Antique 18ct Gold Victorian 5 Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian 5 Stone Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1898 Set with 5 Old Cut Diamonds Size UK N 1/2 Size US 7 Can be resized using our resizing ...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow 0.8ctw Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old European cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about this Antique Yellow Gold 5 Stone Diamond Ring...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Pearl Diamond Three Stone 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Rare Victoriana This superb Victorian period ring is 1870/80 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold, marked Bearing beautiful engraving details and unique setting Set in the trilogy man...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Solid 14K White Gold Natural 5 Stone Opal Triplet Engagement Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This eternity ring is made from 585 14K White Gold with five stunning Opal Triplets. A beautiful Victorian Style Opal Triplet Ring set with a center 7x5mm (0.28"x0.20" inches), two 6...
Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold
Solid 9K White Gold Natural 5 Stone Opal Triplet Engagement Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This eternity ring is made from 375 9K White Gold with five stunning Opal Triplets. A beautiful Victorian Style Opal Triplet Ring set with a center 7x5mm (0.28"x0.20" inches), two 6x...
Opal, 9k Gold, White Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.27ctw Old European Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old European cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about this Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold 0.63tgw Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique sapphire, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising three cushion shaped sapphires, and two old mine cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about thi...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Rose Gold Diamond Victorian Three-Stone Engagement Ring 14k Mine 1.50ctw Antique
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 3 sizes for $60 or Down 2 sizes for $40 Era: Victorian Metal Content: 14k Rose Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 1.50ctw Cut: Old Mine ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
Dated around the 1880s, this lovely five stone ring is typically victorian in it's style and feel. The old cut diamonds have a total carat weight of 0.35 and are claw set within the ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 2.30 Ct Natural Sapphire Five stone ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Into the Blue Beautiful Victorian period five stone ring in a classy half hoop setting of the era 18 KT mounting finely carved throughout with rich scroll details, bears French Impor...
Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.0 Ct Opal Five Stone 18 Kt Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This beautiful Victorian period ring has been hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold, English origin The lovely claw mount showcases a selection of slightly graduated oval Opals estimate 2...
Opal, 18k Gold
18K Yellow Gold European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Size 5 #24615
Located in Washington Depot, CT
18K Yellow Gold Black Enamel European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Size 5 This beautifully crafted ring features a sparkling European cut diamond* at its center set in beautifully de...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Carved 1.25 Ct Five Stone Boat Ring 18 KT
Located in Napoli, IT
This Gorgeous late Victorian five stone ring is 1900 ca. Enchanting boat shape skilfully carved and pierced with scroll work made of solid 18 KT gold – marked Facing up with a gradu...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.88 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This antique Victorian ring is supplied with an IDGL diamond grading report certificate for the feature stone, in addition to an IDGL diamond grading report card for the supporting s...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
.30 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.6 grams Pearl: Natural, Pinkish-White Diamond Details: Weight: .30ct, total weight Cut: Rose Cut, Antiqu...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone Engagement Sz 7
Located in Torrance, CA
Framed with sparkling old mine cut diamonds in an oval mount the Victorian ring would make a lovely alternative gemstone engagement ring or cocktail ring.
Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
EGL Certified 1.40 Carat Victorian Diamond Filigree Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Late 19th century, 1870's Handmade antique diamond engagement ring. The center stone is a 1.40ct Old European cut diamond, mounted in a Platinum filigree dome setting and accented wi...
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.2ctw Old Mine Cut Diamond 4 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising four old mine cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite thing about this Antique Yellow Gold 4 Stone Diamond Ring is ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1892 British Three Stones Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold / Ø US6 / 2gr
Located in SE
Late Victorian period ring made in Great Britain. Hollow band about 5 mm at widest in solid 18K Yellow Gold and 3 pave set stones : 2 old diamond cut Diamonds( Ø 2.5 mm/0.08ct eac...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
EGL Certified .47 Carat Diamond White Gold Victorian Revival Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Beautiful, 1990's Victorian revival diamond engagement ring. EGL certified .47ct Old European round center stone.
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Vintage 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum 0.56ctw Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A vintage diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old European cut diamonds, set in platinum, to a band of 18 karat yellow gold. This lovely ring is set to the cen...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Edwardian 18KT Gold Natural Ruby Five Stone Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An Edwardian 18KT gold five stone ring set with a graduated line of natural rubies across the top. The stones are mounted in a traditional row, creating a classic and balanced design...
Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
4.00 Carat Total Weight Opal Rose Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14 karat Rose Gold [Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Color Stone Details: Type: Opal Shape: Oval Cabachon Carat Weight: 4 carat, total weight. Color: White with R...
Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Victorian Rose Gold 1.05tcw Elongated Rose Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian navette ring crafted in warm rose gold, set with approximately 1.05 carats total weight of rose cut diamonds. The elongated marquise-shaped cluster centers on a ...
Diamond, Rose Gold
Vintage 18ct Gold Victorian Style Ruby & Diamond Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Carved Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1980’s Gorgeous, Victorian style carved ring. Set with alternating, natural rubies & brilliant cut diamonds. Mounted on a 2mm, 18ct yel...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique 9ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Natural Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Marquise Ring 9ct Gold Tested Circa 1880s This stunning Victorian ring is crafted from 9ct gold and features a marquise shape, with an exquisite oval, faceted na...
Diamond, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 18K Yellow Gold 0.94tgw Ruby and Diamond 7 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising one cushion shaped ruby, two round cut rubies, and four old single cut diamonds, in 18 karat yellow gold. My favourite th...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 3.25 Carat Emerald and 1.92 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique Victorian 3.25 carat emerald and 1.92 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow and white gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry collectio...
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Platinum Diamond GIA Oval 4.11 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GIA Certificate Number 2235254245 Size- 5 3/4. Free Sizing. One of a Kind Entirely Handmade Victorian Inspired Round and Emerald Cut Diamond GIA Certified Pariaba Tourmaline Enga...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian .90ct Old Mine Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Stamford, CT
Circa 1890's elegant Victorian era cluster ring featuring approximately .90 carat total weight of shimmering old mine diamonds. The 16 diamonds are arranged in a traditional clustere...
Diamond, Platinum
ALGT Certified 2.08 Carat Lagoon Tourmaline Diamond Cocktail Gold ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A breathtaking 18kt white gold Diana cocktail ring featuring a stunning 2.08-carat Lagoon tourmaline at its center, surrounded by 34 dazzling halo of brilliant diamonds. Inspired by ...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold
Early 20th Century 18KT Gold Turquoise and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
An early 20th century English ring crafted in 18KT gold, set with an oval turquoise cabochon within an elongated navette-shaped cluster. The design is fine and balanced, with the tap...
Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
ALGT Certified 1.37 carat Paraiba Tourmaline Diamond 18 kt Yellow Gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Exclusive handmade ring in 18 kt yellow gold set with oval mixed cut paraiba tourmaline of 1.37 carats and decorated with 16 pieces of brilliant and baguette cut diamonds. Total diam...
Diamond, Tourmaline, Paraiba, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Yellow Gold Diamond Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
A sparkling antique 12k gold navette-style ring, set with a cluster of bright old-cut diamonds arranged in an elongated marquise silhouette. The slim tapered form gives the piece a g...
Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold
Art Nouveau 18k Yellow Gold Green Moissanite and Diamond ring - by NOOI JEWELRY
Located in Dueville, IT
Art Nouveau 18k Yellow Gold Green Moissanite and Diamond ring - made by NOOI JEWELRY This is a Made to order item 3-5 weeks from the payment ( August 6 to 7 weeks ) Please messag...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
9K Yellow Gold Solid Blue Topaz Victorian Style Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Evoking the romantic sentiment of the Victorian era, this vintage-inspired three stone engagement ring glows with luminous blue topaz gemstones set across an ornate yellow gold band.
Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
.90 Carat Bright Green Emerald Diamond Platinum Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1900's Victorian bright green emerald cut .90 carat emerald and diamond Victorian engagement ring.
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
Victorian 5 Carat Emerald 2.10 Carat Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring, Circa 1900
Located in Miami, FL
A magnificent statement of Victorian elegance, this antique platinum cocktail ring showcases the grandeur and refined craftsmanship of late 19th-century England. At its heart lies a ...
Diamond, Emerald, Platinum
$15,658Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 18kt Gold Snake Ring with 3.50ct Ruby & 0.45ct Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
Early Victorian-era snake ring, crafted in 18K yellow gold and styled in a coiled serpent design—symbolising eternal love and protection.
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Hallmarked 1895 London 18K Five Stone Diamond Ring size 61/4
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an antique, Hallmarked London 1895, 18K yellow gold 5 stone diamond ring, size 6 1/4. A hallmarked ring is truly a treasure. It assures confidence. The ring is marked ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
HM 1905 Chester 18K Five Stone Cushion Cut Diamond Ring 4.2 g
Located in Baltimore, MD
This is an antique Hallmarked Chester 1905, 18K yellow gold 5 stone diamond ring, size 7 1/4. A hallmarked ring is truly a treasure. It assures confidence. The ring is marked o...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Seven Warm Tone Rose Cut Diamond Classic Victorian Style Band 14K Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Tysons, VA
A sparkling seven stone ring from the late Victorian era. This piece features seven dazzling rose cut diamond which scintillate beautifully.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1.09 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring Circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The Victorian engagement ring is an excellent gauge of gold and platinum and is in excellent condition.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Unavailable|$1,100
Antique Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Gold 5-Stone Rosecut Ring
Located in Crownsville, MD
Beautiful Victorian era late 1800s 18K solid yellow gold 5 stone rosecut diamond ring. Diamonds are 2mm each in diameter (.03 carats each). Size 7, can be resized by a jeweler. Gold ...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$1,282
Victorian Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
Victorian diamond 5 stone engagement ring on an 18ct gold carved hoop band.
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$7,600
Victorian Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
Hand crafted in Birmingham, England in 1874, this 18 karat gold ring is set with 9 bright and sparkling Old European cut diamonds that glitter and sparkle with your every move. The c...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$15,000 / item
5 Carat Ruby Engagement Ring, Minimalist Ruby Bridal Ring Cocktail Signet Ring
Located in Orlando, Florida
Natural ruby engagement ring, Antique ruby statement ring, Halo Ruby ring gold, genuine ruby ring, unique vintage art deco ruby wedding ring, ruby diamond ring, victorian ruby ring, ...
Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold
Unavailable|$3,200
Victorian Old European Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring, 18 Karat
Located in Lombard, IL
This delightful Victorian solitaire engagement ring is perfect for a genuine antique jewelry lover.
Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Oval Unique Diamond Victorian Engagement ring, Statement Ring, The Great Gatsby
Located in Hertsliya, IL
Beautiful and delicate Victorian-inspired Oval diamond unique cluster engagement ring.
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Double Halo Round Diamonds Ballerina Engagement Ring, Victorian Bold, Veronica
Located in Hertsliya, IL
Beautiful and Delicate Round Diamond Double Halo Art Deco Engagement Ring And Anniversary Ring. With two layers of surrounding diamond, the double halo setting maximizes the amount o...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian Era 1891 Rose Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Having journeyed from the early 1890's, Ida is an enchanting ring for today's bride. Her 18 carat bridge setting allows the light to dance under and around the rose cut diamonds, giv...
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$1,670
Victorian 14k Spinel and Pearl Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely amazing spinel and pearl ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! This stunning piece is crafted in 14k yellow gold, and features 5 oval cut spinel stones. Although the s...
Pearl, Spinel, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Unavailable|$3,590
Victorian 14K Aqua Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning aquamarine ring from the late Victorian (ca1880s) era! This beautiful piece is crafted in 14k rose gold, and features a stunning aquamarine stone. The 6.50ct oval-cut aqua...
Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Unavailable|$3,650
Exquisite Victorian Diamond Ruby Rare Heart Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Love Me for Ever! This superb authentic Victorian heart ring is just the ring you would LOVE viewing on your finger for ever A romantic Love token from the Victorian era, beautifull...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Unavailable|$13,190
Victorian 14k/Sterling Silver Ruby & Diamond Crown Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A regal ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 14k yellow gold and sterling silver, this ring features an intricate centerpiece. The centerpiece, which resembles the silho...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver
Engagement Ring, 0.82ct Cushion Cut Diamond, 14k White Gold, Halo Diamond Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
One Of a Kind Engagement Ring 0.82 CT Cushion Shape Natural Diamond, Solid 14k White Gold, Halo Diamond Ring ~~ S e t t i n g ~~ Solid 14k White Gold 3.8 grams Ring Size 5 US ~~...
Diamond, White Gold
Unavailable|$2,030
Victorian 14k/Sterling Silver Moonstone Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A beautiful moonstone ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! This lovely ring is made of 14kt yellow gold holds a moonstone cabochon at its center in a sterling silver mounting. The e...
Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver
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.
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 rings, vintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings.
Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.
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 rings, vintage 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.
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
Will your beloved be enchanted by an Edwardian ring or a trendy Art Deco piece? We clue you into period styles and tips for finding the perfect ring.