Victorian Alexandrite Ring
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Wedding Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Wedding Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary South African Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Wedding Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Engagement Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Victorian Cocktail Rings
Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum
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Victorian Alexandrite Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a Victorian Alexandrite Ring?
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 rings, vintage 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 Cocktail-rings for You
A flashy symbol of wealth during the early 20th century, antique and vintage cocktail rings have gained broader appeal in the decades since for the hefty dose of glamour they bring to any ensemble.
Cocktail rings earned their name for their frequent appearances during glitzy cocktail parties at the height of the Prohibition era. Back then, these accessories were seen not only as statement pieces but as statements in and of themselves. They openly represented a sense of freedom and independence as well as a demonstration of opulence. After all, the 1920s heralded the Harlem Renaissance and Art Deco design, and a slew of social and cultural shifts meant that women in particular were breaking from pre–World War I conventions and embracing newfound freedoms to express themselves as individuals.
Women expressly wore cocktail rings on the fingers of their right hand versus the left, which was “reserved” for an engagement ring or wedding band, accessories definitely paid for by a suitor. And for cocktail rings, the bigger the colored gem at the center — which is usually mounted in a high setting — and the more elaborate the design, the stronger the likelihood of being noticed.
Cocktail rings remained a popular piece of jewelry for women until the 1930s, when the Great Depression and the onset of war marked a change in behaviors nationwide. While the 1960s and ’70s saw a return in visibility for the accessory, it wasn’t until the 1980s that cocktail rings once again assumed their position as a beacon of luxury and glitz.
During the 20th century, the range of dazzling cocktail rings seems to have been limitless, from glimmering gold rings set with carved jade diamonds designed by David Webb to Pomellato’s pink quartz confections to striking Gucci butterfly rings with accent diamonds set in a pavé fashion.
So, how do you wear a cocktail ring? Cocktail rings “can be worn for almost anything — dinners, date nights, parties, special events, on the red carpet,” explains David Joseph of New York-based jewelry brand Bochic.
Can you wear cocktail rings with other rings? “In my opinion, cocktail rings should stand on their own since they showcase a large gem in the center,” says Joseph.
These glamorous jewels can be worn inside or outside crowded taverns, in either daytime or nighttime with casual or dressy attire. On 1stDibs, find a wide variety of antique and vintage cocktail rings, including those offered by Chanel, whose elegant cocktail rings often feature pearls and, of course, diamonds, and sometimes were styled after showy flowers like the camellia, and Van Cleef & Arpels, whose detailed and intricate designs are viewed as miniature pieces of wearable art.
- Is my alexandrite stone real?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022To determine if your alexandrite stone is real, take it to a licensed jewelry appraiser. Only an experienced professional can conduct a thorough examination to tell conclusively whether or not a gemstone is genuine. You'll find a range of expertly vetted alexandrite gemstone jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, Alexandrite can be good for engagement rings. One unique feature of the gemstone is that its color shifts from green in daylight to brown or purplish-red in low lighting, and many people find this characteristic appealing. In addition, Alexandrite has a Moh's hardness scale rating of 8.5. As a result, it's highly resistant to scratching and cleavage and suitable for daily wear. Explore a wide variety of Alexandrite gemstone engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a Victorian ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021Victorian rings are usually made with fine metals and feature impressive gemstones in ornate settings. The style of Victorian jewelry was defined during the reign of Queen Victoria (1837 to 1901). Early Victorian rings were large, brightly colored, and boldly designed, with gemstones such as bloodstones, chalcedonies, garnets, moss agate, rubies, smoky quartz and topazes. During the mid-Victorian period, the designs were more sophisticated, using gemstones such as opals, crystals, emeralds, diamonds, pearls, black glass, jet, and rubies. In the late-Victorian period, platinum became widely used in the jewelry of the era and replaced gold and silver settings for the first time. Find a collection of antique and vintage Victorian rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023Yes, many Victorians gave engagement rings to their fiancées. In fact, the tradition of giving engagement rings became more popular during the Victorian era due to the effects of the Industrial Revolution. The economic growth of the time led to the creation of a middle class that had the ability to save up for special purchases. At the same time, gemstones mined in South Africa began arriving in England, increasing the supply of precious stones and making prices more affordable. Explore an assortment of antique Victorian engagement rings on 1stDibs.
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Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.
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Alon Ruschin, of Vivid Diamonds & Jewelry, channels his passion for gems into helping clients find just the right ring.