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Vintage 5.60 carat emerald diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
emerald with F1 treatment, accented by 32 old European, old mine, and rose cut diamonds totaling
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.51 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Dating to 1910, this solitaire highlights a 0.51 carat old cut diamond. It has been claw set within
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1930 Ring natural 1.5 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS4 / 3.4 gr
Located in SE
Renaissance styled Swedish ring in solid 18K with two Silver clusters holding two natural rose cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 0.78 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.78 Colour: I Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct Rose Gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Alliance Ring Sapphire natural Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
Antique Alliance Ring featuring solid 18K Yellow Gold frame holding Blue Sapphires and Diamonds set
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Gold and Silver Ring and Earrings Set
Located in Napoli, NA
Mine cut diamonds, mounted in 18k rose Gold and silver. On the ring we estimated approximately 2 ct of
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Deco 1.12 Carat Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Pretty and authentic Art Deco Engagement ring featuring one large Old Mine cut Diamond in the
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Kashmir Sapphire Engagement Ring IGI
Located in Great Neck, NY
certificate. The sapphire is surrounded by old mine cut diamonds and goes down the band as well. The ring is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Tank sapphire diamond ring, 18 karat gold
Located in PARIS, FR
French Tank sapphire diamond ring in 18 karat gold, adorns with scrolls set with a line of three
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Danish Halo Ring 1 ct Sapphire 1.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.25/7gr
Located in SE
old European cut Diamonds. This ring originates from DK, hand-made ca. 1920s -1930s. Not hallmarked
Category

Vintage 1920s Danish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
been crafted entirely in 18ct white gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.50
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1900 Ring in 18kt rose Gold with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
this enchanting ring features five single cut diamonds, totaling approximately 0.65 carats. These
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.15 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
in 18ct white gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.15 Colour: G Clarity: VS2
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Sapphire Platinum 18 KT Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Ct old mine cut Diamonds rated as H/I – Clarity grade I – eye clean- having minus internal inclusions
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

1917 Halo Ring Natural 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 2.4gr
Located in SE
18K Rose Gold base. The central stone is marquise cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 12 old
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond, 18 Carat Gold and Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This beautiful solitaire ring holds and old mine cut diamond that measures 50pts. The stone is set
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Deco movement. At the centre of the face we find a single chunky old mine cut diamond which sits in a
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Retro Horovitz Alexandrie Turquoise Ring Ruby Diamond 18k Gold Vintage Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
” encrusted with Old European cut diamond, single cut diamonds and framed with tiny gold beads. There is a
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Turquoise, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Sapphire Diamond Three-Stone Ring (Approx 1.20-Carats), 18K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
approximately 1.20-carats. The deep blue gemstone is elegantly framed by two old mine-cut diamonds, each
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

1923 Halo Ring natural 0.6ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS5.5 /2gr
Located in SE
on this ring V7 = made in 1923. Claw set Natural Ruby of old European diamond cut : Ø 5 mm x 1.8 mm
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Georgian Diamond Black Enamel Locket Mourning 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
With a glass covered locket compartment on the reverse 1 old mine cut diamond of approx .20 Ct Band
Category

Antique 1820s British Georgian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Two Diamond Bow Shaped Dress Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
This unique ring features two old cut diamonds, each weighing 0.15 carat set within a bow shaped
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique French 18K Yellow Gold Diamond and Three Stone Sapphire ByPass Ring.
Located in San Francisco, CA
center. There are a total of 6 Old Mine Cut Diamonds, totaling approximately 0.30ct, of G/VS1 quality. In
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Trinity Halo Ring 1.4 ctw natural Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.5US/4.7g
Located in SE
weight: 1.4 ctw Thirty-two old European diamond cut Diamonds: ca. Ø1.75 mm / 0.025 ct each / ca. 0.8 ctw
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

C1820 Georgian Diamond Flower Cluster Ring with Crimped Gold Bolder
Located in Baltimore, MD
details: Old Mine Cut diamonds with a total carat weight of 80pts VS clarity color I/J 18K US Size 6 ½
Category

Antique 1820s British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

David Webb 13ct Yellow Sapphire 1.62ct Diamond Two-Tone Gold Platinum Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
: 1 Shape: Old Miner Cut Gemstone 2: 1.62 Carat Diamond Number of Stones: 34 Color: H Clarity: VS2
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.68 Carat Diamond and Turquoise Ring, circa 1908
Located in London, GB
An old cushion cut diamond is centred between two turquoise cabochons in this unique Victorian ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold Ø5.75 / 2.1 gr
Located in SE
Old Swedish Toi et Moi Ring made ca. 1907 -1917. Solid 18K Yellow Gold twisted band, top of the
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Deco 1915 Engagement Ring in 18kt Gold with Diamond
Located in Aventura, FL
center lies a bezel-set old mine-cut diamond weighing 0.35 carats in H-I color and SI1 clarity, with the
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.95 Carat Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
bright white round faceted old mine cut diamonds around the outer edge. All stones here have been
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco French Bombe Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
definitely an eye-catching ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.70 total Colour: G
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Retro Diamond Ring, 18kt Yellow Gold and Platinum, circa 1950
Located in London, GB
ring was made circa 1950. It is fully made in 18kt yellow gold. The old mine cut diamond set in
Category

Vintage 1950s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.61 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic engagement ring dates to the art deco era. A lovely 0.61 carat old cut diamond is the
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian 2.00 Carat Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow gold with an Old Mine cut Diamond at the center and 2 Old European cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1.28 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
A stunning 1.28 carat old cut diamond is the centre of this classic Edwardian engagement ring. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1925 Men Lord Ring 0.5ct Diamond 0.8ctw Sapphires solid 18K Gold ØUS10 / 8.3 gr
Located in SE
Three Stones Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural old diamond cut Diamond Ø 4.75 mm x
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1930 Halo Ring natural 0.45ct Sapphire ctw. 0.65ctw Diamonds 18K Gold/ØUS6/2.25g
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds in White
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1927 Ring 1ctw natural Diamond Sapphire solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 7.75/1.3gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period Ring with band in solid 18 k Yellow Gold with top of the crown and parts of the
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique German Halo Ring natural 0.7 ct Ruby Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum Ø3.75US
Located in SE
Beautiful old German Halo Ring from ca. 1920s -1930s, with great stones and parts in solid 18K
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1966 Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6 /3.9gr
Located in SE
Vintage Emerald and Diamond ring with wider band. Swedish ring, XX century.Marked 18K. Maker: JP
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian 0.25ct Diamond and Ruby Snake Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
atop each snake head is a different gem. On one, an old cut diamond weighing 0.25 carat is sat, whilst
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1925 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Ruby 0.3ct Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum ØUS8.25/3.5gr
Located in SE
Beautiful 99 years old Swedish Halo Ring with parts in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum. Claw
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Platinum geometric design sapphire and diamond ring
Located in Braintree, GB
stone: 1.00 carats ( approx. ) Cut: Cushion Treatment is not indicated. Diamonds - Cut: Old -mine cut
Category

Vintage 1930s European Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
movement. A single round faceted old mine cut diamond sits proud at the centre of the face in a bezel
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1928 Nordic Ring Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS8 / 2gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Diamonds Ring made in 1928. Band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold with claws holding natural
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.90 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite Art Deco dress ring. At its heart lies an impressive 1.90 carat old mine
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Pearl and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet pearl ring holds six pearls and above and below this row are old mine cut diamonds. The
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Toi et Moi Ring natural Cornflower Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø4.75/1.8g
Located in SE
/ ca 0.17ct and natural old European cut Diamond Ø 3 mm x 1.65 mm deep / ca 0.15ct. Twelve pave set
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ring natural 1ct Yellow Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.75/2.35gr
Located in SE
Vintage Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold with natural Yellow Sapphire and 8 Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1908 Nordic Halo Ring 0.5ct Sapphire 0.6ct Diamonds 18K Gold Silver ØUS5 /4gr
Located in SE
with rose cut Diamonds. Made in Sweden band hallmarked 18K , maker's hallmarks. Date combination is F7
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
old cut diamonds which are set in a marquise shape. All the stones are grain set and the diamonds are
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Halo Ring 2.5ct Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Silver Ø5.25US /4.8 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring from ca .1920s -1930s with Ruby and 13 rose cut Diamonds. Not hallmarked, tested 18K
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 3.50ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
, three sparkling old cut diamonds are set with a further four rose cut diamonds set in between, giving
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Pearl 18 Carat Gold Heart Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sweet heart ring holds an old mine cut diamond at the centre measuring 10pts. Surrounding the
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Edwardian 0.56 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.56 Colour: F Clarity: SI1 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring .70ct Rubenstein 18K Original 1890 s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Old Mine Cut Diamonds Trademarked LW Rubenstein 100% Natural Sapphire & Diamonds .70 Carat
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond, Carved Green Onyx Scarab Amulet Ring
Located in New York, NY
beautiful ring features a vibrant, finely carved emerald green onyx scarab surrounded by twelve Old Mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White 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.