Skip to main content

18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring

to
187
4,218
3,867
1,355
1,186
959
3,831
634
267
259
54
29
426
3,003
839
272
304
620
489
113
133
84
51
48
34
24
2,731
1,535
43
2118
379
273
147
119
to
155
29
24
17
15
1,413
456
394
247
230
194
126
54
24
15
14
12
5
4
3
4,306
3
2,379
1,783
Sort By
Antique Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The vintage white gold, diamond solitaire ring features an
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Emerald Cut Emerald Bezel Set Halo Ring (Approx. 2.20-Carats), Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite emerald and diamond halo ring showcases a stunning approx. 2.20-carat Emerald Cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

j6750
Located in Big Bend, WI
18K white gold filigree ring featuring an antique European cut diamond weighing .23cts. The diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

j6750
j6750
$979
X Golden Pear
Located in Stockholm, SE
Experience the epitome of top quality with X Golden Pear, featuring a rare yellow diamond GIA
Category

2010s European Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.33 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold solitaire engagement ring; part
Category

Vintage 1910s English Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Engagement ring with 3.07-carat antique-cut diamond GIA
Located in Perugia, IT
Anello da fidanzamento in oro bianco 18k g 3,6 con diamante taglio antico europeo (nel certificato
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18kt White Gold ring with 1.76 ct Red-Purple Ruby and 1.13 diamonds
Located in Vittoria, IT
Questo straordinario anello, realizzato interamente a mano in oro bianco 18 carati, è una
Category

2010s European Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique and Contemporary 1.70Ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive diamond solitaire engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The contemporary pierced
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

0.75ct Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
Experience timeless elegance with this luxurious 18K white gold solitaire engagement ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring, 18k Old European .78ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Metal Content: 18k White Gold Stone Information: Natural Diamond Carat: .78ct Cut: Old European
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Antique and Vintage 0.80ct Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
representation of this fine example of engagement rings. Diamond Quality Colour K Clarity VVS1 Cut Old European
Category

Vintage 1970s English Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold

1980s 1.22 Carat Cabochon Cut Sapphire 18 K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1.22 carat blue sapphire and 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring; part of our
Category

20th Century Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

925 Sterling Silver Natural Citrine Anniversary Solitaire Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or
Category

2010s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Citrine, Sterling Silver

Solid Sterling Silver Natural Garnet Victorian Style Eternity Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Garnet, Sterling Silver

Vintage 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Engagement Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 3.7 grams. Totally is diamond about 1.10 ct. The diamond is
Category

1990s European Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.39 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

English 925 Sterling Silver Natural Colourful Opal Victorian Style Ring
Located in Chesham, GB
requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White Gold or Platinum and whatever stone combination
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Sterling Silver

Solid 925 Sterling Silver Ruby Solitaire Victorian Style Ring Customizable
Located in Chesham, GB
RING This ring can be customized to your requirements - 9K, 10K, 14K, or 18K in Yellow, Rose or White
Category

2010s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sterling Silver

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.02ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous diamond engagement ring from the Edwardian (ca1900s) era! Crafted in 18k white gold and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Antique and Vintage 2.58Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting. The pierced
Category

Vintage 1980s English Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Prong Set - G Color - VS2 Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Yellow Gold Gent s Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.48 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold gent's solitaire ring; part of
Category

Antique 1880s British Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.20 ct. The diamond is has F
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.13 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Solitaire and 18K White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An approximately 0.30-carat Old European cut diamond centers this antique Art Deco ring, IJ color
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Denver, CO
An Old European-cut diamond measuring approximately 0.30 carat, F color VS clarity, shines at the
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 18K Gold Hand-Hammered Rubover Setting Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Venice, CA
surface of the 18k gold. The wide band gives the ring a nice presence on the hand and ample room for the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Old European Cut Diamond, Garnet 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in New York, NY
Fine antique Edwardian Old European cut diamond, garnet and 18K yellow gold classic cluster ring
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.9 grams. Totally is diamond 0.05 carat. The diamond is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian 18K Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
gorgeous Edwardian old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Antique 2.38 carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold solitaire engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The plain gold band incorporates a
Category

Early 20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1940s .84 Carat Diamond 18k Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Classic Mid-Century 1940's 18K White Gold Diamond ring. Lovely Old European Cut Diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage-Inspired 6.5ct Old European Cut Natural Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Old European Cut central diamond that dazzles with its vintage charm and timeless brilliance
Category

Vintage 1980s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique European Ring 2ctw Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø5.5 US/ 6.7gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring decorated with 24 old diamond cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, metal tested solid 18K
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.25ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Filigree Ring in 18K Gold
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A vintage Art Deco diamond engagement ring in 18 karat white gold
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1.55Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive antique two stone diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 0.45 TCW Old European Diamond 18k White Gold Dinner Ring 1930s
Located in Towson, MD
One Art Deco ring, crafted in 18 karat white gold and weighing 4.56 grams, showcases nine vintage
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Old cut diamond solitaire art deco engagement ring 18k yellow gold
By Unbranded
Located in London, GB
0.40ct Old cut diamond round shaped solitaire antique style engagement ring in 18ct yellow gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 0.20 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Boston, MA
An Art Deco period filigree work diamond engagement ring. Centered by a 0.25 carat old European
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique diamond solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The vintage ring displays an antique
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 18K Gold Ring with Old European Cut Diamonds and Calibrated Sapphires
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
a unique engagement ring or a statement vintage jewel. Specifications Metal: 18K yellow gold
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique European Ring 2.7 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6/ 10gr
Located in SE
Old European Ring, Renaissance styled with parts in solid 18k Yellow Gold and Silver. Openwork dome
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Renaissance Revival Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian .20ct Diamond 18K White Gold Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Super sweet Edwardian 18K white gold filigree .20 carat diamond ring from the Edwardian
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring .28ct 18k White Gold Antique Original, 1920s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920's Vintage Art Deco .28ct Diamond 18K White Gold Engagement Ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is side rose cut diamond 0.06 ct. The diamond is has H color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

IGI Certified 0.55ct Natural Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
Timeless 0.55ct Natural Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K White Gold – IGI Certified This elegant 18K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

IGI Certified, 0.76ct Princess Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, 18K
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
-certified diamond engagement ring. Featuring a 0.76ct princess-cut diamond set in 18K white gold, with J-K
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1920s Diamond and White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1920s 0.78 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold five stone cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1980s 0.35 Carat Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
maker's mark and the mark for 18k gold (eagle's head). This vintage diamond solitaire engagement ring is
Category

Vintage 1980s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.59ct Fancy Light Yellow Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Old European Cut diamonds, beautifully set in rich 18K two-tone gold. Each stone displays its own
Category

20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.23 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
engagement ring displays a stunning feature 1.23Ct Old European round cut diamond held in an eight claw
Category

Vintage 1910s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 1.18 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.18 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire engagement ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Antique European Ring 1ct Diamond solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 6.25 US /2.7gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring made in ca. late XIX - early XX century. Solid 18K Orange - Yellow Gold band
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

.83 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco step design 18k white gold engagement ring set with an original old European cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Art-Deco c1930 s 18K White Gold 0.35ct Old-European Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
& solid half round 2.5mm shank are performed in 18K white gold Total diamonds’ weight: 0.35ct Total
Category

Vintage 1930s Australian Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Early Edwardian 18k/Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.04ct
Located in Narberth, PA
-style ring has a mixed metals design crafted in 14k gold and platinum. At the center is a single diamond
Category

20th Century Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 2.92 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
collections. This stunning, fine and impressive antique diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.