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Victorian GIA 3 Carat Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Silver Square Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Certificate: GIA  #2239409014 Center Stone: Octagonal Cut Emerald Weight: Approximately 3 Carat
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian 1.36 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
small Rose cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 1.00 carat. Circa late 1800s Size 7 3/4
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

GIA Certified .3 Carat Natural Red Ruby Diamond Gold Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
certified natural and no heat. Two nice old mine cut diamonds. Handmade Victorian ring 1 Oval 4.62 x 3.43 x
Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.60 Carat Unheated Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a 15ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond cluster ring from the Victorian era. The central
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 0.70 Carat Diamond 14 Carat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
This timeless antique Victorian ring is crafted from 14ct yellow and white gold, featuring a unique
Category

Antique 19th Century North American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique 3 Carats old mine diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
for a total of approximately 3 Carats. All the diamonds are bright and lively. Estimated color and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Early Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 6.45 Carat Sapphire 1.80 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning 14k pink gold engagement ring from the Victorian era. The ring is centered with
Category

20th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold

Victorian sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold 3 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This elegant Victorian three-stone ring features a deep blue 1.10 carat cushion cut sapphire
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian diamond sapphire 14k yellow gold 3 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This antique two-tone ring showcases a charming 0.40 carat old European diamond flanked by deep
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18k Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite diamond halo ring from the Victorian era (ca1880)! This gorgeous ring is crafted in
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1 carat sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian ring from the 1880s is crafted in 18k yellow gold and features a cushion cut
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18k Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite diamond navette ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 14k Diamond Trefoil Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
represented by a cluster of three gemstones. A lovely trefoil ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian GIA Certified Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Vintage 3-stone ring Victorian GIA certified, 2.43 carat F-I1 old European cut diamond ring with
Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 0.80 Total Carat Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely diamond cluster ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! The mixed metals design combines a
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian 18k Diamond Cross Motif Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely diamond ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this ring
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 10.00 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
10.00 carats, accented by a halo of Rose cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.00 carat
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.88 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
verified as 15 karat gold. This antique Victorian ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
a simple 18carat gold band and the diamonds total approx 80pts. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Cluster
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.22 Carat Sapphire 0.20 Carat Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a lovely Victorian double snake ring crafted in 14K gold. Circa 1890. The piece features
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Natural 3 CTW Multi Gemstone/Diamond Serpentine Ring Size 7 in 18k/925
Located in New York, NY
Discover the allure of the Victorian Multi Gemstone and Diamond Serpentine Band Ring — a stackable
Category

2010s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold, Rhodium, Sterling ...

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 Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central diamond in this glossy 18ct gold band measures 7pts and is set in a square setting. The
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Victorian 1.10 Carat Ruby and 0.48 Carat Diamond, Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 1.10 carat ruby and 0.48 carat diamond, 18 karat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

3 Stone Burma Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond GIA Victorian Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Red Carpet 3-Stone Burma Ruby GIA and Diamond Victorian English Statement Gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful diamond cluster ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This charming ring is crafted in
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian Turquoise and 15 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamond. The ring is modelled out of 15ct gold and is beautifully engraved all the way around the band
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Gold

Victorian 0.50 Carat Opal and 0.33 Carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18 karat gold and silver. This Victorian opal and diamond ring is
Category

Antique 1890s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Gold GIA 1.27ct Cushion No Heat Sapphire Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Prong Set - H Color - SI1 Clarity - 0.45ctw (approx.) Total Carat
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Opal .8 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring Antique Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Victorian - Art Deco Ring with three gorgeous natural oval Opals of incredible
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

C1880 14 Carat Peridot and Diamond Flush Mount 3 Stone Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Flush mount rings, otherwise known as gypsy rings, became popular during the late Victorian period
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold

Victorian Opal & Diamond 18K Prong Set Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Looking for a Victorian opal ring? This fabulous ring has three beautiful, full spectrum
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Moostone Cameo Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
old European cut natural diamonds. Ring size 6 3/4. Weight 11.7 gr./7.5 dwt. Diamond: Estimated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

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 Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.66 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.66 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, five stone
Category

Antique 1890s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Turquoise and Rose Cut Diamond 9 Carat Gold Cluster Locket Back Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
the centre. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Cluster Diamater: 10mm Weight: 2.9g
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Turquoise, Diamond, Gold

Gold Victorian Ring with Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat yellow gold ring set with four half round, grey pearls set in a clover shape with five
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Victorian Diamond and Sapphire 18 Carat Gold Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds three sapphires which total 40pts and two diamonds totalling 30pts. These are set
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Victorian Inspired Rose Cut Diamond Ring 925 Silver Birthday Gift Victorian Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Victorian Inspired Rose Cut Diamond Ring 925 Silver Birthday Gift Victorian Ring Total Carat
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

French 2.05 carat old European cut diamond 18k yellow gold 3 stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold ring showcases a luminous 0.95 carat old European cut diamond
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Era Bright Red Pink Ruby & Old Cut Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
indicates early to mid Victorian Era' Ring Size N(Australia and UK sizing) or 6 3/4 (US and Canada) The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18K Gold Twin Serpent Ring with Diamonds
Located in Houston, TX
mine-cut diamond that total 0.25 carats, G-J in color and SI clarity. Ring is currently a size 9 1/2
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.14 Carat GIA Cert Old European Diamond Two Color Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
diamond that weighs 1.14ct. and is graded J color with VS2 clarity. The top of the ring measures 9mm by
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Victorian Era Signature Evil Eye Ring with Diamonds & Sapphires
Located in Venice, CA
Originally, a 14 karat Victorian era ring with a circle of diamonds surrounding the central
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

5.48 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire & 3.30 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
 carats, accented by Old European cut Diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 3.30 carats.  Size 6 3/4
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Victorian Diamond Ceylon Sapphire Ring 14K Gold Antique Cocktail Rare Victorian Ring, Antique Ring
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold 0.15 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Antique 18ct Gold Diamond Ring with five lively mine cut natural diamonds Diamond Calculation
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Victorian 18k Yellow Gold, Diamonds and Emeralds Cocktail Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Victorian yellow gold, diamonds and emeralds cocktail ring. Metal: 18 karat yellow gold. Probably
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Gold Snake Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 18k. Victorian symbols of friendship and trustworthiness, these snake rings were
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Amethyst Three Stone And Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian Amethyst Three Stone and Diamond Gold Ring, circa 1900. The Victorian Amethyst Three
Category

20th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
0.14 carat and are old cut diamonds. The ring is all made in 18 carat yellow gold and is all hand made
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Inspired Rose Cut Diamond Ring 925 Silver Party Wear Diamond Ring.
Located in Chicago, IL
Victorian Inspired Rose Cut Diamond Ring 925 Silver Party Wear Diamond Ring. Total Carat Weight
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Sterling Silver

Victorian French Diamond Ruby 18k Gold Silver Ring Antique
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
-faceted oval ruby and approximately 2.0 carats rose cut diamonds. Measurements: 1 3/16" x 1/2" (3 x 1.3
Category

Early 20th Century French Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Revival Pearl Diamond Enamel 14 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
surround flush set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.80 carat total - G/H color with
Category

Vintage 1940s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Enamel

Victorian 18K Gold Elongated Cluster Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This spectacular Old Mine Cut diamond ring presents a wide band of encrusted diamond sparkle
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 9 Karat Gold 1.00 Carat Garnet Rhodolite Seed Pearl Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is a Victorian ring crafted in 9K gold. Circa 1890. The piece features: - 4 garnets
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, Rhodolite, Gold, 9k Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring has 3 beautifully deep blue sapphires, complimented by two lovely old cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.0 Ct. Diamond 1.0 Ct. Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This gorgeous antique Victorian period ring is 1890 ca. Traditional five stone setting hand crafted
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

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Victorian 3 Carat Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact victorian 3 carat diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. 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. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect victorian 3 carat diamond ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing victorian 3 carat diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Roshe Jewels, DGI and Malpani Jewels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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 oval cut and cushion cut alternatives. Most of our victorian 3 carat diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 10 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Victorian 3 Carat Diamond Ring?

On average, a victorian 3 carat diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $12,160, while they’re typically $1,200 on the low end and $67,000 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.