Late Victorian Diamond Marquise Shaped Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous cluster ring dates back to approximately the 1900s. It has a very classic Victorian style, with the 18 carat yellow gold band and platinum setting. The marquise shape w...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
Victorian 1.0 Ct Rose Cut Diamond plus 18 KT/Silver Target ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty antique Victorian ring is 1880 circa. Italian origin. lovely Target design skilfully hand crafted during the time of solid 18 KT gold with silver portions, The ring ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian Ruby and 2.13 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The rubies are encompassed with fourteen individually set Old European round cut diamonds. The elevated shoulders are each accented by a single pavé set Old European cut diamond, in...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Victorian ruby diamond cluster 18k yellow gold silver ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
At its center, an old European cut diamond is surrounded by a halo of softly shimmering rose cut diamonds, together totaling approximately 0.25 carat.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian Rose and White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The center features a prong-set, old European cut diamond weighing 0.40 carats, with H-I color and SI-1 clarity, offering a beautiful vintage sparkle.
Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold
Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a Victorian 18ct yellow gold sapphire and diamond five stone ring. The ring holds three lovely old cut diamonds and two blue sapphires. The bright white sparkle of the old cu...
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring dates to the Victorian era and centres around a vivid green, natural emerald. The 0.50 carat emerald is classically emerald cut and set within 18 carat ye...
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1900
Located in London, GB
This Victorian cluster ring features hallmarks dating to 1900. At its's centre sits an old cut ruby, claw set within gold and surrounded by a cluster of old cut diamonds. The ruby is...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Gold and Silver Ring and Earrings Set
Located in Napoli, NA
A gorgeous Victorian perfectly preserved suite, composed of clip-on earrings and ring, set with Old Mine cut diamonds, mounted in 18k rose Gold and silver. On the ring we estimated a...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver
Victorian 0.80ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A deep red ruby takes centre stage in this Victorian cluster ring. The old cut ruby is 0.80 carat and surrounded by a ring of sparkling diamonds. The old cut diamonds total 0.70 cara...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 15k Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian Diamond Ring Navette Design Over 1ct Total - c.1890
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this magnificent antique Victorian 18ct gold diamond navette ring made c.1890. The ring features a wonderful 17 old-cut diamond design all intricately set ...
Diamond, Gold
Victorian 0.60ct Diamond and Pearl Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Gemstone: Diamond & Pearl Stone Shape: Old European Oval cut Carat Weight: 0.60 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold Age: 1880s Size: L 1/2
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 0.88 Carat Diamond 15k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The subtly elevated setting displays an impressive central feature claw-set 0.46ct Old European cut diamond. The feature diamond is flanked on either side with a claw-set Old Europe...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 0.90 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.90 carat. Circa late 1800s Size 6 1/2
Diamond, 18k Gold
.85 Carat Victorian Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams Center Diamond Details: Weight: .85 carat Cut: Antique Cushion Color: J Clarity: SI2 Side Stone Detai...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 1.00 Ct Natural Ruby 1.60 Ct Diamond 18 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian Statement A Charming rectangular shaped classy Victorian period ring, 1890 ca Hand crafted as unique during the time of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped The lovely rectangular hea...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold
Victorian 2.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1896
Located in London, GB
This exquisite five stone ring dates to the Victorian era. At its centre sits an unheated sapphire weighing 1.40 carat, flanked by two 0.40 carat, old cut diamonds and two 0.60 carat...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 2.60ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian trilogy ring features three beautiful old cut diamonds. The centre diamond weighs 1.20 carat, flanked by two 0.70 carat diamonds, each expertly claw set. Betw...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 2.5ct Old Cushion Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring, 1890s Gold
Located in Firenze, IT
A Victorian three stone carved half hoop diamond ring, three old brilliant-cut diamonds estimated to weigh a total of 2.5 carats.
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Attractive Victorian Circa 1895 14K Yellow Gold and Diamond Ring
Located in Wheaton, IL
Attractive Victorian Circa 1895 14kt yellow gold and diamond ring set with one (1) Old European Cut diamond approximately 0.50ct, VS2, HIJ color, typical large culet small table and ...
Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
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 Engagement Ring. Antique Ruby and Diamond 6 Stone 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 9 US, Resizable Color: J Color Overall Clarity: SI1-SI2 Overall Metal: Gold, Yellow Gold Stone: Diamond, Ruby Stone Cut: Old European Cut, Round Cut Style: Victorian Th...
Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold
Victorian 0.80ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
Hand crafted in the Victorian Era this classic trilogy ring showcases a trio of old cut diamonds. The middle diamond sits the largest at 0.40 carat with the flanking pair sitting at ...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Silver Engagement Ring. 2.90TCW Diamond Cluster Dome Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Ring Size: 4.25 US, Resizable Metal: Silver Stone: Diamond Stone Cut: Single Cut, Old European Cut, Antique Cushion Cut Style: Victorian Era A stunning French Victorian-era ring, ...
Diamond, Silver
1880s Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 0.55ct Diamond Antique Ring Handmade American
Located in Santa Monica, CA
1880s Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 0.55ct Diamond Antique Ring Hand Made Americn Old European Cut Diamond 5.2~5.5 mm by 2.9 mm appx weight of .55 Carat single stone With detailed e...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian-style 1.20ct Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in London, GB
- Victorian inspired three stone diamond engagement ring - 1.10ct antique old European-cut centre diamond (J / SI2) - 2 x Old European-cut diamond shoulders, total approx. 0.10ct (H-...
Diamond, Platinum
Victorian 1.00ct Three Stone Diamond Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian ring showcases three old cut diamonds in a carved shank setting. The centre diamond is 0.50 carat, while the diamonds to either side are 0.25 carat each. Sma...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
14K Yellow Gold Victorian Fancy Belcher .50ct Diamond Men's Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
Victorian 10K yellow men's fancy belcher ring with a European cut diamond weighing .50cts. The diamond measures about 6.5mm with I-J color and I2 clarity. The ring fits a size 9.5 fi...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 1.90ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This captivating Victorian trilogy ring features a trio of sparkling diamonds. The centre diamond is a 1.00 carat oval cut stone, flanked by two 0.45 carat old cut diamonds, each exp...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Diamond Gold Silver Bow Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Handmade silver top set with rose cut old European cut center diamond. 24 rose cut accent diamonds. 1 old European cut Diamond, approx. total weight .98cts, E – F, SI1, 24 rose c...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Gold
Victorian 1.05ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Victorian ring features central sapphire flanked by old cut diamonds. The central sapphire weighs 1.05 carat and is a completely natural stone. The two diamonds eithe...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Victorian Opal & Diamond 18K Prong Set Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
The band and setting are 18K yellow with sweet old hand cut diamonds adorning and adding some sparkle to the setting.
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$15,733Sale 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. The snake’s body wraps elegantly around the ...
Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 1.35 Carat Chrysoberyl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
The chrysoberyl in flanked on either side by an Old European round cut diamond. A further six bezel set Dutch cut diamonds embellish the design.
Diamond, Chrysoberyl, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
Antique diamond five stone ring, 18 karat yellow gold, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique, late Victorian era five stone diamond ring in 18kt yellow gold. This spectacular beauty features five graduated old cut diamonds, the largest being the centre st...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped turquoise cabochon measuring 5.0 x 7.0 mm Opaque and saturated robin's egg blue in color - bead set With a halo surround of old European cut diamonds Weighin...
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Flower Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A natural pearl and diamond cluster ring, the central bouton natural pearl surrounded by nine old brilliant-cut diamonds, estimated to weigh a total of 0.9 carats, set in 18K gold mo...
Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold
Victorian 0.30ct Diamond and Pink Sapphire Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1908
Located in London, GB
With hallmarks dating it to 1908, this stunning antique piece features a collection of vibrant pink sapphires and glittering diamonds. A trio of pink sapphires are set diagonally acr...
Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian 14k Yellow Gold .60ct Diamond Ring with GIA Report size 9
Located in Big Bend, WI
Victorian 14K yellow gold ring featuring a natural earth mined diamond. The diamond has GIA report #1166928811 stating J color and VS-2 clarity and measuring 4.73mm x 4.98mm x 3.36mm...
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 2.20 Carat Five-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with Old Mine and Old European cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 2.20 carats. Circa late 1800s Size 6 1/4, resizable
Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum
1.11 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14k yellow gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details: Weight: 1.11ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: L/M Clarity: SI ...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
1.05 Carat Total Weight Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.5 grams Diamond Details: Weight: 1.05ct, total weight Cut: Old European brilliant Color: Clarity: Me...
Diamond, Yellow Gold
Victorian Single Stone Signet Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little ring, made to be worn on the little finger, holds an oval old cut. The shining diamond weighs 0.45 carat and is G in colour, VS2 in clarity. It has been claw set...
Diamond, 18k Gold
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Silver and 1.15Cts, Diamonds and Rubies Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Silver And 1.15Cts. Old European Cut Diamonds And Natural Rubies Trefoil Navette Ring C.1880S Additional Information: Period: Victorian Year: c.1880s Mate...
Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 18k Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Circa 1890
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring set to the front with two lines of alternating cushion-cut sapphires and diamonds, circa 1890. 7 old cut diamonds for an approximate total diamond weight of 1.50 carat 5 cus...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Victorian Three Stone 0.80 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a Victorian 18ct yellow gold and platinum diamond three stone twist ring. The ring features three old cut diamonds which have been claw set in platinum at the centre of two e...
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
Antique Victorian 10/18K Gold Burma Ruby Old Euro Diamond Three Stone Ring - AGL
Located in Great Neck, NY
This incredible Victorian natural Burma ruby and old European cut diamond three stone ring is crafted in 10k and 18k yellow gold.
Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
$928Sale Price|20% Off
Vintage 18K Gold & Silver Victorian Carré Blue Sapphire & Rose Cut Diamond Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
Period: 20th Century / Vintage Antique Target Style Style: Victorian Revival Target Cluster Item Type: Fine Statement / Cocktail Ring Metal Composition: 18k Yellow Gold base &...
Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
Victorian 15kt Gold and Silver Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, Circa 1890s
Located in Braintree, GB
Dimensions – • Ring Size: UK O — EU 55 / US 7 • Weight: 6 g Specifications – • Metal: 15kt Gold and Silver • Central Gemstone: Natural Blue Sapphire, approx. 1.00 ct (oval cut) • Su...
Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Silver
Antique Victorian 15k Yellow Gold 0.54ctw Diamond & Black Enamel Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old English Cut - Claw Set - J Color -VS2 Clarity - 5.3mm (approx.) - 0.54ct (approx.) Material: Solid 15k Yellow Gold - Black Enamel Wei...
Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Victorian Diamond 5 Stone Carved Half Hoop Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Victorian Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Hallmark Birmingham 1900 A classic five-stone ring in rich 18ct yellow gold, set with a graduated row of old-cut diamonds in open ...
Diamond, 18k 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 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 of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped Setting comprises a selection of 3 bright white old ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Sapphire & Natural Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Bernardsville, NJ
The navette (French for "little boat") shape is an elongated, marquise-like form that was especially popular during the Victorian era. Material: 18k yellow gold Gemstones: Sapphire ...
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Victorian 18K Gold Diamond & Blue & White Enamel Polo Cap Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and enamel ring in yellow gold, comprising one old cut diamond and eighteen rose cut diamonds, set in 18 karat yellow gold, and adorned with blue and white enamel,...
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Victorian 3.50ct Diamond Three Stone Carved Head Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
The gallery and shank are adorned with intricate carvings adding real Antique charm to this stunning piece. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old European Cut, Old European Oval Cut Ca...
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
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.