:VS Ring Size: EU 55/ US

Category

2010s Belgian Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tacori 18K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band
Tacori 18K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band

Tacori 18K White Gold Diamond Eternity Band

By Tacori

Located in Seattle, WA

Type: 18K White Gold Setting Type: Fishtail Ring Size: 6 Band Width: 2.10mm Accent Diamond(s): Natural

Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s Vintage Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum
1950s Vintage Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum

1950s Vintage Diamond Wedding Band in Platinum

Located in Santa Monica, CA

1.00cttw (VS1-SI2, H) set in a platinum fishtail prong setting with a tapering knife-edge band. It measure

Category

Vintage 1950s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1950s Baguette & Round Diamond Rectangular Platinum Wedding Ring
Vintage 1950s Baguette & Round Diamond Rectangular Platinum Wedding Ring

Vintage 1950s Baguette & Round Diamond Rectangular Platinum Wedding Ring

Located in Santa Monica, CA

diamonds at center, surrounded by 18 round single cut diamonds in fishtail and bead settings. The shank of

Category

Vintage 1950s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1950s U-Shaped Curved Diamond 14K White Gold Wedding Band
Vintage 1950s U-Shaped Curved Diamond 14K White Gold Wedding Band

Vintage 1950s U-Shaped Curved Diamond 14K White Gold Wedding Band

Located in Santa Monica, CA

fishtail and bead setting. From the vintage fine jewelry collection at Bracken Jewelers in Santa Monica

Category

Vintage 1950s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.25 Carat 4-Stone Diamond Wedding Ring
1.25 Carat 4-Stone Diamond Wedding Ring

1.25 Carat 4-Stone Diamond Wedding Ring

$3,500Sale Price / item|29% Off

1.25 Carat 4-Stone Diamond Wedding Ring

By Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc.

Located in Los Angeles, CA

weight 1.25cts. set in a "fishtail" style setting. The diamond settings have been rhodium on them. This

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

EGL Certified .65 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
EGL Certified .65 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

EGL Certified .65 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

diamond, set in a 14k white gold fishtail design setting. Both shoulders are set with 3 singe cut diamonds

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Moi Et Toi Diamond ring 18KT gold Citrine diamond ring peridot diamond ring
Moi Et Toi Diamond ring 18KT gold Citrine diamond ring peridot diamond ring

Moi Et Toi Diamond ring 18KT gold Citrine diamond ring peridot diamond ring

Located in Boca Raton, FL

with rare fishtail diamond setting on sides with VS diamonds E-F color and fine quality citrine and

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold

1940s 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum 1.56 Carat European Cut Diamond Ring
1940s 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum 1.56 Carat European Cut Diamond Ring

1940s 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum 1.56 Carat European Cut Diamond Ring

Located in Boston, MA

fishtail head. The setting has 3 single cut diamonds graduating in size on either side of the center

Category

Vintage 1940s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Moi Et Toi gemstone diamond ring 18 Karat Gold Peridot Citrine ring
Moi Et Toi gemstone diamond ring 18 Karat Gold Peridot Citrine ring

Moi Et Toi gemstone diamond ring 18 Karat Gold Peridot Citrine ring

Located in Boca Raton, FL

white gold using top quality diamonds and fishtail fancy diamond setting style, absolutely gorgeous! Can

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Gold

Recent Sales

1940s Platinum and Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 0.72 Carat G-SI2
1940s Platinum and Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 0.72 Carat G-SI2

1940s Platinum and Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring 0.72 Carat G-SI2

Located in West Hollywood, CA

color and SI2 clarity. Flanked by 6 diamond side stones in fishtail settings, adding approximately 0.44

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Retro Single Cut Diamond Platinum Fishtail Band Ring
Retro Single Cut Diamond Platinum Fishtail Band Ring

Retro Single Cut Diamond Platinum Fishtail Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

by fishtail settings Total diamond weight is approximately 0.45 carat; I to K color with SI clarity

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

1.41 Carat Old European-Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
1.41 Carat Old European-Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

1.41 Carat Old European-Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

diamond-set shoulders with milgrained fishtail settings. The four side diamonds total approx. 0.30 carats.

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Platinum and 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Wedding Band
Platinum and 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Wedding Band

Platinum and 14 Karat White Gold Diamond Wedding Band

Located in Washington Depot, CT

features seven round brilliant cut diamonds (.05 ct. each) set in a classic fishtail setting. Width: 3.5 mm

Category

20th Century Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Retro 0.16 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring
Retro 0.16 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring

Retro 0.16 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring

Located in Montgomery, AL

fishtail setting, common during this design period. The center diamond measures approximately 0.16 carats

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.26 Carat Total Diamond Eternity Band In 18k White Gold
2.26 Carat Total Diamond Eternity Band In 18k White Gold

2.26 Carat Total Diamond Eternity Band In 18k White Gold

Located in Houston, TX

smooth-sided 18K white gold fishtail setting is the perfect accompaniment to your engagement ring. The

Category

2010s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

1920s Art Deco GIA Certified .43 Carat Old European Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring
1920s Art Deco GIA Certified .43 Carat Old European Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring

1920s Art Deco GIA Certified .43 Carat Old European Diamond 14 Karat Gold Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

sits flush in the center with a triple-prong fishtail setting. The accent diamonds setting features a

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Bridal Wedding Set 0.78 Carat, GIA Certified
Antique Diamond Bridal Wedding Set 0.78 Carat, GIA Certified

Antique Diamond Bridal Wedding Set 0.78 Carat, GIA Certified

Located in Hicksville, NY

diamond is placed in a fishtail setting with a halo of single cut diamonds, also set in fishtail manner

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

GIA Certified .81 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
GIA Certified .81 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

GIA Certified .81 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

fishtail art deco style setting with single and straight cut accent diamonds. 1 round brilliant cut L

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Classic 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Classic 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Classic 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

weighing 0.87 carats. The center diamond is set in a “fishtail” prong setting shouldered by one baguette

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

\1/2 Carat Ring Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Palladium
\1/2 Carat Ring Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Palladium

\1/2 Carat Ring Set in 14 Karat Yellow Gold and Palladium

Located in Addison, TX

cut center diamond set in fishtail prong settings, which were at the height of fashion during that era

Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Palladium

18 Karat Rose Gold 2.0 Carat Black Diamond Earrings by Jochen Leën
18 Karat Rose Gold 2.0 Carat Black Diamond Earrings by Jochen Leën

18 Karat Rose Gold 2.0 Carat Black Diamond Earrings by Jochen Leën

By Jochen Leën

Located in Antwerp, BE

are set with a fishtail setting and have a brilliant cut. This design is one of Jochen Leen's newest

Category

2010s Belgian Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Black Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1.66 Carat Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
1.66 Carat Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring

1.66 Carat Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in San Francisco, CA

diamonds glittering from within classic 'fishtail' settings. A dynamic deco dazzler in a ring size 5 1/2

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Antique Victorian Diamond Gold Cross Pendant Pin
Antique Victorian Diamond Gold Cross Pendant Pin

Antique Victorian Diamond Gold Cross Pendant Pin

Sold

W 0.98 in D 0.22 in L 1.3 in

Antique Victorian Diamond Gold Cross Pendant Pin

Located in Dallas, TX

beautiful fishtail style settings and the cross is bordered by an attractive hand engraved outline of 18kt

Category

Antique 1850s Unknown Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Vintage Aquamarine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring
Vintage Aquamarine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring

Vintage Aquamarine and 9 Carat Gold Cocktail Ring

Located in Chipping Campden, GB

Sitting proud at the centre of this wonderful ring is a gorgeous colour aquamarine stone. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5 1/2 Stone Dimensions: 20x14mm Height Off Finger: 11mm Weight: 7.6g

Category

Vintage 1980s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Gold

Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Located in Tampa, FL

Antique Old European Miner Cut Diamond Band in Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold This classic 5 stone antique wedding band features 5 graduating old mine / old European cut diamonds w...

Category

Vintage 1920s North American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond  Cluster Ring
Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond  Cluster Ring

Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring

Located in OVIEDO, AS

Original Art Deco Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring mounted in Platinum. A refreshingly cool light blue hue colors the billowy cushion-cut aquamarine that glistens. The gem...

Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890
Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890

Antique Victorian Tiara with Diamond Star - c.1890

Located in London, GB

We are exceptionally delighted to offer this spectacular Victorian diamond star tiara made c.1890. The tiara will come in a fully fitted presentation case as photographed. Upon pond...

Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold

2.01ct Art Deco asscher cut Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
2.01ct Art Deco asscher cut Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold

2.01ct Art Deco asscher cut Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold

Located in Brisbane, AU

Available in any size diamond please contact our concierge team with your preferences. •Available in 18ct Yellow, White & Rose gold or platinum •Ethically sourced 2ct GSI Natural...

Category

2010s Australian Artisan Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Bailey Banks & Biddle Dated 1924 Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band
Bailey Banks & Biddle Dated 1924 Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band

Bailey Banks & Biddle Dated 1924 Art Deco 18 Karat Yellow Gold Wedding Band

Located in Addison, TX

Bailey Banks & Biddle is a beautiful example of wedding band craftmanship in the 1920's. The antique 18K yellow gold smooth comfort fit band is perfect for anyone! The engraving on ...

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Diamond Ring
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Diamond Ring

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Diamond Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

Antique Victorian Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1889 Makers Mark L B Lovely, Victorian gypsy style ring. Set with natural diamonds in a floral formation & with pretty, ...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring Wedding Engagement
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring Wedding Engagement

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring Wedding Engagement

Located in New York, NY

This is a stunning Antique Art Deco Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Wedding Engagement Stacking Ring. This original Art Deco ring is absolutely stunning. It has spectacular Old Min...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.40 Carat Old European Cut Diamond OP/I1 Vintage 14KW Engagement Ring
1.40 Carat Old European Cut Diamond OP/I1 Vintage 14KW Engagement Ring

1.40 Carat Old European Cut Diamond OP/I1 Vintage 14KW Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

Elevate your love story with our enchanting vintage 14K white gold engagement ring, featuring a captivating 1.40-carat (approx.) Old European Cut Diamond. This timeless piece is a ce...

Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Tiffany & Co Legacy Platinum Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring .94ct
Tiffany & Co Legacy Platinum Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring .94ct

Tiffany & Co Legacy Platinum Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring .94ct

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Tiffany & Co. Legacy Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring This beautiful Tiffany engagement ring is from the Legacy collection. Center cushion cut diamond is .94cts and of VS2 clari...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified
Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified

Important Old Mine Cut Heart Locket Pendant and Diamond Necklace, Certified

Located in Hong Kong, HK

A piece of history. This very important necklace we bought from a major auction house over 10 years ago. We sold the original old mine cut necklace. The buyer was only interested in ...

Category

Antique 1850s Hong Kong Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Pear Cut Diamond and Emerald Halo Ring Engagement Ring in Platinum, 2.45 Carat
Pear Cut Diamond and Emerald Halo Ring Engagement Ring in Platinum, 2.45 Carat

Pear Cut Diamond and Emerald Halo Ring Engagement Ring in Platinum, 2.45 Carat

Located in San Francisco, CA

Oh my goodness this Stunning Pear Cut Diamond and Emerald Halo Ring Engagement Ring in Platinum is GORGEOUS! It's such a detailed, elegant piece! Crafted in Platinum, the design feat...

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.06 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
GIA Certified 1.06 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

GIA Certified 1.06 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Hicksville, NY

Ring Size: 9 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4 grams Center Diamond Details: GIA LAB REPORT #: 5221794366 Weight: 1.06ct Cut: Old European brilliant Color: K C...

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany & Co. 1.09 Carat F VS1 Natural Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Tiffany & Co. 1.09 Carat F VS1 Natural Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Tiffany & Co. 1.09 Carat F VS1 Natural Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in Baltimore, MD

Tiffany & Co. 1.09 Carat F VS1 Natural Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring Metal: Platinum Weight: 4.03 grams Diamond: 1.09 carat F VS1 round natural diamond Accent diamonds: 0.5...

Category

Early 2000s North American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Tiffany & Co Platinum Round Diamond 0.94 cts F VS1 Solitaire Engagement Ring
Tiffany & Co Platinum Round Diamond 0.94 cts F VS1 Solitaire Engagement Ring

Tiffany & Co Platinum Round Diamond 0.94 cts F VS1 Solitaire Engagement Ring

By Tiffany & Co.

Located in San Diego, CA

Tiffany & Co Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring Style: Classic Tiffany Setting Prong Set Solitaire Metal: Platinum PT950 Size: 6.25 sizable Main Diamond: Round Brilliant Diamond 0...

Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Platinum 1.50ctw Round Solitaire w/ Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring
Vintage Platinum 1.50ctw Round Solitaire w/ Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

Vintage Platinum 1.50ctw Round Solitaire w/ Baguette Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Montclair, NJ

This gorgeous vintage diamond engagement ring was crafted from solid platinum during the 1940's. It features a stunning and super fiery old transitional cut diamond neatly pave set a...

Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Fishtail Setting For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate fishtail setting for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of gold, platinum and 18k gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 20 antique edition and 5 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a fishtail setting from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Creating a fishtail setting has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Antinori Fine Jewels, Gregory Mikaelian & Sons, Inc. and Jochen Leen are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and old mine cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a fishtail setting, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Fishtail Setting?

Prices for a fishtail setting can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1,800 and can go as high as $17,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,950.

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.