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18 Carat Diamond Ring

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Vintage Emerald Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
white diamonds either side of the Emerald. The diamonds and gemstone are in excellent quality. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modern Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This cluster ring holds Diamonds totalling approx 1ct and are bright and sparkly. The stones are
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Modern Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This cluster ring holds Diamonds totalling approx 1ct and are bright and sparkly. The stones are
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamond. Ring Size: U or 10 1/4
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Diamond 1.63 Carat Aquamarine Ring
Located in New York, NY
approx. 0.24ctw in diamonds. Ring size - 7, ring top - 14mm x 15.5mm. Marked 750. Weight - 8.9 grams
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

French 1970s Emerald Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats white gold, head of eagle hallmark. It comes straight from the 1970s, this
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The diamond in this ring measures 1.3ct. The stone has a wonderful glisten to it and is bright and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

6.5 Carat Green Tourmaline 4.2 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Approximately 6.5 Carat Green Tourmaline & 2.5 Carat Diamond Cocktail Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, White Gold

.80 Carat Natural Round Diamonds Regency Knot Ring 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
Regency Deco Wire Wrap Knot Ring .80ct. Natural diamonds ring G-color Vs-2 clarity Very good
Category

2010s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Our beautiful antique Victorian 18ct yellow gold ring is adorned with bright blue sapphires and
Category

20th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This stylish ring is modelled in 18carat white gold and is set with sparking diamonds totalling
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

18 Kt White Gold 4.21 Carat Tanzanite and Diamond Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in a 18 karat white gold mounting, weighing 6 grams, is a 4.21 carat square cut Tanzanite
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
gold. The diamond total is 80pts. The design of the ring has an antique feel to it. Fully hallmarked
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring 18 Karat Gold 2.88 Carat
Located in Laguna Hills, CA
Blue Sapphire and Diamond Pave Halo Ring, 2.88 TCW,18 Kt. Deep colored center sapphire measuring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Edwradian Rose Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is modelled in 18 carat gold and the rose cut diamonds are set in platinum. The diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold

8.01 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Bombe Ring
By Meghna Jewels
Located in Hoffman Estate, IL
This stunning ring is crafted from 18-karat gold. It is hand set with 8.01 carats of glittering
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1.4 Carat Natural Oval Ruby and 0.80 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Introducing our exquisite 18 Karat Gold Ring, featuring a stunning 1.4 carat natural oval Ruby and
Category

Early 2000s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
is modelled in 18 carat yellow gold and the stones are set in platinum. Ring Size: M 1/2 or 6 1/2
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Orchid Diamond Cluster Ring 1 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This sparkling band features round brilliant diamonds set in gleaming shared prongs. Experience the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Briana Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
A delicate Shared prong diamonds wedding band for a sparkling look. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat White Gold Briana Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
A delicate Shared prong diamonds wedding band for a sparkling look. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Briana Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
A delicate Shared prong diamonds wedding band for a sparkling look. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Orchid Diamond Cluster Ring 1 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This sparkling band features round brilliant diamonds set in gleaming shared prongs. Experience the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Orchid Diamond Cluster Ring 1 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This sparkling band features round brilliant diamonds set in gleaming shared prongs. Experience the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Signet Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous chunky signet ring holds an old mine cut diamond which measures 65pts and is set
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Amwaj White Gold 18 Carat Ring with Diamonds
By Amwaj Jewellery
Located in Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi
Classic and contemporary ring by Amwaj jewelry, fully set with Marquise and round shape diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Emirian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

2.5 Carat 5 Stone Emerald Cut Diamond 18 Carats Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
2.5 ct total weight Five 5-Stone Asscher Cut Diamond Wedding Band / Ring in 18K Yellow Gold. The
Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18-Carat Rose Gold Ring Adorned With Diamonds Totaling 1.57 Carats
Located in Vannes, FR
This breathtaking wedding band is a true masterpiece in 18-carat gold, adorned with sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artisan Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Eternity Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The delicate round diamonds that are encased in this ring measure approximately 1pt each and the
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

22.00 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
This spectacular 18 carat white gold cocktail ring is beautifully set with an emerald cut
Category

2010s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
platinum. The diamond total is 75pts. Ring Size: Q or 8 Width: 3.5mm Height Off Finger: 3mm Weight: 3.2g
Category

Vintage 1980s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
approx 80pts and the diamonds total 42pts. The ring is modelled in 18 carat gold. Ring Size: K 1/2 or 5
Category

Vintage 1980s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Cushion Yellow Diamonds Eternity Ring 4. Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This Eternity Ring showcase perfectly matched 20 Oval shape Natural Yellow Diamonds in a total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold

PANIM 1.39 Carats Diamond Rosecut 18 Karat White Gold Floral Ring
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 1.39 Carat Diamond Rosecut 18 Karat White Gold Floral Ring Set in 18K White Gold this ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Engagement Ring 18 Carat White Gold Adorned With Diamonds Totaling 3.62 carats
Located in Vannes, FR
This 18-carat white gold wedding band is a majestic symbol of your eternal love. It is set with 19
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
. The ring is modelled in 18 Carat gold and the stones are set in platinum. Size: N 1/2 or 7 Cluster
Category

Vintage 1970s British More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Panel Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Glistening Edwardian old cut diamonds set in a boat shaped setting modelled in 18ct gold. Diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Modern 3, 18 Carats Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark and platinum, dog head hallmark. In the shape of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat White Gold Cartier 2.10 Carat Diamond Ring
By Cartier
Located in Dallas, TX
Iconic Cartier five row diamond ring in 18 karat white gold. This ring is stamped Cartier, 750 (18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Diamond 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A vintage 18 carat gold ring with a diamond set in platinum with platinum detailed shoulders. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Gold

PANIM 1 Carat Briolette Diamond Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM 1 Carat Briolette Diamond Dangling Ring 18 Karat White Gold Inspired by the beauty of a rain
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

2.62 Carat Eternity Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Gold
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
2.62 carat Eternity graduated from large diamonds on the top to smaller on the back of the ring in
Category

2010s Italian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Blue Sapphire Round Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Chicago, IL
2.75 ct Total Weight Round Cut Diamond & Blue Sapphire Band / Ring 18K Yellow Gold. The ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Austrian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

David Webb 1950s 18 Carat Ruby Gold and Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
David Webb 1950s 18K Gold and Diamond Statement Ring A bold and iconic piece from the 1950s, this
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Gold

8.00 Carat Colombian Natural Emerald Diamonds Cocktail Ring 18 Karat Gold
By Emeralds Maravellous
Located in US
. 2.00 carats, clarity SI1-SI2 / color H-G Total gemstone weight 8.00 carats Total ring weight 16.5g
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

2.35 Carat Diamond and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Alexander Beverly Hills
Located in BEVERLY HILLS, CA
Ultra modern diamond cocktail ring. 204 round brilliant diamonds, 2.35 carats total. Approximately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18 Carat White Gold Enamel and 1.52 Carats Diamond Flower Ring
Located in London, GB
E Wolfe & Company 18 Carat White Gold Enamel and Diamond Flower Ring. The oval has been enamelled
Category

2010s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Enamel

Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Saddle Wide Band Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous 18 carat white gold saddle ring showcases a wide classic design that is lightly
Category

Vintage 1980s European Modern Band Rings

Materials

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

0.2 Carat Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Cluster Ring, Bezel Ring, Engagement Ring
By Rose and Choc
Located in Wallingford, CT
: 18 karat Yellow gold, white gold, and rose gold available. Center diamond is 0.20 carat G-I color SI
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

7.06 Carat Pink Diamonds and Emerald Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Offered here is gorgeous leaf ring with natural pink diamonds, white diamonds, green diamonds and
Category

2010s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pink Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Natural Diamond 0.63 carats 18 KT White Gold Anniversary Band Ring
Located in Antwerpen, BE
crafted in luxurious 18 KT white gold. This stunning ring boasts a unique split shank design that enhances
Category

2010s Belgian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18-Carat Gold Ring Adorned with Pearls and 0.180-Carat Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
This 18-carat gold cocktail ring is a true masterpiece, adorned with 8 diamonds totaling 0.180
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Baroque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

7.5 Carat Oval Rubellite and 1 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring Estate
Located in New York, NY
7.5 Carat Oval Rubellite & 1 Carat Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring Estate A classic, Cocktail
Category

2010s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

3.49 Carat Burmese Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Roshe Jewels
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.49 Carat Burmese Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring This charming Ruby Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.77 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond platinum and 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This ring features a natural oval shaped emerald weighing 1.77ct in an 18 carat yellow gold four
Category

2010s English Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

4.73 Carat Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Precious ring in 18k white gold and chiselled 18k yellow gold, from a very special and elegant
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring Gia Diamonds Certified Emerald Withe Gold 18 Carats
Located in Vannes, FR
This magnificent ring is all in 18-carat yellow gold with a gold weight of 6.08 grams. It features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

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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.