1800s Diamond Rings
Antique Early 19th Century More Rings
Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Fashion Rings
Diamond, 22k Gold
Antique 19th Century European Art Deco Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Gold, Silver
Antique Mid-19th Century Fashion Rings
Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold
Recent Sales
Antique Late 19th Century Edwardian Wedding Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian More Rings
Diamond
Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond
Antique Mid-19th Century Russian Victorian Solitaire Rings
Diamond
Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver
Antique Late 18th Century European Georgian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1800s Signet Rings
Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique 19th Century French Belle Époque More Rings
Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Italian Victorian Cluster Rings
Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Mid-19th Century Russian High Victorian More Rings
Diamond, Turquoise, Gold
Antique 19th Century British Fashion Rings
Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum
Antique 1850s Edwardian Fashion Rings
Diamond, 14k Gold
Antique Late 19th Century English More Rings
Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold
Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Fashion Rings
Blue Sapphire, White Diamond, White Gold
Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Cluster Rings
Diamond, Gold, Silver
Antique Late 19th Century Italian Signet Rings
Diamond, Gold
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21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Fashion Rings
Rainbow Moonstone, Moonstone, 22k Gold, Sterling Silver
Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings
Citrine, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Contemporary Chain Necklaces
18k Gold, Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Classical Greek Pendant Necklaces
18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Indonesian Contemporary Fashion Rings
Tanzanite, 22k Gold
Antique 1830s Early Victorian Cluster Rings
Natural Pearl, Tourmaline, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary Balinese Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Tourmaline, Diamond, 22k Gold
Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings
Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold
1990s Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold
Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Cocktail Rings
Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum
Antique 15th Century and Earlier Balinese Classical Greek Fashion Rings
22k Gold
20th Century North American Solitaire Rings
Diamond, Platinum
Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Brooches
Opal, 18k Gold
1920s Coats
Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Cocktail Rings
Natural Pearl, Topaz, Pearl, Imperial Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold
21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Cocktail Rings
Aquamarine, 22k Gold
1800s Diamond Rings For Sale on 1stDibs
How Much are 1800s Diamond Rings?
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 rings, vintage 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 rings, vintage 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.
- 1stDibs ExpertMarch 22, 2022In the 1800s, miniatures were small portraits. People commissioned them to give as gifts to their loved ones to carry with them. In this way, miniatures were similar to modern wallet photographs. On 1stDibs, find a range of miniature portraits.
- Were there safes in the 1800s?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertMarch 31, 2023Yes, there were safes in the 1800s. Historical records indicate that by 1820, some companies used safes to protect goods from fire. Following market campaigns in the 1840s, more companies and individuals began to purchase safes as an anti-theft measure. Shop a variety of safes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertDecember 4, 2023What wedding rings looked like in the 1800s was similar to other Victorian jewelry. The Victorian era spanned from 1837 to 1901, coinciding with the reign of Queen Victoria in the United Kingdom. At the beginning of this period, rings were made of gold and affordable only to the wealthy. Designs for Victorian-era rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal. Some featured stones secured by collets, settings similar to bezels, with prongs and a closed back. On 1stDibs, find a selection of Victorian wedding rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 4, 2024To identify 1800s furniture, first check to see if your piece bears any maker's marks. Should you locate any, researching them using trusted online resources can help you determine the maker and age of your furniture. To determine if unmarked pieces date back to the 19th century, look for tool marks and variations in their carvings and ornamentation. Since 19th-century furniture was handmade, you should expect to find these signs of hand craftsmanship. A piece that shows no marks or inconsistencies in details is likely a contemporary machine-made reproduction. Familiarizing yourself with the characteristics of Rococo, Chippendale, Gothic Revival, neoclassical and other 19th-century styles can also be helpful. If you struggle to make an identification, consider consulting a certified appraiser or knowledgeable antique dealer. On 1stDibs, find a range of 19th-century furniture.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023During the 1800s, necklaces, earrings, brooches and hair accessories were popular jewelry pieces in styles ranging from Georgian with enamel details to Victorian with floral flourishes. The commonly used gemstones of the 19th century included diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, garnets and amethysts. Gold was the dominant metal for jewelry, but silver became sought-after during the 1880s and 1890s. Explore an assortment of antique jewelry on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 13, 2023In the 1800s, safes were usually made of metal like tin plating or sheet iron. Fireproofing the safes proved difficult, and during the 1820s, specific mixtures of materials such as mica, potash lye and alum were used to line a safe’s interior in order to prevent its contents from succumbing to fire damage. Shop a collection of safes on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertJune 30, 2023In the 1800s, nightstands were often called commodes. Prior to the advent of indoor plumbing, early nightstands contained a porcelain chamber pot in a cabinet that provided a convenient and private alternative to visiting the outhouse. Today, antique, new and vintage nightstands, which are pieces of bedroom furniture that are often called bedside tables, are typically low-profile tables that are positioned alongside one’s bed or elsewhere in a bedroom. Shop a selection of nightstands on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Yes, pocket watches peaked in popularity in the 1800s. The first pocket watch was created in Germany in 1510, but was originally too large for a pocket. In the 1600s, the design began to get more compact, but for a long time pocket watches were a rarity and a symbol of wealth. Shop an array of antique pocket watches on 1stDibs.
- What is 1800s art called?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertNovember 26, 2024What 1800s art is called depends on its age and style, as the century saw multiple movements. Most art historians refer to art that broke from traditional norms, produced in the 1860s and later, as modern art, and everything that preceded it as pre-modern art. Some of the art styles that were popular during the 19th century include Impressionism, Realism, Romanticism, Neoclassicism, Expressionism and Fauvism. Shop a wide range of 19th-century art on 1stDibs.
- What is a 925s ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022A 925s ring is a piece of jewelry worn on a finger made of a specific type of precious metal. Specifically, 925s indicated 925 sterling silver. This metal is 92.5 percent pure silver, and the remaining 7.5 percent is another metal like copper. Shop a wide range of sterling silver rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertNovember 8, 2023Yes, a wedding ring can be a diamond ring. In fact, you're free to wear any type of ring that appeals to you as a wedding ring. You could opt to wear a solitaire diamond ring to symbolize your wedding vows or a band ring that features multiple diamonds, such as an eternity band that shows diamonds all the way around its surface. Find a large selection of diamond wedding rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a diamond eternity ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertOctober 12, 2021A diamond eternity ring is a ring that features multiple diamonds, adorned in an endless circular design. This ring normally features a band set with a continuous circle of diamond stones in a manner that can be very glamorous. Diamond eternity rings are available in a variety of styles including Contemporary, Victorian, Retro, Art Deco, Modern, Edwardian, Empire, Renaissance, and Artisan. Find a collection of antique and vintage diamond eternity rings on 1stDibs today.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022The symbolism of a diamond ring is largely a matter of personal opinion. Because diamonds are the most commonly used stones in engagement rings, many people associate them with commitment, undying love and marriage. The diamond is also the gemstone for April. On 1stDibs, shop a variety of diamond gemstone rings.
- What is a floating diamond ring?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertFebruary 22, 2021A floating diamond ring is a ring where the center diamond appears to be floating free of the setting or band. Typically, the bands in a floating diamond ring divert away from the stone.
- Do eternity rings have diamonds?1 Answer1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022Some eternity or infinity rings feature diamonds, while some feature other gemstones. An eternity ring is a continuous band that is set with a string of gemstones centered in the band. It’s meant to symbolize never-ending love and is often given as a gift on an anniversary. Many people like to have their infinity ring adorned with diamonds, other people simply prefer a different gemstone. Shop a collection of eternity rings from some of the world’s top sellers on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2024No, an engagement ring doesn't have to have a diamond in it. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement jewelry, so any ring that appeals to you can signify your intention to marry someone. Alternatives to diamond rings include simple band rings formed of precious metals and gemstone rings featuring rubies, emeralds, sapphires and other stones. Explore a diverse assortment of engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- 1stDibs ExpertFebruary 27, 2024No, an engagement ring does not have to be a diamond. Although diamonds are popular, rings featuring other gemstones like sapphires, rubies and emeralds can serve as engagement rings, and it's even possible to choose a ring made entirely out of precious metals with no gemstone accents of any kind. There really are no rules when it comes to engagement rings, so feel free to select any ring that appeals to you. Find a diverse assortment of antique, vintage and contemporary engagement rings on 1stDibs.
- What is a diamond bypass ring?1 Answer
Roman Malakov DiamondsMarch 22, 2021a diamond bypass ring is a fashionable and unique ring that consists of a single metal band that "twists" and do not connect to each other. If it is an engagement ring, this gap between the two ends of the bands holds the diamond. - 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022On a diamond ring, the head is the portion of the jewelry that holds the gemstone in place. You may also see it referred to as the prongs, setting or crown. On 1stDibs, shop a wide variety of diamond gemstone rings.
- 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022An illusion diamond ring is a type of diamond setting that enhances the appearance, namely the perceived size, of the diamond. One of the strategies used to create illusion diamonds is to surround the diamond with another precious metal, making it look bigger. On 1stDibs, you’ll find a collection of expertly-vetted illusion diamond rings from some of the world’s top sellers.
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