12 Carat Oval Diamond Ring
Vintage 1960s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Star Sapphire, Gold, 18...
21st Century and Contemporary Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century German Modernist Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Malagasy Cocktail Rings
Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Jade, Pearl, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Art Deco Fashion Rings
Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold
Late 20th Century American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Tourmaline, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold
2010s Tanzanian Fashion Rings
Tanzanite, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
20th Century Cluster Rings
Ruby, Diamond, Star Ruby, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold
Vintage 1960s British Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Coral, Diamond, Emerald, White Gold
Vintage 1960s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Coral, Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gol...
Vintage 1920s Unknown Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum
Mid-20th Century European Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold
Mid-20th Century American Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Star Sapphire, Platinum
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Star Sapphire, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold
2010s Asian Fashion Rings
Multi-gemstone, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Opal, Platinum
2010s Dutch Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Paraiba
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold
2010s Dutch Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau More Rings
Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s Japanese Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Black Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, White Gold, Rhod...
2010s Dutch Modern Fashion Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold
2010s Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Dutch Modern Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Tanzanite, White Diamond, Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Dome Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Band Rings
Emerald, 14k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Three-Stone Rings
Diamond, Jade, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cluster Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold
Late 20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, White Gold
Vintage 1940s European Retro Cluster Rings
Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
20th Century Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Bridal Rings
Diamond, Sapphire, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
1990s Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Enamel
1990s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 1880s English Late Victorian Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Sri Lankan Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings
Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold
Antique 15th Century and Earlier American Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Greek Byzantine Band Rings
White Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
2010s Indian Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Tsavorite, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel
Early 20th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings
Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum
21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Band Rings
Tourmaline, White Diamond, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold
Mid-20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings
Citrine, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
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12 Carat Oval Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much is a 12 Carat Oval Diamond 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 Rings for You
Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.
No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.
Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.
Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement 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.
Read More
This Absinthe-Hued Peridot Cocktail Ring Is Positively Intoxicating
Ancient Egyptians referred to the vibrant stone as the “gem of the sun.”
Our Guide to Engagement Ring Settings – And How to Choose One
There are many ways to showcase a diamond, from traditional prongs to a smooth, streamlined bezel. Here’s everything you need to consider.
Nothing Says Summer Heat Like This Ruby-Red Cartier Stunner
The vintage bombé ring is bursting with color and timeless style.
Zircon Rings: Our Guide to a Uniquely Colorful Natural Gemstone
Zircon is a magnificent and underrated natural gemstone that has been worn and adored for centuries.
[Survey] Two-Thirds of Jewelry Gift Recipients Don’t Want to Be Surprised
Givers of fine gems enjoy surprise more than receivers, and women more than men. Find out what else our survey of 3,000 Americans revealed.
Colorful Gemstones Are a Brilliant Choice for Engagement Rings
If diamonds don’t seem right, what about a magnificent sapphire, ruby or emerald?
Our Guide to Fancy-Colored Diamond Engagement Rings
Accounting for just 1 percent of all diamonds, these marvels of nature are exceedingly rare and gorgeously complex.
Our Guide to Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco Engagement Rings
Learn about these antique jewelry styles, then choose a design that speaks to you.