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Retro Colombian Emerald and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
and a half carats total. The well matched layout of old mine cut antique diamonds weighs 3/4 carats
Category

Vintage 1930s Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Five Stone Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Emerald Five Stone Band. This beautiful ring
Category

Antique 1870s Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Diamond Emerald Ring Moi et Toi 18k Gold Gemstone Band Sz 5
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Edwardian diamond & emerald 'moi et toi' ring crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau Emerald Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Center Diamond: Carat Weight: 0.36 Cut: Old Mine Cushion Color: M-N Clarity: VS2 Diamonds: 24 Rose Cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
ring features two round faceted old mine cut diamonds and a trio of electric green emeralds in an
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Antique Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a we have a classically styled emerald and diamond cluster ring. This antique piece
Category

Early 20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One 18 karat white gold estate Art Deco ring set with one 7x6.3mm natural emerald and two old mine
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A beautiful Victorian emerald and diamond ring. Natural Colombian old mine Emeralds of this colour
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Natural Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A beautiful Victorian emerald and diamond ring. Natural Colombian old mine Emeralds of this colour
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Christmas Special 7.11 Carat Zambian Emerald Ring with Old Cut Diamonds
Located in Bangkok, TH
that have a combined weight of 0.75 Carat, these natural old mine cut diamonds add a touch of vintage
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, 24k Gold

English Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Fairfield, CT
. Surrounding the emeralds are a series of old mine cut diamonds, weighing up to approximately 0.67 carats. The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
fashion across the face. At the centre we find a single round faceted old mine cut diamond which is
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Emerald Diamond Gold and Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Antique 18 karat gold and platinum ring with emerald and diamonds. The ring has an antique
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Filigree Emerald and Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Diamonds: 14 Old European & Old Mine Round 1.25 Carats Total H-J Color VS2-SI1 Clarity Ring Size: 7.5
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18K Gold Diamond and Ruby Edwardian Double Head Snake Ring
Located in Venice, CA
the reverse with ruby eyes and a large Old Mine Cut diamond. The reflected image creates a yin-yang
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 18K Gold and Silver and 1.0 Carat Emerald and 1.50 Carat Diamond Halo
Located in New York, NY
Victorian 18k Yellow Gold Colombian Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring c.1850. The very picture of
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold

2.25 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a sensational emerald and diamond cluster ring. This substantial piece has been
Category

Late 20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Rose Gold Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Diamond Emerald Rose Gold Nanette Dinner Ring is just what you've been hoping for. An old mine cut diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Mid-Century French Diamond and Gemstone 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Mid-Century French Diamond and Gemstone 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring. Featuring one old mine
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...

1865 Antique Emerald and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.33 carat emerald and 0.66 carat diamond, 18k yellow gold dress ring
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Three-Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
faceted old mine cut diamonds at either side. The piece is made complete by an open pierced under-gallery
Category

20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.22 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
side by a bright white round faceted old mine cut diamond. The stones have been individually claw set
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Colombian Emerald Diamond gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
-catching ring. Boasting the “Old Mine” green hue for which Colombian emeralds are so desired, this 13.63
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Platinum 1.04ct Emerald Diamond 5 Stone Band Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
alternate with a cushion cut emerald and an old mine cut diamond with the slightly larger stone at the
Category

Antique 1890s Early Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

An Antique Emerald And Diamond Cluster Ring circa 1850
Located in Firenze, IT
emerald with an old mine cut diamond surround, mounted in silver and gold Size 7 Weight: 7,54gr.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Emerald Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
, highlighted by a surrounding of old mine cut diamonds (for an approx. weight of 2 cts). Mounted on platinum
Category

Antique 1890s Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 2.46 Carats Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Snake Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
in color and prong set with a halo surround. Comprised of flush set old mine cut diamonds with
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1940s Rene Boivin Emerald Diamond Ring
By René Boivin
Located in New York, NY
A magnificent and aesthetic châton setting ring centering an old mine-cut diamond weighing
Category

Vintage 1940s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Emerald Diamond Ring c1896 18k Yellow Gold Chester Band 7.25
Located in Torrance, CA
Antique Victorian emerald & diamond ring (circa 1896), crafted in 18 karat yellow gold. Three
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique GIA 4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Ring. A vibrant green emerald is surrounded by a cluster of old mine cut bright white diamonds that
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Magnificent Antique Bishops Ring Diamond Emerald
Located in Chicago, IL
Large and Impressive Bishops Ring, 18K yellow Gold set with old Mine Cut Diamonds totaling 4 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Colombian Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
1.09 ct Colombian emerald surrounded by bright white old mine cut diamonds (G-H color, SI clarity). The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique GIA 4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique GIA 4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

GIA 18K Colombian Green Emerald Diamond Ring Certified Huge VS Gold 14.43 Carats
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents...VINTAGE LUXURY. HUGE 18K GIA CERTIFIED COLUMBIAN EMERALD
Category

Antique 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 4.28 CTW Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 2.24 carat total Quality consistent with cut and age Set in
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond Filigree 18 Karat White Gold Shield Ring with Emerald Accents
Located in Addison, TX
emerald accents. The diamonds are old mine cuts with a total weight is .50 carats. The shape is truly
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Untreated 6.02 Carat Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
An outstanding 6.02-carat emerald exhibits the perfect "Old Mine" green hue in this
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Emerald and Diamonds Enamel Ring, 18kt Gold and Silver, France
Located in London, GB
green cabochon-cut emerald, weighing around 6.50ct. It is surrounded with 14 old mine cut diamonds and 8
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique GIA 1.95 Carat Shield Cut Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Scroll Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
enhancement. The vibrant green emerald is elegantly framed by 4 old mine cut diamonds, totaling approximately
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

GIA 18K Tiffany Co. Green Emerald Diamond Ring Certified Huge Gold 12.16 Cts!
Located in Sylvania, GA
COLUMBIAN EMERALD DIAMOND 12.16 CARAT RING! VINTAGE GLOWING 10.76 CARAT TRANSPARENT NATURAL COLUMBIAN
Category

Antique 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 1.63 CTW Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Toi Et Moi Heart Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Diamond is old mine cut and weighs approximately 0.78 carat - L color with SI1 clarity Emerald is pear cut
Category

20th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Emerald and Diamond Platinum Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
1.00 carat. The emerald is surrounded by eleven old mine cut diamonds in open back, rubover settings
Category

Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

18K Emerald Diamond Ring Pendant Vintage Tiffany Co Necklace GIA Fine 7.02 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents INTAGE LUXURY. HUGE 18K GIA CERTIFIED GREEN EMERALD & DIAMOND
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

No Oil Colombian emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1890.
Located in London, GB
No Oil Colombian emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with an oval step cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1900 Art Nouveau Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
A fine high cabochon Colombian emerald is set within a sculpted 18k yellow gold ring. Set on
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Arts Crafts Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Green Gold Laurel Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
in color and channel set with milgrain edges Surrounded by old mine and old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s Arts and Crafts Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Snake Ring
Located in London, GB
a chunky old pear cut diamond at the head. This principal stone is flanked on either side by a rich
Category

Antique 19th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late-Victorian Emerald Diamond Ring Circa 1890s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
, estimated weight 0.50ct Diamonds: Eight natural old mine cut, I-K colour, SI-I1 material, estimated total
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

19th Century French Emerald Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
engraved yellow gold ring surrounded by old mine diamonds. This captivating ring dates back to the late
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Victorian 3.25 Carat Diamond and 1.92 Carat Emerald Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
setting. The Victorian ring is ornamented with a feature 3.25 ct old mine cut diamond, 18 k white gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Era Emerald Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
emerald set in a gold bezel framed by sparkling old mine cut diamonds. The shoulders of the ring are
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Raymond Yard Emerald Cabochon Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
By Raymond C. Yard
Located in New York, NY
An American 18 karat gold, diamond and cabochon emerald ring by Raymond Yard. The cluster ring
Category

Vintage 1950s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Three Stone Ring Circa 1880 s
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring is belcher set to front with an emerald and two old mine cut diamonds Emerald is bright
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Emerald Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bright Victorian emerald and Old Mine cut diamond half hoop five stone ring dating to about 1880
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

AGL Certified Natural, faint oil, Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
Colombian emerald, probably from the old Chivor mines, this medium bright color natural fine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Platinum, 18k Gold

0.42 Carats Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
and symbolic of renewal and prosperity. Surrounding this mesmerizing emerald are eight old round mine
Category

2010s Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Diamond Emerald Engraved Triple Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
A solid 18k gold Victorian snake ring set with two old mine cut diamonds and one emerald, circa
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

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18k Emerald And Old Mine Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 18k emerald and old mine diamond ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of 18k Gold, Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a 18k emerald and old mine 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. For this particular piece, are consistently popular carat weights. Creating a 18k emerald and old mine diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Leopold Gautrait and Thesis Gems and Jewelry are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an old mine cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes alternatives. Most of our 18k emerald and old mine diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 3 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 18k Emerald And Old Mine Diamond Ring?

On average, a 18k emerald and old mine diamond ring at 1stDibs sells for $7,900, while they’re typically $3,539 on the low end and $22,100 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.