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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

Early 20th Century 2.4ct Old Cut Diamonds Crossover Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
, in a setting of old cut diamonds. 18K yellow gold and platinum setting. Size 6 1/4. Gross weight
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Inspired Round GIA 1.52 Carat Diamonds Blue Sapphire White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
them toward the centerpiece. The setting is made of solid 18K white gold. Ring Information Style: Art
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Deco 1.05ct Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
shoulders leading to a fluted shank complete the openwork setting of this 18 carat yellow gold ring in
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Sterle of Paris Diamond Cocktail Ring, circa 1970
Located in London, GB
Sterle of Paris diamond cocktail ring. Set to centre with a round old cut diamond in an open back
Category

Vintage 1970s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.48 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Tsavorite Vintage Art Deco Filigree Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 1.48 carat old cut diamond in 18K white gold Art Deco-inspired setting featuring princess
Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.30 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
diamond with a combined weight of 0.06 carat. Typical of the Edwardian era, the shank is made in 18 carat
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Fancy deep brown-yellow diamond cluster ring, English, circa 1910.
Located in London, GB
Fancy deep brown-yellow diamond cluster ring. Set to centre with a round old cut natural unenhanced
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

White Diamond Ring in Vintage Cluster Setting Set with Old Cut Diamonds
Located in London, GB
This enchanting vintage-style ring demands a closer look. Its marquise shape mount elongates the
Category

20th Century British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Style Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
For the lover of all things art deco! This 18k yellow and white ring of octagonal design, featuring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.30 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.30 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: K
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Diamond Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
This Beautiful Authentic Victorian 18k gold 'Vous et Moi' ring is set in the center with one
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Georgian Rose Diamond Cluster Ring 1790 s
Located in Firenze, IT
The oval blue enamel plaque with applied old brilliant, single and rose-cut diamond floral and
Category

Antique Late 18th Century British Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Solid 14k White Gold Pearl Diamond womens Eternity 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 Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA Cert. 5.49 Emerald Platinum Yellow Gold Ring White Diamonds F/VVS Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
perfection in Platinum 950, 18K Yellow Gold and microscope-set 2.37ct./184pcs. white diamonds in F colour and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 0.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
diamonds set above and below the centre diamond. The ring is made in 18 carat white gold. Gemstone
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1.05ct Diamond and Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
in contrasting 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.05
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Diamond Marquise Shaped Cluster Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
the engraved edges on the shoulders, all made of 18 carat yellow gold. The diamonds are grain set
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.30 Ct Nat Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Victorian period carved hoop ring, lovely as engagement, anniversary or wedding, 1880 ca. 18 Kt
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Old Cut Diamond And Natural Pearl Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Toi et Moi ring in yellow gold 750 thousandths and platinum 850 thousandths, centered on a white
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 4.35 Carat Aquamarine and 1.46 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 4.35 carat aquamarine and 1.46 carat diamond, 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 1.35 Carat Diamond Vertical Three-Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
diamonds are claw set in platinum, while the band is made of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond Two-Stone Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Two old cut diamonds align vertically in this art deco era ring. Each diamond is 0.50 carat, and is
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

High Quality 18k Yellow Gold Natural Peridot Womens Band Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
A modern design band ring made from Solid 750 18K Yellow Gold and handset with two vibrant Peridot
Category

2010s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Peridot, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1.58 CTW Old Mine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Checkerboard Vintage Ring
By Belais
Located in Philadelphia, PA
bead set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.14 carat total - eye clean and bright
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Old Cut Diamond And Platinum Ring 1920 s
Located in Firenze, IT
1.20 carats of diamonds. The setting is in 18 kt yellow gold and platinum.
Category

Vintage 1910s Italian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.20 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in London, GB
platinum whilst the ring is finished with an 18ct yellow gold shank. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.20 Carat Old Cut Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in London, GB
platinum whilst the ring is finished with an 18ct yellow gold shank. Condition: Used (Very Good) Weight
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Sparkling pink rubies and white diamonds make up this five stone ring. The centre ruby weighs 0.40
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 0.65ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
contrasting 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Sapphire Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.65 Metal: 18ct
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1910s Size: N
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Belle Epoque 1.30 Ct Diamond Plus You Me Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
crafted during the era of solid 18 Kt gold and Platinum, bearing French hallmarks for both Timeless
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Opal Art Deco Jelly Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Vintage Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
tapered shoulders Stamped for 18 karat gold and platinum Circa: 1930s Ring size: 6 and sizable Measures
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.20 Carat Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This delicate five stone ring has a combined diamond weight of 1.20 carat. The centre diamond is
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Unheated Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Antique, Unique AGL certified Burmese (Mogok) Natural Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring Untreated
Category

Antique 1840s European Early Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Flashy Fancy Blue Zircon White Diamond One of a Kind Gold Ring, Pamela Froman
By Pamela Froman
Located in Dallas, TX
round brilliant-cut white diamond bezel in 18k white gold and finished with two large round brilliant
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Zircon, Multi-gemstone, Blue Zircon, Gold, 18k G...

Art Deco 0.55 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.55 Colour: H Clarity: SI Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Solid 18ct Rose Gold Natural Diamond Sapphire Eternity Ring, Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
Our stunning seven stone heart design ring is a classic half eternity band made in Rose Gold and
Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold

Antique 0.75 Carat Sapphire and 1.61 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
yellow gold and platinum set five stone ring; an addition to our sapphire and diamond rings collection
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Hancocks 3.73ct G VVS2 Old-Cut Pear Shaped Diamond Ring with Engraved Gold Band
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
Gemstones 3.73ct G VVS2 old pear shape brilliant cut diamond with GIA certificate. Setting 18ct yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

10k White Gold Natural Diamond Peridot womens Cluster Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or
Category

2010s British Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, White Gold

Edwardian Reddish-Pink Tourmaline and Rose Cut Diamond Ring (1901-1914)
Located in OVIEDO, AS
Edwardian Pink Tourmaline and Rose Cut Diamond Ring (1901-1914) Hand fabricated in platinum and 18
Category

Vintage 1910s European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.55 Ct Twin-Diamond Moi et Toi G VVS Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
gold, features a pair of bright and shining old European-cut Diamonds, together totaling 1.55 carats
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ruby And Diamond Graduating Five Stone Ring English c.1900
Located in Firenze, IT
, mounted in gold, total ruby weight approxiamtely 0.90cts, total diamond weight approximately 1ct Ring size
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Five-Stone Illusion Set Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This two-tone, five stone diamond ring originated in the 1920s and it features a sparkling vintage
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau .90 Ct Natural Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
ring great addition at any collection Lovely condition Further Details Below Metal: 18 Kt gold and
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Cert. Burma No Heat Pink Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This very pretty engagement ring is Art Deco period Hand crafted as unique of solid 18 Kt with
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Five Stone 1.80 Ct. Diamond Natural Pearl Half Hoop ring
Located in Napoli, IT
/VS with 8 further Diamonds in accent punctuating in between The ring is a classy for engagement or
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Solid 14k White Gold Natural Ruby Diamond womens Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
White Diamonds approx 2.5mm (0.1") round cut. This ring is ideal as an eternity ring as it can easily be
Category

2010s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau 1.90 Ct Natural Sapphire 1.30 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Timeless Art Nouveau Diamond and Sapphire ring, 1910 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt and Platinum
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.0 Ct. Diamond 1.0 Ct. Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped Setting comprises a selection of 3 bright white old mine cut Diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

A Natural Pearl And Old Cut Diamond Ring Circa 1910
Located in Firenze, IT
. Mounted in platinum and 18kt yellow gold. Ring size approx 8 Weight: 2.9gr.
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

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

3.08 Fancy Yellow Cushion Brilliant Cut Diamond and Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
This unique Victorian style three stone diamond ring boasts a 3.08 carat Natural Fancy Yellow
Category

2010s North American Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian 0.60 Carat Three Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
Set in the Victorian era’s favourite combination of 18 carat yellow gold and platinum, this c.1900s
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.40 Ct. Certified Pink Sapphire 1.04 CT Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Gorgeous Art Deco Pink Sapphire Diamond ring Traditional cluster design with a rectangular crown
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Pink Tourmaline and Old and Rose Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
sparkling old cut diamonds at the heart of this delightful circa 1940s tourmaline and diamond ring. This
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 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.