Skip to main content

18 Carat Diamond Ring

to
1,484
15,357
12,931
6,639
4,314
1,126
15,269
3,134
1,461
2,243
1,257
20
542
4,524
10,724
503
414
317
204
84
255
237
271
333
317
14
11,211
4,442
162
4551
1900
1043
854
839
to
596
291
271
160
145
4,112
3,884
1,444
697
661
349
170
103
43
41
16
14
12
3
2
2
15,668
147
7,317
5,538
Sort By
Art Deco Diamond Platinum and 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
this ring being 17pts. Modelled in 18 carat gold and stones set in platinum. Size: R or 8 3/4 Panel
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Ruby Ring in 18 Carat Yellow Gold Diamonds and Ruby 5.01 Carat
Located in Paris, FR
Ring in 18 Carat yellow Gold setting in its center a large Ruby ​​set with Claws weighing 5.01
Category

Early 2000s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.84 Carat Diamond Rolling Ring 18 Karat In Stock
Located in Boca Raton, FL
18k Tri-Color Gold 1.84ctw Diamond Rolling Ring Product: Rolling Ring Set of 3 (all attached
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

8.5 Carat Oval Tanzanite and 2 Carat Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold, Estate
Located in New York, NY
surrounded by a total of 2.0 carats of shimmering white diamonds, which adds to the overall beauty and
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1990s Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
spells. Sapphire is the birthstone of September. Our 18ct gold ring features beautiful bright blue
Category

1990s English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Vintage 18 Carat Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Ring gorgeous sapphire stone with diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Artist Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Cartier 4.80 Carat Aquamarine and 0.20 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 4.80 carat aquamarine and 0.20 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

1990s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Gold

25 Carat Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Gold, Estate
Located in New York, NY
25 Carat Natural Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 K Yellow Gold , Estate A classic, Cocktail
Category

Early 2000s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold 2.57 Carat Diamond and Emerald Flower Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
A stunning tribute to nature’s elegance, the 18 Karat Gold 2.57 Carat Diamond and Emerald Flower
Category

2010s Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18 Carat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in London, GB
estimated colour grading of G and clarity of VS. They are then micro set within the 18 carat yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
ring is modelled in 18 carat white gold. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Cluster Diameter: 8mm Weight: 2.9g
Category

Vintage 1960s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Ruby Ring Ruby 6.8 Carat in 18 Carat White Gold Triangle Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
18K White Gold Ruby Ring and Diamonds 18K white gold ring set with a large composite ruby ​​of 6.80
Category

Early 2000s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring G SI 18k White Gold 18 Diamonds
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Ring G SI 18K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Band Ring G SI 18K White Gold 18 Diamonds
By David Morris
Located in New York, NY
3.45 Carat Natural Diamond Eternity Ring G SI 18K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Wedding, Engagement Ring with Solitaire 2.1 Carat, IF, 18 Karat Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Luxurious diamond ring. 18k white gold. Set with great solitaire of high quality: Carat: 2.1
Category

Early 2000s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Natural Ceylon Sapphire Ring 4.59 Carat 18 Carat White Gold with Diamonds
Located in Paris, FR
Ceylon Sapphire ring. 18 Carat White Gold Ring set in its Center with a Large Ceylon Sapphire
Category

Early 2000s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pavé Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This modern waved design 18 carat white gold mount is beautifully set with a row of 55 pavé set
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

3.32 Carat Old Victorian Cushion Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
is a reproduction of an Edwardian style ring made in 18 carat white gold weighing a total of 7.65
Category

2010s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Gold Ring with Huge 24 Carat Emerald and 30 Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
30 diamonds of approx. 0.05 carat each. The emerald has a weight of approx. 24 carats and a size of
Category

Late 20th Century Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Diamond Ring 1.00 Carat 18-Karat Yellow Gold "Rolling Waves"
Located in München, DE
Ring with a brilliant-cut diamond of approximately 0.53 carats (half-carat) at the centre, color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring 9 1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 18 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring 9 1/2 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 18 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Diamond Wedding Ring with Solitaire 1.01 Carat, River, VS1, 18 Karat Gold
Located in Berlin, DE
Luxurious diamond ring. 18k white gold. Set with great solitaire of high quality. Carat: 1.01
Category

Early 2000s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous Art Deco ring holds a centre diamond measuring 25pts and a total of 1carats worth of
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold

7.9 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Tri Color Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat gold and hand set with 7.9 carats of white, black and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Amethyst and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
that sit either side of the central stone. Diamond total 18pts. Modelled in 18 carat gold. Amethyst
Category

Vintage 1980s British Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Baguette Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in London, GB
Beautiful eternity ring channel set with 36 fine quality baguette cut diamonds with a total
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Round Diamond Ring 4.07 Carat Natural Stones 18 Karat Engagement Ring
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Vintage - new (never used) Diamond Engagement ring Center stone: Round shape 4.07 carat G-I2- Large
Category

1990s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring holds one sapphire measuring 35pts and the diamond total is 14pts. The glossy gold band
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Colombian Cabochon Emerald 8.23 Carat Diamond 0.80 Carat 18 Karat Gold Ring
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
The cocktail ring, finger size 6, features a captivating design that combines the elegance of 18
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The central ruby in this ring is absolutely stunning. It is bright pink in colour and measures
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage Opal and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Sat at the centre of a sparkling halo of diamonds is a gorgeous opal. The opal has wonderful hues
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Ring White Gold 18 Carats Cushion Cut Tourmaline and Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
Ring White Gold 18 Carats Cushion Cut Tourmaline and Diamonds An elegant 18K white gold ring set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

EGL Certified 1.20 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Classic solitaire diamond engagement ring with diamonds down the shank, EGL certified. 1.38 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
. Around the 1.5ct aqua stone sit a halo of smaller diamonds measuring a total of 35pts. Ring Size: P or
Category

Vintage 1960s British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

18 Karat White Gold Ring Set with 1.11 Carat White Solitaire Diamond
Located in Berlin, DE
White gold ring with 1.11 carat solitaire diamond. Hallmarked. Color G Clarity VS2 Cut very good
Category

20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 18 Carat White Gold Triple Cluster Diamond Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This triple cluster diamond ring is super sparkly and holds a total of 1.90 carat. The old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large Tanzanite Ring 4.20 Carat AAA Diamond Tsavorite Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Large Oval Tanzanite Ring Diamonds and Tsavorite. Very Brilliant color Tanzanite AAA Top Quality
Category

2010s Thai Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

EGL Certified 1.20 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Classic solitaire diamond engagement ring with diamonds down the shank, EGL certified. 1.55 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
measures approx 1.5carat and the diamonds total 20pts. The ring is modelled in 18 carat white gold. Ring
Category

Vintage 1980s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Wave Cluster Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Make a statement with this stunning cluster dress ring, masterfully crafted in cool 18 carat white
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring 3 3/4 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 16 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

18 Karat White Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring 3 3/4 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 16 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald Eternity Diamond Ring 3 3/4 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 16 Emerald shape Natural Diamonds in a total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
blue stones are pairs of rose cut diamonds measuring 2pts per pair. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold
Category

Antique Early 1900s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

CDC Certified 3.80 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Great Neck, NY
quality is GH-Si Round diamonds weighing .86 carats Trapezoid diamonds weighing .36 carats Set in 18 karat
Category

2010s North American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.970 Carat Ruby with Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
This exquisite ring is meticulously crafted in 18-karat white gold, showcasing an elegant and
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

1, 22 carat Diamonds 18 kt gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Cocktail ring in 18k white gold mounted with white diamonds. Diamonds 1.22 kt Tot.Weight 10.80 gr
Category

1990s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Yellow White Gold Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
contrast, 2 sparkling round brilliant cut diamonds sit on either side, set within graceful 18 carat white
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond 18 Carat White and Yellow Gold Tablet Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
diamonds weighing approximately 0.50ct in total, all mounted in a square 18 carat white gold base. The
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold 2.50 Carat Round Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
The ring is made in 18k white gold and features 71 round cut diamonds, prong set weighing 2.50cts
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 3.98 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive, vintage 3.98 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold ring; part of
Category

20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Set Full Eternity Ring in 18 Carat White Gold 1.52 Carat
Located in London, England
Total carat weight of 1.52cts and estimated as F/G colour and VS clarity. A classic diamond set
Category

2010s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

7.55 Carat Fine Spinel, Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karart
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
Stunning One-of-a-Kind- Fine Spinel, AAA Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Engagement Ring 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Spinel, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

28 Carat Natural Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Gold Adjustable
Located in New York, NY
28 Carat Natural Aquamarine & Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 K Yellow Gold , Estate A classic, Cocktail
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, 18k Gold

2.19 Carat Emerald 0.60 Carat Round Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Title: 2.19 Carat Oval Shape Emerald 0.60 Carat Round Brilliant G VS2 Diamond 18 Karat White Gold
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

0.49 Carat Emerald with Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Bangkok, 10
Diamond Ring, set in luxurious 18 Karat Gold. The vibrant emerald, with its rich green hue, takes center
Category

2010s Thai Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "18 Carat Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

18 Carat Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 18 carat diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a 18 carat diamond ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Creating a 18 carat diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Roman Malakov, Single Stone and Sunita Nahata are consistently popular. A 18 carat diamond ring can be a stylish choice for most occasions, but Diamond rings, from our inventory of 21524, can add a particularly distinctive touch to your look, day or night. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and cushion cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 18 carat diamond ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 18 Carat Diamond Ring?

Prices for a 18 carat diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $19 and can go as high as $6,500,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,005.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

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.

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 ringsvintage 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 ringsvintage 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.

Questions About 18 Carat Diamond Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023
    There is no rule for how many carats a diamond wedding ring should be. You're free to choose a ring with a carat weight that appeals to you and fits your budget. The average carat weight for diamond wedding rings is 1 to 1.9 carats. Shop an assortment of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 1, 2024
    Elizabeth Taylor's famous diamond ring was 33.19 carats. Although many people believe the Krupp diamond ring was an engagement gift, Richard Burton actually bought the gorgeous Asscher-cut ring to mark their five-year anniversary. For their engagement, Burton presented Taylor with an 18.61-carat emerald and diamond pendant made by Bulgari. The pendant detached from its necklace and could double as a brooch. Explore a large selection of diamond rings on 1stDibs.