Antique Pearl Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.26 carat diamond, 0.18 carat ruby and pearl, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our antique jewellery and estate jewelry col...
Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1990s 3.01 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and 0.84 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Oval Cut Ruby weighing 3.01 carats, accented by 2 Trapezoid cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.84 carat. Circa 1990s Size 6 1/2, resi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Retro 14kt Gold Ring with Diamonds and synthetic Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
Step into the glamorous world of Retro style with this stunning Ring, crafted in 14k yellow Gold and Platinum. This captivating piece features a center Old mine Diamond, approximatel...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 1.77 Carat Round Cut Ruby and 2.00 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Round cut Ruby weighing 1.77 carats and Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.00 carat. Circa 1950s Size 6 1/2, resizable
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$132,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 4.00 Carat Vivid Red “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
GRS Certified 4.00 Carat Vivid to Deep Red “Pigeon’s Blood” Ruby & Diamond Ring A truly exceptional piece for the discerning collector, this ring showcases a GRS-certified 4.00 cara...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.02Ct Ruby and 0.33Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1930
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.02ct ruby and 0.33 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of ruby cluster rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Art Deco Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning Art Deco Toi et Moi (You and Me) ring. The piece features a duo of unheated rectangular shaped rubies and sapphires which are tension set perpendicular to one...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$76,000Sale Price|20% Off
GRS Certified 4.03 Carat Unheated Mozambique Ruby & Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
An exceptional masterpiece centered on a 4.03 carat natural Mozambique ruby, certified by GRS GemResearch Swisslab as displaying a coveted Vivid to Deep Red color with no indication ...
Diamond, Ruby
$22,932Sale Price|20% Off
Ring in Platinum with 1 red Ruby Cab. and 8 red Rubies fac. and Diamonds
By Thomas Leyser
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Thomas Leyser is renowned for his contemporary jewellery designs utilizing fine gemstones. This 950/ Platinum (22gr.) Ring with 1 Ruby Cabouchon in excellent quality, 9,5mm round, 6...
GIA Certified 2.10 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby Ring Set in Platinum and 18k Gold
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring set in Platinum and 18K Gold featuring a GIA Certified 2.106 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and 3.682 Carat Diamonds. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit me...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Ceylon Sapphire Ruby Bypass Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
This stunning bypass ring features a Ceylon blue sapphire totaling 1.45 carats and a Vietnamese red ruby totaling 1.35 carats. Both these magnificent gems are certified by C. Dunaigr...
White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Natural Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This radiant Cocktail ring is inspired by the blooming flowers of Spring.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.52 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring with Rubies
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Emerald cut Diamond weighing 0.52 carat and accenting Rubies weighing approximately a total of 1.40 carats. Circa 1920s Size 6 3/4, resizable
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
3.53 Carats Vivid Red Ruby Trilogy Ring with White Diamond Detail
Located in London, GB
Elegance meets glamour in this spectacular three-stone piece from the Haruni family. At its centre is a captivating bright red ruby, hailing from Mozambique and cut in a sophisticate...
White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1930s 1.50 Carat Star Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 1.50 carat, and Single cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.60 carat. Circa 1920s Size 6 1/4, ...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.02 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 2.02 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and 1.00 Carat F, VS-1 Diamond. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning t...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Van Cleef & Arpels Natural Unenhanced Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1945
By Van Cleef & Arpels
Located in London, GB
Van Cleef & Arpels ruby and diamond ring. Centrally set with a round old cut natural no heat ruby in an open back claw setting with an approximate weight of 0.50 carats, further set ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 5.39 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and 0.50 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Oval cut Ruby weighing 5.39 carats, accented by 4 Baguette cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.50 carats. Circa 1950s Size 5 1/2, resi...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$18,200Sale Price|20% Off
Natural Thai Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring, 5.91Ct Emerald Cut, 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Natural Thai Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring – 5.91 Carat Emerald Cut Ruby, 18K White Gold Metal: 18k White Gold 750 Stone Weight: 5.91 ct Thai-Ruby Diamond Weight: .83 ct An exception...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Star Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
Art Deco Style Emerald-Cut Diamond, Tsavorite, Black Onyx and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco style cocktail ring featuring a single emerald-cut diamond weighing approximately 0.90 CTS, set in platinum within a frame of French-cut tsavorite, ruby and black onyx g...
Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, Tsavorite, Platinum
$15,600Sale Price|40% Off
GIA Certified 3.51ct Pear Shape Ruby and 1.01ct Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
By GEMME
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful Toi et Moi Ring featuring an Pear shape Ruby weighing 3.51 Carats complimented with a Pear Shaped Diamond weighing 1.01 Carats. Ruby is Certified by GIA. Diamond Certified ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring made in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.14 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby and 1.02 Carat D, Si-2 Diamond. Rubies are referred to as "Ratnaraj" in Sanskrit meaning t...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$176,000Sale Price|20% Off
3.18 Carat No Heat Mozambique Ruby Diamond Ring, Vivid Red “Pigeon Blood”
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking and highly collectible ruby ring centered around a 3.18 carat natural ruby, certified by C. Dunaigre Switzerland, displaying a richly saturated vivid red color, a color gr...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
David Webb Zebra Ring, Diamond and Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Platinum
By David Webb
Located in Great Neck, NY
David Webb Zebra Ring, Diamond and Enamel 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Designer: David Webb Metal: 18K yellow gold & platinum Diamonds: Pavé - set round brilliants, approx. 1.00 ctw ...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Pla...
No-Heat Burmese Ruby & Diamond Ring, AGL & Gübelin Certified
Located in New York, NY
An extraordinary jewel of unmatched pedigree, this ring showcases a 7.15-carat Burmese ruby of exceptional quality — oval-shaped, no-heat, and certified by both the Gübelin Gem Lab a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
SSEF CERT PIGEON RED 2.50Ct Unheated Clean Burma Mogok Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
One of a kind! Rare! This exquisite ring features an unheated Burma Mogok Red Ruby as its stunning centerpiece, accented with sparkling diamonds set in platinum. The ruby has been c...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$62,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 4.52 Carat Oval BURMESE NO HEAT Ruby Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Elevate your style with this exquisite ring, a true testament to timeless beauty and exceptional craftsmanship. At its heart lies a resplendent 4.50-carat oval Burma ruby, a gem of r...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Certified Natural Mozambique Ruby Ring Pear Shape Diamond 7.13 Carat GRS
Located in Great Neck, NY
An extraordinary Mozambique ruby and diamond statement ring showcasing a magnificent 7.13 carat natural pear-shaped ruby, beautifully positioned at the center of a bold and luxurious...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Whit...
Antique Art Deco 1930s 0.80 Carat Cabochon Ruby and 1.30 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 0.80 carat, and Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.30 carats. Circa 1930s Size 5 1/2...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
2.40ct Burma Emerald Cut Ruby with 1.30ctw in Emerald Cut Diamond Accents Ring
Located in Houston, TX
This elegant, sophisticated ring features a 2.40ct, emerald cut, natural Burma ruby (GIA Report #1172411353), with 1.30ct total weight in emerald cut natural diamonds accenting the s...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1950s 3.00 Carat Oval Cut Ruby and 2.25 Carat Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum with an Oval cut Burma origin Ruby weighing approximately 3.00 carats, and two Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximat...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
8.80 Carat Unheated / Untreated Yellow Sapphire Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 8.80 Carat Natural Untreated Yellow Sapphire and 1.01 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardn...
Yellow Sapphire, Platinum
1.07 Carat Oval Ruby and Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Chicago, IL
This piece comes directly from the vault of Atlantic Diamond Company—a family-run fine jewelry house with nearly 50 years of history serving elite collectors, retailers, and dealers ...
Diamond, Brown Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold, P...
Antique Art Deco 1920s 6.00 Carat Star Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with a Cabochon Star Ruby weighing approximately 6.00 carats, accented by a halo of Old European cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 2.00 carats...
Diamond, Star Ruby, Platinum
Antique 0.23 Carat Ruby and 0.97 Carat Diamond 18k Rose Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Edwardian 0.23 carat ruby, 0.97 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold and platinum set lozenge shaped dress ring; part of our diverse gemstone jew...
Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum
Certified Natural Ruby 5.91 Carat Diamond Ring Art Deco Style 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Certified Thai Natural Ruby 5.91 Carat Diamond Ring Art Deco Style 18K White Gold AIGS A breathtaking and highly important natural Thai ruby and diamond statement ring featuring a m...
Ruby, Sapphire, Star Ruby, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White...
1.93 Carat GRS Certified Ruby Ring with 2.09 Carat Diamonds in 18K White Gold &
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite statement ring showcases a magnificent 1.93 carat natural ruby, certified by GRS with a full laboratory report. The vibrant, richly saturated ruby is masterfully set i...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
René Boivin vintage diamond, emerald and ruby ring in rock crystal, circa 1950.
By Rene Bovin
Located in London, GB
Vintage diamond, emerald and ruby cocktail ring in rock crystal, by Rene Boivin.
Diamond, Emerald, Rock Crystal, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
New SSEF Cert 5.641 CT Unheated Burma Mogok Clean Pigeon Red Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Warren, NJ
One of a kind! Rare! This exquisite ring features an unheated Burma Mogok Pigeon Red Ruby as its stunning centerpiece, accented with sparkling diamonds set in 18K Gold. The ruby has...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1960s Ruby and Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. An elegant antique ring, it's called You and Me by its 2 main stones held in claws at the top. One is a brilliant-cut diamond and the other...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
$115,919
X Emerald Fruity Cocktail Ring
Located in Stockholm, SE
For the discerning collector, we are honored to present a rare trilogy ring of investment-grade precious gemstones, crafted in the tradition of high jewelry. This exceptional piece u...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire
Victorian French 3.45 carat total weight diamond and ruby 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning Victorian French ring features five sparkling old European cut diamonds and richly hued oval cut rubies. Crafted in 18k yellow gold with platinum accents, it embodies r...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
AGL Certified No Heat Oval Cut Burma Ruby and Round Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Centering a 5.52 Carat Unheated Burma Ruby (per AGL– American Gem Laboratory), framed by Round-Brilliant Cut Diamonds weighing roughly 3.00 carats, and set in 18k white gold and plat...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum
$40,000Sale Price|42% Off
GIA Certified 6.05 Carat Burmese No Heat Ruby Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
A striking three-stone ring centered around an impressive 6.05 carat natural ruby, certified by GIA as originating from Burma (Myanmar), the most prestigious source for fine rubies. ...
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Engagement Ring with Natural White Diamonds made in Platinum
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This elegant Platinum ring features spectacular natural Pear-shape and Marquise-shape White diamonds set amongst a bypass diamond motif.
White Diamond, Platinum
French Retro 1.14 Carat GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
French Retro 1.14 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond & Ruby Tank Ring composed of 18k yellow gold and platinum. The 1.14 carat Old Mine Cut diamond is GIA certified K color/I1 clarity, set a...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Vintage 1960s Raymond Yard 4.63 Carat Ruby Ring
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum featuring an AGL and GIA certified Oval cut Ruby of Burma origin that is Non-heat treated and weighs 4.63 carats along with Trillion cut side Diamonds on e...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Art Deco 18ct White Gold & Platinum, Opal & Burma Ruby Ring
Located in London, England
This really is an amazing ring, and the setting of the opal is one of the finest we have ever seen. In the centre is a white precious opal with play of colour. It has flashes of all ...
18k Gold, White Gold
4.34 Carat Ruby Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Platinum cocktail ring, with center 4.34ct ruby cabochon ( stone measures approx. 13.7 x 11.5 x 9.5mm).
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
David Webb Black Enamel Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
By David Webb
Located in beverly hills, CA
This exquisite David Webb ring is meticulously crafted from a combination of 18K gold and platinum. It boasts stunning adornments, including black enamel, a cabochon ruby, emerald, s...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Enamel
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA-Certified Unheated Ruby Halo Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
magnificent 3.02-carat GIA-certified natural ruby, displaying a vivid, transparent red hue and cut in an elegant oval brilliant style. With no indications of heating (NTE)—a rarity h...
Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
1.55 Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.55 Carats Natural Colombian Emerald and 0.87 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emer...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
2.00 Carat Oval Ruby and Baguette & RBC Diamond Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Vintage Oval Ruby and Baguette & RBC Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.61 Carat Vibrant Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring AIGS Certified 1.61 Carat Natural Padparadscha Sapphire and 0.45 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
Mid Century Platinum Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Mid Century platinum cocktail ring, with center ruby cabochon, side rubies and approx. 1.00ctw in diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.52 Carat Vibrant Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring AIGS Certified 1.52 Carat Natural Padparadscha Sapphire and 0.45 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
1.02 Carat Natural Padparadscha Sapphire & Diamond Ring set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring AIGS Certified 1.02 Carat Natural Padparadscha Sapphire and 0.43 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Padparadscha Sapphire , Platinum
Pear cut color diamonds & white diamonds 4.14 ct contemporary cocktail ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite floral-inspired ring is a masterclass in contrasting tones and textures, featuring a sophisticated blend of fancy-colored diamonds and brilliant pavé work. The centerp...
Brown Diamond, Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
$9,200Sale Price|20% Off
HUGE natural ruby ring 16.9mm custom designer ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
Designer ring with natural rubies weighing 5.80 carats, 100% natural and untreated and diamonds weighing 0.34 carats in 18KT yellow gold, ring is size 6 with width of 16.9mm This rin...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Cabochon 6.31 Carat Untreated Burma Ruby Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
A rare Burma cabochon ruby positively captivates amid a halo of diamonds in this extraordinary ring. The exceptional jewel weighs 6.31 carats and its sugarloaf cut perfectly showcase...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
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.
A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.
Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.
Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.
Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.
During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.
So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic.
Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.
These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.
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.