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Bespoke Mount for 3-5 Carat Yellow White Diamond Oval Shape Halo Platinum Ring
By Hasbani Diamonds
Located in London, GB
crafted in platinum or 18 karat gold and hand made to your specification and customization. Available in a
Category

2010s British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Aquamarine, Citrine, Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Eme...

Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond Flipper Gold Band Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Sapphire approx., Emerald and Diamond 0.25tcw Flipper Gold Band Ring. Securely
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Alhambra Clover Mother of Pearl MOP Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Granulation. Hand crafted 18K Yellow Gold mounting. Ring size: 5.75, we offer ring resizing. In excellent
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

6.40 Carat Cushion Cut Madagascar Tourmaline Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
cut diamonds, extending to the shoulders; approx .60tctw; handmade 18k two-tone gold mounting; Ring
Category

Early 2000s Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 20 Carat Spiderweb Dragon Skin Cabochon Turquoise Gold Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Cabochon Turquoise, weighing approx. 20 Carat. Finely Hand-crafted 18K Yellow Gold Filigree mounting. Ring
Category

Late 20th Century Modernist Solitaire Rings

Materials

Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Michael Kneebone Zambian Emerald Diamond Gold Double "Leah" Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
diamonds all of which are set in a hand fabricated, 18k yellow gold mounting. The ring is a size 7 1/2 and
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Pink Coral, Blue Sapphires, Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
By Luise Gioielli
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Astonishing and elegant ring in 18k rose gold structure. The ring in mounted with a beautiful
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Moonstone Diamond Mount 18 Karat Diamond Stripe Across Top
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This Moonstone ring with Diamond mount and stipe of Diamonds across the top is refined and elegant
Category

2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Moonstone, 18k Gold

A late 18th Century Cameo Later Mounted By Codognato
By Attilio Codognato
Located in Firenze, IT
A late 18th century cameo later mounted by Codognato, the oval carved agate measuring 2.2 x 1.9 cm
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Italian Neoclassical Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Fluted Gold Moi et Toi Bypass Retro Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
crafted 18K Yellow Gold fluted design mounting. Ring size: 5.5, we offer ring resizing. More Beautiful in
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1.01ct oval portrait cut light brown diamond mounted on bronze
Located in Miami Beach, FL
, refined look. The bronze setting enhances the diamond’s soft, warm glow, while the 18k yellow gold shank
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Bronze

Antique Edwardian 18 Karat Gold Platinum Top Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful & classic Edwardian Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Cluster ring in a 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Chocolate Pearl and 2.95 Carat Pink Sapphire and Diamond, Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning vintage chocolate pearl and 2.95Ct pink sapphire, 0.08Ct diamond and 18k gold dress ring
Category

1990s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pearl, Pink Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Persian Turquoise Gemstone Tresor Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold in Stock
Located in Austin, TX
not returnable. 18k yellow gold ring weighs 2.6 grams (mounted) One cushion shaped turquoise that
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Estate Blue Sapphire Oval and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
, marquises, and baguettes. Handmade 18k white gold mounting in ring size 6.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, White Gold

Art Deco 18 Karat Gold 2.02 Carat No Heat Red Sapphire Victorian Filigree Ring
Located in Addison, TX
perfectly placed diamonds all set in a 18K yellow gold filigree mount. This ring has a low profile making it
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Michael Kneebone Pink Ruby White Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
in a handmade, 18k karat yellow gold mounting. The ring is size seven and may be sized.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Estate Lavender Jade Oval Cabochon and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
yellow gold and platinum mounting. Ring size 6.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum

J. Birnbach 1.00 Carat F VS1 Marquise Diamond Solitaire Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
diamond of F color and VS1 clarity... Set in a handmade platinum and 18K yellow gold mounting, this ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Michael Kneebone Kunzite Cabochon Rhodolite Garnet Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
. All the gems are set in a hand fabricated, 18k yellow gold mounting. The ring is a size 7 and may be
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, Kunzite, 18k Gold

Pomellato Hessonite Garnet Oval and White Diamond Cocktail Ring in 18 Karat
By Pomellato
Located in Los Angeles, CA
round ring in a handmade 18k white gold mounting. Ring size 5.25. Dainty and luxurious.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate Blue Aquamarine, Pink Tourmaline and White Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
yellow gold mounting. Ring size 5.25.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, White Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum

Michael Kneebone Cabochon Tanzanite Blue Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
. All set in a hand fabricated, 18k yellow gold mounting. The ring is a size seven and is easily sized.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

Michael Kneebone Rubellite Tourmaline White Sapphire Due Gemme Cocktail Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
, hand fabricated, 18k yellow gold mount. The ring is a size 7 and may be sized, preferably, larger.
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Michael Kneebone Tahitian Pearl Akoya Pearl Diamond Turban Cocktail Ring
By Michael Kneebone
Located in Austin, TX
hand fabricated 18k yellow gold mount. The ring is a size 7 and may be sized as needed, complimentary
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Halo and Invisible Set Wedding
By Gregory Mikaelian Sons, Inc.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is a 18K white gold semi mounted ring. This invisible halo setting ring features a 26 pieces
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Labradorite "Man in the Moon" Cameo Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
We've set this shimmering labradorite "Man in the Moon" cameo into a handmade 18k gold ring mount
Category

2010s English Rococo Solitaire Rings

Materials

Labradorite, 18k Gold

Ancient Roman Jasper Chicken Intaglio Signet Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A superb Roman intaglio mounted in a Georgian era ring. The jasper stone has been carved with a
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Italian Classical Roman Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Georgian "Constantine The Great" Roman Coin Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
18k gold ring mount that dates from the very early 19th Century. Constantine was born the son of
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

18k Gold

2.02 Carat K/VS2 GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Set in an 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
yellow gold mounting. Ring is currently a size 6 and can be sized to fit.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

ruby diamond gold mounted dress ring
Located in London, GB
An 18kt white and yellow gold dress ring set with a burma ruby and twenty,brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1950s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1.30ct EGL certified Old European cut diamond ring in an 18k Rose gold mounting
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
handcrafted 18K rose gold mounting. Ring is currently a size 6 and can be sized to fi
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

0.59ct GIA certified old European cut diamond mounted in a 2-tone 18k gold ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
0.59ct N/VS2 GIA certified old European cut diamond set in a handcrafted 18k yellow gold and silver
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Ancient Egyptian Scaraboid in a Gold Ring Mount
Located in London, GB
animal, possibly an elephant, and with hieroglyphics on the reverse. The Gold revolving mount with
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Egyptian More Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Chunky Mount Lapis Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Crunchy 18kt. yellow gold mount ring. Multi prong set with a fine color natural Lapis Lazuli
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Dome Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Unique 18 Karat Gold Diamonds Semi Mounting Ring
Located in Miami, FL
quality that weigh 0.10ctw. This semi mounting ring can be resized upon request. Composition: 18k gold and
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Unique 18 Karat Gold Diamonds Semi Mounting Ring
Located in Miami, FL
quality that weigh 0.10ctw. This semi mounting ring can be resized upon request. Composition: 18k gold and
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Gold and Platinum Diamond Semi Mounting Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: 18k Gold and Platinum The center can hold a stone from 0.50ctw to 0.70ctw • 12 rose
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Andre Vasour A Gold Mounted Natural Coloured Pink Tourmaline Ring
Located in London, GB
A Gold Mounted Natural Coloured Pink Tourmaline Ring Signed Andre Vasour
Category

Vintage 1960s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Retro Vintage 18k White Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Sausalito, CA
. It is set in an 18k white gold ring mounting. Size: 6 1/2. Gross weight: 8.4 grams.
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s Impressive Large Honey Citrine with Sculptural Gold Mounting Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Gold.NOTE: RING Currently Size 6.5 May Easily Be Resized To Any size necessary.Ring Made In Europe In the
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

1.17 Carat Cushion Shaped Rose Cut Diamond Set in an 18k Karat Gold Mounting
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1.17ct Cushion shaped Rose cut diamond set in a handcrafted 18K yellow gold mounting. Ring is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Color Aquamarine and Diamond Mounted in 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
mounted in 18ct white gold,with three,square cut diamonds in each shoulder c,1980 size N and a half
Category

Vintage 1980s British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

1.17 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Set in a Handcrafted 18k Champagne Gold Mounting
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
18k champagne gold mounting. Ring is currently a size 6 and can be sized to fit.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Cluster Ring Mounted in 18ct Gold, Dated Circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Antique Diamond Cluster Ring Mounted in 18ct Gold,Dated Circa 1910. Nicely designed pierced mount
Category

Vintage 1910s British Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

4.09 Carat GIA Cert Pear Shape Diamond Gold Bez Ambar Mounted Engagement Ring
By Bez Ambar
Located in Naples, FL
mounting holds 1.33cts of Blaze Diamonds and another .96cts of pave diamonds all securely set in 18k white
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring Mounted in 18 Carat Gold, London, 1979
Located in London, GB
Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring mounted in 18ct White Gold,London, 1979 This exquisite ring has
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

A late Renaissance Agate Cameo of Socrates in a Regency Gold ring mount
Located in London, GB
recognisable profiles in the world, still going strong after 2500 years. This is the type of ring that Beau
Category

Antique 1620s Italian Signet Rings

Materials

Agate, 18k Gold

0.74 Carat EGL Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Mounting
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
handcrafted 18K yellow gold mounting. Ring is currently a size 6 and can be sized to fit.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.44 Carat GIA Certified Old European Cut Diamond Mounted in 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
handcrafted 18K yellow gold mounting. Ring is currently a size 6 and can be sized to fit.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.01 Carat GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Mounted in an 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.01ct N/VS1 GIA certified Emerald cut diamond set in a handcrafted 18K yellow gold mounting. Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Ring Antique Emerald and Diamond Cluster Mounted in 18 Carat Gold English, 1860
Located in London, GB
A Nineteenth century, Emerald and cushion cut diamond cluster ring mounted in 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Antique 1860s British High Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Irregularly shaped Lapis Lazuli Intaglio of a Lion in a Gold Ring mount
Located in London, GB
he made them himself into Gold Rings and never parted with them until now. I like them a lot and am
Category

Antique 15th Century and Earlier Afghan Signet Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

1.02 Carat GIA Certified Diamond Mounted in an 18 Karat Yellow Gold Mounting
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
handcrafted 18K yellow gold mounting. Ring is currently a size 6 and can be sized to fit
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chaumet Ring Mount Set with Cabochon Star Sapphire
By Chaumet
Located in London, London
The Chaumet 18ct yellow gold mount is set with a cabochon star sapphire with good asterism. The
Category

1990s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Star Sapphire, 18k Gold

2.01 N/VS1 GIA Certified Emerald Cut Diamond Mounted in an 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Single Stone
Located in Los Angeles, CA
2.01ct N/VS1 GIA certified Emerald cut diamond set in a handcrafted 18K yellow gold setting. Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 2 Opal 4 Diamond Ring Mounted in 18ct Gold Platinum, Dated circa 1905
Located in London, GB
Edwardian 2 Opal 4 Diamond Ring Mounted In 18ct Gold & Platinum,dated circa 1905 The two opals are
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

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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.