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Antique Ring Sapphire 0.7 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS 6.5 / 2.56gr
Located in SE
+ eight old mine cut cut Diamonds Ø 1.5 mm / 0.02 ct each + four rose cut Diamonds Ø 1 mm / 0.0067 ct
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 1.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This classic solitaire ring features an impressive 1.50 carat old cut diamond at its centre. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.90ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
captivating finishing touch to this stunning ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.90
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 0.12 Carat Diamond Stackable Flower Ring
Located in London, GB
0.12ct old mine cut diamond proudly claw set atop an open curvaceous rose gold mount mimicking that of a
Category

20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.12 Carat Diamond Stackable Flower Ring
Located in London, GB
0.12ct old mine cut diamond proudly claw set atop an open curvaceous rose gold mount mimicking that of a
Category

20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Pink Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a charming 18ct yellow gold cluster ring featuring a vibrant pink sapphire as the
Category

Vintage 1910s Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.30 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
refined piece showcases a chunky old mine cut diamond at the centre of the face. This principal stone is
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau Style Filigree Diamond Shield Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
come.

 Metal: 18K White Gold Era: Art Deco 1930s Diamond: Cut: Old Mine Carat: 0.10 Accent
Category

Vintage 1930s Revival Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 0.68ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A truly timeless engagement ring set with a single 0.68 carat old cut diamond. The diamond has been
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1989 Halo Ring natural 0.75ct Sapphire 0.24ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS6 / 2.4gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 Diamonds. Swedish
Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring natural Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold US6.5 / 6.4gr
Located in SE
White Gold or Platinum decorated with mix of 43 Brilliant and old European cut natural Diamonds. Likely
Category

Vintage 1930s German Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Plaque Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
center sparkling Old mine-cut Diamond weighing .50 carat, surrounded by 0,30 carats of smaller diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1986 Nordic Alliance Wedding Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US5.25 /2.4gr
Located in SE
Nordic Alliance Wedding Ring in solid 18K Gold with lane in White Gold or Platinum for 9 pave set
Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1937 Ring natural Diamond Ruby 18K Yellow Gold Platinum 8.75US / 3.3gr
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ring decorated with three natural old European Diamond cut Diamonds and four square
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring Sapphires Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.5 / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
hallmarks, hallmarked 18K. This ring dates to ca. 1930s. There are five bezel set diamond cut natural Blue
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Style Diamond Engagement Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
gold and it is set with one sparkling Old mine cut Diamond in the center, weighing 0,90 carat and
Category

Late 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Victorian 1.00ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, Hallmarked 1891
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.00 Colour: F Clarity: VS-SI Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ring 1 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6 / 3.8gr
Located in SE
Old European Diamond cluster Ring with carved shoulders in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with Silver
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian English ruby diamond 18k yellow gold snake ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
everlasting commitment. Set along the sinuous form of the serpent are twenty old mine and single cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.66 Carat Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Unusual 18K Yellow gold Cluster Ring centered with a Sparkling Old Mine cut Diamond weighing 1.66
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 0.90 Carat Diamond Single Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
from 18ct yellow gold and plays host to a single bezel set old mine cut diamond amidst plain wide
Category

Vintage 1910s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian French Plat 18k Gold 1.7ct GIA European Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
European cutting style. The center stone is further accented at the shoulders with old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, White Gold, 18k Gold

1976 Nordic Ring solid White 18K Gold Diamonds US 8.75 / 4.2g
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K White Gold decorated with Diamonds. Made in Sweden, Marked 18K; maker's
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Georgian Diamond Enameled Urn Mourning Hair Locket Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
urn image which adorns rich, black enameling and fine old Mine and Rose Cut diamonds which are set
Category

Antique 1770s Georgian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
trio of round faceted old cut diamonds. The central diamond is flanked by two matching smaller stones
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Retro 0.60 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Snake Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
head there is an old mine cut 0.30 carat diamond FG/VS clarity and on the other there is a old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 1898 gold diamond buckle ring
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
your other favorite rings! Crafted in solid 18K yellow gold set with two old cut diamonds, estimated
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Three-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful three-stone ring featuring a trio of old mine cut diamonds. Each round
Category

Antique Early 1900s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

C1820 Sapphire and Diamond Triple Cluster Bow Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
This exquisite early 19th century hand carved diamond and sapphire cluster ring is set in silver
Category

Antique 1810s English Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.60 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
This pretty Edwardian ring features old cut diamonds in a delicate pattern. The centre old cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A gorgeous old cut diamond is the centre of this Victorian era engagement ring. The diamond is 0.50
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Turquoise and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
centre. Surrounding this primary stone is a double halo of round faceted old mine-cut diamonds, each
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Five-Stone Diamond Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian era, this ring features old cut diamonds graduating in size. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
In the centre of this beautifully handmade ring is an old cut diamond weighing 0.57 carat. It has
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and Filigree Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Mine cut diamond center stone measuring approximately 0.18 carats, IJ color, VS clarity. Circa 1920s.
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Colombian Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
round faceted old mine cut diamonds. The radiance of the diamonds creates a stunning contrast against
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1940s 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
, and three old mine cut diamonds, the diamonds set in platinum, the sapphires set in 18 karat yellow
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
. Surrounding this principal stone is a double frame consisting of round faceted old mine cut diamonds, with
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.50 Ct Diamond Double Row 18 Kt Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
silver topping housing the Diamonds Designed with two rows of old mine cut Diamonds, chunky individually
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ring Diamonds Blue Enamel solid 18k Gold Ø 6US /5.2gr
Located in SE
Great looking ring with an attached floret of seven old diamond cut Diamonds pave set in white Gold
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Decò 2.80 Carat Diamond Cocktail Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
the center there are five vertical rows of large sparkling and white old mine cut diamonds, total
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

1977 Halo Ring solid 18K Gold 2.45ct Sapphire 0.7ct Diamonds Ø6.5US/5.6g
Located in SE
British Cluster Halo Ring set with oval cut natural untreated Sapphire surrounded with 12 old
Category

Vintage 1970s English Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 1.75ctw Emeralds 0.44ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø
Located in SE
Beautiful cluster Ring in solid 18K Gold featuring three natural Green Emeralds and 4 old European
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique German Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald 0.3ct Diamond solid 18K ØUS7.75/2.4gr
Located in SE
/ ca.0.35ct + two old European diamond cut diamonds Ø 3 mm x 1.75 mm deep / ca.0,15 ct each. Four rose
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Edwardian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
principal stone is then framed by a single row of round faceted old mine cut diamonds around the outer edge
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Alliance Ring 1.3 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø5.25US/2.9gr
Located in SE
Fine old German Alliance 5-stones Ring featuring natural brilliant and old European cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 2.70 Carats diamond ring circa 1900
Located in Uccle, BE
approximately 1 Carat ( Estimated J/K color - Vs clarity), two bigger old mine diamonds surrounded by 18 old
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.85 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
1880s. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.85 Colour: G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.40ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Edwardian diamond set solitaire ring features an old cut, 0.40 carat diamond at its
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a chic and stylish antique ring featuring a trio round faceted old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1949 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6 / 2.9 gr
Located in SE
natural old European and rose cut Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks, 18K . Made in 1949 (combination Y8) All
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Jade, Burma Ruby, Diamond Ring, Custom Made, 18k, Certified Untreated
Located in Northampton, MA
four hand-cut diamonds complete this bespoke heirloom-quality ring. The certified natural and
Category

2010s American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, Jade, Diamond, 18k Gold

1904 Toi et Moi Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K GoldØ3.25/2.3gr
Located in SE
deep/ca.0.3ct each accented with eight pave set old European diamond cut cut Diamonds Ø 1.5mm / 0.015
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1931 Nordic Ring 0.5ct. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US8.5 / 2.76gr
Located in SE
The design of this old Diamond Ring is quite unusual - the central silver cluster/ setting is kind
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS 8.75 / 2.56gr
Located in SE
Blue Sapphire of old European diamond cut : Ø 6mm / ca. 1.25 ct , color is medium Blue , demonstrates
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 2.30ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
complemented by eight small old cut diamonds set in between totaling 0.08cts. The diamonds range in color from
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Retro 3.50 Carat Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful 1950' Retro diamond dress ring set with old mine cut Diamonds for an approximate total
Category

Mid-20th Century Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

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18k Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 18k old mine cut diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 528 vintage or 70 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Finding the perfect 18k old mine cut diamond ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing 18k old mine cut diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Single Stone, Jack Weir and Sons and Mark Broumand each produced a popular version that is worth a look. Today, if you’re looking for an old mine cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cushion cut and old european cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 18k old mine cut diamond ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a 18k Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring?

The price for a 18k old mine cut diamond ring starts at $550 and tops out at $187,586 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,677.

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.