Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Style Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Ring of 18k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A refined vintage ring designed in a Victorian revival style as an elongated navette set with vibrant synthetic rubies and sparkling old European cut diamonds, mounted in silver topp...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, 1.64ct
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, 1.64ct This ring has a natural Round/Oval Cut Ruby that weighs 1.10 carats and natural Round Cut Diamonds that weigh...
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold and Silver 0.8ctw Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian yellow gold, silver, diamond, and ruby ring, comprising sixteen round cut rubies, five old mine cut diamonds, and twenty-eight rose cut diamonds, set in silver, to an 18 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
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 rubies that sit either side of this stone measure 8pts each. Hallmarked Birmingham...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold
Victorian Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique Victorian 0.55 carat Diamond and 0.80 carat ruby, 15 karat yellow gold three stone/trilogy ring; part of our diverse Victorian jewelry collect...
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in EINDHOVEN, NB
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring This Antique Ruby and Diamond Boat Ring, crafted circa early 1900s, features vibrant rubies and sparkling diamonds se...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Ruby and Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 4.34 carat diamond and 1.26 carat sapphire, 0.85 carat ruby and 17 karat yellow gold, silver set navette shaped ring; part of our diverse antique esta...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
2.37 Carat Diamond and Ruby Flower Statement Fashion Ring in Victorian Style
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
2.37 Carat Diamond and Ruby Flower Statement Fashion Ring in Victorian Style This Victorian era art-deco style floral enchanting pink-red ruby and diamond ring is eternal.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
Aquamarine, Ruby and Diamond Victorian Dome Ring in 18k/925 Gold
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our remarkable Victorian Dome Ring, an exquisite masterpiece that beautifully showcases the combination of a captivating aquamarine, vibrant rubies, and dazzling diamonds.
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Rhodium, Sterling Silver
18ct Mid Victorian Heart Locket Lover's Ring with Rubies, Emeralds, and Diamonds
Located in London, GB
The knot motif and concealed locket reflect the era's fascination with tokens of affection, making this an evocative and collectible piece of period jewellery. Mid Victorian 18ct go...
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Star Setting Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous 18ct gold band holds a central diamond set in a star and two rubies either side. The central diamond measures 4pts. Fully hallmarked Birmingham 1895. Ring Size: O or 7...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Heart Shaped Ring with Diamond, Sapphires and Rubies, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
Hallmarked in 1902, thia Victorian ring features a diamond, sapphire and ruby all set to centre.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian rose cut diamond ruby rose gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This beautiful Victorian ring is a richly romantic antique jewel from the 1900’s, crafted in 12k rose gold and silver with a striking combination of rubies and rose cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver
Victorian Burmese Ruby and Pearl Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful Victorian 18ct yellow gold cluster ring. The centre of the cluster is a lovely natural pearl that is surrounded by a cluster of 6 old cut rubies.
Pearl, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 2.1tgw Ruby and Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A ruby and diamond ring in gold, comprising one oval cut ruby and twenty-four old cut diamonds, to an 18 karat yellow gold band. An exquisite cherry red ruby is set to the centre o...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring, C.1880s
Located in London, GB
Expert handcrafted detailing is shown on the shoulders of this 18ct yellow gold Victorian ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Oval Cut Carat Weight: 0.30 Colour: G Clarity: VS2 ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.58tgw Sapphire, Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A yellow gold, sapphire, diamond and ruby ring, comprising five cushion shaped sapphires, five old mine cut diamonds and five cushion shaped rubies, set in 18 karat yellow gold, to a...
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian ruby old cut diamond 9k rose gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A delicate and romantic Victorian ring that captures the soft charm and intimacy of antique design.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique 18ct Gold & Silver, Early Victorian Moonstone, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Moonstone Ring 18ct Gold & Silver Circa 1865 Step back in time with this exquisite early Victorian ring, crafted with exceptional attention to detail.
Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Vintage Victorian Senaille Cut Diamond and Ruby Silver on 18K Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Senaille Cut Diamond and Ruby Silver on Gold Victorian Ring. Securely Hand set with .60tcw Senaille Cut Diamonds and .40tcw Rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Pear-Cut Ruby and Diamond Ring, Circa 1880s
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 18k yellow gold ring features a pear-cut ruby of approximately 0.40 carats, surrounded by 10 old European and single cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.65 carats, F...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian ruby diamond cluster 18k yellow gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Crafted in a traditional combination of 18k yellow gold and silver, the ring reflects authentic Victorian construction, with yellow gold adding warmth and silver enhancing the brilli...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
5.38 Carat Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in Victorian Style
Located in Jaipur, IN
5.38 Carat Oval-Cut Ruby and Diamond Eternity Band Ring in Victorian Style This Victorian period art-deco style enchanting crimson ruby and diamond band is magnificent.
Diamond, Ruby, Silver
Mid-Century Victorian Revival Ruby and Diamond Ring in Platinum and Yellow Gold
Located in Palm Beach, FL
This vintage, classic Victorian style ring is set with one natural ruby in the center of the platinum top overlaying the 18K yellow gold framework.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1890s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.5 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.7 grams Ruby Details: .30ct, Pinkish-Red Ruby, VS Clean, Natural ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian diamond ruby 14k yellow gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Victorian 14k yellow gold ring features a glowing .60 carat old mine cut diamond flanked by two vibrant cushion cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Snake Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: Victorian Estate Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stones: Three Old European Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 1 Carat Color/Clarity: I-J / VS1-2 Accent Stones:...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone English 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty antique Victorian period ring is 1890 ca. English origin – bearing hallmarks Traditional Victorian half hoop mount, beautiful hand carved details exalting the fabul...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.65 Carat Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
All three stones have been claw set within an 18ct yellow gold band with a beautifully decorated gallery with handmade carvings. This lovely ring dates back to the Victorian era, c.1...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Diamond Marquis Snake Ring Emerald Ruby Victorian Style J Dauphin
By J DAUPHIN
Located in Los Angeles, CA
J DAUPHIN “Eternal Renewal” White Sapphire Snake Ring – Victorian Ouroboros Design with Emerald and Ruby Eyes A symbolic and timeless creation by J DAUPHIN, the “Eternal Renewal” ri...
Emerald, Ruby, Diamond, Gold Plate
Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond three stone ring.
Vintage Victorian Style Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
VINTAGE VICTORIAN STYLE RUBY AND DIAMOND THREE STONE RING Fine elongated shape with 2 bright, vibrant deep red round-shaped rubies to the north and south of a total approx. weight of...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique 15ct Gold Victorian Amethyst Diamond Opal Ruby and Emerald Acrostic Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Adore Ring 15ct Gold Circa 1880 Acrostic rings became popular throughout the Victorian period.
Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise/Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Step into the elegance of the Victorian era with this stunning marquise-shaped ring, beautifully crafted in 18ct yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Antique Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a captivating navette ring crafted from a combination of gold and silver. This antique piece features a centralised vertical arrangement of three bright white old mine c...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Fox Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring Antique Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
This is an Antique Victorian - Edwardian Ring with a gorgeous Fox head set with Rose Cut Diamonds with Ruby eyes.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Half Hoop Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This breathtaking antique Ruby and Diamond ring is Victorian, Circa 1880. The ring is adorned with five wonderful rubies with lovely rose cut diamond points.
Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian French 3.45 carat total weight diamond and ruby 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This stunning Victorian French ring features five sparkling old European cut diamonds and richly hued oval cut rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian old cut diamond ruby 9k rose gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This charming Victorian cluster ring centers on a softly glowing rose cut diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carat, displaying a gentle, romantic shimmer with its J color and I clar...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 9k Gold, Rose Gold
$112,000Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian Era 1900 Ruby Diamond Ring NO HEAT
Located in Chicago, IL
GIA Certified 3.00 Carat Natural Unheated Ceylon Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Halo Ring This exceptional ring showcases a rare and valuable 3.00-carat natural unheated Ruby, ex...
Diamond, Ruby, Platinum
Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a fabulous ruby and diamond cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find a round faceted bright pinky red synthetic ruby.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Late- Victorian Style Ruby and Diamond Ladies Ring Set in 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
A captivating and colorful quintet of richly saturated, oval shaped vibrant raspberry-red rubies, together weighing 1.27 carat weight total, are interspersed by bright white and spar...
Diamond, Ruby, White Gold
Antique Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ruby Diamond Emerald Fede Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 19th Century Victorian Fede ring featuring a trio of a ruby, diamond and an emerald.
Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold
Antique Victorian 14K Yellow Gold 0.78tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising four round cut rubies, and eight old European cut diamonds, set in 14 karat yellow gold, to an 14 karat yellow gold band.
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Diamond Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This Beautiful Authentic Victorian 18k gold 'Vous et Moi' ring is set in the center with one Certified vivid Natural unheated Ruby, 1.53 ct., and one Sparkling Old mine cut diamond w...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian-Inspired 14K Yellow Gold Ruby Diamond Flower Ring, 2.36ct
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Victorian-Inspired Ring is truly a unique vintage beauty There are 7 Oval Cut Burmese Rubies clustered into a flower like design in the center of the ring that weigh 1.46 carats.
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
$15,721Sale 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
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Trilogy Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Ruby & Diamond Trilogy Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Introducing an exquisite Victorian ring, crafted in 18ct gold, showcasing a stunning triple daisy cluster ...
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Pair of Victorian Three Stone Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Rings
Located in New York, NY
Created in England in the late 19th century, this pair of Victorian three stone rings are composed of 18K gold, diamonds, sapphires and rubies.
Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold
$2,280Sale Price|20% Off
Victorian 14K Gold Enamel Swallow Ring with Diamonds & Ruby Eyes
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This antique Diamond Enamel Swallow started life as a brooch, which I converted to a ring. This is black enamel on 14K Yellow Gold and set with old mine cut and rose cut Diamonds. ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel
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 yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our diverse antique jewelry and estate jewelry c...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique 18ct Gold, Victorian Ruby & Diamond Marquise Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 This Victorian marquise-shaped ring is a true beauty.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold
Victorian Era Pink Gold and Sterling Silver Rubies Ring
Located in Cattolica, IT
This ring can be customized with different stone : black diamonds, white diamond , sapphires and rose cut diamonds.
Ruby, Gold, Sterling Silver, 9k Gold
Victorian 0.32ct Pink Ruby & 0.36ct Diamond Cocktail Ring, 15k Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Condition This impressive ruby and diamond ring is antique Victorian. The ring is fine quality set with a pink ruby and very well color graded, old cut diamonds.
Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Early Victorian 18k Gold Silver Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, Circa 1880
Located in The Hague, ZH
18k gold and silver ring set with ruby, and brilliant and rose cut diamonds, total 0.30 carats G/H SI/P - ring size US 9 - EU 19 (59) Detailed description The top of the ring is 2....
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.95ct Ruby & Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
- Victorian antique ruby & diamond cluster engagement ring - 0.90ct untreated ruby of Myanmar (Burma) origin - Twelve Old European Cut diamonds, total approx 0.45ct (G-H, VS2-SI...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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.