11.69 Carat Natural Australian Boulder Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 11.96 Carat, Natural, Australian Boulder Opal and 0.46 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are kn...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
Art Deco 1930s 18K White and Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Art Deco ruby, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one lozenge shaped ruby, and two rose cut diamonds, in 18 karat white and yellow gold. My favourite thing abou...
Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold
Oscar Heyman & Brothers 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum "Americana" Band Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in New York, NY
Oscar Heyman & Brothers 18k Yellow Gold and Platinum "Americana" Band Ring Description: This iconic, patriotic flag-style ring by Oscar Heyman & Brothers is finely crafted i...
Blue Sapphire, Ruby, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k ...
5.00 Carat Natural Type A Jade and Diamond Ballerina Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring featuring a 5.00 Carat, Natural, Non-dyed Jadeite and 1.03 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Jadeite has been cherished for millennia. Its nature is pure an...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
1.77 Carat Natural Type A Jade and Diamond Halo Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring featuring a 1.77 Carat, Natural, Non-dyed Jadeite and 0.55 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Jadeite has been cherished for millennia. Its nature is pure an...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
1.54 Carat Natural Demantoid Garnet and Diamond Halo Set Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful cluster ring featuring a 1.54 Carat, Natural Demantoid Garnet and 1.01 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Demantoid Garnet's only known source used to be the Ural...
Diamond, Garnet, Platinum
$7,800Sale Price|20% Off
MAUBOUSSIN Paris 1970 Carved Coral Ring In 18Kt Gold, Platinum And VS Diamonds
By Mauboussin
Located in Miami, FL
The cocktail ring was masterfully crafted in solid yellow gold of 18 karats and platinum parts for the settings of the diamonds, all with high polished finish.
Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold
Platinum Sapphire Unheated Purple Diamond GIA Ring Antique Old Mine 17.37 CTS!
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents... BEST OF THE BEST... GIA BREATHTAKING PLATINUM HUGE 17.37 CARAT UNHEATED PURPLE SAPPHIRE DIAMOND VINTAGE RING & BOX! GIANT 13.51 CARAT REGAL PUR...
Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Cushion Cut Yellow Diamond 4 cts Contemporary Cocktail Ring in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This exquisite cocktail ring is a masterclass in intricate design, featuring a captivating 4.02 carats cushion-cut yellow diamond as its focal point.
Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
1.20 Carat Heart-Cut, Zambian Emerald and Diamond Crown Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.20 Carat Natural Zambian Emerald and 0.68 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emerald...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.08 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Halo Set Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a GIA Certified 3.08 Carat Natural, Unheated Sapphire and 1.61 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1.39 Carat 'Honey-Color' Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning Ring featuring a 1.39 Carat Natural Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl and 0.78 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Cat's Eye Chrysoberyl exhibit a unique, naturally occurring phen...
Chrysoberyl, Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Platinum
1.06 Carat Natural Royal Blue, No Heat Sapphire & Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a AIGS Certified 1.06 Carat Natural Unheated, Royal Blue, Burmese Sapphire and 0.52 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary du...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
1.38 Carat Natural Lightning Ridge Black Opal and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.385 Carat Australian Black Opal and 0.62 Carat Diamonds made in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known for exhibiting fla...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.52 Carat Natural Royal Blue Color Sapphire and Diamond Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 1.522 Carat Natural Royal Blue Sapphire and 0.81 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness a...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
6.23 Carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal and Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 6.23 Carat Natural Mexican Fire Opal and 1.00 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Opals are known for exhibiting flashes of rainbow colors known a...
Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Platinum
2.56 Carat Natural Lighting Ridge Black Opal & Diamond Halo Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful halo ring featuring a 2.56 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 1.68 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are ...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.302 Carat Natural 'Type-A' Jadeite and Rose Cut Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Ring featuring a 1.302 Carat, Natural, Non-dyed Jadeite and 0.50 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Jadeite has been cherished for millennia. Its nature is pure a...
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
Tabbah Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold and Platinum Cabochon Sapphire and Diamonds
By Tabbah
Located in Paris, FR
TABBAH Ring in 18 KT yellow Gold and Platinum adorned with a Cabochon Sapphire in size 8 x 5 mm and Diamonds for around 1 Carat The body of the Ring is in 18 carats yellow Gold, the ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold
Antique Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1920's
Located in New Orleans, LA
Classic Art Deco Ruby and Diamond cocktail ring in 14K gold and platinum.
Diamond Ruby Platinum Starburst Comet Bypass Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami Beach, FL
Platinum diamond and ruby cocktail ring featuring with a .65c center diamond (VS2 H-I) surrounded round and marquise diamonds and rubies with a band that has one side with baguette ...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Oval Ruby & Diamond Halo Dainty Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Ruby - Oval Cut - Prong Set - Vivid Red Color - 5.49 x 4.44mm - 0.56ct (exact) (10) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Round Brilliant Cut - Prong Set - Nic...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Platinum Ruby Diamond Ring Womens Size 6.75 Cocktail Mozambique
Located in New York, NY
Radiant Ruby and Diamond Ring Metal Type: Platinum Total Item Weight: 9.8 Grams Ring Size: 6.75 (Resizable) Dimensions: Length: 22.19 cm Width: 16.0 cm Height: 8.81 cm 1: Primary St...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Unheated 3.07ct Burma Pink Sapphire No Heat & Diamond Ring - Stunning!
Located in bangkok, TH
A simply extraordinary and utterly unique Jewel set in solid platinum and featuring a stunning Unheated Pink Sapphire from the famed mines of Mogok in Burma (Myanmar) weighing an imp...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
$62,400Sale Price|20% Off
Oscar Heyman Marquise Diamond Estate Ring
By Oscar Heyman
Located in Chicago, IL
A stunning creation by Oscar Heyman, featuring a 1.30-carat marquise-cut diamond at its center, perfectly framed by a halo of round brilliant diamonds. Elegant baguette-cut diamonds ...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unheated 5.30ct Burma Burmese Ruby No Heat Ring GIA - Sensational!
Located in bangkok, TH
An absolutely magnificent, absolutely superb quality unheated, untreated ruby set in this stunning platinum setting from the famed gem mines of Myanmar Burma weighing 5.30ct. Gorgeou...
Ruby, 18k Gold
exaptational rare pigeon blood Ruby ring 5.05 carat from Mozambique
Located in Antwerpen, BE
CENTER GEMSTONE SPECIFICATIONS Variety: Natural Corundum (Ruby) Origin: Mozambique Carat Weight: 5.05 Carats Color Grade: "Pigeon Blood" Red (GRS Standard) Clarity: Loupe Clean Excel...
Ruby, 18k Gold
7.37 Carat Natural, Unheated Ceylon Star Sapphire Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a GIA Certified 7.37 Carat Natural Unheated, Ceylon Star Sapphire and 1.83 Carat Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability -...
Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Platinum
1.01 Carat Trillion Diamond GIA Emerald Platinum Snake Serpent Statement Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Striking Red Carpet GIA Trillion Diamond and Emerald Platinum Serpent Snake Fabulous Statement Ring. The Head securely Hand set with a Trillion GIA Diamond, weighin...
GIA Certified 4.08 Carat Natural Untreated Sapphire Ring Made In Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a GIA certified 4.08 Carat Natural Unheated Sapphire and 0.38 Carats of Natural Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability -...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
$71,960Sale Price|20% Off
CARTIER Paris Tutti Frutti St Petersburg Ring In Platinum With Carved Gems &
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
The designs are considered the perfect mix of east and west because they are made up of brightly colored gemstones (like sapphires, rubies and emeralds) carved using Indian technique...
Carnelian, Chalcedony, Diamond, Emerald, White Diamond, Onyx, Platinum
$6,360Sale Price|20% Off
Andre Vassort 1960 France 18Kt Cocktail Ring with 1.02 Ct Diamonds Coral & Onyx
By Andre Vassort
Located in Miami, FL
A cocktail ring designed by Andre Vassort. Beautiful French piece created around the 1960's at the Vassort atelier in Paris.
Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
GIA Certified 1.05 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald & Diamon Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a GIA Certified 1.05 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald and 1.06 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands o...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
1.21 Carat Natural "Lightning Ridge" Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.21 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 0.57 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.25 Carat Heart Shape Colombian Emerald Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a GIA Certified 2.25 Carat Natural Colombian, Minor Oiled Emerald and 1.02 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green fo...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
GIA Certified 1.87 Carat, Colombian, Muzo Green Emerald Ring set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A stunning ring featuring a 1.87 Carat Natural Emerald and 1.33 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. People have admired emerald’s green for thousands of years. Emeralds have a...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Ruby and Diamond Platinum Band Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Platinum Cocktail Band Ring, securely set with 5 Fine high quality French cut Rubies, weighing approx. 2.07 total carats and Diamonds weighing approx. 0.65 total ca...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Vintage 1.70Ct Thai Ruby and 1.68Ct Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring 1975
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat Thai ruby and 1.68 carat diamond, platinum cocktail ring; part of our unheated gemstone ring collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
1.82 Carat Natural Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.82 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 2.20 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
1.73 Carat Natural Australian Lightning Ridge Black Opal Ring Made in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a 1.73 Carat, Natural, Australian Black Opal and 0.09 Carats of Diamond Accents set in Platinum. The Opal displays very good play of color! Opals are known...
Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.33 Carat Natural Burmese, Unheated Sapphire Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring GIA Certified 3.33 Carat Natural Burmese, Unheated Sapphire and 0.37 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
Vintage 1.70Ct Ruby and 1.14Ct Diamond, Platinum Cocktail Ring Circa 1990
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.70 carat ruby, 1.14 carat diamond and platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse collection of vintage cocktail rings.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Antique Art Deco 1.10 Carat Diamond and Ruby Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive Art Deco 1.10 carat diamond and 0.16 carat ruby, platinum cocktail ring; part of our diverse gemstone jewelry and estate jewelry collections.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
GIA Certified 2.07 Carat, Unheated, Heart-Cut Sapphire & Diamond Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring 2.07 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and 0.67 Carats Diamond Accents set in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel in hardness as well ...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum
18K White Gold Baguette Diamond Band Ring, Round Brilliants 1.73 Carat
Located in Great Neck, NY
Baguette and Round Diamond Wide Band Ring 18K White Gold Natural White Diamonds Diamond Cuts: Baguette Cut & Round Brilliant Diamond Color: E–F Diamond Clarity: VS Setting: Prong Set...
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...
$11,665
X Camillia Diamond Ring
Located in Stockholm, SE
X Artistry in Bloom: The Camellia Ring A symbol of eternal grace and noble beauty, this exquisite ring captures the very soul of the camellia in a masterpiece of fine jewelry. Craft...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Certified Natural Oval cut Yellow Diamond and White Diamond K18 Gold Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Natural Yellow Diamond Studded Ring with Round Brilliant cut white diamonds creating a flower-like design is a beautiful addition to your jewelry collection. - Natural Fancy Yellow d...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Gold, Platinum
Engagement Ring with Natural Yellow Diamond and white Diamond in 18K Gold
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
This beautiful signature Ring with a harmonius design of yellow and white diamonds is a stunner at evening Cocktail parties. - Yellow Diamond - 0.25 CT - White Diamond - 0.48 CT Mad...
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Emerald Cut Diamond Wide Statement Band Ring Round Brilliant 18K White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
Emerald Cut and Round Diamond Wide Band Ring 18K White Gold Natural White Diamonds Diamond Cuts: Emerald Cut & Round Brilliant Diamond Color: E–F Diamond Clarity: VS Setting: Prong S...
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18...
10.47 Carat Oval Orange Sapphire 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, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold, P...
$78,400Sale Price|20% Off
GIA Certified 9.71 Ct. Minor Oil Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Cushion-shaped ruby, 4.11 cts. Marquise-cut and tapered baguette-cut diamonds, total approximately 2.95 cts. Platinum, size 6.5 Carat Gem Lab: Thailand (Siam) indications of heating
Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Vintage Platinum Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring 1.60ct Oval Ruby
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage platinum ruby and diamond cluster ring, centered by a richly colored oval-cut ruby weighing approximately 1.60 carats, radiating vivid crimson hues.
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Spectra Fine Jewelry Madagascar Pink Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
This Contemporary Madagascar Pink Sapphire Diamond Halo Engagement/Cocktail Ring, made by Spectra Fine Jewelry in the 21st century, is crafted from platinum and features an utterly u...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum
GIA Certified 3.40 Carat Star Ruby Diamond Art Deco Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This dazzling 1920's Art Deco masterpiece begins with a oval cabochon 3.40ct Star ruby which is mounted in a platinum filigree setting. 18 round cut diamonds adorn the dome style cro...
Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Platinum
GRS Certified 5.80 Carat Natural Royal Blue Star Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a GRS Certified 5.80 Carat Natural Royal Blue Star Sapphire and 2.27 Diamond Accents made in Platinum. Sapphires have extraordinary durability - they excel...
Star Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum
Cushion cut Green Diamond Pink and white Diamond 1.51 ct Contemporary Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Unmatched rarity meets master craftsmanship in this spectacular statement ring. At its center lies a captivating, natural fancy green cushion-cut diamond of immense beauty. To amplif...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
Cushion cut Green Diamond, Pink and white Diamond 1.4 ct Contemporary Ring
By HYT
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A captivating celebration of color and craftsmanship, this extraordinary ring showcases a mesmerizing cushion-cut natural fancy green diamond at its center. Surrounding the vivid cen...
Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold
GIA certified 7.86 ct Natural Fancy-Brown Yellow Marquise Diamond Ring in Pt
By HYT Jewelry
Located in Hong Kong, HK
A one-of-a-kind cocktail ring featuring a rare GIA-certified Fancy Brown Yellow marquise-cut diamond.
White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum
Handmade Platinum GIA Certified 18.90 Carat Cushion Cut Pink Topaz Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Identification Report # 5231069297 One of a Kind Handmade in Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Impressive Cushion Cut Elongated 18.90 Carat Pink Topaz Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby, Emeral...
Topaz
CGL Certified 2.24 Carat, SI-2, Natural Fancy Deep Orangish Pink Diamond Ring
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring featuring a CGL Certified Natural 2.245 Carat Fancy Deep Orangish Pink Diamond and 1.30 Carats Diamond accents Ring set in Platinum and 18 Karat Pink Gold. Diamonds ...
Diamond, Pink Diamond, 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.