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Vintage Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
head, whilst the basket and band are made from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Diamond Triple Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
band is crafted from 18ct yellow gold, offering a timeless finish to an exquisite ring. Condition
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Deco 0.70ct Diamond Solitaire ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
shoulders. The band on this timeless engagement ring has been made in 18ct yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.65ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
range in clarity from VS to SI. The ring is expertly hand carved in 18 carat yellow gold with inlayed
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 1.07 Carat Diamond and Natural Saltwater Pearl Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum set cocktail / twist ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.95 total Colour: H Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Signet Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct yellow gold shank. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 6.3 grams Face Dimensions: 12mm x 8mm Ring
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Boat Dress Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
A stunning ring dating to the Edwardian era. There are two rows of graduating diamonds, starting in
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
using 18 carat yellow gold, which was a firm favourite during the Edwardian era. Gemstone: Diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 1.10 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
been individually claw set in platinum atop a plain 18ct yellow gold band for contrast. Condition
Category

Early 20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Diamond Dimensions: 6 (1.5mm) 6 (0.5mm) Tested As: 18ct Gold & Platinum Period: Circa. 1930 Box: The
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Schlumberger 4 Row Rope X Diamond Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
of platinum and 18k yellow gold. It weighs 11.3 grams and is a size 6.5, measuring 8.8mm in width and
Category

2010s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

Edwardian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
platinum, whilst the shank is 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
of the Edwardian era, the shank is made in 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Style 0.50 Carat Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
Deco movement. Crafted from a blend of both 18ct white gold and platinum, this stylish piece features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.50ct Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
This delicate Edwardian cluster ring features nine sparkling old cut diamonds all rubover set in
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
carat yellow gold. Enveloping the sapphire a ring of ten old cut diamonds are set in platinum. Totalling
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Double Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
clusters are wonderfully twisted and the ring is modelled in 18ct gold and the stones set in platinum
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.48 Carat Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
: 18ct Gold Period: 1980s Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Category

Vintage 1980s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
is modelled in 18ct gold and stones set in platinum claws. Ring Size: Q 1/2 or 8 1/4 Face Width
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural Cornflower Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø4.75/1.8g
Located in SE
leather, Wood and Silk Box. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the crown in Platinum with claw
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
beautiful ring. Gemstone: Pearl Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Age: 1910s Size: M 1/2
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau 18K Gold Sapphire Ring with Rose-Cut Diamond Shoulders
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
A delicate Art Nouveau ring crafted in 18K gold, centered with a vivid blue sapphire of
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
central diamond measures 50pts and the smaller diamonds measure 7pts each. The ring is modelled in 18ct
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Edwardian 0.70ct Aquamarine and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
beautiful ring has been crafted in platinum, whilst the basket and band are made in contrasting 18 carat
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

1 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Ring, GIA Certified, in 18K Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.02 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Radiant Cut Diamond Ring, GIA Certified, in 18K Gold A beautifully
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Pink Diamond, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels 0.51ct Diamond Perlée Solitaire Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
clarity the diamond simply shines. Claw set in 18 carat rose gold the diamond sits upon a unique beaded
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Rose Gold

Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
. The band on this timeless engagement ring has been crafted in 18ct yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 2.30ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
H to I and in clarity from VS to SI. The platinum setting and 18 carat yellow gold band featuring
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
: 18 (1mm) Tested As: 18ct Gold Period: Circa. 1920 Box: The Vintage Jeweller Gift Box
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified 31 Carat Fancy Vivid Yellow Cushion Diamond Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Stones: Precision-cut trapezoids Metals: Platinum 18K Yellow Gold Craftsmanship: High-jewelry
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A timeless engagement ring set with one old cut diamond. The diamond, set in a gorgeous platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1960s
Located in London, GB
: Round Carat Weight: 0.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1960s Size: O
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Target Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
set in 18 carat yellow gold the diamond is 0.60 carat with a colour of J and clarity of VS2
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
diamond, highlighted by two 0.25 carat diamonds either side. All sparkle within their platinum collets and
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Le Vian 3 Carat Ruby Two-Tone Gold Ring
By Le Vian
Located in Great Neck, NY
Couture. The Platinum and 18K Two-Tone Gold ring is centered with an oval cut 3-3/8 carat Passion Ruby
Category

2010s Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Yellow Gold Engagement Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamond Fvs 0.11 ct
Located in Radolfzell am Bodensee, BW
18K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring with Brilliant Cut Diamond Fvs 0.11 ct - handmade in the platinum
Category

2010s German Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring natural Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold US6.5 / 6.4gr
Located in SE
A ring in 18K Yellow Gold with double band and rectangular openwork ornamental crown with parts in
Category

Vintage 1930s German Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Three Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Dimensions: 12 (1mm) Tested As: 18ct Gold & Platinum Box: The Vintage Jeweller Ring Box
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
(1mm) Rose Cut Diamond Dimensions: 30 (1mm) Tested As: 18ct Gold & Platinum Period: Circa. 1930. Box
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.60ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1950s
Located in London, GB
securely set into platinum, whilst the basket and band are crafted from contrasting 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1950s British Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.35 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Round Brilliant Carat Weight: 0.35 Colour: F Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.60ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: P
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 1.00ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
: Oval Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: O
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.60 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
colour and VS2 clarity. The diamonds are rub over set in platinum, while the band is made of 18 carat
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.65ct Diamond and Pearl Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.65 Colour: H
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 2.30ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
hand made collet of platinum the diamond truly shines. A simple band of 18 carat white gold completes
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14.35 Carat Aquamarine and Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1950
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive aquamarine ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting. The pierced scrolling
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

6.20 Ct Aquamarine 1.60 Ct Diamond Retro Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
bordered by two tiers of bright white round brilliant cut Diamonds F/G VVS quality for 1.60 Ct TCW The ring
Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Tiffany Co. 1.74 ct Round Brilliant Diamond Tiffany Setting Engagement Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in New York, NY
/Series: Tiffany Setting Metal Type: Pink Gold/Platinum Metal Purity: 18k Ring Size: 6.5 Pre-Owned Jewelry
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1940s
Located in London, GB
Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1940s Size: K
Category

Vintage 1940s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.60ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
stone set into platinum, emphasising their quality. The ring is then completed with a tapered band of 18
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Alex Soldier Diamond Gold Engagement Cocktail Ring One of a kind Handmade in NYC
By Alex Soldier
Located in New York, NY
. Available in platinum, 18 karat white, rose and yellow gold. White diamonds: 2 stones, total carat weight
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 3.10ct Five Stone Diamond Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Five gorgeous old cut diamonds glisten in expertly hand-crafted platinum collets. To the centre
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 3.75ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
gem has been expertly claw set into platinum with a contrasting band of 18 carat yellow gold. Set atop
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: Victorian, 1880s Size: K / 5 1/2
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Old Ring Bague au Firmament Diamond Blue Enamel 18K Gold Ø5.75 US/ 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Аntique ca. early XX cent. solid 18K Yellow Gold Bague au Firmamen styled Blue Enamel and Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Empire Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Platinum

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18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 18ct gold platinum diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a 18ct gold platinum diamond ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing 18ct gold platinum diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but LB Exclusive, Tiffany Co. and Michael Barin each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also oval cut cut and emerald cut cut versions available here, too. When shopping for a 18ct gold platinum diamond ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Ring?

On average, a 18ct gold platinum diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $8,425, while they’re typically $544 on the low end and $825,000 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.