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18 Karat Gold, Emerald 4ct and Diamond 2.3 Carat Cluster Ring, 1930s-1940s
Located in Bologna, IT
. As is typical for cluster rings, it features an old European cut diamond outline, totaling 2.3ct. The
Category

Early 20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Stunning Vintage Art Deco Diamond and Green Stone Engagement Ring, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
decorative. Period: ca. 1930 Material: 18K white gold (touchstone tested) Diamond(s): One old European cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.75ct Transparent Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1930s
Located in Lewes, DE
: Moderately strong Treatment: Evidence of heat Setting: 18 kt yellow & White gold mounting (7.81g gross
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 18 Karat Gold and 0.25 Carat Diamond Ring, 1930s-1940s
Located in Bologna, IT
throughout. MATERIALS 18K gold and old mine cut diamond (0.25ct) RING SIZE 8 US (resizable) WEIGHT 5.4 g
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Diamond Wedding Band 0.15 Carat, circa 1930s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This lovely vintage 18k white gold diamond wedding band is adorned with seven petite bead-set
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s 1.77ct Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18ct&Plat
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This beautifully sparkly solitaire ring holds an earlier generation Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ring 18 Karat White Gold 0.45 Carat Transitional Cut I-SI1, circa 1930s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This gorgeous 18K white gold engagement ring features a 0.45ct Transitional Cut diamond, I-SI1
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Belais Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold 0.37 Carat H-VS2, circa 1930s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Beautiful 18k white gold diamond engagement ring manufactured by “Belais” set with 0.37ct round
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1930s Diamond Pinkish Red Ruby Band 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
rubies alternate with sparkling diamonds, each gemstone nestled within a delicate 18 carat yellow gold
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1930 s Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
by 34 Round Cut Diamonds for a total approximate weight of 0.60cts. Total weight of ring is 10.3
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring Mined Filigree 18K Original 1930 s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1930's Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring Old European Cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Deco Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring Mined .45ct 18K Antique 1920 s-1930 s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Total Diamond & Sapphire Weight Solid 18K White Gold Circa 1920's-1930's The Art Deco Era in Jewelry
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Mined Diamond Solitaire Ring GIA Certified G VS1 .55ct 18K 1930 s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1930's Art Deco GIA .55ct Diamond 18K Vintage Solitaire Engagement
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring Flowers 18k Original 1930s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1930's Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring Old European Cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k White Gold Art Deco Diamond and Synthetic Sapphire 1930s Ring
Located in Towson, MD
When we think of Art Deco rings, this is what comes to mind. The openwork setting is just full of
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s Diamond and 18K White Gold Full Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.78 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s Yellow Gold Diamond Amethyst Bishops Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa: 1930s 18K yellow Gold Bishops Ring. Centrally set with an Oval Amethyst Approximately 12 to
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 1930s Emerald Diamonds Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
This rectangular shaped ring was made in the 1930s. It is set with an emerald weighing around
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1930s French Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Square with rounded angles, this antique ring
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 3 Stone Diamond Ring .81ct French Cut Arrow Sapphire 18k Original 1930s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1930's 3 Stone .81ct Diamond French Cut Sapphire 18K Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s Boivin Diamond Gold Ring
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
A square gold and diamond ring with mitered corners, in 18k gold and platinum. Rene Boivin.
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French 1930s Art Deco Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum and 18 karat white gold, dog head and eagle head hallmarks. Of openwork
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, 1930s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful cluster sapphire and diamond ring, which is from the art deco era. It is a rub over set
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.52ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1930s Size: K
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1930s Art Deco Jade Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Elegant Art Deco cocktail ring created in the 1930's. Features an oval cabochon jade accented with
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.65ct Diamond Halo Ring, C.1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1930s is this delightful engagement ring made in 18ct white gold. The central
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1930 s Art Deco Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
stylized foliate designs and hand engraved with wheat motifs. Stamped 18K for 18 karat gold. Circa: 1930s
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This classic and elegant engagement ring dates to the 1930s and holds a stunning old cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.91ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This 1930s solitaire is the quintessential engagement ring. A transitional cut 0.91 carat diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Cluster Dress Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little ring features a collection of 8-cut diamonds within a marquise shape. The
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1930s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Thin Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. Lovely antique ring, it has a hexagonal setting set in the center of
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1930s White Gold Platinum Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats white gold, owl hallmark and platinum, mascaron hallmark. Lovely ring from the
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1930s Platinum Set Diamond 18 Karat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A stunning diamond solitaire ring crafted in the 1930s. The wonderful old European cut diamond sits
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Deco Retro 1930 s Ruby Cabochon 14K Platinum Diamond Ring 4.49 Carats
Located in North Hollywood, CA
Ladies 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Ruby ring is just awesome. This large statement ring is
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, 18k Gold

1930 s Belias 0.45 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Floral Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.45 carat - I color with SI2 clarity Stamped 18K for 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1930s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Yellow gold solitaire ring, its top is decorated with a brilliant
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

1920s–1930s Art Deco Style 0.60 ct Diamonds 18k Gold Platinum Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Stunning Art Deco Style ring from the 1920s–1930s, crafted in 18k gold with platinum 950 accents
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Graduating Cluster Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This unique ring features a centre old cut diamond supported on each horizontal side by three
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930 s Art Deco 0.56 Carat Old European Diamond 14 Karat Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.56 carat - K color with SI1 clarity
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Art Deco Sapphire Diamonds Hexagonal Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum and 18 karats white gold, eagle's head hallmark. This charming art deco ring with
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Art Deco 1.05ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Transitional Cut Carat Weight: 1.05 Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

French 1930s Retro Diamond Platinum and Gold Buckle Ring
Located in New York, NY
An French Retro 18 karat gold ring with diamonds. The modified buckle ring has 7 old European-cut
Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1930s Diamond Sapphire 18k White Gold Platinum Three Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco 1930s Diamond Sapphire 18k White Gold Platinum Three Stone Ring Art Deco diamond sapphire
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Five-Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
sparkles in this brilliant two-tone ring dating from the 1930s. The diamonds have a combined weight of 0.44
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.74 Carat Solitaire Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
the remainder of the engagement ring is made of 18 carat white gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco Fancy Yellow Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
ring dates to the 1930s. It is finished with grain set diamonds in the shoulders, totalling 0.08 carat
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1930s 18K Yellow Gold Star Set Old Cut Diamond Signet Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A vintage diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising one old single cut diamond, set in 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
colour. The band is made of 18 carat yellow gold and the eight cut diamonds are grain set around the
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Tank Style Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Large, this superb ring forms like a knot paved with diamonds size 8
Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

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

1930 s Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Floral Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shank Completed by milgrain and stylized florals at shoulders and gallery Stamped 18K for 18 karat
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1930s Two-Tone Gold Diamond Dinner Ring
By Jabel
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco 1930s Two-tone Gold Diamond Dinner Ring Art Deco 1930s two-tone gold and diamond dinner
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late Deco Diamond Two-Stone Twist Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1930s, this two stone ring features old cuts, each weighing 0.25 carat. They are
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

French 1930s White Gold Platinum Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
1930s. Our opinion: A beautiful antique diamond ring, typical of his time.
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Art Deco Platinum White Gold Diamonds Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats white gold, 750 thousandths. Bright art deco ring, it is set on its top with 4
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Platinum White Gold Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum and 18 karat white gold, dog and eagle's heads hallmarks. Delightful art deco ring
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Late Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful art deco Sapphire ring, surrounded and highlighted by old cut diamonds, is just a
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Seven-Stone Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Set to centre an oval-shaped sapphire, this vintage 1930s era seven stone ring is set at each
Category

Vintage 1930s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

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18k 1930s Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18k 1930s diamond ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. You can easily find a 1382 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect 18k 1930s diamond ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 20th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Creating a 18k 1930s diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Cartier, Jabel and René Boivin are consistently popular. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and oval cut cut versions available here, too. Finding a 18k 1930s diamond ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 293 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 18k 1930s Diamond Ring?

Prices for a 18k 1930s diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $325 and can go as high as $300,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,349.

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.