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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

1914 Finish Ring natural 0.25ct Diamond solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US6.75 /4.17gr
Located in SE
A Ring with wide shoulders and flower crown featuring a claw set natural old *European diamond cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Finnish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1905 Antique Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS 8.7.5 / 3 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with openwork crown arranged with 19 care cut Rubies and 5 natural Diamonds in Platinum
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Ring Bague au Firmament Diamonds Enamel 18K Gold Ø6.75 US / 11.5 gr
Located in SE
this Blue and diamond jewellery type was called ' Bagues de Firmament ' which means "Rings of the
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Empire Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Silver, 18k Gold

1929 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø6US/3.7gr
Located in SE
1929 Nordic Renaissance styled Halo Sapphire and Diamonds Ring .Composite Gold + Silver crown with
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian 1.40ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A trio of old cut diamonds are set between a pair of vibrant rubies in this Victorian five stone
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Belle Epoque Diamond Gold and Silver Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
sparkling Old Mine cut diamond, weight 0,90 ct. H color SI clarity. The diamond is held by a hand-engraved
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 2.40ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring, meticulously handcrafted in the 1930s. The centre
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.00ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1979
Located in London, GB
This wonderful Victorian style ring showcases a central old cut diamond, flanked by round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.75ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
this Victorian ring. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.75 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire 3 Stone Ring Sri Lanka Sapphire Mined Diamond 1.58ct GIA 1920s
Located in Dearborn, MI
definitely an Transitional Cut diamond.*** Your Ring's Specs Size: 5.25 (Sizing Available) Metal: 18K
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Late Victorian 18K Gold Emerald Split Pearl and Diamond Wide Half Hoop Ring
Located in Houston, TX
emeralds, and a row of split pearls. Circa 1885. Ring contains seven Old Mine-cut diamonds that total 1.24
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Halo Ring natural 1.2 ctw. Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS6 / 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Ca. 1900s -1920's hand- made Halo Ring with Diamonds. Band in solid 18K Yellow Gold. Openwork Crown
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

1948 Vintage Ring 7ct Aquamarine Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US / 9.2g
Located in SE
Aquamarine and Diamonds Ring in solid 18K White Gold. Fine emerald /step cut natural Blue
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Alliance Ring Diamonds Rubies solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.25 /2.5 gr
Located in SE
Alliance Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with 9 pave set brilliant cut Diamonds and Rubies Ø 1.75 mm
Category

Mid-20th Century Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.84 Carat Oval Cut Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
small Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.09 carats. The ring features triangular
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Emerald and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
tailed by a single chunky old mine cut diamond whilst the remainder of the geometric frame is filled with
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Emerald Diamond Navette Ring 18K Gold - Victorian c.1880
Located in London, GB
encompassed by 14 old mine-cut diamonds (approx 0.45ct total) that glisten wonderfully under lighting. The
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

GIA 7.14 carat Colombian emerald diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
stone are two GIA certified old mine cut diamonds: one weighing 1.05 carats, N color and VS1 clarity
Category

20th Century Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1944 Halo Ring natural 0.5ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.5 US / 1.6 gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 11 Diamonds. Swedish hallmarks
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 18k Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
piece. The two diamonds are old mine cuts, and have an approximate weight of 0.50ctw. Each stone is held
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Nordic Ring 1.5 ct Natural Cornflower Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold S
Located in SE
This Renaissance-styled ring has a flower-shaped composite Silver on an 18K Gold crown measuring 16
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Deco Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Five glistening old mine cut diamonds sit fabulously on top of a simple setting modelled in 18ct
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.04 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
A lovely old cut diamond is at the centre of this art deco engagement ring. The diamond is 1.04
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1929 Nordic Clover Ring solid 18K Gold 1ctw Ruby 0.5ct Diamond Ø 6US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
= made in 1929. Crown is 10 mm x 8 mm x 5 mm deep. Old diamond cut Diamond Ø 5 mm x 2.75 mm / ca 0.56 ct
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 3.31 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 3.31 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring
Category

Vintage 1930s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1917 Ring 2ct natural Sapphire 2.2 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø5US/6.7gr
Located in SE
Swedish Cluster Ring set with claw set old diamond cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 11 old
Category

Vintage 1910s European Modernist Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Ring 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø US8/ 3.1 gr
Located in SE
at axes x 4 mm deep. Largest stone is an old diamond round cut Diamond 3.25 mm x 1.8 mm deep ca
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

1938 Halo Ring natural 0.45 ct Sapphire ctw. 0.65ctw Diamonds 18K Gold/ØUS8/2.9g
Located in SE
Beautiful Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 Diamonds in White
Category

Vintage 1930s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, 18k Gold

Victorian Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Diamond Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Certified vivid Natural unheated burmese ruby, 0.65 ct., and one Sparkling Old mine cut diamond weighing
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau 1900 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
 nine graduated old mine diamonds totaling approximately 0.75 carats, exhibiting H-J color and VS-SI
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

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

1934 Nordic Ring 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US6.25 / 4.55 gr.
Located in SE
Beautiful Diamond Flower Ring, Renaissance styled. Set of Swedish hallmarks, 18K, maker's and date
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau 1890 Ring in 18kt Yellow Gold with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
of its carefully selected gemstones. The ring features two old mine-cut diamonds, with a combined
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring by William Greenwood Sons
Located in Denver, CO
bypass ring surrounded by twenty Old Mine-cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.00 carat, G-H color SI
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Carved Shank Cluster Ring, circa 1950s
Located in London, GB
A centrally set row of five sapphires is embraced by twin rows of round brilliant cut diamonds that
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.25ct Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
in old cut diamonds, creating the beautiful daisy shape. The old cut sapphire weighs 0.25 carat
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
. The two diamonds, which make five, are old cut diamonds each weighing 0.40 carat. They have been
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.55ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Three old cut diamonds are on display in this sweet trilogy ring from the Edwardian era. In the
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 18kt Gold Snake Ring with 3.50ct Ruby 0.45ct Diamonds
Located in Braintree, GB
, estimated at approximately 3.50 carats, bezel-set and framed by a halo of 30 old mine-cut diamonds. The
Category

Antique 1830s European Early Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Five Diamond and 18kt Yellow Gold Gipsy Ring
Located in Denver, CO
Five Old Mine cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.60 carats, H color, SI2 clarity, sparkle within
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold Gemstone Engagement Sz 7
Located in Torrance, CA
1900s). Cabochon cut opal measures 10mm x 8mm (estimated at 2 carats). Old mine cut diamonds total an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920s Nordic Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US /2.2 gr
Located in SE
Old Nordic Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 12 old European cut
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Halo Ring 0.6 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø 9US/ 2.58 gr
Located in SE
(tested). Crown with top in Platinum holding 7 old diamond cut Diamonds. Hallmarked 18K and PLAT for
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Deco 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
A vivid red Burmese ruby takes centre stage in this Late Deco halo ring. The 1.00 carat old cut
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1900 Engagement Ring in 18kt Gold and Platinum with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
timeless sophistication and meticulous craftsmanship. At its center is an old mine-cut diamond, weighing
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Ring natural 0.8ctw Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold ØUS6.25 / 2.25gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold and Platinum decorated with 19 natural Blue Sapphire stones
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.95ct Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
tapered band of 18 carat yellow gold completing the ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

.42 Carat Diamond White Gold Art Deco Dome Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Art Deco diamond dome engagement ring. Three center old mine cut diamonds with four old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Opal Three-Stone and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
faceted old mine cut diamonds with their white brilliance enhancing the opals' iridescence. The intricate
Category

Antique 19th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
highlight by the cluster of old cut diamonds surrounding. The old cut diamonds have a total weight of 1.60
Category

Vintage 1910s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Certified No Heat Burma Ruby Diamond Engraved Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
natural certified Burma Ruby 1.42 carat, and surrounded by colorless round old mine cut diamonds, 1.30
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.50ct Ruby and Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
. The ruby is an old cut and weighs 0.50 carat with the surrounding diamonds also being old cut. They
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1976 Ring 0.75ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold US7 / 5.5gr
Located in SE
Vintage Emerald and Diamonds Ring. 18K Yellow White Gold. Swedish hallmarks of maker, date code is
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1.56 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Cluster Ring, C.1910s
Located in London, GB
gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.56 Colour: F-G Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Belle Époque 1.20ct Turquoise and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
turquoise is a halo of old cut diamonds, set into platinum, with an additional diamond set into each
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Two Stone Twist Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Two old cut diamonds are set in a lovely twist in this art deco ring. The diamonds are 0.60 carat
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

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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.