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18K White Gold Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring, 18k Old European .10ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
treasures the past! Fashioned in high purity 18k white gold and featuring a natural diamond solitaire, this
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18k White Gold Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Venice, CA
European cut diamond has a phenomenal sparkle against the 18k white gold. The carriage of the ring has a
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique European-Cut Diamond Ring in 18k
Located in Bloomington, MN
This exquisite antique ring is crafted in 18k white gold and showcases a bezel-set European-cut
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring .26ct Old European 18K Original 1930 s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1930's Diamond Engagement Ring .26ct Old European Cut 18K
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Old European Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring (Approx 0.70-Carats) Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A charming floral engagement ring centering a GIA Certified 0.70-carat old European cut diamond
Category

2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.09 Carat Old European Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Era: New Victorian Inspired Composition: 18K Yellow Gold Primary Stone: Old European Cut Diamond
Category

2010s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art-Deco 0.30ct Old European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring in 18K/Plat.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
set with an Old-European Cut Diamond of 0.30ct approx. of H colour, VS clarity & sun-like brilliance
Category

Vintage 1930s Australian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

GIA 5.07 Carat Old European Diamond Engagement Wedding White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Breathtaking Estate Vintage HANDMADE 18K White Gold (stamped) Engagement ring dazzles GIA
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Custom 18k Yellow Gold GIA Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Old meets new in this custom 18 karat yellow gold engagement ring featuring a GIA graded Old Euro
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ladies Antique 18K Yellow Gold GIA Old European Filigreed Enamel Engagement Ring
Located in Houston, TX
1.70 mm Weight: 3.60 grams Ladies filigreed 18K yellow gold diamond antique engagement ring with a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

EGL Certified .65 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Gold Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
engagement ring. The .65ct diamond is mounted in 18k white gold with an intricate highly detailed filigree
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

Old cut diamond antique engagement ring 18k yellow gold
Located in London, GB
antique engagement ring in 18k yellow gold. Chunky old cut diamond in 18ct yellow gold soliatire ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco European Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Antique Fanning Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
motif shoulders Stamped for 18 karat gold With maker's mark for J.W. Grant Co. Circa: 1920s Ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring, 18k White Gold, Ring Size 4.25
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamond old european cut 2.7 mm approximately .08 total carats HI color/ VS2 clarity Ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Circa 1930s GIA .89ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .69ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous diamond engagement ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Crafted in vibrant 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco European Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.25 carats total - H color with VS2
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Gold Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1940 18k white gold filigree engagement ring with a transitional old European cut diamond in its
Category

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Gold

2.91 Carat Old Miner Cut and Old European Diamond 18K YG Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Engagement Ring Style: Engagement Metal: 18 Karat Yellow Gold Gemstone 1: 2.56 Carat Diamond Number
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
) Era: Art Deco Year: 1915-1935 Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Diamond: Carat Weight: 0.81 Cut: Old European
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

4.01ct Old European Cut Diamond 18ct Gold and Platinum Antique Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This breathtaking antique engagement ring boasts a beautiful old european cut diamond weighing a
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Circa 1930s 18K White Gold .50ct Old European Brilliant Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 6.25 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930s Art Deco Engagement Ring – 0.60ct Old European Cut Diamond
Located in Santa Monica, CA
European cut diamond, framed by an 18K white gold filigree setting with floral hand engraving. A delicate
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique European Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 9.75 US / 2.8gr
Located in SE
European cut and 18 rose cut Diamonds. The Crown has inter-twisting bands with a top in Platinum adorned
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

0.90ct Natural Diamond Engagement Ring 18K White Gold IGI Certified
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
This stunning 18K white gold solitaire engagement ring is a timeless symbol of elegance and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 2.52 Carat European Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring 18 Karat
Located in Boston, MA
Aston Estate Jewelry Presents: A captivating engagement ring featuring a 2.52 Carat European cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style Diamond Old European-Cut and Sapphire Engagement Ring, 18k White
By Unbranded
Located in New York, NY
An Art Deco Style Diamond Old European-Cut and Sapphire Ring. Matching Earrings available. Ring
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Accented by pierced profile with grooved shoulders and profile Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 1935 Ring
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1950s 1.77 Carat Old European Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold featuring a center Old European cut Diamond weighing 1.77 carats
Category

Vintage 1950s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Mark Broumand 2.57 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Custom created in 18k white gold, this one-of-a-kind diamond engagement ring showcases a 1.42ct old
Category

2010s American Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1.20 Carat Diamond and 18k Rose Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 1.20 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold and platinum set
Category

20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

18K Yellow Gold Engagement Ring with 0.60 Carat Emerald and Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
A stunning engagement ring crafted in 18 karat yellow gold, showcasing a vibrant 0.60-carat emerald
Category

2010s European Jugendstil Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.21 CTW Old European Diamond Emerald 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
motif shank Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 2000s; Art Deco inspired Ring Size: 6 1/2 and sizable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Mid Century old cut diamond 18k white gold engagement ring set
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Mid-Century double ring engagement design features an old European cut diamond of
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1.01 CTW European Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
streamlined shank Stamped 18K for 18 karat gold Maker's mark for W.M. Kinscherf Circa: 1920s Ring Size: 7 3/4
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 0.56 Total Carat Weight Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Antique 0.56 Total Carat Weight Diamond Engagement Ring 18k White Gold The ring features a European
Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring (Approx. 3.20-Carats) Halo, Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite 18k yellow gold ring showcases a captivating approx 3.20-carat old European cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring (GIA Approx 1.40-Carats), Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
-Carats Stone Cut: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Cluster
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.36ct. Pavè of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.60ct. Pavè of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.13ct. Pavè of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Solitaire Diamond 0.18ct. Pavè of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Pradera Magic Engagement Ring with Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Magic Engagement Ring with Diamonds. Diamonds 0.27ct. Diamonds Quality G SI
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 1930s Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 6.0 mm and
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Vintage 0.52 CTW European Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.40 carat total - G color with VS2
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 18k/Platinum GIA Diamond Engagement Ring 1.01ct
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning diamond engagement ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Crafted in 18k white gold and
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18K Gold 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring — Minimalist Thin-Band Engagement
Located in Miami, FL
Elegant minimalist 18K gold diamond solitaire ring featuring a bright round brilliant diamond
Category

Early 2000s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Old European Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Old European Cut Natural Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: 18k white
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Art Deco 18k White Gold Euro Cut Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This gorgeous filigree ring was made in 1920's Art Deco period in 18k white gold with a bright
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Style Old European Diamond Ruby White Gold Bombe Target Engagement Ring
Located in Lisbon, PT
Art Deco style Old European brilliant-cut diamond and ruby bombe target engagement ring in 18 karat
Category

1990s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

BIRKS Art Deco 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .80ct
By Birks
Located in Narberth, PA
! Crafted in 18k white gold, this ring features a central .80ct old European cut diamond, which is held
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco European Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Square Form Scroll Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shoulders Tested as 18 karat gold With maker's mark for H.W. Tisdall Circa: 1930s Ring size: 6 1/2 and
Category

Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.02 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Unisex Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage diamond solitaire ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold, with a 18k white gold setting. The
Category

Vintage 1970s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Old cut diamond antique engagement ring platinum and 18k yellow gold
Located in London, GB
0.75ct Old cut diamond round shaped antique style solitaire engagement ring in 18ct yellow gold
Category

Antique 18th Century British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1940s Art Deco .32 Carat Old European Cut Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.4 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White 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.