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Victorian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled three-stone ruby and diamond ring. This antique piece has been
Category

Antique 19th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous ruby and diamond navette ring from the Victorian era. This piece's boat
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly beautiful ruby and diamond navette ring dating back to the Victorian period. A
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous ruby and diamond cluster ring taken from the Victorian period. This antique
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful navette ring taken from the Victorian era. This antique piece features an
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond ring from the Victorian era. This antique piece has been
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a gorgeous antique ruby and diamond navette ring dating back to the Victorian period
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an 18ct yellow gold ruby and diamond cluster ring from the Victorian era. This multi
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, Pink Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a Victorian cluster ring featuring a captivating arrangement of stones. At the centre
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a beautifully crafted Victorian double heart ring. In this case, a duo of perfectly
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Three-Row Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold Victorian ruby and diamond three row ring. The ring consists of a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Pearl Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Victorian 18ct yellow gold navette ring. The ring has been set with 3 central
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful ruby and diamond navette ring dating back to the Victorian era. The ring
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold

Victorian Sapphire Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a fabulously colourful Victorian 15ct rose gold sapphire, ruby and diamond ring. Consisting
Category

Antique 19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an antique ruby and diamond ring dating back to the late Victorian era. The ring features
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique English Victorian Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian ring in platinum on 18k gold with rose-cut diamonds and rubies in crisscross design
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond and Ruby Crescent Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct rose gold diamond, pearl and ruby ring. The ring consists of two crescent moons
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1900s, this Victorian dress ring features a centre ruby weighing 0.35 carat. It is a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Solitaire Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an antique 18ct rose gold, rose cut diamond and ruby ring. The rose cut diamond sits in a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Diamond, Sapphire and Ruby Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
Three rows of gemstones stud this gorgeous Victorian ring. Five diamonds form the middle row, with
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1900s, this Victorian ring features a deep red ruby in a rub over setting. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
An interesting Victorian ring set with two alternating gemstones, one ruby and one sapphire. They
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian ruby and diamond cluster ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Victorian ruby and diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a cushion shape old cut natural
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Victorian 0.90 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian period is this navette ring featuring a lively red ruby in its centre
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
A late Victorian era ring featuring three oval-shaped Burmese rubies interspersed with vertically
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.40ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful cabochon cut ruby features at the centre of this Victorian ring. The ruby weighs 1.40
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, Hallmarked 1885
Located in London, GB
A lovely 0.50 carat ruby is the focal point of this Victorian ring. The old cut ruby is claw set
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Ruby Romantic Heart Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Romanticism A beautiful example of Victorian period heart ring, romantic expression of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.15 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Four old cut diamonds surround an old cut ruby in this Victorian ring. The diamonds are 0.15 carat
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a truly wonderful and rare ring dating back to the Victorian era. The ring features a
Category

Antique 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Victorian era, this hand made ring is made up of two rubies and three diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
this Victorian ring. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.75 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian 1.60 carat Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in beverly hills, CA
A romantic classic, this Antique Victorian 1.60 carat Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring is a timeless
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.50ct Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous green emerald is set in the centre of this unique Victorian ring. The vibrant emerald is
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little ring features a central ruby and two on the end, interspersed with diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Double Heart Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Crowned Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fine example of a Victorian double heart ring. In this case, a round ruby and
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, Gold

Victorian Ruby Pearl Sapphire and Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold Victorian triple cluster ring. The centre of the ring is set
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Pearl, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold

Victorian French 18k Burmese Ruby + Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful gemstone ring from the Victorian (ca1890s) era! This gorgeous piece is crafted in rich
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and 2.13 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
shank. This marquise shape ruby ring with diamonds has been independently tested using state of the art
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Victorian ruby diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold ring features a pear-cut ruby of approximately 0.40 carats
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby Sapphire and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in London, GB
for a gold snake design set with rubies, diamonds, and an emerald for her engagement ring; a
Category

Antique 19th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian 1.03ct Ruby and Diamond Double Heart Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A masterpiece of Victorian craftsmanship, this enchanting double heart ring is a rare truly rare
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Ruby and Sapphire Double Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a marvellous double heart ring dating back to the Victorian period. This elegant
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Marquise-Shaped Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
varying sizes is the centerpiece of this Victorian era ruby and diamond cluster ring. A pierced gallery
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
cut diamonds each weighing 0.02 carat each. The rubies are natural, with a vibrant red colour. All the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian diamond ruby 18k rose gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Victorian ring glows with antique elegance, showcasing old mine and European cut
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Late-Victorian Diamond & Ruby Ring Circa 1890
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
This late Victorian ring features a two mille-grained diamond set swirls that flow to to three
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Late Victorian 0.25ct Diamond and Ruby Snake Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the Victorian era, this intricate ring is formed of two snakes intertwined together. Set
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.40ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of old cut diamonds are set between a pair of vibrant rubies in this Victorian five stone
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 14k/Sterling Silver Diamond and Ruby Double Horseshoe Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
This stylish double horseshoe ring is a fabulous piece from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! A popular
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian 18k Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Flush Mount Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful synethetic ruby and diamond flush mount ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This
Category

Antique 1880s North American Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Burma Ruby Diamond Marquee ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Spectacular marquee ring 1880 ca, displaying a stunning Burma ruby raising in opulent Diamond set Superb
Category

Antique 1880s European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Burma Ruby Diamond Enameled Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An outstanding gemstone ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This incredible piece is crafted in
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

18K 1.36CT Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
Ruby diamond halo ring set on 18k gold. Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stone: Natural Ruby Stone Shape
Category

2010s American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Three Row Band
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold Victorian ruby and diamond three row band. The ring consists
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Silver and 1.15Cts, Diamonds and Rubies Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Silver And 1.15Cts. Old European Cut Diamonds And Natural Rubies Trefoil
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver 0.8ctw Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold, silver, diamond, and ruby ring, comprising sixteen round cut rubies, five
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18K Gold Snake Ring circa 1880
Located in Goettingen, DE
Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18K Gold Snake Ring circa 1880 A decorative snake ring from
Category

Antique 1880s German Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Burmese Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
classic example of a late Victorian era ring. The ring is well-proportioned with the centre ruby weighing
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
rubies that sit either side of this stone measure 8pts each. Hallmarked Birmingham 1886. Ring Size: N or
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

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Victorian Ruby And Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate victorian ruby and diamond ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Find an antique version now, or shop for 250 vintage or 8 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. You’re likely to find the perfect victorian ruby and diamond ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 18th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Creating a victorian ruby and diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Cartier, Mindi Mond and Theo Fennell are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and old mine cut alternatives. Most of our victorian ruby and diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 120 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Victorian Ruby And Diamond Ring?

The price for a victorian ruby and diamond ring starts at $156 and tops out at $287,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,133.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany & Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany & Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef & Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

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.