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Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, 1920s Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Geometric Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Gold Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Elevate your style with this exquisite 18ct
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

9k White Gold Natural AAA Aquamarine Eternity Engagement Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
guarantee that the ring has been completely made from solid 9K Gold. The quality of this piece is Superb
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 9k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct White Gold Platinum Art Deco Upfinger Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1920’s Fabulous, Art Deco bombe/dome
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Platinum, 1920s Peridot and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This exquisite ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond Ring with Sapphire Accents
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
18k Gold and Platinum Ring with White Diamonds and Blue Sapphires This intricate 18k gold and
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

14K White Gold Natural AAA Aquamarine Eternity Engagement Ring - Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
guarantee that the ring has been completely made from solid 14K Gold. The quality of this piece is Superb
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Stamped, Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1890 Makers Mark B H Introducing a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Platinum, Edwardian era Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step into the elegance of the
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Cloverleaf Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum. An original and elegant antique ring in the shape of a 4
Category

Early 20th Century European Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Platinum, Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Bombe Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step back into the elegance of the
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1.40 Carats Diamond tourbillon ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Bicolore white and yellow gold 18 Karat tourbillon ring. 1910's inspired tourbillon ring set with
Category

2010s Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18ct Yellow Gold, London Hallmarked Edwardian 5 Stone Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked London 1909 This exquisite gypsy
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1930 s Art Deco Old Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Platinum Bow Ring
Located in Rotterdam, NL
A magnificent 18 karat gold and platinum old cut diamond bow ring. The ring dates from the 1930's
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold

Vintage Cartier Six Stone Diamond Love Heart Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A vintage Cartier six stone diamond love heart ring in 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is designed
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow White Gold, Edwardian Fancy Rectangular Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Tested Circa 1900 Introducing a stunning 18ct
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 0.81 carat sapphire and 0.71 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum 1920s Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
By Michael Rose
Located in London, GB
An opal and diamond platinum ring This beautiful opal and diamond ring is handcrafted in platinum
Category

2010s European Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
Opal and Diamond Platinum Ring
$14,276 Sale Price
20% Off
Antique 18ct Gold Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Sapphire Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This is a truly stunning original
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

0.38 Carat Vintage Deco Old Euro Diamond Wedding Yellow Gold Plat Ring
Located in New York, NY
) Solitaire Engagement ring dazzles with 0.35CT OLD EUROPEAN Diamond Gemologic Certified H-I color, SI2
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 1905 Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.56 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone cocktail ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

White Gold Eternity Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds – Contemporary Design
Located in Lisboa, PT
aesthetic. Metal: 18K white gold (hallmarked 750) Stones: Alternating sapphires and brilliant-cut diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century European Revival Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Vintage 1.05 Carats Diamonds ring circa 1980
Located in Uccle, BE
Yellow gold 18K vintage ring. The ring is set with a center brilliant diamond of approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GRS Certified 1.50 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood Ring in 18k Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
G-H color and VS clarity. The ring is made with 18 Karat white gold gross weight 6.98g. The diamonds
Category

2010s Thai Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

GRS Certified 2.04 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood Ring in 18k Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
about G-H color and VS clarity. The ring is made with 18 Karat white gold gross weight 7.79g. The
Category

2010s Thai Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

GRS Certified 1.83 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood Ring in 18k Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
G-H color and VS clarity. The ring is made with 18 Karat white gold gross weight 10.11g. The
Category

2010s Thai Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

GRS Certified 2.18 Carat Burmese Ruby No Heat Pigeon Blood Ring in 18k Gold
By Rewa Jewellery
Located in Bangkok, TH
about G-H color and VS clarity. The ring is made with 18 Karat white gold gross weight 6.12g. The
Category

2010s Thai Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique French 2.20 Carat Sapphire and 2.16 Carat Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and impressive antique sapphire cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced
Category

Vintage 1930s French Engagement Rings

Materials

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

ALGT Certified 1.54 ct Natural color change Spinel and Diamonds 18 kt gold ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Offered amazing 18 kt white gold ring with Natural color change Vivid Blue/Purple Spinel 1.54
Category

2010s European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, Gold, 18k Gold

18ct Yellow White Gold 1980s Faceted Oval Amethyst Ring with Diamond Shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
ring crafted from 18ct yellow gold, featuring an exquisite oval faceted amethyst stone with diamond-set
Category

Late 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Marquise Ring with Old Cut Diamonds
Located in Milano, MI
Vintage ring, made in Italy set in 18ct white gold with old cut diamonds for circa 0.75ct in total
Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1980s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The pierced decorated, twist setting is
Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Discover the allure of this exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique yellow and white diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Yellow and white gold 18 Karat ring. Ring set with a center old mine intense yellow diamond of
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18ct Gold Platinum Edwardian Diamond Toi et Moi Cross Over Illusion Set Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Toi et Moi Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 This beautiful 18ct gold
Category

Early 20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct yellow gold and platinum and features four perfectly matched old cut diamonds that are set
Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Original Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Sapphire Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This is a truly stunning
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and Filigree Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s, this Art Deco ring is designed around an Old European-cut diamond center
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique French Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive marquise sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting
Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French 1920s 1.70 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold; part our antique engagement ring collections. This stunning French antique 1.70 carat diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold, 1920s Art Deco, Hexagonal Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Introducing an exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Snake Ring, Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A vintage sapphire and diamond 18 karat yellow gold and platinum snake ring, circa 1960. This
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
style of engagement ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Mine Cut Carat Weight: 0.40 Colour: I
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 2.70 Carats diamond ring circa 1900
Located in Uccle, BE
approximately 1 Carat ( Estimated J/K color - Vs clarity), two bigger old mine diamonds surrounded by 18 old
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Original Art Deco Diamond Ring Circa 1930
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
An exceptional Art Deco, platinum and white gold ring set with diamonds. This ring is set with fine
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, hallmarked 1900
Located in London, GB
in colour and VS in clarity. Handcrafted in 18 carat yellow gold, the ring showcases intricate
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage French 1.89 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 1950s 1.89 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring
Category

Vintage 1950s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
The ring set to the front with two lines of alternating cushion-cut sapphires and diamonds, circa
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct White Gold 1920’s Art Deco Rectangular Onyx Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Onyx Ring 18ct White Gold Tested Circa 1920’s This stunning Art Deco onyx ring is a
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: Victorian, 1880s Size: K / 5 1/2
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Crossover Ring in Silver on 18 Carat Gold
Located in London, GB
, and once it's on your finger, you never want to take it off. Crafted in rich 18 carat gold and topped
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Introducing a stunning 18ct Gold Art
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 6.52 Carat Diamond and White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning 6.52 carat diamond and 18 carat white gold three stone engagement ring; part of our
Category

1990s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
diamonds add real character to the ring. This hand crafted piece is finished with a contrasting band of 18
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
separated by a single round faceted old European cut diamond. All stones used here have been individually
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 1.04ct Diamond Double Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
itself is exquisitely handcrafted in 18 carat yellow gold, showcasing the beauty of Victorian
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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.