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18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring

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Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Edwardian Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 Pretty, little post Edwardian era
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

2.21 Carat Emerald and 0.60 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
stunning, fine and impressive emerald engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with platinum
Category

Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian 18ct Gold Sapphire Diamond Boat Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Victorian Sapphire & Diamond Boat Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Two row- sapphire & diamond boat
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 18ct Gold Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Chester 1897 Beautiful Victorian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

White gold 1.30 Carats diamond ring from 1951
Located in Uccle, BE
White gold 18 Karat ring from 1951. The ring is set with a center brilliant diamond of 1.30
Category

Vintage 1950s European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1.87 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting. The pierced
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau GIA 1.60ct Old Mine Diamond Crossover "Toi et Moi" 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
1914 Art Nouveau 1.60ct Antique Old Mine cut Diamond 18K Gold Crossover "Toi et Moi" Engagement
Category

Vintage 1910s English Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Ring (Approx. 0.6-Carats), 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
European cut diamond, enhancing the ring’s balanced and harmonious composition. Handcrafted in rich 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Emerald and Quartz Plaque Ring 18K White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
From our antique collection, this beautiful plaque ring contains ten European Cut diamonds weighing
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Quartz, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Belle Époque Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belle Époque Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Beautiful Belle Époque Ring. Set with a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Five Stone Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Our Antique Victorian Five Stone Diamond Ring, a testament to the timeless elegance of this period
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Round Cut Aquamarine Ring (Approx. 0.70-Carats) with Diamonds, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 18k yellow gold engagement ring showcases a captivating 6mm round aquamarine
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Cut Emerald Ring (Approx. 1.00-Carats) Diamond Halo, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite engagement ring showcases a striking emerald-cut emerald, bezel-set in rich 18k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Natural Purple Lavender Spinel Halo Ring in 18K White Gold Diamond
Located in Kowloon, HK
◆ PRECIOUS METAL : 18k White Gold ◆ CLARITY OF SPINEL: Loupe Clean ◆ CLARITY OF DIAMOND: SI * Gem of Art
Category

2010s Hong Kong Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, White Gold

Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Bezel-Set Halo Ring (Approx. 0.50), 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
ring’s brilliance. Handcrafted in 18k yellow gold, the design is completed with an openwork under-gallery
Category

2010s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, Set With 1.0ct Fancy Intense Yellow Brown Diamond
Located in London, GB
Set with a stunning 1.0ct fancy intense yellow-brown diamond at its centre, this elegant ring is
Category

2010s European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Diamond Marquise/Navette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
ring. Set with beautiful, natural old cut diamonds. Mounted in gorgeous 18ct yellow gold with fabulous
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 18ct Gold Blue Topaz Diamond Statement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage 18ct Gold Blue Topaz & Diamond Statement Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1980’s Beautiful
Category

Late 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau / Belle Epoque 1900 Diamond Ring in 18Karat Gold
Located in OVIEDO, AS
) Bypass Diamond ring mounted in 18 karat yellow Gold. The two main diamonds are hand cut old European
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian 5 Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique 18ct Gold Victorian 5 Stone Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Hallmarked Birmingham 1898 Set with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18kt. White Gold Solitaire Ring Marquise Princess Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
Stunning 18 kt. White Gold Solitaire Ring Marquise & Princess Cut Diamonds. Looks like 1 Big
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Daisy Crossover Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 This stunning antique ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian Natural Sapphire Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Marquise Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900s Step back in time with this
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamonds Engagement Rings Antique Cushion Cut (Approx. 0.7-Carats)
Located in New York, NY
showcases a harmonious blend of platinum and 18k yellow gold. The platinum setting enhances the diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Inspired Ruby and Diamond Target Ring Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful Art Deco inspired diamond and ruby ring set in 18k white gold. This elegant ring is
Category

Late 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Antique 18ct Gold Stamped, 1920’s Onyx Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Onyx & Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Stamped This stunning 1920s ring is a true
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Five stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exceptional 18ct yellow gold five-stone diamond ring. This antique piece was
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18ct Yellow Gold Diamond Ring, Set With 1.30ct G/SI1 Round Brilliant Cut Diamond
Located in London, GB
Discover timeless elegance with this stunning 18ct yellow gold diamond ring, featuring a 1.30ct G
Category

2010s European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian Rectangular Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning Edwardian-era
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Solid 10K White Gold Ruby Five Stone Ring Engagement Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 10k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1940’s 18ct Gold Ruby Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Bombe Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1940’s Fabulous, vintage Bombe shaped ring. Set with
Category

Mid-20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Edwardian Rectangular Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1900 Fabulous, Edwardian diamond
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique 18ct White Gold, Edwardian Diamond Marquise/Navette Statement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing an exquisite 18ct white gold
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct White Gold Art Deco Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Fabulous, Art Deco ring. Set with stunning
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Sapphire Diamond Marquise Upfinger Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Fabulous, Victorian marquise shaped ring. Set
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Sapphire Diamond Carved Seven Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Carved Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1880 Indulge in the elegance of this exquisite Victorian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian era Diamond and Ruby Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910s Step back in time with this
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 1.01 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Cluster Ring, Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
the interior with the 18k gold fineness mark (18CT). This stunning gold and diamond ring is supplied
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.14 Carat Old European Cut Center Diamond with Total Diamond Weight of 2.03 Cts
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Set in 18 karat white gold is a Center 1.14 carat Old European Cut diamond with an additional 0.89
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Platinum and 18K yellow gold ring set with old and rose-cut diamonds. Finger size: 50.5. Gross
Category

Early 20th Century Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.78 Tcw Fancy Yellow Diamond Ring VS2 Natural GIA Certified 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Puyallup, WA
Own a piece of sunshine with this all fancy yellow diamond ring! Set in 18k yellow gold, the center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Yellow Gold

1920s Diamond and Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.83 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, silver set twist ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
piece is crafted from rich 18ct yellow gold and features three captivating old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond (Approx 0.30-Carats) Pearl Ring 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique three-stone engagement ring showcases a luminous pearl flanked by two old
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian era Square Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 18ct White Gold Aquamarine Diamond Tiered Dress Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Aquamarine Ring 18ct White Gold Unidentified Hallmarks on The Outside of The Shank
Category

Mid-20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold, 1940s Natural Sapphire Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Sapphire Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1940s This stunning vintage ring is crafted from
Category

Mid-20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1900s Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.65 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone cocktail ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A delightful early 20th century ring, its front
Category

Early 20th Century European Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 Kt White Yellow Gold Diamond Ring with Leaves Motif
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 KT WHITE & YELLOW GOLD WITH DIAMONDS WITH LEAVES MOTIF. DIAMONDS : 2.42 Ct Top Quality Earth
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Certified Colombian Emerald and Diamond 18-Kt gold Halo-Ring
By Claris-A
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
its weight, this subtle distinction adds to the ring's unique charm. Set in an 18 Karat white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Amethyst and Diamond Yellow White Gold Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Amethyst Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Circa 1910 Fabulous Faceted Oval Amethyst
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

ALGT certified Natural 0.77 Carat Alexandrite and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Diamonds Precious stones: Alexandrite (Ural origin) 3. Design & Style: engagement ring 4. Cut & Shape
Category

2010s European Baroque Engagement Rings

Materials

Alexandrite, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian Diamond Marquise / Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back in time with this exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian 0.70ct Diamond Pearl Rectangular Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond & Pearl Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning and unique
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 18k White Gold Ring with ~0.5ct Center Stone - Size 6
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
This is a lovely vintage 18k white gold ring featuring a 0.5ct old European cut center diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1910s Antique Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
(Niton XL2 Analyzer) and verified as 18k gold. This multi diamond engagement ring is supplied with an
Category

Vintage 1910s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 18k gold european diamond engagement ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a 18k gold european diamond engagement 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 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing 18k gold european diamond engagement ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Single Stone, Peter Suchy and Jabel each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and rose cut alternatives. When shopping for a 18k gold european diamond engagement ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring?

On average, a 18k gold european diamond engagement ring at 1stDibs sells for $5,504, while they’re typically $325 on the low end and $136,500 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.