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1945 Art Deco STYLE – 0.24 ct Diamonds 0.42 ct Sapphires – 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Delicate 1945 Art Deco STYLE ring crafted in 18k gold, featuring brilliant-cut diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1945 Art Deco Style 0.30 ct Diamonds 0.50 ct Sapphire 18k Gold Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Elegant Art Deco ring from circa 1945, crafted in 18k gold and set with brilliant-cut diamonds and
Category

Vintage 1940s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18K White Gold 2.81ct VIVID GREEN Zambian Emerald Ring with pave white diamonds
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Introducing our exquisite Italian-made 18kt White Gold ring mounted with a center stone Zambian
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Art Deco 1.40 Carat GIA Old European Cut Diamond Two-Tone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A unique French Art Deco era 1.40 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Two-Tone Engagement Ring composed
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

5.14 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring In 18K Yellow Gold, GIA Certified.
By MOGULDIAM INC
Located in New York, NY
Breathtaking beauty ! GIA Certified 5.14 carat old European brilliant diamond engagement ring
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco 18k Gold Gia 2.37ct Old Diamond Wheat Work Hand Engraved Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- Pave Set Total Carat Weight: 2.37 (exact) Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 2.25 Grams Ring Size
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Circa 1900s Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring - VEG#2029a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring - VEG#2029a Item Details: Year
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Solid 14K White Gold Natural Blue Topaz Diamond Engagement Ring Customized
Located in Chesham, GB
This delightful 14K White Gold eternity ring has been hand set with Natural Precious Diamonds and
Category

2010s British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.33 CTW Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Wheat Hexagonal Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.33 carat total H color with VS2
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Sapphire Shield Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Old Euro Diamond Prong-Set Ring (Approx. 1.10-Carats), 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Clarity Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Prong-Set Metal: 18k Yellow Gold Ring Size: 6.5 US
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Filigree Antique Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bloomington, MN
This ring is crafted in 18k white gold and features prong-set gemstone, with an antique engagement
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.52 CTW Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Vintage Lotus Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 0.47 carat H color with SI2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA 0.88 Carat Total Weight Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1930s Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 18k White Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Late Art Deco 1.50 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1930s
Located in London, GB
yellow gold band. This is a classically beautiful engagement ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

18 Kt Solitaire Round Brilliant Baguette Cut Diamond Engagement Ring , 3.35 Ct
Located in Antwerp, BE
18 Kt White Gold Solitaire Diamond Ring with 3.35 Carats. Size : 55 EU / 7 1/4 US ( can be resized
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage and Contemporary 1.94 Carat Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The feature vintage (circa 1950) 1.74ct transitional
Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.65 Carat Three-Stone Transitional Cut Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1940s
Located in London, GB
engagement ring, which dates from the 1940s. These vintage stones, totalling 0.65 carats, are claw set in
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.65 Carat GIA Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made of 18K white gold, this ring is centered with a sparkling GIA certified old European cut
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

.62 Carat Diamond Sapphire Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring Five-Stone 18 Karat
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique Victorian Wedding Engagement Ring with 1.08 Carat of Old European Cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Large Antique Edwardian Diamond, Invisibly Set Sapphire 18k Gold Navette Ring
Located in New York, NY
quality H-I color Old European cut diamonds, set in a fine 18K white gold setting and 18K yellow gold back
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Buccellati Old European Diamond Dome Ring (GIA Approx. 2.20-Carats) Platinum
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
Presenting a breathtaking vintage Buccellati diamond engagement ring, masterfully handcrafted in
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring (Approx 0.30-Carats) Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
antique cushion cut of I color and SI1 clarity. The old European cut diamond is delicately cradled in
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Verdura Vintage Ring 18k Gold Diamond 5.01-Carat J SI2 GIA
By Verdura
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A custom-made vintage Verdura ring in 18k yellow gold and platinum, featuring an Old European cut
Category

Vintage 1950s American Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ring 18k Yellow Gold with Green Tourmalines Emerald Facetted&Round Cut Diamonds
Located in Heemstede, NL
, but can also be effortlessly stacked with other rings to create your personal look. Features: 18
Category

Vintage 1980s Spanish Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.80 Carat Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat YG Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 18karat Yellow Gold & Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.0
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Total Colour: H-I Clarity: SI1 Metal: 18ct White Gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Old Euro Diamond Floral Cluster Ring (GIA Approx. 0.90-Carats), 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
is a delicately crafted floral halo of additional old European cut diamonds, enhancing the ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Rare Georgian Diamond Crowned Heart Ring Antique Engagement Ring c.1740 Rose Cut
Located in London, GB
). The ring is a UK size M½ / US 6.5 and weighs 1.73 grams in total. It is unmarked but tests as 18K gold
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century Rococo Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Estate Natural No Heat 3.31 Ct Blue Sapphire Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Blue Dream This sturdy and elegant estate ring is beautifully hand crafted of solid 18 kt gold
Category

Late 20th Century European Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Old Euro Diamond Floral Cluster Ring (Approx. 0.60-Carats), 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This stunning floral diamond cluster engagement ring features a captivating old European cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Mine Diamond Robin s Egg Turquoise Platinum 18K Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
color with come greenish blue zoning Set with gold talon prongs and a platinum diamond halo surround
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Old Euro Diamond (Approx. 1.7-Carats) Bezel-Set Cluster Ring, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
: Old European Cut Stone: Diamond Jewelry Type: Engagement Ring Jewelry Style: Cluster Ring Color: I
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Old Euro Diamond (GIA Approx. 0.9-Carats) Prong-Set Ring, 18k White Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite ring showcases a GIA-certified approx 0.9-carat old European cut diamond, securely
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Old Euro Diamond Box-Prong Ring (Approx. 1.00-Carat), 18k White Gold, Circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
A stunning vintage ring showcasing an approximately 1.00-carat Old European cut diamond at its
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Pearl Old Euro Diamond (Approx. 0.7-Carats) Floral Halo Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Secondary Stone Cut: Old European Cut Jewelry Type: Cluster Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Total Weight: 4.75 Grams
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Old Euro Diamond (Approx 1.10-Carats) Leaf-Motif Prong-Set Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite floral engagement ring showcases a stunning approx 1.10-carat old European cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

3.54 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique and vintage 3.54 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold cluster ring, with a
Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Belais Art Deco 0.45 CTW Old Mine Diamond 18K Gold Checkerboard Vintage Ring
By Belais
Located in Philadelphia, PA
bead set with old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.08 carat total - eye clean and bright
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Art Nouveau Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Tested Circa 1900 Fabulous Art Nouveau
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

GIA Certified .74 Carat Art Deco Diamond Platinum 18 Karat YG Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Item Details: Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: Platinum & 18 Karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Ring alliance white gold 18k 10 natural diamonds, princes cut, 1.5 carat VS1-VS2
Located in Heemstede, NL
Timeless jewel! Turn heads with this stunning half alliance ring in solid 18k gold, fully set with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dutch Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Old Euro Diamond Prong-Set Ring (GIA Approx 1.60-Carats) Ruby, 18K Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
: Prong-Set Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Ring Size: 7.25 US, Resizable Shipping Information: This item is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

18ct Gold Antique 0.33 Carat diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
18ct Gold Antique Diamond ring 0.33 Carat each diamond is a beautiful high quality earth mined
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style Colombian Emerald And Diamond 3 Stone Engagement Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Gainsboro Art Deco revival Colombian emerald and diamond 3 stone engagement ring is a bespoke
Category

2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Ring 18k Yellow Gold Round Blue Sapphire Round Brilliant-Cut Diamond Toi Moi
Located in Heemstede, NL
sapphire with a brilliant-cut diamond, symbolizing the union of two souls. his ring is perfect for lovers
Category

Late 20th Century Spanish Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Diamond and Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum
Category

20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct White Gold, 0.20ct Diamond Ring with Diamond Shoulders
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct White Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with this stunning
Category

Early 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamond and Yellow Gold Platinum Set Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
stone diamond twist ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting. The pierced
Category

Vintage 1920s French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

de GRISOGONO Pink Gold Ring w/ Diamonds
By de GRISOGONO
Located in New York, NY
• Pink Gold: 26.60 gr • 343 white diamonds: 5.79 ct • 158 "icy" white diamonds: 9.08 ct • Size 7.5
Category

2010s European Engagement Rings

Materials

18k Gold

18K Gold Patinated Silver Ring with Natural Black Opal and Anthracite Diamonds
By Alexey Gabilo
Located in Berlin, DE
of the ring — is made of solid 18K yellow gold, while the stone setting is crafted in silver. This
Category

2010s French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Opal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver, Silver, Yellow Gol...

Antique Victorian 18ct Gold Ruby Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Marquise Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1880 Fabulous, Victorian marquise
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Hecate 1.92cts Cert Old Mined Round Diamond Set in 18k Solitaire Ring
Located in Paris, FR
solitaire setting in 18k gold, using the same pattern as the Cartier Solitaires rings. The G color, very
Category

2010s French Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1930s 18 Karat White .50 Carat European Cut Diamond Filigree Art Deco Ring
Located in Boston, MA
Vintage 1930s 18KW .50ct European Cut Diamond Filigree Art Deco Engagement Ring - The center
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Belle Époque Ring, Toi et Moi Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Belle Époque Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1900 Fabulous, Belle Époque Ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Diamond, Platinum and Gold Solitaire Ring, 2.05 Carat
Located in London, GB
A solitaire diamond ring, set with a 2.05ct, J colour, VS1 clarity, Edwardian / old European-cut
Category

2010s English Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.36 CTW Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Volute Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
volute motif shoulders Tested as 18 karat gold and platinum With maker's mark Circa: 1930s Ring size: 4 1
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

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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.