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Sliding Diamond Ring

Modern Diamond Gold Slide Bypass Cocktail Ring
Modern Diamond Gold Slide Bypass Cocktail Ring

Modern Diamond Gold Slide Bypass Cocktail Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

baguette-cut diamonds. The two sides of the ring have 3 diamond studded gold studs that slide independently

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Modernist 18k Gold Sliding Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Mid-Century Modernist 18k Gold Sliding Diamonds Cocktail Ring

Mid-Century Modernist 18k Gold Sliding Diamonds Cocktail Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

gold diamond ring with sculptural lines, articulated sliding diamond settings, and eye-catching mid

Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamond Drops 18K White Gold Adjustable Bolo 18-11 inches Choker Necklace Lv
Diamond Drops 18K White Gold Adjustable Bolo 18-11 inches Choker Necklace Lv

Diamond Drops 18K White Gold Adjustable Bolo 18-11 inches Choker Necklace Lv

By Five Star Jewelry

Located in Austin, TX

inches adjustable down to 11 inches with bolo slide Clasp Type: Spring ring Diamond Total Weight: 0.35

Category

2010s American Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Recent Sales

Luke Rose Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Ring
Luke Rose Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Ring

Luke Rose Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Ring

Located in Sydney, AU

forms in solid 9ct gold and a signature sliding diamond. The Champagne Slide ring features a gorgeous

Category

2010s Australian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, 9k Gold

Rene Boivin Diamond Gold “Sliding” Ring
Rene Boivin Diamond Gold “Sliding” Ring

Rene Boivin Diamond Gold “Sliding” Ring

By René Boivin

Located in New York, NY

A French Mid-20th Century 18 karat gold “Sliding” ring with diamonds by René Boivin. The ring has

Category

Vintage 1970s French More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

14K Yellow Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring
14K Yellow Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring

14K Yellow Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring

By LB Exclusive

Located in Southampton, PA

diamond slides back and forth. The elongated oval frame is traced by petite brilliant diamonds. The ring

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K White Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring
14K White Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring

14K White Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring

By LB Exclusive

Located in Southampton, PA

diamond slides back and forth. The elongated oval frame is traced by petite brilliant diamonds. The ring

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

14K Yellow Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring
14K Yellow Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring

14K Yellow Gold 0.30ct Diamond Sliding Ring

By LB Exclusive

Located in Southampton, PA

diamond slides back and forth. The elongated oval frame is traced by petite brilliant diamonds. The ring

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

.20 Carat Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Slide Band Ring
.20 Carat Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Slide Band Ring

.20 Carat Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Slide Band Ring

Located in Stamford, CT

1970's modern design diamond slide 14k yellow gold ring that offers a unique and modern twist on a

Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18KT Yellow Gold Sliding Cabochon Rutilated Quartz And Diamond Ring
Vintage 18KT Yellow Gold Sliding Cabochon Rutilated Quartz And Diamond Ring

Vintage 18KT Yellow Gold Sliding Cabochon Rutilated Quartz And Diamond Ring

Located in New York, NY

Indulge in luxury with our expertly crafted 18KT yellow gold sliding ring, featuring a cabochon

Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Yellow Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat Rose Gold Round and Asscher Cut Diamonds Sliding Band Ring
LB Exclusive 18 Karat Rose Gold Round and Asscher Cut Diamonds Sliding Band Ring

LB Exclusive 18 Karat Rose Gold Round and Asscher Cut Diamonds Sliding Band Ring

By LB Exclusive

Located in Southampton, PA

round and asscher cut diamonds that, respectively, amount to 0.90 and 0.50 carats. Ring Top Dimensions

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Victorian 4.12 Sapphire Diamond Silver 18 Karat Rose Gold Cluster Ring
Victorian 4.12 Sapphire Diamond Silver 18 Karat Rose Gold Cluster Ring

Victorian 4.12 Sapphire Diamond Silver 18 Karat Rose Gold Cluster Ring

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

herself as you slide this Victorian sapphire and diamond ring on your finger. A cabochon sapphire of over

Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Yellow Gold Onyx & Sliding Diamond Ring
Yellow Gold Onyx & Sliding Diamond Ring

Yellow Gold Onyx & Sliding Diamond Ring

Located in Coral Gables, FL

Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Slide Ring Featuring An Onyx Channel & One Moving 0.15 Carat Round

Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Adjustable Diamond Slide Ring
14 Karat Yellow Gold Adjustable Diamond Slide Ring

14 Karat Yellow Gold Adjustable Diamond Slide Ring

Located in Coral Gables, FL

14 Karat Yellow Gold Adjustable Ring Featuring 2 Round Diamonds Totaling 0.04 Carats. Finished

Category

Late 20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Messika Move Uno Pavé Diamond Slider Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Messika Move Uno Pavé Diamond Slider Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

Messika Move Uno Pavé Diamond Slider Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold

By Messika

Located in Scottsdale, AZ

motion. Crafted in luxurious 18 karat yellow gold, this ring features a sleek diamond pavé slider

Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

New Wide Band with 3 Sliding Diamonds in 14ct White Gold
New Wide Band with 3 Sliding Diamonds in 14ct White Gold

New Wide Band with 3 Sliding Diamonds in 14ct White Gold

Located in London, GB

New 14ct White Gold 6mm Wide Band With 3 Sliding Diamonds Additional Information: Total Diamond

Category

2010s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Christian Bauer Wedding Band 18 Karat Two-Tone Diamond Band Sliding Section
Christian Bauer Wedding Band 18 Karat Two-Tone Diamond Band Sliding Section

Christian Bauer Wedding Band 18 Karat Two-Tone Diamond Band Sliding Section

By Christian Bauer

Located in San Diego, CA

a sliding square pieces that move in the ring. The band is 6.83 grams total and has .12cttw in 3

Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Artist Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Luke Rose Black Diamond Set of Stack Rings in Rose Gold
Luke Rose Black Diamond Set of Stack Rings in Rose Gold

Luke Rose Black Diamond Set of Stack Rings in Rose Gold

Located in Sydney, AU

forms in solid 9ct gold and a signature sliding diamond. The Black Slide ring features a gorgeous

Category

2010s Australian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Luke Rose Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Ring
Luke Rose Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Ring

Luke Rose Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond Ring

Located in Sydney, AU

forms in solid 9ct gold and a signature sliding diamond. The Champagne Slide ring features a gorgeous

Category

2010s Australian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, 9k Gold

Luke Rose Yellow Gold Black Diamond Set of Stack Rings
Luke Rose Yellow Gold Black Diamond Set of Stack Rings

Luke Rose Yellow Gold Black Diamond Set of Stack Rings

Located in Sydney, AU

forms in solid 9ct gold and a signature sliding diamond. The Black Slide ring features a gorgeous

Category

2010s Australian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Black Diamond, 9k Gold

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South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Gold Earrings 0.72 Carats 13-14 MM 18K White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Gold Earrings 0.72 Carats 13-14 MM 18K White Gold

South Sea Pearl Diamond Drop Gold Earrings 0.72 Carats 13-14 MM 18K White Gold

By Harbor Diamonds

Located in New York, NY

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21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Necklace Tiara
Diamond Necklace Tiara

Diamond Necklace Tiara

By Diamond Scene New York

Located in New York, NY

A MASTERPIECE! 46.75 carats of white pear, marquise and round brilliant cut diamonds set in 18k white gold. The piece can be worn as a necklace and easily converted into a tiara...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Stunning Triple Oval Lapis Lazuli Vermeil Earrings
Stunning Triple Oval Lapis Lazuli Vermeil Earrings

Stunning Triple Oval Lapis Lazuli Vermeil Earrings

$550

H 0.69 in W 0.69 in Dm 0.69 in

Stunning Triple Oval Lapis Lazuli Vermeil Earrings

By Bijoux Num

Located in Los Angeles, CA

These stunning pair of earrings feature sets of oval cabochon-cut Lapis Lazuli adorned with round simulated diamond, handset in 18k yellow gold vermeil over sterling silver. The oval...

Category

2010s American Contemporary Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold, Vermeil, Sterling Silver

Vintage 1960's Mabe Pearl and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Vintage 1960's Mabe Pearl and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold

Vintage 1960's Mabe Pearl and Diamond Dome Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold

Located in North Miami, FL

This 60's lovely vintage dome cocktail ring has a mabe pearl surrounded by 26 round diamonds. it is 14 K white gold. It has approximately one carat of diamonds surrounding the mabe p...

Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Dangle Earrings
14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Dangle Earrings

14K Yellow Gold Diamond and Pearl Dangle Earrings

Located in Beverly Hills, CA

This elegant pair of 14K yellow gold dangle earrings from the 1970s features a harmonious blend of pearls and diamonds, embodying timeless sophistication. Each earring showcases four...

Category

Vintage 1970s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold
Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold

Heart garnet Eternity Ring in 14k gold

By Daizy Jewellery

Located in Istanbul, TR

14k gold ring with heart natural garnets. Heart garnet eternity ring band. Valentines gift jewelry. Full circle of hearts. January birthstone ring. Heart Garnet gold ring. Love ring....

Category

2010s Turkish Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her
Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her

Antique 14K Yellow Gold Clustered Emeralds and Diamond Cocktail Ring for Her

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

Emerald ring in 14K Gold which perfectly goes with your personality and also helps you to improve your creativity. Designed with emeralds and diamonds that makes it a perfect fit to ...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Stunning Tsavorite & Diamond Panther Pendant in 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry Gift
Stunning Tsavorite & Diamond Panther Pendant in 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry Gift

Stunning Tsavorite & Diamond Panther Pendant in 18K White Gold Fine Jewelry Gift

By VR Jewels

Located in New York, NY

Unleash bold elegance with this stunning panther-inspired pendant crafted in 18K white gold. Encrusted with brilliant-cut diamonds weighing a total of 0.71 carats, the design capture...

Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, White Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

14K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring
14K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring

14K Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring

Located in Lake Worth, FL

Elegant 14K Yellow Gold Mabe Pearl Diamond Ring Vintage Italian classic large mabe pearl ring crafted of 14k gold features a central 14mm mabe pearl surrounded by a halo of small dia...

Category

Late 20th Century Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Yellow Gold

Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls  850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr
Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls  850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr

Antique Necklace natural 25ctw. Amethyst Pearls 850 Gilt Silver/ 43cm/16.5 gr

Located in SE

Early XX cent. beautiful arrangement of 14 oval cut of natural Amethyst stones and 21 Seed Pearls framed into chained clusters of solid Gilt Silver. Hallmarks on C-lock part 850, un...

Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Pearl, Silver, Gold

Byzantine Style Emerald Green Cabochon Tourmaline, Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Byzantine Style Emerald Green Cabochon Tourmaline, Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring

Byzantine Style Emerald Green Cabochon Tourmaline, Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring

Located in New York, NY

Large, ornate Byzantine style cushion shaped emerald green tourmaline, diamond and 18K yellow gold statement ring. High quality, impressive ring very similar to the Elizabeth Gage T...

Category

20th Century Byzantine Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring
Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring

Art Deco Style Diamond Sapphire Target Platinum Engagement Cocktail Dress Ring

Located in Lisbon, PT

Art Deco Style diamond and sapphire target stylized engagement or cocktail/dress ring in platinum, 2000s. This ring features a round brilliant-cut diamond millegrain-set to the cente...

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Early 2000s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring
Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring

Emilio Jewelry GIA Certified 7.02 Carat Natural Blue Diamond Ring

By Emilio!

Located in New York, NY

From the museum vault at Emilio Jewelry New York, One of the rarest and only diamonds of its size and color. Please inquire for details.

Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Blue Diamond

MODERNIST 1970 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.70 Ctw In Diamonds
MODERNIST 1970 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.70 Ctw In Diamonds

MODERNIST 1970 Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Gold With 1.70 Ctw In Diamonds

Located in Miami, FL

Retro modernist cocktail ring with diamonds. This is a very interesting cocktail ring, created in Italy during the modernist period, back in the 1970. The ring has been crafted with...

Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

South Sea Pearl Diamond Halo Floral Ring 0.98 Carat 18 Karat White Gold
South Sea Pearl Diamond Halo Floral Ring 0.98 Carat 18 Karat White Gold

South Sea Pearl Diamond Halo Floral Ring 0.98 Carat 18 Karat White Gold

By Harbor Diamonds

Located in New York, NY

18K White gold ring featuring one South Sea Pearl measuring 14-15 mm flanked with 28 round brilliants weighing 0.98 carats. Color: G-H Clarity: SI Measurements: South Sea Pearl: ...

Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, White Gold

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Pearl Tassel Crystal Links Necklace
David Webb 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Pearl Tassel Crystal Links Necklace

David Webb 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Pearl Tassel Crystal Links Necklace

By David Webb

Located in New York, NY

Introducing the David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold Dusk Pearl Rock Crystal Diamond White Enamel Necklace—a masterpiece that seamlessly combines luxury and artistry. This dramatic ...

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20th Century American Modern Multi-Strand Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Freshwater Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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Sliding Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact sliding diamond 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 white gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 34 vintage editions and 39 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect sliding diamond ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic sliding diamond ring over the years, but those made by MOISEIKIN, ZEEMOU ZENG and Alex Jona are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A sliding diamond ring can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 60 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and bead versions for sale. When shopping for a sliding diamond ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Sliding Diamond Ring?

Prices for a sliding diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $331 and can go as high as $350,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,180.

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.