Vintage Dutch Natural Coral &solid 14K Gold Bracelet Earrings Set/ 19cm /16.6gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Coral, 14k Gold
Antique Bohemian Necklace Garnets Seed Pearls Gilt 830 Silver / 38 cm / 26.7 gr.
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Garnet, Pearl, Gold-filled, Silver
Antique Bohemian Necklace + Earrings Garnets Gilt 830 Silver / 45cm / 27gr.
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Garnet, Silver, Gold-filled
Vintage stud Earrings solid 18 Gold / 1 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
Antique Italian Earrings Micro Mosaic solid 14K/ 18K Gold / 6.2gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold, 14k Gold
Vintage Italian Pendant Picture Locket solid 18K Gold / 4.37 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Earrings White Spinel solid 14K Gold / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Spinel, 14k Gold
Antique Box natural Sapphire Blue Guilloché Enamel Gilt Sterling Silver / 125 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold-filled
Antique Book Locket Pendant solid 18K Gold / 5.9 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
Vintage stud Earrings natural Citrine solid 18K Gold / 1.36gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Citrine, 18k Gold
Antique Pendant Picture Locket solid 18K Yellow Gold / 6.72 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique German Heart Locket Pendant solid 18K / 5 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
Antique European Round Locket Pendant / 3.97 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique German dangle Earrings natural 2.5ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold / 3.65gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Aquamarine, 18k Gold
Antique Bracelet Turquoise Enamel solid Silver 17.5 cm / 36.8 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Turquoise, Silver, Enamel
1864 Bible Book Locket Pendant solid 18K Gold / 5.11 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
1900s set Necklace Pendant natural 2ctw Ruby 2ctw Tourmaline Pearl Gilt Silver
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Pearl, Ruby, Tourmaline, Silver, Gold Plate
Antique European Pendant Dimeter Miniature Painting Silver Gold Paste /1.2gr
Located in SE
The painting is concealed within a miniature frame made of gilt Silver with solid Gold bezel decorated with multiple old diamond-cut foiled paste strassers.
Gold, Silver
Vintage Balestra Negligee Necklace natural 24ct. Blue Chalcedony 18K Gold 40cm
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Chalcedony, 18k Gold
Antique Pendant Picture Locket solid 18K Yellow Gold / 11 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage Italian Clips Earrings 25ctw natural Lapis Lazuli solid 18K Gold / 14 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold
Antique German ON / NO Pendant Locket solid 18K Gold / 5.6 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1978 Georgian Dangle Earrings Ruby 583 / 14K Rose Gold/3.62gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Ruby, 14k Gold
Antique Finish Dangle Earrings Smoky Quartz solid 14K Rose Gold /2.3gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Hematite, Quartz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
1892 Nordic Locket Pendant solid 18K Gold / 4.5gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
Antique Ewer Pendant Green Enamel solid 18K Gold / 3.45gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Pearl, Enamel, 18k Gold
Antique Imperial Austrian Pendant Locket Black Enamel Pearls solid Silver /15 gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Pearl, Silver, Enamel
Vintage Finish Earrings Blue Spinels solid 14K Yellow Gold / 2.22gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Spinel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Austrian Bohemian Bracelet Garnets Seed Pearls Enamel / 18cm / 34gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
Pearl, Garnet, Gold-filled, Silver, Enamel
Antique Nordic Pendant Picture Locket oval solid 18K Yellow Gold/ 4.35gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique French Pendant Locket Micromosaic natural stones solid 18K Gold / 9.2 g
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
1786 -1567 BC Hyksos Scarabs Egyptian Revival Necklace 18K Gold /37.5cm/51gr
Located in SE
WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine or European and because of their deeper culets, off-round s...
18k Gold
Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.
From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!
There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.
Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.
In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).
When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry.
The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.
Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.