Skip to main content

18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring

to
182
4,233
3,882
1,371
1,186
962
3,849
636
266
259
54
29
424
3,020
839
272
307
631
492
117
133
83
50
47
34
24
2,738
1,544
42
2122
379
274
147
117
to
155
29
24
17
15
1,430
462
394
246
230
190
127
54
24
15
14
12
5
4
2
4,321
3
2,371
1,806
Sort By
Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Old European Cut Diamond Ring (Approx. 0.4-Carats), 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
blend of elegance and craftsmanship. At its center, two dazzling diamonds—a distinguished old European
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

0.95Ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Style Engagement Ring Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive antique diamond engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Roman Malakov GIA Certified 5.56 Carats Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
A unique engagement ring, featuring a 5.56 carats old European cut diamond certified by GIA as M
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Engagement Ring (Approx. 0.5-Carats), Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique swirl ring showcases a mesmerizing approx. 0.5-carat old European cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Sapphire and Diamond Halo Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold
Category

Vintage 1940s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Victorian Diamond Gold Silver Bow Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Victorian 1880's diamond bow engagement ring. 18k yellow gold and silver bow style engagement ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1 Carat Ruby Pompadour Engagement Ring in 18K Yellow Gold with Diamond Halo
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This charming and refined engagement ring in 18K yellow gold draws inspiration from the timeless
Category

1990s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 2.31 Carats Old European Cut Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
An antique style engagement ring, showcasing a 2.31 carats old European cut diamond certified by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring 14k 18k Euro.22ct Vintage
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 14k Yellow Gold & 18k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamond Carat(s): .22ct Cut: European
Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Aquamarina and Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Aquamarina and Diamonds. Aquamarina 2.30ct. Pavè
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Pradera Colourful Engagement Ring with Aquamarina and Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Halo Engagement Ring with Aquamarina and Diamonds. Aquamarina 0.86ct. Pavè
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Pradera Colourful Engagement Ring with Aquamarina and Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K White Gold Pradera Colourful Engagement Ring with Aquamarina and Diamonds. Aquamarina 1.66ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

IGI Certified 0.40Ct Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring in 18K
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
IGI Certified 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring in 18K White Gold – Handcrafted Minimalist Elegance A
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1920s Art Deco .45 Carat Old European Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.3 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art-Deco 2-Stone 0.30ct Old-European Cut Diamond Ring in 18K Gold Platinum
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
colour & clarity: G – SI 2mm rounded shank is performed in 18K white gold & is solid & easily resizable
Category

Vintage 1930s English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Engagement Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 Beautiful, antique
Category

Early 20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Old Cut GIA Diamond Green Emerald Onyx Octagonal Engagement 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
diamond shoulders. 18K White Gold. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Total weight: 5.07 g. (approx. total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1.87ct Old European Old Miner Cut Diamond Edwardian Ring 18K/Platinum GIA
Located in New York, NY
Metal: 18 Karat Two Tone Gold/Plat Gemstone 1: 1.02 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 1 Color: M Clarity
Category

20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.50 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18K & 14K Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.42 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 18 karat White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.26 Ct, 18K Antique Style Diamond Engagement Ring
By Sebastian Bernard
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Beautiful Engagement Ring is made in 18K Gold and hosts a 0.40 Ct Round Brilliant natural
Category

2010s American Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

"Toi et Moi Ring in 18K Gold with 1.20 ct Old European Cut Diamond Pavé"
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Elegant 19th century ring in 18K rose gold, set with old-cut diamonds of approx. 1.20 carats in
Category

Antique 1890s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 1930 s 18k White Gold European Cut .29ct Diamond Filigree Art Deco Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1930's 18K White Gold European Cut .29ct Diamond Filigree Art Deco Ring - The European cut
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
center of this Art Deco engagement ring accented by two single cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.04
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.70 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Vintage Style Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
This beautiful 1.70-carat Old European Cut diamond is a true vintage gem, full of character and
Category

2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Exquisitely Elegant Old European Diamond Ring
Located in NEW ORLEANS, LA
This luxurious diamond engagement ring features an old European solitaire diamond in a six prong
Category

20th Century Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring (GIA Approx. 2.00-Carats) Old European Diamond
Located in New York, NY
exceptional craftsmanship, the ring seamlessly blends platinum with an 18k yellow gold setting, creating a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 18kt white Gold Engagement Ring with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This exquisite antique ring is crafted in 18kt white gold, featuring a stunning center European cut
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing 0.87 carat, H
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Engagement Ring Old Euro Cut (Approx 0.70-Carats) Diamond 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite vintage engagement ring showcases a captivating approx 0.70-carat old European cut
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Old European Blue Topaz Halo Ring (Approx. 1.7-Carats) Diamond, 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
, enhancing the ring’s captivating sparkle. Crafted in luxurious 18k white gold, this ring features a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, Gold, White Gold

Belle Epoque Diamond Gold and Silver Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Gold handmade genuine Belle Epoque ring. It is set in 18k Rose Gold featuring a large
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Art Deco .90 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made of 18k white gold, this amazing ring centers a sparkling old European cut diamond that weighs
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Fancy Yellowish Orange Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
diamond on white 18K gold ring. Fancy Yellowish Orange. Dimensions: 6.94 x 3.23 x 2.29 mm. Can be size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco .65 Carat G Color VS Old European Cut Diamond Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
European Cut Diamond in a beautiful open work setting in 18 Karat White Gold. The Old European Cut Diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Old European Diamond Engagement Ring (GIA Approx. 1.4-Carat) Ruby Halo, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite engagement ring features a dazzling approx. 1.4-carat old European cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Fancy Intense Pink Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
15830774. Centering white diamond on white 18K gold ring. Fancy Intense Pink Natural Diamond Dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold

Fancy Intense Pink Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
15830774. Centering white diamond on white 18K gold ring. Fancy Intense Pink Natural Diamond Dimensions
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 0.33 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.33 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and platinum engagement ring; part of
Category

Vintage 1930s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Antique 1910s Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
) and verified as 18k gold. The ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading certificate for
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Early Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond 18K White Gold Antique Foliate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.52 carat - J/K color with VS2
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An Old European-cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.10 carat, I color VS clarity
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-Century Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
, shines brightly between four single cut diamonds, two on each shoulder. Set in 18K white gold. Circa
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18 kt White Gold Rosette Engagement Diamonds ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
gold 18 kt 2. Gemstones: Diamonds: natural 3. Design & Style: engagement ring 4. Cut & Shape: brilliant
Category

1990s European Romantic Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Charming .54 Carat GIA Cert Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful 18k white gold ring is centered with a sparkling GIA certified old European cut
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Hancocks Full Diamond Eternity Ring 4.90cts Old European Cut Diamonds in Gold
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
Gemstones 15 old European cut diamonds weighing a combined total of 4.90cts Setting 18ct yellow gold with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

New 18k Gold 3.37ct GIA Elongated Cushion Ruby Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a uniquely design ruby and diamond three stone engagement ring, newly crafted in
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold and Diamond Square Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Square Engagement Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 Pretty Little Deco Diamond
Category

Early 20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1920s Diamond and Yellow Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Edwardian engagement ring as been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting. The pierced
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Featuring the details of classic hand engraved rings, this engagement ring centers a European-cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Three-Stone Old Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k Yellow and White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful three-stone diamond engagement ring set in 18 karat yellow and white gold. The ring
Category

20th Century British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.56 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.30 Metal Type: 18k White Gold Weight: 2.9 grams Center Diamond Details Shape: Old
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Era Diamond Ring 18K White Gold
Located in beverly hills, CA
This exquisite Edwardian-era diamond ring features a timeless old European cut diamond weighing
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

.25 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 1.9 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1900s 2.04 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Engagement Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
the plain 18k yellow gold ring shank. This diamond trilogy ring has been independently tested using
Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Felger Art Deco 1.35 CTW Diamond 18K White Gold Floral Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.35 carat - I color with VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White 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.