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1948 Nordic Ring 0.8 ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6US / 2.6g
Located in SE
Nordic Renaissance styled ring with carved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Claw set Natural Emerald
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Neoclassical Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 8.60 Carat Cabochon Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
AGL certified cabochon cut emerald that weighs 8.60ct. The center stone is accentuated by old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Dome Rings

Materials

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

1914 Ring solitaire natural 0.3ct. Emerald solid 18K Gold ØUS 8.5 / 3.11gr
Located in SE
Fine Art Nouveau period Ring with an Emerald set in claws. Swedish hallmarks : 18K, city of
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamonds Three-Stone 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
square old mine cute diamonds measuring a total of 40 points, G colour and VSI clarity. Modelled in 18
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1938 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamond solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.5 US / 2.88gr
Located in SE
Nordic Renaissance-styled Emerald and Diamonds ring with carved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
green stone are a halo of sparkling old mine cut diamonds measuring a total of 40pts. Ring Size: N 1/2
Category

Vintage 1950s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1910 Edwardian Ring in Platinum 18kt Gold with 4.30 CTW in Emerald and Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
emerald as its regal centerpiece, beautifully surrounded by 1.50 carats of old mine diamonds in H color
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, Gold

Art Deco Diamond Green Emerald Blue Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
diamonds are all natural earth mined. The ring was crafted during the Art Deco era. The emeralds and
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire

Vintage 1.35 Carat Round Emerald And Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Los Feliz 18k yellow gold emerald gemstone engagement ring is an enchanting 1930s vintage
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

3.29 Carat Art Deco Emerald Ring studded with Blue Sapphires Diamonds
Located in Bangkok, TH
Sapphires and 1.53 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamonds, arranged meticulously in an intricate unique setting. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

1972 Ring natural 5ct Emerald solid 18K Gold ØUS 7.5 / 6.2 gr
Located in SE
Vintage Swedish 18K Ring with vivid Green natural Emerald cut cabochon 11 mm x 9 mm x 6 mm deep
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

1947 Ring natural 4.5ct Emerald solid 18K Gold Ø US7.75 / 2.8 gr
Located in SE
Ring for every day in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural Emerald of oval cut 13 mm x 9 mm
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamod and Emerald 18 Carat Gold Gypsy Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
wonderful colour and either side of this stone sit a sparkling old mine cut diamond measuring 30pts. All the
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique German Ring natural 0.7 ctw Emeralds solid 18K Gold Ø 8US / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring , 18K Yellow Gold and 5 claw and cluster set natural Emeralds, both Emerald
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

1923 Nordic Ring natural 0.25 ct. Emerald solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.25 /1.2gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Gold and Emerald Ring. Band in solid 18ct Orange Gold + claw set natural diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Leopold Gautrait Art Nouveau Enamel and Gem-Set Ring, circa 1900
By Leopold Gautrait
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
with emeralds. Furthermore the motif is swingfully studded with an old-mine cut diamond and further
Category

Antique 19th Century French Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique Late 1800s Emerald Gold Ring with London Assay Marks
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
. The prongs are set with 8 small old mine cut diamonds. This 18k gold ring was made in England in the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamond Vintage Ring Platinum GIA Certified AA Fine Antique 9.16 Carats!
Located in Sylvania, GA
DIAMOND CERTIFIED RING! VINTAGE GLOWING 7.65 CARAT TRANSPARENT/ SEMITRANSPARENT NATURAL EMERALD
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

GIA Platinum 18K Blue Sapphire No Heat Ceylon Diamond Ring VS Antique 8.32 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
Cornflower/ Royal Blue Emerald Cut Sapphire Approx- 6.23 Carats 18 Sparkling Old European Mine Cut Diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1940 Nordic 4 stones Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US 7.75 / 1.8g
Located in SE
Beautiful four-stones Ring in Art- Deco Style. Band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with clusters in
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

18K Ruby Diamond Ring Vintage Unheated GIA Certified VS Fine Huge 12.96 Carats!
Located in Sylvania, GA
18K HUGE UNHEATED RUBY DIAMOND 12.96 CARAT VINTAGE RING! Rare Huge 11.34 Carat Rich Ruby Crowned
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold, Diamond and Glass Cocktail Ring
Located in North Miami, FL
This lovely art deco period 18 karat white gold ring has 9 round old mine cut diamonds of .45 carat
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

C1860 18K Victorian Five Stone "ADORE" Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
spelled out romantic words in gemstones, were immensely popular. The gemstones on our ring are old mine
Category

Antique 1860s English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Ring natural 4ct.Blue Cornflower Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS3.75/ 8.56gr
Located in SE
Ring for every day of unisex type in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with spectacular natural Blue
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1913 Anna s Ring natural Blue Purple Sapphire Pearls solid 18K ØUS6.25 / 1.89 gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cabochon Burma Ruby Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring Weighing 8.85 Carat
By OGI Ltd
Located in New York, NY
Myanmar Two old mine diamonds weighing 1.40 carats Pave set diamond weighing 2 carats Ring size 6.5 In
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

CARTIER Paris 1970 Andre Vassort Ring In 18Kt Gold With 3.36 Ctw Diamonds Onyx
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
A ring designed by Cartier. This is a gorgeous ring created in Paris France by the jewelry house
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Platinum Diamond Antique Brooch Raymond Yard Pendant VS Old Mine Huge 8.19 Cts!
Located in Sylvania, GA
SOLID PLATINUM DIAMOND VINTAGE BROOCH IN ORIGINAL CASE! Big Old Mine Cut Diamonds Covering This
Category

20th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Necklace 100ctv natural Emeralds Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum 50cm/ 32gr
Located in SE
and diamond cut Diamonds set in 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. 50 cm open and spread. Weight: 32 gr
Category

20th Century Swedish Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Spanish Colonial 1785 Dangle Earrings 17kt Gold Silver with Diamonds and Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Note: All
Category

Antique 1780s Spanish Baroque Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage Earrings 3 ctw natural Emeralds solid 18K Yellow Gold / 5gr
Located in SE
Emeralds . Vague Swedish set of hallmarks, 18K, year marks not clear to read. One Emerald stone
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Earrings natural 1.4 ctw Emerald 0.6ctw Daimonds solid 18K Gold / 4.2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine flower halos featuring natural Emeralds and Diamonds in solid 18K Gold clusters
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage European stud Earrings 1.5ctw Emeralds solid 18K Gold / 3.65 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine Emerald studs in solid 18K Yellow hand - made in Europe ca. 1960s - 1970s. Each
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Egyptian Pendant Beetle Turqouise Sapphire Ruby Emerald 18K Gold /3.15gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1960s Egyptian Egyptian Revival Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Antique Mid-19th Century Emerald Diamond Gold Cross Pendant
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1850 An antique 18K gold cross pendant is embellished with emeralds and old mine cut and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Drop Necklaces

Vintage Tiffany Co. Bracelet 18k Gold Gems Estate Jewelry
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
An amazing vintage bracelets by Tiffany & Co. made of 18 karat gold, turquoise, and lapis lazuli
Category

Vintage 1950s American Link Bracelets

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

KURT WAYNE Articulated Crab Brooch In 14Kt Gold With Onyxes, Rubies Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
Marcus in Dallas, Texas. Traditionally, the jeweler used 18K gold and precious stones – emeralds
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modernist Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

GIA Australian Opal Platinum Solid Diamond 14K Vintage Pendant Natural 17.91 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents...GIA CERTIFIED HUGE SOLID AUSTRALIAN OPAL & DIAMOND VINTAGE
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian Emerald and Diamond Carved Half Hoop Ring
Located in London, GB
. Unmarked, tested as 18ct gold. A very pretty emerald and diamond ring. This ring was made in the late
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old Mine Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Madrid, ES
The step cut emerald weighing 10.88 carats to the heart-shaped diamond shoulders and plain hoop
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary More Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Victorian Emerald Old Mine Cut Diamond 5-Stone Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This splendid antique five-stone ring is set with three vibrant emeralds and two old mine cut
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Emerald and Mine-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
A rich green and crystalline old-mine Muzo emerald (much finer than the picture suggests), weighing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Midcentury 18ct Gold 2.7ct Emerald and 3.2ct Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A magnificent mid century 18ct gold round emerald and old cut diamond cluster ring dating from the
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Emerald and Old Mine Cut Diamond Trilogy, circa 1920
Located in Essex, GB
– Step cut emerald and old mine cut diamonds. Colour – The diamonds are G to H. Clarity – The diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century British Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Colombian Muzo Mine Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This classic antique emerald and diamond ring shines brightly with a vibrant, rich green, Colombian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Gem Quality 3.00 Carat Old Mine Muzo Emerald
Located in San Francisco, CA
truly magnificent vintage emerald and diamond ring for a true connoisseur and collector. The gemmy
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

Emerald Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
electric, Colombian emerald centres a flower shaped cluster of sixteen old mine cut diamonds. All the
Category

Early 20th Century Revival Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Midcentury 1.91 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Emerald 18 Karat Gold Halo Ring
Located in Essex, GB
shaped old cut diamond in the centre, encircled bright, verdant green calibré cut emeralds. Neat “V
Category

Mid-20th Century French Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Platinum Diamonds and GIA Certified Emerald Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: Platinum and 18k gold 1 natural emerald GIA CERTIFIED MINOR 2.98ctw. 86 old mine cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Estate 18 Karat Gold Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Miami, FL
weighs 0.90ctw. • 1 natural tear shape diamond of L-SI1 quality that weighs 0.80ctw. • 30 Old mine cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Diamond and Emerald Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This is a gorgeous marquise shape ring that showcases old mine cut diamonds H-VS2/SI1 quality that
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 karat Gold and Platinum Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
sizable, is embellished with 10 old mine cut diamonds of H-VS2/SI1 quality that weigh 0.50ctw. Material
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 18 Karat Gold 1.69 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
cut emerald that weighs 1.69ctw. • 26 Old mine cut diamonds of G-VS2 quality that weigh 0.75ctw. Ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Retro 1.50 Carat Emerald and 2.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
; this is treasure. French hallmarks. Cut – Emerald cut emerald and old mine cut diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.70 Carat Old Cut Diamond Emerald Target Cluster Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
gold shank. Cut – Old European cut in the centre, with old mine cut diamonds on the outside. The
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.40 Carat Colombian Emerald 1.20 Carat Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
centre set with five natural Emeralds - Colombian origin – intense luscious green old mine cut – this
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 18ct Gold Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
emeralds totalling approx 0.35ct are rub over set in yellow gold and interspaced by two old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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