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18 Karat White Gold Diamond Semi Mount with CZ Center
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Material: 18K white gold Diamonds: 110 round brilliant cut = 1.45cttw Color: G Clarity: VS1-2 Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

LB Exclusive 18 Karat White Gold and Diamond Semi-Mount 8-Stone Ring ED-9717
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
diamonds on various colors of 18K gold or platinum. 18K White gold semi-mount engagement ring is fabulous
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Tsavorite Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 5.8 Grams Tsavorite Total Weight: 0.87 CTS Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Tsavorite Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 4.2 Grams Tsavorite Total Weight: 0.73 CTS Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Tsavorite Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 3.6 Grams Tsavorite Total Weight: 0.63 CTS Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Houston, TX
approximately 2.25cts total weight in a handmade 18K white gold mounting weighing 9.4g. Ring is size 7 1/4.
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

2.27 Carat Center Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Ring with 1.25 Carat in Mounting
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat white gold is a 2.27 carat round brilliant cut center diamond, Color I, Clarity SI
Category

2010s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.11 Carat Cultured Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond in Custom Grey Agate Ring Mount
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

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k gold mounting. Ring size 6 1/2 and can be re-sized.
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 6.0 Grams Ruby Total Weight: 0.94 CTS Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 3.5 Grams Ruby Total Weight: 0.65 CTS Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 4.5 Grams Ruby Total Weight: 0.79 CTS Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

1.36 Carat Diamond Mounting
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Material: 18k White Gold Diamond Details: Approximately 0.72ctw trapezoid diamonds and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Tsavorite Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 9.1 Grams Ring Size: 6.5 (sizable) Measurements: 17.8 mm
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Sapphire and Tsavorite Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 6.6 Grams Tsavorite Total Weight: 0.32 CTS Sapphire Total
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold Sapphire and Tsavorite Octagonal Halo Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
a 1.50 CT Round Shape Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 8.0 Grams Tsavorite Total Weight
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat Gold Sapphire and Tsavorite Octagonal Halo Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
a 1.00 CT Round Shape Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 6.5 Grams Tsavorite Total Weight
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Estate Blue Sapphire Oval and White Diamond Band Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k yellow gold mounting in ring size 6.75.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Three Stone Emerald Oval Cocktail Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Gorgeous 15.18 ct. emerald ovals in a handmade 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size 6.5.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Emerald, Yellow Gold

Michael M 18 Karat Semi Mounted Ring with 92 Melee Diamonds Weighing .73 Pts
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a white gold semi mounted ring with 92 melee diamonds, nicely made by MICHAEL M brand. You
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Estate Black Opal Oval and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
white gold mounting in ring size 6.25.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, White Gold

Estate Blue Star Sapphire and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
shapes and rounds. Handmade 18k white gold mounting. Ring size 6.25.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Star Sapphire, White Gold

2.02 Ct Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring GIA G/VS1 Halo 18 KWG Mounting
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Princess cut diamond halo engagement ring fashioned in 18 karat white gold. The 2.02 carat princess
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 4.5 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.19 CTS Diamond Color: G Diamond
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 5.0 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.23 CTS Diamond Color: G Diamond
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 5.7 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.26 CTS Diamond Color: G Diamond
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Tsavorite Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 7.5 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.26 CTS Diamond Color: G
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Sapphire Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 7.6 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.25 CTS Diamond Color: G
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 5.1 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.21 CTS Diamond Color: G Diamond
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 7.5 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.25 CTS Diamond Color: G Diamond
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Tsavorite Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 4.9 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.24 CTS Diamond Color: G
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Tsavorite Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 4.6 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.22 CTS Diamond Color: G
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Tsavorite Halo Modern Mounting
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stone. Metal: 18K White Gold Weight: 4.6 Grams Total Diamond Weight: 0.22 CTS Diamond Color: G
Category

2010s Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

GIA Certified, 1.01ct Natural Fancy Brownish Pink Radiant Mounted on 18kt Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
mounted on an 18kt gold setting. This exquisite diamond ring exudes elegance and charm, with its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pink Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Semi Mount and Diamond Band 0.65 Carat Total Weight of Diamonds
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A set of 18k white gold semi mount and diamond band. The semi mount can fit a round diamond, about
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Superb Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Ring; Chased 18k White Gold Ring; amazing handmade filigree
Category

Vintage 1930s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Opal Spessartite Garnet Diamond Gold Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
(10 at 1.01 carats). Hand fabricated 18k yellow gold mounting. Ring size 7 and may be adjusted.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Garnet, Opal, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Athena 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Diamond Ring
Located in Cincinnati, OH
Athena Collection 18k yellow gold ring with an oval mounting featuring a "dancer" Flanked on the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Australian Boulder-Opal Diamond Sculpted-Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. Set in a sculpted 18k gold mounting. Ring Size 5.25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Micro Pave 4.58ct Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement White Gold Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
mm Mounting Details: 18k White Gold split shank mounting Ring Size: 6.5 (Cannot be sized) Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 1871 Pearl and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique ruby and pearl ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The circular ring mount displays a
Category

Antique 1870s English Fashion Rings

Materials

Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.69 Carat Spessartite Garnet In Art Nouveau Style Mounting
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
Campbell mounting in 18k yellow gold. The setting looks like undulating vines and leaves, with generous
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Phenomenal 2.04 Carat F/VS1 in Custom French Mounting
By Sebastien Barier
Located in San Francisco, CA
setting. This 2.04 carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond comes to life in this exquisite 18kt White Gold ring
Category

2010s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sapphire Diamond Gold Phoenix Statement Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Amazing and unusual Gold Phoenix Ring, featuring a large Cabochon Sapphire, weighing approx. 35
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

14.33 Carat Fancy Light Yellow Pear Shaped Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Mounting Details: 18K Rose Gold Shank and 18k Yellow Gold Head of Engagement Ring Mounting Size: Size 6.25
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

6.13 Fancy Brown Yellow Pear Diamond in Custom Bloodstone Mounting
By Fourtané Workshop
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
carats. The center diamond is set in 18k rose gold and the interior of the mounting is also lined in
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald and White Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
diamonds in a handcrafted 18k white gold mounting. Ring size is 6. Beautiful addition to any jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

French 3.39 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond (total) dress ring in 18 karat yellow gold; part of our vintage jewelry and estate jewelry
Category

1990s French Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Pink Quartz Sugarloaf and Diamond Gold Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
Gold mounting. Ring size 8, we offer ring resizing. This Classic Ring epitomizes vintage charm and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Michael Kneebone Blue Topaz 18 Karat Gold Stacking Leah Rings
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
combination is so easy to wear with so many other colors. The gems are bezel set in 18k yellow gold mounts
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Topaz, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold 3-Stone Diamonds Semi Mount with 8 Diamonds 0.78 Carat
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
: custom metal: gold type: SEMI MOUNTED ring weight: 5.14 gr size: 7 US hallmark: 18K
Category

2010s American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.78 Carat Cultured Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond in Custom Bloodstone Mounting
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

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.73 Carat Cultured Fancy Vivid Yellow Diamond in Custom Onyx Mounting
By Fourtané Workshop
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
diamond is set in 18k yellow gold and the interior of the mounting is also lined in yellow gold. This
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gubelin Certified 2.91 Carat No Heat Kashmir Blue Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fabulous 18K white gold ring mounted with a special Kashmir blue sapphire (2.91 ct) in the center
Category

Vintage 1980s Retro More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Kashmir Blue Sapphire 3.46 Carat set in Oscar Heyman Mounting
Located in Carmel, IN
x 5.98 Mounting Information: Style: 98274 Material: 18k Yellow Gold & Platinum Diamond Carat
Category

Vintage 1970s American Romantic Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Gubelin Certified 7.86 Sri Lanka ‘Ceylon’ No Heat Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant and refine 18K white gold ring mounted with an amazing Sri Lanka (Ceylon) No heat Blue
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold and Amethyst Cocktail Ring
Located in Kingston, NY
Offered is an 18k yellow gold cocktail ring, high mount 19.44 ct amethyst stone with 4-prong
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 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.