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Old Mine Cut Eternity Band

Eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 18k gold
Eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 18k gold

Eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.40ct 18k gold

Located in The Hague, ZH

18k white gold alliance ring set with old mine-cut diamonds up to 1.40 ct - G/H - SI - ring size US 6 - EU 16.5 (52) Detailed description: The front of the ring is 3.8 mm wide Rin...

Category

Antique 1880s Dutch Early Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

ART NOUVEAU eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold
ART NOUVEAU eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold

ART NOUVEAU eternity ring with old mine cut diamonds up to 1.80ct 18k gold

Located in The Hague, ZH

18k white gold full alliance ring set with old mine cut diamond -1.80 ct - ring size U.S. 5 - EU. 15.75 (49) detailed description the top of the ring is 4.0 mm wide ring size U.S....

Category

Vintage 1910s Dutch Art Nouveau Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 19th-Century 18K Gold Seven-Stone Old Mine Diamond Band, FR 54 (US 6½)
Antique 19th-Century 18K Gold Seven-Stone Old Mine Diamond Band, FR 54 (US 6½)

Antique 19th-Century 18K Gold Seven-Stone Old Mine Diamond Band, FR 54 (US 6½)

Located in MONTMORENCY, FR

Technical Sheet Period of Manufacture: Circa 1850–1900 (Victorian) Style: Jarretière (Half-eternity), Seven-Stone, Collet Settings Metal: 18 kt Yellow Gold (750 ‰) Total Weight: 1...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Yellow Gold Dia Sapp Edwardian Band 14k Old Mine 2.77ctw Antique Wed Ring 4 1/4
Yellow Gold Dia Sapp Edwardian Band 14k Old Mine 2.77ctw Antique Wed Ring 4 1/4

Yellow Gold Dia Sapp Edwardian Band 14k Old Mine 2.77ctw Antique Wed Ring 4 1/4

Located in Greensboro, NC

Size: 4 1/4 Era: Edwardian Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .72ctw Cut: Old Mine Color: G - H Clarity: SI1 - SI2 Natural Sapphires Tre...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

ART DECO 1925 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With European White Diamonds
ART DECO 1925 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With European White Diamonds

ART DECO 1925 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With European White Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

Eternity ring band with diamonds. Gorgeous and very unusual eternity band ring, created in America during the Art Deco period, back in the 1925. It was crafted in solid .900/.999 pl...

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 1 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Eternity Band Size 6.25
Vintage 1 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Eternity Band Size 6.25

Vintage 1 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Eternity Band Size 6.25

Located in Montgomery, AL

We always love vintage bands! Band Details Material: Platinum Era: Art Deco 1920 - 1940 Band Width: 3mm Band Height: 1.7mm Weight: 3.0 Grams Finger Size: 6 1/4 Accented by the foll...

Category

20th Century Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique English 18K Gold and Diamond Buckle Ring
Antique English 18K Gold and Diamond Buckle Ring

Antique English 18K Gold and Diamond Buckle Ring

Located in New York, NY

Made in Chester, this 18K gold English strap and buckle ring is set with an old mine-cut diamond. The ring centers a buckle motif highlighted by a star-set old mine-cut diamond accen...

Category

Antique Late 19th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Old Cut Diamond Full Eternity Ring Size P 1/2 (57)
Antique Old Cut Diamond Full Eternity Ring Size P 1/2 (57)

Antique Old Cut Diamond Full Eternity Ring Size P 1/2 (57)

Located in London, GB

Here we have an antique diamond full eternity ring dating back to the Edwardian period. This classic piece has been crafted from platinum and showcases 26 round faceted old cut diamo...

Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 18kt White Gold Dimaonds Eternity Band
Antique 18kt White Gold Dimaonds Eternity Band

Antique 18kt White Gold Dimaonds Eternity Band

Located in Aventura, FL

This exquisite circa 1910–1920s antique eternity band ring is crafted in 18kt white gold and accented with 46 natural old mine-cut diamonds with approximately 0.50 carats total weigh...

Category

Vintage 1910s Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Enamel

Peter Suchy 1.84 Carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Wedding Band Ring
Peter Suchy 1.84 Carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Wedding Band Ring

Peter Suchy 1.84 Carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Wedding Band Ring

By Peter Suchy

Located in Stamford, CT

Crafted to radiate elegance, the Peter Suchy 1.84ct diamond platinum eternity band ring is a true masterpiece. This exquisite piece features a stunning 16 old mine cut diamonds with ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Ring Eternity Band Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry
Art Deco Ring Eternity Band Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry

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.

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring 1.50ct Platinum Antique 1930s
Art Deco Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring 1.50ct Platinum Antique 1930s

Art Deco Diamond Eternity Wedding Band Ring 1.50ct Platinum Antique 1930s

Located in Dearborn, MI

Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1930's Diamond Platinum Eternity Ring Band 1.50ct Features 17 Genuine Natural Mined Old European Cut & Transitional Diamonds Showcases ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 3.00ct Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s
Art Deco 3.00ct Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s

Art Deco 3.00ct Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s

Located in London, GB

A total of twenty diamonds adorn the platinum band of this beautiful Art Deco full eternity ring. Each diamond is measured at 0.15 carats, totalling to 3.00 carat. They have been est...

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 2.00ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s
Art Deco 2.00ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s

Art Deco 2.00ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s

Located in London, GB

This beautiful Art Deco full eternity ring features a collection of twenty old mine cut diamonds.

Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique European Earrings Celtic Eternity Knots solid 18K Gold /2.5gr
Antique European Earrings Celtic Eternity Knots solid 18K Gold /2.5gr

Antique European Earrings Celtic Eternity Knots solid 18K Gold /2.5gr

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...

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Necklace Eye of God solid 19K Gold / 26.6 gr
Antique Necklace Eye of God solid 19K Gold / 26.6 gr

Antique Necklace Eye of God solid 19K Gold / 26.6 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...

Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Egyptian Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

Recent Sales

18K Gold Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring, Full Eternity Band
18K Gold Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring, Full Eternity Band

18K Gold Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring, Full Eternity Band

Located in Orlando, Florida

18K Gold Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Engagement Ring, Full Eternity Band A stunning ring featuring IGI/GIA Certified 0.41 Carat Natural Diamond set in 18K Solid Gold Band Making ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Edwardian Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Edwardian Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Narberth, PA

Crafted in platinum, the ring features a single row of old mine cut diamonds, which are all bead-set. The stones have an approximate total carat weight of 3ctw and display J/K color ...

Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Narberth, PA

A gorgeous diamond eternity band from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in platinum, this ring features 1ctw of bead-set old mine cut diamonds.

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18k White Gold Old Hexagon Diamond 3.95cts Eternity Ring Wedding Band
18k White Gold Old Hexagon Diamond 3.95cts Eternity Ring Wedding Band

18k White Gold Old Hexagon Diamond 3.95cts Eternity Ring Wedding Band

By RAREVER

Located in London, GB

Inspired by the jewellery of bygone days, this eternity ring is a marriage of the antique and contemporary. 11 Hexagon cut diamonds are set with 11 Tapered Baguette cut diamonds to c...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Engagement Ring Platinum 1.10 Carat Old Mine Cut G-SI2, circa 1920s
Vintage Engagement Ring Platinum 1.10 Carat Old Mine Cut G-SI2, circa 1920s

Vintage Engagement Ring Platinum 1.10 Carat Old Mine Cut G-SI2, circa 1920s

Located in West Hollywood, CA

This lovely antique Edwardian platinum engagement ring showcases a stunning EGL certifed 1.10ct Old Mine Cut center diamond, G-SI2. This ring is loaded with romantic detail; softly s...

Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

5.36 Carat Cushion Old Diamond Eternity Band by 64Facets in 18 Karat White Gold
5.36 Carat Cushion Old Diamond Eternity Band by 64Facets in 18 Karat White Gold

5.36 Carat Cushion Old Diamond Eternity Band by 64Facets in 18 Karat White Gold

By 64 Facets

Located in Los Angeles, CA

This stunning diamond eternity band is made with 15 old mine cut cushion diamonds weighing 4.90ct. 120 smaller brilliant cut diamonds (0.45ct.) in a micro pave setting on the side o...

Category

2010s American Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 2.05 Carat Princess Cut Natural Diamond Unique Eternity Band Ring
GIA Certified 2.05 Carat Princess Cut Natural Diamond Unique Eternity Band Ring

GIA Certified 2.05 Carat Princess Cut Natural Diamond Unique Eternity Band Ring

Located in Orlando, Florida

GIA Certified 2.05 Carat Princess Cut Natural Diamond Unique Eternity Band Ring ********E-Copy of the GIA Certificate is Available Upon Request.********** A stunning ring featuring...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified 3.28 Carat Natural Diamond Half Eternity Engagement Band Ring
GIA Certified 3.28 Carat Natural Diamond Half Eternity Engagement Band Ring

GIA Certified 3.28 Carat Natural Diamond Half Eternity Engagement Band Ring

Located in Orlando, Florida

GIA Certified 3.28 Carat Natural Diamond Half Eternity Engagement Band Ring ********E-Copy of the GIA Certificate is Available Upon Request.********** A stunning ring featuring IGI...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Certified 3.73 CT Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Eternity Engagement Band Ring
Certified 3.73 CT Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Eternity Engagement Band Ring

Certified 3.73 CT Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Eternity Engagement Band Ring

Located in Orlando, Florida

Certified 3.73 CT Natural Diamond Art Deco Style Eternity Engagement Band Ring A stunning ring featuring IGI/GIA Certified 3.73 Carat Natural Diamond and 0.61 Carats of Diamond Acce...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring and Band Set .75ct
Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring and Band Set .75ct

Art Deco Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring and Band Set .75ct

Located in Narberth, PA

A beautiful diamond engagement set from the Art Deco (ca1920s) era! Crafted in platinum, this set includes a lovely engagement ring! The engagement ring features a .75ct mine cut dia...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian Diamond and Gold you and Me Ring
Victorian Diamond and Gold you and Me Ring

Victorian Diamond and Gold you and Me Ring

Located in London, GB

The two chunky diamonds are flanked by four antique old mine cut diamonds (2 each side) totalling approx .83 Ct of pure radiance.

Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown High Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

GUILD Certified 2.14ct Vivid Green Sugarloaf Emerald Luxury Diamond Ring
GUILD Certified 2.14ct Vivid Green Sugarloaf Emerald Luxury Diamond Ring

GUILD Certified 2.14ct Vivid Green Sugarloaf Emerald Luxury Diamond Ring

Located in Kowloon, HK

In terms of value: 2.14ct + Vivid Green + Sugarloaf Cut, traceable to “Mozambique mine lineage” in GUILD’s database, reaches “auction - house rarity”.

Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Eternity Band
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Eternity Band

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Eternity Band

Located in Great Neck, NY

Stunning antique eternity band with old mine cut diamonds. Item #R0571 Metal: Platinum Weight: 2.3 Grams Total Diamond Weight: Approximately 0.80 cts Diamond Color: H Diamond ...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Eternity Band
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Eternity Band

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Cut Diamond Eternity Band. This beautiful band has old mine cut diamonds set all the way around the band.

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Eternity Band
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Eternity Band

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Eternity Band

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Eternity Band - Size 7 3/4. This beautiful eternity ring has chunky old mine cut diamonds set in platinum.

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Old Mine Cut 0.72 Carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Wedding Band Ring
Art Deco Old Mine Cut 0.72 Carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Wedding Band Ring

Art Deco Old Mine Cut 0.72 Carat Diamond Platinum Eternity Wedding Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Band ring features old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.72 carat total. Quality consistent with cut and age - channel set fully around. With partial remnants of engraving o...

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engraved Eternity Band
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engraved Eternity Band

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engraved Eternity Band

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Mine Diamond Engraved Eternity Band. This gorgeous band is crafted in platinum.

Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 2.50 CTW Old Mine Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
Art Deco 2.50 CTW Old Mine Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring

Art Deco 2.50 CTW Old Mine Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Band ring is set fully around by old European and mine cut diamonds Set via shared prongs with a deep fishtail motif profile Weighing in total approximately 2.50 carats Varied in ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 2.50 Ctw Old Mine Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring
Art Deco 2.50 Ctw Old Mine Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring

Art Deco 2.50 Ctw Old Mine Diamond Platinum Eternity Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Band ring is set fully around by old European and mine cut diamonds Set via shared prongs with a deep fishtail motif profile Weighing in total approximately 2.50 carats Varied in ...

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Antique 18K Victorian Buckle Ring, Circa 1890 0.11ctw Old Mine Cut Diamonds
Antique 18K Victorian Buckle Ring, Circa 1890 0.11ctw Old Mine Cut Diamonds

Antique 18K Victorian Buckle Ring, Circa 1890 0.11ctw Old Mine Cut Diamonds

Located in AMSTERDAM, NL

A Victorian treasure, this antique buckle ring is set with a pair of old mine cut diamonds and dates all the way back to 1890. The Victorian-era was full of symbolic jewels and the b...

Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Platinum French Cut Diamond Eternity Band
Antique Platinum French Cut Diamond Eternity Band

Antique Platinum French Cut Diamond Eternity Band

Located in New York, NY

French Cut diamonds were cut mostly in the 1920s and are square in shape, but have facets like an old mine cut.

Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 18k Gold 0.40ctw Chunky Diamond Floral Engraved Eternity Band
Antique Edwardian 18k Gold 0.40ctw Chunky Diamond Floral Engraved Eternity Band

Antique Edwardian 18k Gold 0.40ctw Chunky Diamond Floral Engraved Eternity Band

Located in Montclair, NJ

--Stone(s):-- (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine & Old Rose Cut - Pave Set - 0.30-0.40ctw (approx.) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2.83 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on...

Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian French 18k Gold Graduating Pave Set Diamond Eternity Band Ring
Antique Edwardian French 18k Gold Graduating Pave Set Diamond Eternity Band Ring

Antique Edwardian French 18k Gold Graduating Pave Set Diamond Eternity Band Ring

Located in Montclair, NJ

It features a simply beautiful design that carries fine and fiery old mine and old rose cut diamonds that graduate in size and are neatly pave set all the way around the band.

Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

c1920s Vintage Art Deco Diamond Band Sz 5.25 Platinum Wide Ring Eternity Jewelry
c1920s Vintage Art Deco Diamond Band Sz 5.25 Platinum Wide Ring Eternity Jewelry

c1920s Vintage Art Deco Diamond Band Sz 5.25 Platinum Wide Ring Eternity Jewelry

Located in Torrance, CA

Elegant vintage Art Deco era ring (circa 1920s), crafted in 900 platinum. Single, European and old mine cut diamonds (round and marquise) total an estimated 1.50 carats (estimated ...

Category

Early 20th Century American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1935 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With 2.64 Ctw In White Diamonds
Art Deco 1935 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With 2.64 Ctw In White Diamonds

Art Deco 1935 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With 2.64 Ctw In White Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

It was crafted in solid .900/.999 platinum with high polished finish and embellished with a great selection of twenty-two earth mined natural diamonds. Diamonds: Mounted in a flush...

Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 1925 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With 1.20 Ctw In White Diamonds
Art Deco 1925 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With 1.20 Ctw In White Diamonds

Art Deco 1925 Eternity Band Ring In Platinum With 1.20 Ctw In White Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

Eternity ring band with diamonds. Gorgeous and very unusual eternity band ring, created in America during the Art Deco period, back in the 1925.

Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

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Old Mine Cut Eternity Band For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the old mine cut eternity band you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and platinum — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 27 vintage editions and 4 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for an old mine cut eternity band may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular piece, 2.5 carat and 3 carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing old mine cut eternity band — no matter the origin — is easy, but 1801 Jewels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for an old mine cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and brilliant cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an old mine cut eternity band, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is an Old Mine Cut Eternity Band?

The price for an old mine cut eternity band starts at $1,080 and tops out at $19,590 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,873.

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.