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Art Deco 0.36 Carat Diamond Buckle Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This unique ring represents a belt buckle, embodied in precious metals and diamonds. Eleven eight
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late Deco Transitional Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1930s, this timeless and classic solitaire has a 0.20 carat, transitional cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring dates back to the 1930s and features a wonderfully deep red ruby in the centre
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930s Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. Presenting a rectangular tray, this thin antique ring is set with an
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Watch Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold ring, owl hallmark. Magnificent and rare watch ring, it is made of a
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco More Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Art Deco Cabochon Sapphire Diamonds Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Lovely antique ring, it is set in the center
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Five-Stone Diamond and Sapphire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This lovely vintage c.1930s five stone ring features three round sapphires set horizontally
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Oval Carat Weight: 0.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 0.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
of the ring has been crafted in platinum with then the band being in 18ct white gold. Gemstone
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 2.70ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This stunning cluster ring dates back to the 1930s. At it’s heart sits an impressive 2.70 carat
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique 1930s Diamond and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and join seamlessly with the plain 18k yellow gold ring shank. This impressive antique 1930's dress
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1930s Three Center Diamonds and Filigriee Ring
Located in New York, NY
The ring id finely crafted in 18k white gold with three diamonds weighing approximately total of
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Five-Stone Old Cut Diamond Crossover Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
this petite circa 1930s five stone diamond ring. They equate to a total weight of 0.45 carat and are H
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Emerald Diamond Ring Circa 1930s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
True to the era this Art Deco cluster ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold with platinum settings
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A classic three stone diamond ring dating back to the 1930s. The centre diamond weighs 0.50 carat
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.20 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful art deco ring features a 1.20 carat diamond. The diamond is transitional cut, and is
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

French 1930s White Gold Diamond Sapphire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This lovely antique ring is set closed with a
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.97ct Diamond Halo Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous ring which dates back to c.1930s has a 0.97 carat old cut diamond sat in its centre
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late Art Deco 0.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This lovely ring from the 1930s features a cluster of old cut diamonds. The centre diamond is 0.20
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1930s Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. Delightful Art Deco oval shape ring, it is decorated with an antique
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1930s, this art deco ring features a central sapphire which is a rich, deep blue
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco Hexagonal Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Dating to the 1930s, this stunning sapphire and diamond ring is all handmade from 18 carat white
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This ring features a cornflower blue sapphire surrounded by a halo of diamonds. The natural
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.52 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
claws, and the baguette cut diamonds are tension set. This 1930s engagement ring is a timeless design
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A breath-taking ring from the 1930s. In the centre is a rich green Emerald, which is expertly set
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930s Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
from the 1930s. Our opinion : A beautiful geometry for this antique diamond ring, antique engagement
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Charming Art Deco ring, it forms a domed shuttle
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1930s French Sapphire and Diamond Set Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1930s, 18k/Platinum, French. This gorgeous ring is set with a vibrant blue .65 carat
Category

Vintage 1930s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.93 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
the centre of this ring. It is H colour and VS1 clarity. The diamond is held within eight platinum
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.12 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This stunning art deco ring showcases a 1.12 carat diamond surrounded by two halos of precious gems
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Square Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
The Art Deco origin of this circa 1930s diamond cluster ring is apparent in its geometric design
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This lovely art deco engagement ring features a 1.00 carat old cut diamond. It is certified by IGI
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
The deep blue sapphire in the centre of this cluster ring weighs 1.30 carat and is oval shaped. It
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Two-Stone Twist Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This wonderful twist ring features tow transitional cut diamonds within a claw setting. Each
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

French 1930s Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Delightful antique ring, its setting presents
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 0.50 Carat Transitional Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Classically-presented in a vintage two-tone solitaire setting, this c.1930s engagement ring centres
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Five-Stone 0.75 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
A vintage c.1930s five stone ring featuring old cut diamonds graduating in size horizontally from
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

French 1930s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Charming Art Deco ring, it forms a domed shuttle
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A stunning blue sapphire is encircled by transitional cut diamonds in this Art Deco ring. The 0.80
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.40ct Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful old cut emerald is highlighted in the centre of this 1930s ring. The lovely green
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 1.20ct Green Tourmaline and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous green tourmaline sits central in this 1930s cluster ring. Weighing 1.20 carat the oval
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1930s Art Deco Pearl Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. This charming antique ring is set on a fine corolla with a white
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.70ct Diamond and Emerald Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A wonderful collection of diamonds and emeralds are on display in this lovely 1930s cluster ring
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Geometric Diamond 18 Karats White Gold Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats white gold, eagle head and rhinoceros head hallmarks. Geometric, this beautiful
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.60ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful 1930s cluster ring showcases a vibrant 0.60 carat emerald at it’s centre. The
Category

Vintage 1930s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.92 Carat Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
yellow gold and the ring dates to the 1930s. It is all hand made and the diamond hand cut. Gemstone
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930s Art Deco Dinner Ring Diamond White Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s Art Deco Dinner Ring Diamond White Gold Art Deco dinner ring with a diamond and simulated
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 1930s Art Deco Diamond 18 Karats Rose Gold Solitary Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats rose gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. Delightful
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

1930s French Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum and 18 karats white gold, dog's head and eagle's head hallmarks. A hexagonal shape
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1930s French Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Rectangular Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Presenting a rectangular shaped frame, this art
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Platinum 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Art Deco Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinum, dog's head hallmark, and 18 karats white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Geometric
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1930s Art Deco Aquamarine Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
. US Size : 5,5 ; Free resize, please contact us. Authentic antique ring - French work of the 1930's
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Late Art Deco Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
This sophisticated c.1930s diamond cluster engagement ring centres an old cut diamond in a
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930s Antique Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
collections This fine and impressive emerald and diamond dress ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with
Category

Vintage 1930s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1930s Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold 0.12 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. Square in shape, this lovely art deco ring is set in the center of a
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1930s Antique Austrian Diamond Yellow Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
's diamond ring has been crafted in 14k yellow gold with a 14k white gold setting. The 14k white
Category

Vintage 1930s Austrian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

French Art Deco 1930s Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Authentic antique ring - French work of the 1930s. Our opinion: Lovely, a diamond sapphire ring of charm.
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gol...

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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.