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Vintage 18K White Gold Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Size 7.75 #18078
Vintage 18K White Gold Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Size 7.75 #18078

Vintage 18K White Gold Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Size 7.75 #18078

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage 18K White Gold Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Size 7.75 This gorgeous ring was crafted

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Art Deco 0.64 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Late Art Deco 0.64 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Late Art Deco 0.64 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

with single cut diamonds. Weighing approximately 0.14 carat total - eye clean and bright. With linear

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

White Gold Diamond Vintage Cluster Engagement Ring - 14k European .16ctw
White Gold Diamond Vintage Cluster Engagement Ring - 14k European .16ctw

White Gold Diamond Vintage Cluster Engagement Ring - 14k European .16ctw

Located in Greensboro, NC

White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .16ctw Cut: European & Single Color: G - H

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Carat Gold Diamond Single Stone Ring
18 Carat Gold Diamond Single Stone Ring

18 Carat Gold Diamond Single Stone Ring

Located in Firenze, IT

The brilliant-cut diamond, with asymmetric shoulders and grooved band. Estimated diamond weight

Category

Vintage 1980s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

0.16ct Diamond Filigree Ring 18k White Gold Size 6.25 Vintage Engagement
0.16ct Diamond Filigree Ring 18k White Gold Size 6.25 Vintage Engagement

0.16ct Diamond Filigree Ring 18k White Gold Size 6.25 Vintage Engagement

Located in McLeansville, NC

Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamond - Carats - 0.16ctw Cut - Transitional 0.09ct, 0.07ctw

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Triangle Cut White Diamond Rose Gold Engagement Ring Botta Gioielli Italy
Triangle Cut White Diamond Rose Gold Engagement Ring Botta Gioielli Italy

Triangle Cut White Diamond Rose Gold Engagement Ring Botta Gioielli Italy

By Botta gioielli

Located in Milano, IT

Engagement ring handmade in 9 carat rose gold with triangle cut diamond 0.30 ctw. Finger size: US

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Platinum 950 Harry Winston Natural Single Diamond Band Ring
Platinum 950 Harry Winston Natural Single Diamond Band Ring

Platinum 950 Harry Winston Natural Single Diamond Band Ring

By Harry Winston

Located in New York, NY

Platinum 950 Harry Winston Diamond Band Ring Metal Type: 950 Platinum Total Item Weight: 4.9 Grams

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

White Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring
White Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring

White Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring

Located in Hong Kong, HK

A beautifully set cluster of White Diamonds weighing a total of 0.87 carat, this ring looks like a

Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring Set in Platinum
Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring Set in Platinum

Vintage Diamond Engagement Ring Set in Platinum

Located in London, England

A classic diamond single solitaire engagement ring set in platinum. The ring features a 0.55ct

Category

2010s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Vintage Filigree
Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Vintage Filigree

Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring - 14k Vintage Filigree

Located in Greensboro, NC

Metal Content: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Cut: Single Stone

Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1940s, Platinum 0.50 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Vintage 1940s, Platinum 0.50 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

Vintage 1940s, Platinum 0.50 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring

Located in Brighton, GB

from the 1940s that features a brilliant cut single-stone diamond engagement ring with pretty diamond

Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

3 Emerald Cut Diamonds with Single Halo Pavé Ring
3 Emerald Cut Diamonds with Single Halo Pavé Ring

3 Emerald Cut Diamonds with Single Halo Pavé Ring

Located in Wailea, HI

weight Platinum pave Color I Clarity VS1 - VS2 Ring Size 6.5

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Lotus Engagement Ring
Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Lotus Engagement Ring

Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Lotus Engagement Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

shoulders Pierced and channel set with rows of single cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.05 carat total

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Amber, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Platinum Aquamarine Ring with Baguette and Single Cut Diamonds
Art Deco Platinum Aquamarine Ring with Baguette and Single Cut Diamonds

Art Deco Platinum Aquamarine Ring with Baguette and Single Cut Diamonds

Located in Nashville, TN

color of the central stone is heightened by the selection of white single cut diamonds and warm-toned

Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring
Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring

Located in Great Neck, NY

Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro Single Cut Diamond Filigree Ring. This beautiful

Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Single Stone Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.84 Carat, circa 1930
Art Deco Single Stone Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.84 Carat, circa 1930

Art Deco Single Stone Diamond and Platinum Ring, 0.84 Carat, circa 1930

Located in London, GB

An Art Deco single stone diamond ring, set with an old-cut diamond weighing an estimated 0.84ct

Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage White Gold 4.93ctw Rainbow Moonstone Single Cut Diamond Halo Frame Ring
Vintage White Gold 4.93ctw Rainbow Moonstone Single Cut Diamond Halo Frame Ring

Vintage White Gold 4.93ctw Rainbow Moonstone Single Cut Diamond Halo Frame Ring

Located in Montclair, NJ

- 4.60ct (approx.) (16) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Single Cut - Prong Set - Nice Brilliant White

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rainbow Moonstone, Gold, White Gold

Silvorra Single Emerald Gemstone & Diamond Pavé Band Ring in 925 Sterling Silver
Silvorra Single Emerald Gemstone & Diamond Pavé Band Ring in 925 Sterling Silver

Silvorra Single Emerald Gemstone & Diamond Pavé Band Ring in 925 Sterling Silver

Located in New York, NY

This elegant round cut emerald and diamond ring is crafted in 925 sterling silver. The center

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Silver, Sterling Silver

Vintage 1940s, Platinum Diamond Engagement & Wedding Band Bridal Ring Set
Vintage 1940s, Platinum Diamond Engagement & Wedding Band Bridal Ring Set

Vintage 1940s, Platinum Diamond Engagement & Wedding Band Bridal Ring Set

Located in Brighton, GB

from the 1940s that features a brilliant cut single-stone diamond engagement ring with pretty diamond

Category

Mid-20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco .84 Old European Cut Diamond Single and Baguette Platinum Ring
Art Deco .84 Old European Cut Diamond Single and Baguette Platinum Ring

Art Deco .84 Old European Cut Diamond Single and Baguette Platinum Ring

Located in Addison, TX

This diamond engagement ring features a lively .84 carat old European cut diamond, accented with

Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

18ct White Gold 0.15ct Square Set Single Stone Diamond Ring Hallmarked 1938
18ct White Gold 0.15ct Square Set Single Stone Diamond Ring Hallmarked 1938

18ct White Gold 0.15ct Square Set Single Stone Diamond Ring Hallmarked 1938

Located in Brighton, GB

Behold this exquisite vintage 18ct white gold engagement ring adorned with a stunning single diamond

Category

Early 20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 18k Diamond Sapphire Ring
Art Deco 18k Diamond Sapphire Ring

Art Deco 18k Diamond Sapphire Ring

Located in Miami, FL

Art Deco 18k White Gold Weight 2.95g Center Single Cut Diamond Approx. 0.15ct. Diamonds around are

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

0.10ctw Mens Diamond Ring Sterling Silver Size 10.5
0.10ctw Mens Diamond Ring Sterling Silver Size 10.5

0.10ctw Mens Diamond Ring Sterling Silver Size 10.5

Located in West Hempstead, NY

This classic gent’s diamond ring is crafted in sterling silver and features 0.10 carats total

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

0.50ctw Diamond Princess Ring, 14k White & Yellow Gold, Ring Size 8.75
0.50ctw Diamond Princess Ring, 14k White & Yellow Gold, Ring Size 8.75

0.50ctw Diamond Princess Ring, 14k White & Yellow Gold, Ring Size 8.75

Located in McLeansville, NC

Stones: diamond single cut 2-2.75 mm approximately .50 total carats GH color/ VS2-I1 clarity Ring

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1940 Retro 18kt Gold Ring with Diamonds
1940 Retro 18kt Gold Ring with Diamonds

1940 Retro 18kt Gold Ring with Diamonds

Located in Aventura, FL

and accented with 10 natural single-cut diamonds with approximately 0.30 carats total weight in H

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

0.40ctw Natural Diamond Butterfly Ring 14K White Gold Size 7
0.40ctw Natural Diamond Butterfly Ring 14K White Gold Size 7

0.40ctw Natural Diamond Butterfly Ring 14K White Gold Size 7

Located in West Hempstead, NY

This beautiful diamond butterfly ring is crafted in 14K white gold and features 0.40 carats total

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.50ctw Estate Diamond Twist Ring 14K Yellow Gold Size 7
0.50ctw Estate Diamond Twist Ring 14K Yellow Gold Size 7

0.50ctw Estate Diamond Twist Ring 14K Yellow Gold Size 7

Located in West Hempstead, NY

This elegant estate diamond twist ring is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features 0.50 carats total

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14K Gold Coral and Diamond Modernist Ring
Vintage 14K Gold Coral and Diamond Modernist Ring

Vintage 14K Gold Coral and Diamond Modernist Ring

Located in Venice, CA

piece until like anything we’ve seen before.  The ring contains four natural prong-set single cut

Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Tablet Ring
Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Tablet Ring

Art Deco Style Diamond and Ruby Tablet Ring

Located in London, GB

This is an Art Deco style ruby and diamond tablet ring. The focal point of the ring is a central

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

0.10ctw Diamond Enamel Ring 14K Yellow Gold Green Size 7
0.10ctw Diamond Enamel Ring 14K Yellow Gold Green Size 7

0.10ctw Diamond Enamel Ring 14K Yellow Gold Green Size 7

Located in West Hempstead, NY

This stylish enamel and diamond ring is crafted in 14K yellow gold and features 0.10 carats total

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1935 Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
1935 Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

1935 Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring

Located in London, GB

Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. Set with an octagonal scissor cut natural unenhanced Ceylon

Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Amethyst Cabochon Diamond Platinum Vintage Stepped Cocktail Ring
Art Deco Amethyst Cabochon Diamond Platinum Vintage Stepped Cocktail Ring

Art Deco Amethyst Cabochon Diamond Platinum Vintage Stepped Cocktail Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

shoulders Bead set with single cut diamonds with milgrain detail surround Weighing approximately 0.20 carat

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Amethyst Cabochon Diamond Platinum Vintage Stepped Cocktail Ring
Art Deco Amethyst Cabochon Diamond Platinum Vintage Stepped Cocktail Ring

Art Deco Amethyst Cabochon Diamond Platinum Vintage Stepped Cocktail Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

shoulders Bead set with single cut diamonds with milgrain detail surround Weighing approximately 0.20 carat

Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Platinum

Palladium Russian Made ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Palladium Russian Made ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds

Palladium Russian Made ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamonds

By Unbranded

Located in New York, NY

Palladium Ring with Diamonds 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size 9 Center diamond .75ct Side diamond .30ct

Category

1990s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Palladium

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cameo Ring Size 10.25 #19196
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cameo Ring Size 10.25 #19196

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cameo Ring Size 10.25 #19196

Located in Washington Depot, CT

14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Cameo Ring Size 10.25 This gorgeous cameo ring is crafted from 14K

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Tablet Ring
Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Tablet Ring

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Tablet Ring

Located in London, GB

Here we have an Art Deco sapphire and diamond tablet ring. The ring consists of two centralised

Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

TJD 0.10 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Feather Ring
TJD 0.10 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Feather Ring

TJD 0.10 Carat Natural Round Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Feather Ring

By TJD

Located in New York, NY

Find an enchanting new look when you wear this diamond feather ring. Beautifully crafted by our

Category

2010s Indian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 5 Diamonds Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum
Edwardian 5 Diamonds Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum

Edwardian 5 Diamonds Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum

Located in Aventura, FL

this enchanting ring features five single cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.10 carats. These

Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #18050
14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #18050

14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #18050

Located in Washington Depot, CT

14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.5 This beautiful ring was crafted form 14K white

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary 0.72 CTW Diamond Platinum Scrolling Dollar Sign Eternity Band Ring
Contemporary 0.72 CTW Diamond Platinum Scrolling Dollar Sign Eternity Band Ring

Contemporary 0.72 CTW Diamond Platinum Scrolling Dollar Sign Eternity Band Ring

Located in Philadelphia, PA

Featuring single cut diamonds prong set fully around Weighing approximately 0.72 carat total - G/H

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Ribbons Ring Size 6 #18160
14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Ribbons Ring Size 6 #18160

14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Ribbons Ring Size 6 #18160

Located in Washington Depot, CT

14K Yellow and White Gold Diamond Ribbons Ring Size 6 This gorgeous ring was meticulously crafted

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #15742
14K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #15742

14K White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 4.5 #15742

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage 14 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring Size 4.5 JAGi Certified- This lovely ring

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

1940 Retro 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 1.40 Cts in  Diamonds
1940 Retro 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 1.40 Cts in  Diamonds

1940 Retro 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with 1.40 Cts in Diamonds

Located in Aventura, FL

era, expertly crafted in lustrous 18kt yellow gold and platinum and featuring 53 single-cut diamonds

Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

13K White and Yellow Gold Vintage Natural Diamond and Natural Opal Ring
13K White and Yellow Gold Vintage Natural Diamond and Natural Opal Ring

13K White and Yellow Gold Vintage Natural Diamond and Natural Opal Ring

Located in New York, NY

Vintage 13K White and Yellow Gold Natural Diamond and Opal Ring Metal Type: 13k Yellow and White

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.75-5 #16945
14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.75-5 #16945

14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.75-5 #16945

Located in Washington Depot, CT

14K White Gold Black Onyx Diamond Ring Size 4.75-5 This gorgeous ring features a black onyx stone

Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring Size 5.25 #16424
14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring Size 5.25 #16424

14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring Size 5.25 #16424

Located in Washington Depot, CT

Vintage 14K White Gold Diamond and Pearl Ring Size 5.25 This beautiful 14K white gold ring

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Retro Deco 1935 fluted Ring in 18kt Gold and Platinum with Diamonds
Retro Deco 1935 fluted Ring in 18kt Gold and Platinum with Diamonds

Retro Deco 1935 fluted Ring in 18kt Gold and Platinum with Diamonds

Located in Aventura, FL

with 10 single-cut diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 0.12 carats. These diamonds are graded

Category

Vintage 1930s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco White Gold Diamond East West Wheat Engraved Work Band Ring
Antique Art Deco White Gold Diamond East West Wheat Engraved Work Band Ring

Antique Art Deco White Gold Diamond East West Wheat Engraved Work Band Ring

Located in Montclair, NJ

–Stone(s): – (7) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Single Cut & Old English Cut - Pave Set - Nice

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

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Single Diamond Engagement Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact single diamond engagement ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a single diamond engagement ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been 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. A single diamond engagement ring from Single Stone, Tiffany & Co. and Meghna Jewels — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes emerald cut and cushion cut alternatives. Finding a single diamond engagement ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 118 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Single Diamond Engagement Ring?

On average, a single diamond engagement ring at 1stDibs sells for $13,300, while they’re typically $288 on the low end and $236,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.