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18k Gold European Diamond Engagement Ring

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White Round Brilliant Cut Diamond Engagement Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This beautiful diamond ring is custom handmade in 18 k white gold. Diamond weight : 0.85 carat ( G
Category

Early 2000s American Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Fred Paris Diamond Emerald 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bypass Engagement Ring
By Fred Paris
Located in London, GB
A vintage Fred Paris diamond and emerald 18 karat yellow gold bypass engagement ring. Inspired by
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Emerald Heart Diamond Wedding Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New York, NY
Engagement Stacking Ring set with a gorgeous .25 Carat Old European Cut Diamond of brilliant white F color
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond and Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Crafted in the 1920s from 14-18kt white gold, this Art Deco band features an Old European cut
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K white gold ring with a total weight of 2.93 grams, 14 diamonds with a total weight of 0.36
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k white gold ring with a total weight of 2.88 grams, 28 side diamonds with a total weight of 0.14
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k white gold ring with a total weight of 3.40 grams, 82 side diamonds with a total weight of 0.55
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18K white gold ring with a total weight of 3.40 grams, 82 diamonds with a total weight of 0.55
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k white gold ring with a total weight of 2.88 grams, one central diamond with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k white gold ring with a total weight of 2.36 grams, one central diamond with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k white gold ring with a total weight of 2.87 grams, one central diamond with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k Yellow Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
18k yellow gold ring with a total weight of 3.61 grams, one central diamond with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.55ct Diamond and 0.22ct Emerald 18k White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive antique vintage emerald and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k Yellow Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18-karat yellow gold with a total weight of 3.15 grams, 46 diamonds with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18-karat white gold with a total weight of 2.71 grams, 14 diamonds with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18-karat white gold with a total weight of 3.24 grams, 82 diamonds with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Pradera Jewels 18k White Gold Ring With Diamonds
By Pradera Irama
Located in Neguri, Vizcaya
Ring in 18-karat white gold with a total weight of 3.89 grams, 14 diamonds with a total weight of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Spanish Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Wedding Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold Stacking
Located in New York, NY
A stunning Antique Art Deco - Edwardian Diamond and Sapphire Wedding Ring Engagement Stacking Ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Circa 1920s Art Deco Emerald and Old European Diamond Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1920s Art Deco Emerald and Old European Diamond Ring - VHK#947 Year: 1920s Item Details
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.32 CTW Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Floral 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 Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.27ct Edwardian Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring, c.1915
Located in London, GB
This phenomenal Edwardian 18ct white gold and diamond engagement ring is absolutely breathtaking
Category

Vintage 1910s English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
A bold 0.25-carat Old European cut diamond center stone, GH color, SI2 clarity is complemented with
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 3.21 Carat Zircon and Diamond White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
zircon and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated, scalloped edged
Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold

2.34 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring Band Set
Located in Chicago, IL
2.34 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond 14K White Gold Engagement Ring & Band Set A timeless
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.60 CTW Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Gold Vintage Wheat Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.46 carat - K color with VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Santa Maria Aquamarine Engagement Ring (Approx. 1.10-Carats) 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
centerpiece. Gracefully adorning the shoulders of the ring are micro-pavé set old European cut diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Belle Époque Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Classy 18k white Gold, Blue Sapphire and Diamond cluster Ring, set in the center with an emerald
Category

20th Century Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco 1930s 0.50 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1920s Antique French 1.48 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 1.48 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold solitaire style engagement
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This classic three stone engagement ring has a centre old cut diamond weighing 0.40 carat and the
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Diamond Engagement Ring (Approx 0.70-Carats), Platinum 14k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique ring showcases an old European cut diamond, approximately 0.70-carats, with
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.41 Carats Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Floral Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
alternating with rendered florals. Stamped 18k for 18 karat gold. Circa: 1920s. Ring Size: 6 1/4 & sizable
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Belais .12 Carat Diamond Art Deco Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Belais diamond engagement ring. 18k white gold original Art Deco circa 1920s with highly detailed
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Circa 1930s 18K White Gold Belais Sapphire and Diamond Filigree Ring
By Belais
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 4 (Sizable) Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

Vintage 1930s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 2.06 Carat Vintage Diamond Halo Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Details Material: 18K White Gold Era: Edwardian 1900 - 1920 Weight: 5.3 Grams Head Width: 14.5mm Head
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1.02 Carats Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Lotus Engagement Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
lotus motif With maker's mark and stamped 18K for 18 karat gold Circa: 1930s Ring Size: 6 & sizable
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1940s Art Deco .20 Carat Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 8.25 Metal Type: 18 Karat White Gold Weight: 2.0 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
Clarity: SI1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age: 1930s Size: K
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1940 s Vintage Diamond Solitaire Engagement White 18 kt gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
The 18 kt gold ring is an authentic vintage diamond engagement ring from the Late Art Deco era
Category

Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Art Deco Diamond Sapphire Ring 6.25 14k Gold Engagement Filigree Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
white gold. Center set old European cut diamond is estimated at 0.25 carats, accented small approx
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1910s Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.30 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold chevron design cocktail ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

.81 Carat Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0 grams Diamond Details
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Art Deco Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Halo Engagement Ring A striking blend of elegance and bold design
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1.95 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
A 1.95 carat sapphire and diamond three stone 18 karat white gold engagement ring This beautiful
Category

2010s European Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.76 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
profile. Stamped 18k for 18 karat gold. Circa: 1930's. With partial maker's mark. Ring size: 5 1/2 and
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1.40 Carat Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7.75 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

2.69ct Natural Aquamarine 0.35ct Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold -Contemporary
Located in Sant Josep de sa Talaia, IB
–SI1 Ring Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Ring Weight: 3.2 grams Ring Size
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
shank is 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.80 Total
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Sapphire Royal Blue Diana Queen Diamond Style Gold Engagement ring
Located in Berlin, DE
An amazing 18K gold ring with natural unheated Royal Blue sapphire and diamond in Princess Diana
Category

2010s Japanese Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18K Yellow Gold 0.42ctw Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising five old European cut diamonds, in 18 karat
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Art Deco Filigree 0.75 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We are loving this vintage beauty!! Ring Details Material: 18K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1920
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Circa 1920s Ornate GIA Unheated Sapphire and Old European Diamond Engagement Rin
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1920s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 18K White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Boucheron 2.04 carat diamond engagement ring, French, circa 1960.
By Boucheron
Located in London, GB
Boucheron old cut diamond solitaire ring. Set with a round old cut diamond, G colour, VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1960s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

14K Antique 1/2 Carat European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Big Bend, WI
14K yellow gold diamond ring featuring an European cut diamond weighing about 1/2 carat. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 18k Gold Platinum Diamond Emerald Round Concentric Target Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
) Natural Genuine Emeralds - Calibre Cut - Bezel Set - Vivid Green Color - Material: Solid 18k Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 kt. White Gold Engagement Ring With Large 5 Ct Fancy Light Yellow Diamond
Located in Antwerp, BE
Magnificant 18 kt. White Gold 5.9 Ct Diamonds Engagement Ring With 5 Ct Large Fancy Light Yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Platinum Diamond Icone Engagement Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Chicago, IL
Van Cleef & Arpels Platinum Diamond Icone Engagement Ring This exquisite Van Cleef & Arpels Icone
Category

2010s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 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.