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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

C1820 Georgian Diamond Flower Cluster Ring w Carved Repousse Band
Located in Baltimore, MD
Early Georgian rose diamond cluster ring set in silver with an 18K gold embossed band. This is a
Category

Antique 1820s British Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful Art Deco three-stone diamond ring. Three round faceted old cut diamonds
Category

20th Century Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian .85 Ct Diamond .35 Ct Sapphire 18 KT Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
distinction and character Diamonds are old mine cut . 60 C. total with a .25 Ct the centre – G VVS/VS – high
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1932 Nordic Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver US6.75 / 3.96gr
Located in SE
Old Diamond ring with navette or boat shaped openwork crown with Silver clusters melted into solid
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Halo Ring 0.45ct Diamond Sapphires 18K Gold Silver ØUS6.75 /2.9 gr
Located in SE
. Diamond is Ø 4.75 mm / ca. 045 ct. + eight old diamond - cut Sapphires of Blue with tint of Green color
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire

Peter Suchy EGL Certified .96 Carat Diamond Halo Rose Gold Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
. 1 old mine brilliant cut diamond, approx. total weight .96cts, H, SI3, EGL Certified US63783601D 18
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1937 Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7.25/ 2.1gr
Located in SE
Art - Deco period three stones Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand- made in 1937. This design with secure
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Floral Three Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three old mine cut diamonds flush set east to west Weighing approximately 0.62 carat
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1.01 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
all held within platinum claws. Two 0.03 carat old cut diamonds punctuate where the shoulders meet
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Retro Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
- Excellent METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 1 total carats RING SIZE: US 8.5 - IT 18 - FR 58 - UK Q/R
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Georgian/Regency Diamond Cluster Ring Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
: 18 Kt gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 1 cushion old mine cut diamond of approx .96
Category

Antique Early 1800s European Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
centre. Flanking this principal stone are two round faceted old mine cut diamonds with their white
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Five old cushion cut diamonds are displayed in this beautiful Art Deco ring. The central diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18kt Gold Ring with Diamonds and Blue Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
piece showcases a captivating pavé of Old Mine Diamonds, which collectively weigh approximately 2.50
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Five Stone 1.80 Ct. Diamond Natural Pearl Half Hoop ring
Located in Napoli, IT
2 old mine cut Diamonds of 1.80 Ct for both stones – superb chunky cut and true quality– rated G VVS
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Art Deco 18 Carat White Gold Triple Cluster Diamond Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This triple cluster diamond ring is super sparkly and holds a total of 1.90 carat. The old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Natural Australian Opal Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
the opal are chunky old mine cut stones. The ring is in great condition and sits low on the finger
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 1900 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
center is an old mine-cut diamond, weighing approximately 0.28 carats, graded J color and I1 clarity
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Cushion Center Diamond (Approx. 1.3-Carats) Halo Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique cluster engagement ring showcases a lively cushion-cut diamond at its center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Deco 18k Gold Gia 0.54ct Cushion Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
-- Stone(s) -- (1) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old Mine Cushion Cut - Prong Set - Fiery White H Color
Category

Vintage 1920s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond 18ct Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
A charming and characterful antique ring, this Edwardian-era ruby and diamond piece is crafted in
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

1890 Victorian Era Old Mine Cut Diamond Earrings (Approx 1.8-Carats) Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
These exquisite Victorian-era earrings center two old mine cut diamonds, each graded L color with
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Clip-on Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 4.25 CTW Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
platinum-topped surround prong set with old mine cut diamonds at cardinal points Weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.70ct Diamond and Pink Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian five stone ring features a stunning combination of old cut diamonds and pink
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

34.18 Carats Oval Cut Green Aquamarine Diamond Antique Style Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
intricate antique design. Accented by eight old mine cut diamonds weighing 0.42 carat total. Finely made
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.90ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This classic Art Deco three stone engagement ring features a trio of sparkling old cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ring Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold US 5.25 / 2.5gr
Located in SE
A ring from late 19th - early 20th cent. featuring rose cut Diamonds arranged in navette - shaped
Category

Early 20th Century European Arts and Crafts Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Gold Emerald Diamond Navette Cluster Ring - c.1880
Located in London, GB
presents one central 'emerald-cut' emerald encompassed by 14 old mine-cut diamonds (approx 0.45ct total
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Ring A yellow gold ring set with 1 cabochon emerald and 56 old mine
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Edwardian 0.65ct Diamond Three Stone Twist Ring, c.1912
Located in London, GB
A delightful spin on the classic trilogy design, this Edwardian ring features a trio of old cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold with a Sliced Diamonds
Located in Brooklyn, NY
diamond that is like sliced-cut. approx size of diamond 4x3mm Finger size 9 on the top the ring is approx
Category

Early 20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring, Circa 1930 s
Located in Wailea, HI
Art Deco Diamond Platinum Solitaire Ring Circa 1930's One Old European Cut diamond Weighing .87 [K
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Natural Saltwater Pearl Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Accented by a grooved gallery flanked by platinum-topped shoulders Bead set with rows of old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

6.45 Carat No-Heat Burma Ruby Oval Cut Round Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
cut white diamonds totaling 2.96 carats (0.25ct each). All set in a luxurious 18K white gold band with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sparkling Edwardian diamond three stone holds three old mine cut diamonds totalling 45pts and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Diamond Ring Enamel 18k Yellow Gold 5.5 Cocktail Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
the center & bordering black enamel, the old mine cut diamonds offer a beautiful shimmer with every
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This sparkling Victorian diamond three stone holds three old mine cut diamonds totalling 55pts
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamonds Ribbon Ring, 18kt White Gold and Platinum, circa 1930, France
Located in London, GB
Weight: 13.1gr Metal: 18kt white gold and platinum Stones: Diamonds • Cut: Old mine • Carat
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

2 stones Ring natural 0.6 Sapphire Diamond solid 18K Gold Platinum Ø US6 / 2.3 g
Located in SE
3.2 mm deep / ca. 0.6 ct. and square pave set old diamond cut natural Diamond Ø 2mm / 0.04ct / H,I
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1952 Three Stones Ring 0.7 ctw Diamonds solid 18K White Gold Ø 7.25US / 2.4gr
Located in SE
Vintage Three Stones ring in solid 18K White gold with three bezel set natural Diamonds of old
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Pair of Victorian Three Stone Diamond, Ruby and Sapphire Rings
Located in New York, NY
of 18K gold, diamonds, sapphires and rubies. Each ring is gypsy-set with an old mine-cut diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Enamel Silver 18K Gold Antique Navette Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
- quality consistent with cut and age Flanked by old mine cut diamonds bead set in shoulders Weighing
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Sterling Silver,...

1959 Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 7.75US / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
, combination I9 / hand - made in 1959. Crown: 12.3mm x 4.6mm x 3.6mm deep Old Diamond cut natural light blue
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

12.28 Carat Sleeping Beauty Turquoise Cabochon Diamond Band Ring 18k Yellow Gold
By Sarosi By Timeless Gems
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This stunning 18k yellow gold handmade ring features an exceptionally fine, 12.28 carat cushion
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Multi-gemstone, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 0.15 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Daisy Twist Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
0.15 carat blue sapphire in the centre, which is surrounded by eight 0.03 carat old cut diamonds. They
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920 Nordic Halo Ring 0.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 5.75 US /2 gr
Located in SE
104 years old Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 8 old European cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

EGL 3.05 Carat Diamond Victorian Enamel Yellow Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
yellow gold setting with a hand enameled shank. This wonderful ring begins with an old mine brilliant cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

1954 Nordic Ring solid 18K Gold 3ct Emerald Diamonds ØUS6/ 7.5gr
Located in SE
A ring with medium green cabochon cut natural Emerald bezel set in wired floret in solid 18K Gold
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1.25ct Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Shape: Old Mine Cut Carat Weight: 1.25 Colour: H-I Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold, Platinum Age
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1920 18kt Gold and Platinum Ring with Diamonds Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
stunning old mine natural diamond (approximately 0.36 ct, K color, SI1 clarity), beautifully complemented
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 3.37gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Vintage Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand-made in Italy ca. 1960s - 1970s. Italian hallmarks
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Heart Shaped Ring with Diamond, Sapphires and Rubies, circa 1902
Located in London, GB
. The ring is handmade from 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1923 Ring natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS6.75 / 2.65gr
Located in SE
Gold base. The central stone is cushion cut natural Blue Sapphire surrounded with 10 old diamond cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Pink Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
diamonds. The central sapphire is a 0.70 carat old cut stone. Both diamonds are also old cuts and weigh
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Ring 0.5ct Diamond Green Enamel solid 18K Gold Silver Ø 5.75 US /3.1 gr
Located in SE
cluster in Silver featuring trillion rose cut Diamond 5 mm x 5 mm x 5mm / ca. 0.5ct. The back of the stone
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique German Ring Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS 5.25 /2.7 gr
Located in SE
Old Ring with open - work convex pyramid shaped crown set with seven rose cut Diamonds. Likely
Category

Antique 1820s German Baroque Revival Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k 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.