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18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring

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Art Deco 0.92ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This Art Deco take on the timeless solitaire engagement ring features a stunning old cut diamond at
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.85 Carats pear shape emerald and diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Vintage White gold 18K ring. The ring is set with a pear shape Zambian emerald (Minor oil; A
Category

Late 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Filigree .45 Ct Diamond 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
filigree work solid 18 KT gold Principle Diamond is an old mine cut of . 35 Ct bright white full of sparkle
Category

Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

3.30ct Emerald and diamond ring set in 18ct rose gold
Located in Brisbane, AU
Diamonds GSI grade Hidden diamonds underneath setting Petal setting 18ct rose gold ready to ship, or
Category

2010s Australian Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Majestic contemporary solitaire ring with 1.28ct H/SI2 diamond
Located in Chorzów, PL
A contemporary solitaire diamond ring crafted from 18-karat white gold. Origin: England, 2005
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 1.50ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Five glistening old cut diamonds are on display in this Edwardian ring. The central diamonds sits
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18K White Gold and 0.5 Carat Diamod Pradera Classic Four-Claws Ring
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold and 0.5 Carat Diamod Pradera Classic Four-Claws Ring. 18 Karat white gold ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18K White Gold and 0.4 Carat Diamod Pradera Classic Four-Claws Ring
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold and 0.4 Carat Diamod Pradera Classic Four-Claws Ring. 18 Karat white gold ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 18ct Yellow And White Gold Ruby And Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Art Deco Target Ring Circa 1920’s 18ct Yellow & White Gold Set with a Beautiful, Old Brilliant
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 2.10ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Five glistening old cut diamonds are on display in this Edwardian ring. The central diamonds sits
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
- bead set with halo surround Platinum-topped and prong set with old European cut diamonds With
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Estate 2.70 Ct Five Stone Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
solid 18 KT white gold Distinctive 5 stone design expressed in a particular little Diamond frame for a
Category

Late 20th Century European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Five Stone Ring (1901-1915)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Original Edwardian Diamond and Pearl Five Stone Band Ring in 18K Gold and Platinum (1901-1915) It
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art déco 1 Carat diamond and calibrated sapphire ring
Located in Uccle, BE
18Kt White-Gold Ring. Old-Cut center diamond of +/- 1,00 Ct (H-Si) surrounded by 18 Calibrated
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Hancocks French-Cut Diamond "East/West" Eternity Ring Finely Engraved Gold
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
A beautiful French-cut diamond and yellow gold eternity ring by Hancocks, the ring three quarter
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Certified no heated 3.08 Carats sapphire and diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Vintage yellow gold 18K ring. The ring is set with a 3.08 Carats Cushion Ceylon sapphire
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
tapering band of 18 carat yellow gold completes this timeless ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.80 Carat Diamond Sapphire Filigree Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Gold handmade genuine Art Deco ring. It is set in 18k white Gold featuring a large
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian .60 Ct Diamond 6mm. Natural Pearl Crossover ring
Located in Napoli, IT
as romantic love token standing for You & Me kissing, 1890 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold with
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

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

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.80ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
claw set into platinum and completed with a band of 18ct white gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Black Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
by grooved shank Tested as 18 karat gold and platinum Circa: 1910 Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 2.09ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
in quality. The ring is then finished with a simple band, hand shaped in 18 carat white gold
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
shoulders of the same metal surrounding them. A contrasting band of 18 carat yellow gold finished the ring
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Pearl and Diamond Swirl Ring
Located in London, GB
pattern, enhancing the ring's sophisticated allure. Crafted with a combination of 18ct yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1910s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 Kt Rotating Possession Piaget Ruby Diamonds Ring
By Piaget
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt YELLOW GOLDEN Possession PIAGET RING WITH DIAMONDS AND RUBY'S, ROTATING CENTRE MATERIAL
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

0.60 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond Trio Eternity Rings
Located in Napoli, IT
Distinctive trio of eternity rings crafted of solid 18 KT gold marked Appealing three colours of
Category

Vintage 1980s European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Hancocks 1.83ct Colombian Emerald Ring in 18ct Gold Baguette Diamond Shoulders
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
A beautiful emerald and diamond ring by Hancocks, centred on a lovely rich and deeply saturated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique 1.63 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Floral Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting. The millegrain
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 18KT Platinum Top Filigree Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in New York, NY
. Metal: 18KT Gold with Platinum Top Diamond Weight: .22CT Diamond Cut: Old European Cut Diamond Color
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Two Stone Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
gold with platinum shoulders completes the ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.95ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five sparkling old cut diamonds take pride of place in this Art Deco ring. The central diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, circa 1894
Located in London, GB
This checkered Victorian ring is a great statement piece. Five blue sapphires and five diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
European cut diamond that is surrounded by a border of trapezoid cut sapphires. The ring has been crafted
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Two Stone Pearl and Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in London, GB
: 3.2 grams Size: N Diamond Carat Weight: Approx. 0.50 carats Pearl: 1 (6mm) Tested As: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Hancocks French Cut Diamond and Emerald Donut Eternity Ring in 18ct Gold
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
Maker: Hancocks Summary: French Cut Diamond and Emerald 'Donut' Eternity Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.75 Carat Diamond Solitaire Style Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
). The center diamond is an old european cut measuring approximately 0.75 carats. The center diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Georg Jensen Aurora Diamond Band Ring 1553A 18 Karat Yellow Gold Size 6.5
By Georg Jensen
Located in New York, NY
Diamond Band Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold is a size 6.5 US or 53 European Size. This single row of
Category

20th Century Danish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
it’s centre. The diamond is claw set in 18 carat white gold allowing it to truly sparkle. The stone is
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Tablet Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct white gold band. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight: 4.4 grams Ring Size: O (55) Band Width: 1mm
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Yellow Gold 1.59ctw Cat s Eye Old Mine Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
.) Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold Weight: 3.07 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cat’s Eye, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Colombian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond ring
Located in Napoli, IT
cut Diamonds Hand crafted of solid 18 KT white gold, tested 1920 ca Designed with a classy rectangular
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 0.80 Carat Diamond Crossover Toi Et Moi 18ct Rose Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Edwardian era 18ct Rose gold 'toi et moi' ring featuring two antique Old European cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Sapphire Diamond Dress Cocktail Ring, circa 1905
Located in Zurich, CH
Stunning 18 karat yellow gold platinum sapphire diamond dress cocktail ring, circa 1905. This fairy
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.0 Ct Twin Diamond Plus 18 KT Filigree ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This absolutely gorgeous double Diamond ring is Art Deco period, 1925 ca Superb filigree work as
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Gold Channel Set Baguette Diamond French Enamel Contemporary Band Ring
By Vaibhav Dhadda
Located in Jaipur, Rajasthan
A classic 18 karat gold baguette diamond contemporary band has a black and white french enamel
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Edwardian 0.65ct Diamond and Pearl Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.65 Colour: H
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 1910s Carnelian and Emerald Dinner Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold featuring Carnelian and French cut Emeralds, as well as Old
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.50 Ct Diamond Double Row 18 Kt Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty Victorian perid ring is 1880 ca Hand created at the time of solid 18 Kt with
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Slim Open Ring in 18 Karat Rose Gold with White Diamonds by Allison Bryan
By Allison Bryan
Located in London, GB
Understated yet edgy, this slim open ring in 18-carat rose gold is accented with two sparkling
Category

2010s British Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Edwardian 18KT Platinum Filigree Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
the brilliance of diamond and sapphire. At its center rests a .22ct Old European cut diamond (G–SI1
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
VS2 in clarity. A hand crafted 18 carat white gold band tapers gently from the basketwork, finishing
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
. A band on 18 carat white gold completes the ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Emerald Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
This petite ring which is crafted from 18 karat yellow and white gold has been set with an emerald
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.75 Colour: I Clarity
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Georgian Double Heart Diamond Burmese Ruby 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
18 KT gold The heart crown is made by two gem sections crowned by a bow top Set with a certified by
Category

Antique 1820s European Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 1.97 Carats deep blue sapphire and diamond cluster ring
Located in Uccle, BE
clarity). Ring made of gold 18 Karat, Yellow gold for the bottom of the ring and white gold for the top
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k 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.