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.50 Carat Diamond Gold Midcentury Engagement Ring
.50 Carat Diamond Gold Midcentury Engagement Ring

.50 Carat Diamond Gold Midcentury Engagement Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

Vintage style diamond engagement ring. 14k white gold engagement ring with a round brilliant cut

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.06 Carat Diamond Sapphire Enamel Platinum Midcentury Engagement Ring
1.06 Carat Diamond Sapphire Enamel Platinum Midcentury Engagement Ring

1.06 Carat Diamond Sapphire Enamel Platinum Midcentury Engagement Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

1950's Diamond and sapphire red enamel engagement ring. Round old European center diamond in a hand

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Enamel, Platinum

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

classic, elegant mid-century engagement ring, accented by four single cut diamonds. Set in 14K white gold.

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

Crafted in the 1950s, this mid-century engagement ring is designed around an Old European-cut

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Midcentury 1.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Midcentury 1.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Midcentury 1.01 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

This midcentury engagement ring features an Old European-cut diamond measuring approximately 1.01

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century GIA 1.91 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Mid Century GIA 1.91 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Mid Century GIA 1.91 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid Century engagement ring centers on a captivating 1.91 carat old mine cut diamond, glowing

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century GIA 2.01 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring
Mid Century GIA 2.01 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Mid Century GIA 2.01 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Elegant and timeless this Mid Century engagement ring centers on a remarkable 2.01 carat GIA

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring
GIA 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

GIA 1.00 carat old mine cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid Century engagement ring showcases a beautifully proportioned old mine cut diamond whose

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.16 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 1.16 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 1.16 CTW Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

someone's interest with this dazzling Mid-Century engagement ring! Refined with a sleek 1950's design that

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 4.04ct Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 4.04ct Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 4.04ct Round Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid-Century engagement ring is a powerful statement of scale, confidence, and timeless design

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Platinum Engagement Ring, 3.81ct Round Brilliant Diamond
Mid-Century Platinum Engagement Ring, 3.81ct Round Brilliant Diamond

Mid-Century Platinum Engagement Ring, 3.81ct Round Brilliant Diamond

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid-Century engagement ring is a beautifully composed expression of balance, symmetry, and

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold
Antique Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold

Antique Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold

Located in Bloomington, MN

Antique Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 14k Yellow Gold This mid-century engagement

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century 0.82 Carat Diamond Platinum Marquise Three Stone Engagement Ring GIA
Mid-Century 0.82 Carat Diamond Platinum Marquise Three Stone Engagement Ring GIA

Mid-Century 0.82 Carat Diamond Platinum Marquise Three Stone Engagement Ring GIA

Located in Philadelphia, PA

: 2223859545. Stock Number: We-11110 This Mid-Century engagement ring is the perfect way to show off your

Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Modern 18K White Gold & Diamond Ring
Mid-Century Modern 18K White Gold & Diamond Ring

Mid-Century Modern 18K White Gold & Diamond Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

-Century engagement ring! Date: Mid-20th Century Overall Condition: It is in overall good, as-pictured

Category

Mid-20th Century Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century GIA 3.25 carat oval cut sapphire diamond platinum engagement ring
Mid Century GIA 3.25 carat oval cut sapphire diamond platinum engagement ring

Mid Century GIA 3.25 carat oval cut sapphire diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This refined Mid Century engagement ring showcases the luminous beauty of a GIA-certified 3.25

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Mid-Century Platinum Ring with 4.15ct GIA Old Cut Diamond & Tapered Baguettes
Mid-Century Platinum Ring with 4.15ct GIA Old Cut Diamond & Tapered Baguettes

Mid-Century Platinum Ring with 4.15ct GIA Old Cut Diamond & Tapered Baguettes

By Antinori Fine Jewels

Located in Chicago, IL

A striking example of timeless sophistication, this authentic mid-century engagement ring from

Category

Vintage 1950s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 3.85 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring
GIA 3.85 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring

GIA 3.85 carat old European cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This extraordinary Mid Century engagement ring is a powerful expression of timeless design and

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 4.43 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum engagement ring
GIA 4.43 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum engagement ring

GIA 4.43 carat round brilliant cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This exceptional Mid Century engagement ring is a powerful statement of refined luxury, centered

Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 2.01 carat transitional cut diamond platinum engagement ring
GIA 2.01 carat transitional cut diamond platinum engagement ring

GIA 2.01 carat transitional cut diamond platinum engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This striking Mid Century engagement ring beautifully bridges the elegance of antique diamond

Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An Old European-cut diamond measuring approximately 0.50 carats, J color, VS2 clarity, is presented between shimmering shoulders, each set with two single cut diamonds. Crafted in 14...

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An Old European-cut diamond measuring approximately 0.15 carat, H color SI2 clarity, shines from within a square setting outlined in delicate milegraining and accented with six singl...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An Old European-cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.10 carat, I color VS clarity, shines within a square setting accented with two single cut diamonds and delicate han...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An Old European-cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.17 carat, H color SI1 clarity, shines brightly between four single cut diamonds, two on each shoulder. Set in 18K w...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An Old European-cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.30 carat, F color VS clarity, shines in between finely engraved shoulders dotted with two tiny single cut diamonds....

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An approximately 0.73-carat Old European-cut diamond centers this gorgeous ring crafted in the

Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

This stunning mid-century ring is designed around an Old European-cut diamond center stone

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Retro 14k White Gold & Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Retro 14k White Gold & Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Retro 14k White Gold & Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

A fine Mid-Century gold & diamond engagement ring. In 14 karat white gold with a retro openwork

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Engraved Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
Engraved Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring

Engraved Mid-Century Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Lexington, KY

This is a stunning mid-century diamond engagement ring in platinum with lovely engraved shoulders

Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Mid-Century Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Platinum Mid-Century Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Platinum Mid-Century Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring

Located in New York, NY

Elegantly crafted in platinum, this exquisite ring features a central round brilliant-cut diamond

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Two-Tone Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Two-Tone Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Two-Tone Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

brilliantly at the center of this vintage mid-century ring accented with four single cut diamonds, two on each

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century 1.42ct Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 1.42ct Diamond Gold Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 1.42ct Diamond Gold Engagement Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A lovely diamond engagement ring, circa 1960’s-1970’s, featuring a 1.42 carat round brilliant-cut

Category

20th Century American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Whitehouse Bros Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Whitehouse Bros Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Whitehouse Bros Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

This dazzling mid-century ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond center stone measuring

Category

Late 20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Two-Tone Diamond Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Two-Tone Diamond Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Two-Tone Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An Old European-cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.16 carat, EF color VS clarity, shines within a square setting accented with four single cut diamonds, two on each s...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Diamond and Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

This glistening platinum engagement ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond center stone

Category

Late 20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century 2.08 Carat Round Diamond Platinum 14k White Gold Engagement Ring
Mid Century 2.08 Carat Round Diamond Platinum 14k White Gold Engagement Ring

Mid Century 2.08 Carat Round Diamond Platinum 14k White Gold Engagement Ring

Located in Towson, MD

This mid-century platinum and 14 karat white gold engagement ring showcases a substantial 2.08

Category

Mid-20th Century Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Mid Century Platinum 1.73ct Diamond Engagement Ring GIA
Mid Century Platinum 1.73ct Diamond Engagement Ring GIA

Mid Century Platinum 1.73ct Diamond Engagement Ring GIA

Located in New York, NY

A stunning ring crafted in platinum, featuring a round brilliant-cut diamond at its center, flanked

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Mid-Century .83ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Vintage Mid-Century .83ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Vintage Mid-Century .83ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Scotts Valley, CA

Details: Modern vintage with a sweet heart carved into the side of this Mid-Century 1940's Platinum

Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 0.50-Carat Diamond Bow Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 0.50-Carat Diamond Bow Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 0.50-Carat Diamond Bow Engagement Ring

Located in Denver, CO

An Old European-cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.50 carat, G color VS clarity, is set between hand engraved shoulders studded with four single cut diamonds. Set in ...

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Mid Century Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold
Vintage Mid Century Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold

Vintage Mid Century Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold

Located in Bloomington, MN

Vintage Mid Century Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold Introducing this beautiful vintage

Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1950s Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring – 0.15ct Round Diamond Mid-Century Ring
1950s Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring – 0.15ct Round Diamond Mid-Century Ring

1950s Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring – 0.15ct Round Diamond Mid-Century Ring

Located in Santa Monica, CA

solitaire engagement ring features a 0.15ct round diamond. The head is white gold, while the band is 14K

Category

Mid-20th Century North American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid Century marquise diamond 14k white gold engagement ring
Mid Century marquise diamond 14k white gold engagement ring

Mid Century marquise diamond 14k white gold engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

A graceful mid-century 14k white gold ring centered with a 0.60 carat marquise diamond, accented by

Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Mid Century GIA 1.90ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, 1960s
Mid Century GIA 1.90ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, 1960s

Mid Century GIA 1.90ct Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring, 1960s

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

Crafted in the 1960s, this Mid Century platinum ring showcases a GIA-certified 1.90-carat round

Category

Vintage 1960s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century old cut diamond 18k white gold engagement ring
Mid Century old cut diamond 18k white gold engagement ring

Mid Century old cut diamond 18k white gold engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This Mid-Century diamond ring is a beautifully restrained expression of classic design and timeless

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century 0.84 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 0.84 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 0.84 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 5 1/4 & sizable Measures north to south 5.5 mm and sits 5.0 mm high

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Mid-Century 1.57 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Mid-Century 1.57 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

Mid-Century 1.57 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Engagement ring centers a round brilliant cut diamond weighing 1.33 carats total - D color with SI2

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid Century GIA 1.56 carat cushion cut diamond engagement ring
Mid Century GIA 1.56 carat cushion cut diamond engagement ring

Mid Century GIA 1.56 carat cushion cut diamond engagement ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This exquisite Mid Century platinum ring features a dazzling 1.56 carat cushion brilliant cut

Category

Vintage 1960s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Engagement Ring, Circa 1940s
Mid-Century 14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Engagement Ring, Circa 1940s

Mid-Century 14K Two-Tone Gold Diamond Engagement Ring, Circa 1940s

Located in Denver, CO

mid-century gem, accented with four single cut diamonds, two on each side, surrounded by delicate

Category

Mid-20th Century American Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century 1.08 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Bypass Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 1.08 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Bypass Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 1.08 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Bypass Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

- eye clean and bright Tested with partial stamp for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 7 and sizable

Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

platinum Numbered with maker's mark for S. Korff & Sons Circa: 1950 Ring Size: 5 3/4 and sizable

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 0.84 CTW Transitional Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Mid-Century 0.84 CTW Transitional Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Mid-Century 0.84 CTW Transitional Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring Size: 5 1/4 and sizable Measures north to south 5.5 mm and sits 5.0

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century 1.58 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA
Mid-Century 1.58 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

Mid-Century 1.58 CTW Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring GIA

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Stamped for platinum Circa: 1950s Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 7.0 mm and sits 6.8

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring
Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Mid-Century Old European Cut Diamond Platinum Vintage Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Ring size: 5 1/4 and sizable Measures north to south 6.0 mm and sits 4.0 mm high Total weight: 2.5

Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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Mid Century Engagement Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact mid century engagement ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of platinum, gold and 18k gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 1534 vintage or 1 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a mid century engagement ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 carat and 1 carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. A mid century engagement ring from Tiffany & Co., Cartier and Estate Jewelry — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and old mine cut alternatives. When shopping for a mid century engagement ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Mid Century Engagement Ring?

The price for a mid century engagement ring starts at $175 and tops out at $885,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,437.

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.