Skip to main content

Split Shank Diamond Ring

to
150
506
209
287
201
128
607
55
107
49
28
33
588
1
1
3
2
1
1
5
523
97
2
199
103
58
42
38
to
72
30
18
18
14
239
116
36
13
3
3
2
2
622
587
Sort By
GIA 1.7ct Round Antique Engraved Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the diamond's natural brilliance. The split shoulder shank is adorned with smaller round brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 0.97ct Emerald Snowflake Cluster Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 0.97 emerald center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 2ct Radiant Snowflake Cluster Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
testament to fine craftsmanship. Encircling the split shoulder shank, additional diamonds add an extra layer
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 0.7ct Princess Solitaire Triple Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating princess center diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 2.04ct Princess Solitaire Triple Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating princess center diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.2 Carat Halo Emerald Filigree Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Radiating timeless elegance and sophistication, This exquisite diamond ring features a captivating
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 0.9 Carat Halo Radiant Filigree Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Radiating timeless elegance and sophistication, This exquisite diamond ring features a captivating
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.2ct Princess Solitaire Entwined Prong Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
delicately balanced split shoulder shank, adorned with pave round brilliant cut diamonds that enhance its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.81 Carat Round Double Halo Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the profile. The ring’s graceful split shoulder shank, adorned with shimmering side stones graded at G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 1.52 Carat Round Double Halo Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the profile. The ring’s graceful split shoulder shank, adorned with shimmering side stones graded at G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified 1.01ct Princess Solitaire Entwined Prong Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
delicately balanced split shoulder shank, adorned with pave round brilliant cut diamonds that enhance its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 1.01ct Princess Solitaire Entwined Prong Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
delicately balanced split shoulder shank, adorned with pave round brilliant cut diamonds that enhance its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified 1.2 Carat Halo Oval Filigree Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship is exceptional, with a split shoulder shank adorned with additional round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified 1 Carat Halo Oval Filigree Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship is exceptional, with a split shoulder shank adorned with additional round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 1.70 Carat Round Double Halo Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the profile. The ring’s graceful split shoulder shank, adorned with shimmering side stones graded at G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified 2.3 Carat Halo Oval Filigree Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship is exceptional, with a split shoulder shank adorned with additional round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA Certified 2.20 Carat Round Double Halo Split Shank Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the profile. The ring’s graceful split shoulder shank, adorned with shimmering side stones graded at G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Emerald Cut Indicolite Tourmaline Split Shank Diamond Ring 6.91 Carats 18KT
By Harbor Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Emerald cut Indicolite Tourmaline weighing 6.11 carats with a diamond split shank mounting weighing
Category

2010s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Indicolite, 18k Gold, White Gold

7.74 Carat Pink Tourmaline Split Shank Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Rosé Radiance: The Pink Tourmaline Split Shank Ring This ring is a dazzling celebration of
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

Multicolor Stackable Open Split Shank Diamond Ring in 14K Solid Gold (Certified)
Located in New Delhi, DL
SGL. Introducing our vibrant Triple Diamond Ring, a playful and chic addition to your jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Split Shank Princess Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Webster, NY
Beautiful split shank diamond ring made in 14k white gold featuring a 1.05ct Princess cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

2.06 Carat Old Mine Muzo Colombian Emerald & Diamond Halo Split Shank 18k Ring
By Gad & Co.
Located in Miami, FL
2.06 carat Old Mine Colombian Emerald and Diamond Halo with split shank diamond ring in 18K White
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

TJD 1.0 Carat Round Diamond 14KT Tri Color Gold Designer Wide Wedding Band Ring
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
Truly exquisite, she'll admire the effortless look of this graceful split shank diamond ring. The
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

GIA 1.2ct Princess Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
open split shoulder shank, featuring pavé set diamonds, adds a sophisticated touch while allowing light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 2.01ct Oval Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
open split shoulder shank, featuring pavé set diamonds, adds a sophisticated touch while allowing light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 2.27ct Round Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
open split shoulder shank, featuring pavé set diamonds, adds a sophisticated touch while allowing light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 0.8ct Oval Twisted Rope Split Shank Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring features a captivating prong set oval center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.51ct Cushion Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
open split shoulder shank, featuring pavé set diamonds, adds a sophisticated touch while allowing light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.22ct Cushion Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
open split shoulder shank, featuring pavé set diamonds, adds a sophisticated touch while allowing light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 0.90ct Emerald Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
open split shoulder shank, featuring pavé set diamonds, adds a sophisticated touch while allowing light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 0.80ct Oval Three-Stone Split Shank Pave Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
open split shoulder shank, featuring pavé set diamonds, adds a sophisticated touch while allowing light
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.70ct Princess Halo Split Shank Double Band Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Radiating elegance and charm, This exquisite diamond ring features a captivating centerpiece of a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.03 Carat Twisted Rope Split Shank Oval Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
, timeless appeal. The ring's design showcases a twisted rope split shank, offering a sophisticated yet
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 2.01 Carat Twisted Rope Split Shank Oval Halo Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
, timeless appeal. The ring's design showcases a twisted rope split shank, offering a sophisticated yet
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Neil Lane Cushion Cut Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond and Halo Ring 14 Karat Gold
By Neil Lane
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
ring. This absolutely exquisite halo split shank diamond ring combines white and yellow diamonds in a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold, 1...

GIA Certified 0.83 Carat Round Double Halo Split Shank Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the profile. The ring’s graceful split shoulder shank, adorned with shimmering side stones graded at G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 0.7 Carat Halo Oval Filigree Split Shank Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship is exceptional, with a split shoulder shank adorned with additional round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 2.2ct Round Solitaire Entwined Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
diamonds that enhance the ring's allure, while the split shank adorned with pave round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 2.22ct Round Solitaire Entwined Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
melee diamonds that enhance the ring's allure, while the split shank adorned with pave round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA 1.5ct Round Antique Engraved Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the diamond's natural brilliance. The split shoulder shank is adorned with smaller round brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 0.74ct Round Vintage Flower Halo Split Shank White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This splendid diamond ring showcases a stunning center stone featuring a round diamond weighing
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 2.52ct Radiant Snowflake Cluster Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 2.52 radiant center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 2.02ct Radiant Snowflake Cluster Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 2.02 radiant center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA 1.5ct Round Vintage Flower Halo Split Shank Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
This splendid diamond ring showcases a stunning center stone featuring a round diamond weighing 1.5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA 1.5ct Emerald Snowflake Cluster Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 1.5 emerald center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA 2.01ct Emerald Snowflake Cluster Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 2.01 emerald center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 1.2ct Radiant Snowflake Cluster Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 1.2 radiant center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 0.90ct Round Solitaire Entwined Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
diamonds that enhance the ring's allure, while the split shank adorned with pave round brilliant cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 1.20ct Round Solitaire Entwined Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
melee diamonds that enhance the ring's allure, while the split shank adorned with pave round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 1.32 Carat Halo Oval Filigree Split Shank Platinum Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
craftsmanship is exceptional, with a split shoulder shank adorned with additional round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 1.50ct Round Antique Engraved Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the diamond's natural brilliance. The split shoulder shank is adorned with smaller round brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 1.50ct Round Antique Engraved Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
the diamond's natural brilliance. The split shoulder shank is adorned with smaller round brilliant-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA 2.01ct Radiant Snowflake Cluster Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 2.01 radiant center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 2.02ct Radiant Snowflake Cluster Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this exquisite diamond ring showcases an impressive 2.02 radiant center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA 2ct Princess Solitaire Square Halo Split Shank Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this captivating diamond ring features a striking center stone of a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA 1.52ct Princess Solitaire Triple Split Shank 18K White Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted in New York, this stunning diamond ring features a captivating princess center diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

GIA 1.31 Carat Halo Emerald Filigree Split Shank 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring
By EMD Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Radiating timeless elegance and sophistication, This exquisite diamond ring features a captivating
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Split Shank Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Split Shank Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact split shank diamond ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, White Gold and 18k Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a split shank diamond 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 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing split shank diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but TJD, Sebastian Bernard and Peter Suchy each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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 oval cut and cushion cut alternatives. Finding a split shank diamond ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 50 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Split Shank Diamond Ring?

On average, a split shank diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $4,886, while they’re typically $320 on the low end and $345,500 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Split Shank Diamond Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021
    Split shank rings are differentiated by their band, which splits in two on either side to frame the gem in the center. The double band provides area to add additional accenting gems.