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18 Karat Gold Round Brilliant 6.03ct Diamond Engagement Ring 2.50cttw Mounting
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
diamond center stone! The center stone is truly a spectacle to behold, graded K in color and SI1 in
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Moonstone Sphere in Detailed Claw Mounting Carved Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Addison, TX
honored to offer it to our 1st Dibs family. Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Moonstone, Gold, 18k Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.38 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.36 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.93 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.63 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.61 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.60 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 1.00 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.36 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.85 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 1.09 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.46 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.70 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Platinum and 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tapered Baguette Diamond Oval Mounting Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
This mounting ring is crafted from platinum and 18K yellow gold and weighs 11.9 grams. The ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold 0.61 Carat Diamond Pave Mounting Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This LB Exclusive mounting ring is crafted from 18K white gold and set with diamonds that amount to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

PANIM Semi Mount Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By PANIM
Located in Tsim Sha Tsui, Hong Kong
PANIM Semi Mount Baguette Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18K White Gold Specialized custom made for 4cts
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold French Mounting
Located in Tustin, CA
brilliant cut diamonds all set in a 18k yellow gold French mounting. The ring is a size 6.5 and is sizable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Semi-Mount Engagement Ring, 18 Karat Gold for Center Diamonds .25 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
additional sizing options. Metal Content: Guaranteed 18k Gold as stamped (white and rose) Stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Blue Sapphire Cabochon Sugarloaf Cocktail Ring in 18k Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 15.38 ct. blue sapphire cabochon sugarloaf in a handmade 18k white and yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Semi-Mount Engagement Ring, 18 Karat Gold for Center Diamond Accents .56 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
this elegant semi-mount ring! Fashioned in high purity 18k white gold, this NEW piece features a four
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Semi-Mount Engagement Ring 18 Karat Gold for Solitaire Diamond Accents .62 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Elegant and stylish, this NEW semi-mount ring sets the perfect stage for your diamond solitaire or
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Semi-Mount Ring and Wedding Band Set, 18 Karat Gold with Diamond Accents
Located in Greensboro, NC
in timeless 18k white gold, this NEW semi-mount engagement ring and matching wedding band host
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Semi-Mount Engagement Ring and Wedding Band, 18 Karat Gold Diamonds 1.27 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
Crafted in 18k yellow and white gold, this NEW semi-mount engagement ring and wedding band set
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1900s Art Nouveau Sapphire and Diamond Mounted in Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
One round sapphire surrounded by old mine diamond and rose cut diamond. Mounting in engraved 18k
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Simon G. 18 Karat White Gold Semi Mount Ring, Diamond Weight .51 Pts
By Simon G Jewelry
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is an 18k white gold semi mount ring, by Simon G. It has 128 pieces of small brilliant round
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Semi-Mount Halo Ring Oval Center with Diamonds .28 Carat, 18 Karat Gold
Located in Greensboro, NC
. Please contact for additional sizing options. Metal Content: Guaranteed 18k Gold as stamped Stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Beautiful 18K White Gold Ring with 0.42 ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
18k white gold ring mounted with ideal cut brilliant diamond -7 diamond main stone of 0.06 ct
Category

2010s Singaporean Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ring In 18 Carat Gold Mounted On Ten Napoleon III 24 Carat Francs
Located in Vannes, FR
This exceptional 18-carat gold ring features an 1868 10 franc coin depicting Napoleon III. The coin
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Signet Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold

Tiffany Co. Jade Cocktail Ring in a Gold, Diamond, and Emerald Florette Mount
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
A cabochon jade cocktail ring in a floral gold, emerald, and diamond setting, in 18k and platinum
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Style Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold Mounting Ruby Accents
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This beautiful diamond engagement ring features an 18 karat white gold Art Deco style mounting with
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Diamond Pave and 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 1.00 ct. good quality white diamond pave in a handmade 18k yellow gold ring mounting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Gold Baguette Semi Mount Wedding Ring with 2.31 Carat of Diamonds
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Metal: 18k yellow gold BuyWeight: 10.73 grams Size: selectable Hallmark "750" we can set a stone
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Semi-Mount Halo Ring 18 Karat Gold for Oval Center with Diamonds .68 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
sizing. Please contact for additional sizing options. Metal Content: Guaranteed 18k Gold as stamped
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Bronze Head of Constantine 1, Mounted as a Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bronze Follis of Constantine 1 - 307-337AD mounted in an 18kt Yellow Gold Setting. The mounting is
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Classical Roman Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.02 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold Tacori Plat Mounting
By Tacori
Located in Palm Desert, CA
18 karat white gold Tacori Plat mounting with a 2.02 carat Emerald Cut diamond ring, GIA certified
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Semi-Mount Double Halo Ring 18 Karat Gold for Oval Cut Diamond Accents .97 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
radiant double halo design, this 18k yellow gold ring showcases a sparkling collection of white diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Christopher Designs Crisscut Diamond Semi-Mount Setting is Set in 18k White Gold
By Christopher Designs
Located in Los Gatos, CA
Christopher Designs Crisscut® Diamond Setting for Round Diamond in18K White Gold 4 Prong 10
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Emerald Oval Bypass Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 9.13 ct. emerald ovals in a handmade 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size 5.5.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Lavender Jade Oval Cabochon Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous big lavender jade oval cabochon in a handmade 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size 7.5.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, Yellow Gold

Estate Asprey Amethyst Baguette Ring in 18K White Gold
By Asprey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Estate Asprey 0.05 ct. amethyst baguette in a handmade 18k white gold mounting. Ring size 6.25.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, White Gold

Emerald Pear Shape Bypass Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
handmade 18k yellow gold bezel mounting. Ring size 5.5.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Emerald Cushion Bypass Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 11.87 ct. bright green emerald cushions in a handmade 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Estate Bulgari White Diamond Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By Bulgari
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds are high quality, bright, and full of life. Handmade 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size 7.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Intaglio Engraved With An Griffin, Mounted On A Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Italian, 18th century emerald, set in a 19th-century gold ring bezel: 15mm., 10/16 in. ring size
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Italian Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

0.40 Carat Quadset Trillion Diamonds with Diamond Mount Engagement Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom design Material: 18k white gold Center Stone: four trillion cut diamonds = 0.40
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Elegant 18K White Gold Ring with 1.00 Ct Natural Diamonds and Ruby
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 18K White Gold Ring Mounted with 1.00 Carat Oval Cut Ruby Center Stone and 0.45 Total
Category

2010s Singaporean Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Asprey Iolite Baguette Solitaire Ring in 18K White Gold
By Asprey
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful estate Asprey 0.50 ct. iolite baguette solitaire ring in a handmade 18k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Iolite, White Gold

GIA 10.25 ct Fancy Yellow Cushion VS1 Diamond Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in La Jolla, CA
diamond weight in the ring is 13.5 carats. 18k White and 18k Yellow Gold mounting Ring size is 6.25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Estate White Diamond Pave Design Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
gold mounting in ring size 5.75.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Orange Opal and Diamond Ring in 18k Two Tone Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
yellow and white gold mounting. Ring size 9.5.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold

Estate White Diamond Marquise Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
bright diamonds all set in a 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size 4.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold

Yellow Diamond Oval Eternity Band Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Beautiful 8.60 ct. yellow diamond ovals in a handmade 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size is 7.25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold

Judith Ripka Oval Mother of Pearl under Quartz Ring 18k Gold Cocktail Solitaire
By Judith Ripka
Located in Greensboro, NC
set white mother of pearl under clear quartz stone featured in an ornate 18k white gold mount. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Quartz, 18k Gold

5.14 Carat Yellow Radiant Diamond Aquamarine Custom White Agate Mounted Ring
By Fourtané Workshop
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
. The center diamond is set in 18k yellow gold and the interior of the mounting is also lined in yellow
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.50 CT GIA Certified Sapphire Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Westport, CT
An original 18K white gold diamond and sapphire ring. Mounted with one GIA certified natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Oval and Cushion Shape Emerald Bypass Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 8.84 ct. bright green emerald oval and cushion in a handmade 18k yellow gold mounting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

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18k Gold Ring Mounts For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of 18k gold ring mounts for sale on 1stDibs. These distinct designs — crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 3986 vintage editions and 3555 modern creations to choose from as well. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 18th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of 18k gold ring mounts to choose from, but contemporary and modern 18k gold ring mounts are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by Single Stone, Roman Malakov and Cartier are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Lovers of these pieces agree that it’s a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 5017 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. A selection of round cut, oval cut and brilliant cut can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of 18k gold ring mounts, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are 18k Gold Ring Mounts?

On average, 18k gold ring mounts at 1stDibs sell for $5,965, while they’re typically $1 on the low end and $2,200,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.