Heirloom Engagement Ring
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
2010s Colombian Modern Engagement Rings
Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Morganite, Rose Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1950s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond
2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings
Spinel
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Mid-20th Century French Retro Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings
White Diamond, Platinum
Early 20th Century French Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
20th Century Engagement Rings
Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold
Antique 1890s American Late Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 10k Gold
Antique 1840s Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s Engagement Rings
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Fashion Rings
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Early 20th Century European Art Deco Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
20th Century Solitaire Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum
Antique 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Multi-gemstone, Tourmaline, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Platinum
- 1
Heirloom Engagement Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Heirloom Engagement Ring?
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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMay 30, 2024What makes an engagement ring an engagement ring is your decision that a particular piece of jewelry represents your promise to get married. There are no rules when it comes to engagement rings. Any ring that appeals to you can serve as a symbol of your engagement. Shop a variety of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Are engagement rings necessary?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 26, 2024No, engagement rings aren't necessary. There is no rule that says that a person needs to wear an engagement ring if they intend to get married. However, many people do choose to present them during marriage proposals to mark the occasion in a special way and symbolize the promise to one day wed. Find a large collection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 12, 2023No, most engagement rings aren't platinum. Some people do prefer platinum due to its appearance and its resistance to scratching and fading. However, makers offer engagement rings in a wide range of precious metals, including white gold, yellow gold, rose gold, titanium and sterling silver. Shop a large selection of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024No, an engagement ring doesn't have to have a diamond in it. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement jewelry, so any ring that appeals to you can signify your intention to marry someone. Alternatives to diamond rings include simple band rings formed of precious metals and gemstone rings featuring rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other stones. Explore a diverse assortment of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023A peekaboo engagement ring is one where the diamond is only visible from one angle. An example is a setting that hides the diamond so that you can only see it when viewed from the side. Shop a range of engagement rings from some of the world's top jewelers on 1stDibs.
- What is a swirl engagement ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2021A swirl engagement ring is typically a ring featuring a spiral or a twirling design. The design of a swirl engagement ring typically features a prong setting that sees the band is shaped in a way that lends this ring a semi-circular swirl effect as it wraps around the center gemstone. On 1stDibs, find a variety of antique and vintage swirl rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023If it seems like most engagement rings are platinum, you’ve likely been shopping at retailers and boutiques that primarily specialize in the sale of platinum jewelry. It’s true that platinum is among the most popular metals for engagement rings. Cartier pioneered the use of platinum in fine jewelry in the late 1800s, identifying the strong, lustrous metal as ideal for bringing out the true qualities of diamonds. However, engagement rings are in fact created with a range of many other materials, such as yellow gold, white gold, rose gold and titanium. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024To choose an engagement ring, start by establishing a budget so that you can focus on pieces that are ideally priced for you. Next, decide whether you prefer a diamond or another type of gemstone and what precious metal you prefer. Once you've made these determinations, look for settings that align with your fiancé-to-be's tastes (or your own tastes if you're selecting your own ring). If you're shopping for diamond engagement rings, use the cut, color and clarity ratings of the available gemstones to compare their overall quality. On 1stDibs, find a large collection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024No, an engagement ring does not have to be a diamond. Although diamonds are popular, rings featuring other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds can serve as engagement rings, and it's even possible to choose a ring made entirely out of precious metals with no gemstone accents of any kind. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so feel free to select any ring that appeals to you. Find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJanuary 23, 2024The rings that are best for an engagement are the ones that appeal to you and suit your budget. There are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so really, any ring can be worn as one. The key is to find a ring that reflects your taste. You can choose from solitaires with single gemstones, halos that feature a large stone surrounded by a ring of smaller ones, trilogy rings with one large stone set between two smaller accent stones and many other styles. Engagement rings also don't have to feature gemstones. A domed or flat band ring in a precious metal like platinum or yellow gold can also represent your promise to marry that special someone. On 1stDibs, explore a large collection of engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertAugust 17, 2021A vintage engagement ring is generally defined as an engagement ring that is 20 to 80 years old. By definition, “antique” applies to anything that is 100 years or older. The most popular vintage styles for engagement rings are Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco. Vintage engagement rings could feature traditional diamonds or colored gemstones. Find a wide variety of vintage engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A double engagement ring is a specific type of jewelry presented when a person makes a marriage proposal. It usually features a center stone attached to one band and a second band attached above or below the main band. You'll find a collection of double engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- Can engagement rings be colored?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be colored. Actually, any ring that appeals to you can function as your engagement ring. Some colored gemstones commonly used in engagement ring designs include sapphires, rubies, emeralds, amethysts and topazes. You can also find engagement rings with pink, yellow, chocolate and other colored diamonds. On 1stDibs, shop a diverse assortment of gemstone engagement rings.
- Can engagement rings be gold?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021Engagement rings can be gold. However, because gold is a softer metal than other metals, such as platinum, making it less popular.
- Can engagement rings be pink?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be pink. You're free to wear any type of engagement ring that best expresses your special love story. Some pink gemstones to consider include pink sapphire, morganite, tourmaline, rose quartz, pink topaz and pink diamond. On 1stDibs, explore a large selection of engagement rings from some of the world's top dealers.
- Can engagement rings be green?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 21, 2023Yes, engagement rings can be green. In fact, engagement rings can be any color that appeals to you because there are no rules regarding what can symbolize a promise to marry. Some green gemstones to consider for your engagement ring include emeralds, green sapphires, peridots and green tourmaline. Explore a diverse assortment of green engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, there are engagement rings for guys. However, men do not wear engagement rings as often as women. Those who choose to can opt for a wide range of styles from band rings to solitaires to even signet rings. There are no rules when it comes to engagement jewelry, so you can select anything that appeals to you. Shop a large collection of men's rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021In the US, the average carat size of an engagement ring is usually between 1.08 and 1.2 carats, although there are other factors that go into how impressive the ring looks, including the cut of the diamond and the setting. Find a diverse variety of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023Whether your wedding ring should match your engagement ring is up to personal preference. Many people choose engagement rings and wedding rings that complement one another in shape, color and materials. However, you're free to choose whatever rings appeal to you. On 1stDibs, find a wide range of wedding and engagement rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertOctober 7, 2024The difference between a promise ring and an engagement ring is what each type of jewelry symbolizes. An engagement ring represents a promise to marry, usually sometime relatively soon. Promise rings ordinarily mean that a couple would like to one day marry but isn't yet ready to become formally engaged. On 1stDibs, explore a wide variety of engagement rings and promise rings.
Read More
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
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The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
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Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
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Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
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Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Talking Diamonds with the Jeweler Behind J. Lo’s Engagement Ring
Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.