Skip to main content

18k Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

to
187
2,460
2,138
2,961
1,744
1,293
917
914
427
415
407
398
300
298
251
167
152
147
137
131
83
67
67
58
57
52
44
29
25
23
19
17
15
12
11
8
7
6
5
4
3
3
2
2
1
1
1
1
22
19
16
12
11
Sort By
1920 Antique Ring Rubellite Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 1.8 gr.
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with three natural Rubellites / or Red Tourmalines and 6
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, Rubelite, 18k Gold

1920 Anna s Ring natural 0.5 ct Ruby solid 18K Gold US6.25 / 1.35gr
Located in SE
A Ring from distant Art- Deco period, engraved band in solid 18K Yellow Gold with bezel set oval
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Dalben Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
By Laura Dalben
Located in Como, IT
two old mine cut diamonds total weight 0.81 carats . Ring size 7 1/4 - EU 55 resizable to most finger
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique French Gold w/ Platinum Muzo Colombian Emerald Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
** (22) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine & Old European Cut - Pave Set - Nice Brilliant White Color
Category

Antique 19th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Certified Natural Unheated Ruby Diamond Vous et Moi Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Certified vivid Natural unheated Ruby, 1.53 ct., and one Sparkling Old mine cut diamond weighing approx
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Ring 0.25ct. Diamond Enamels solid 18K Gold Silver Ø4.25US/1.25 gr
Located in SE
Fine Antique Ring, likely Swedish, ca. late XIX - early XX century. Solid 18K Yellow Gold band
Category

Antique 1890s Swedish Belle Époque Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Burma Ruby Diamond Marquee ring
Located in Napoli, IT
charming marquee shaped crown holds 22 old mine cut diamonds for 1.70 Ct of total Diamond content, rated as
Category

Antique 1880s European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

AENEA untreated certified Emerald 8.32ct 18k Gold Platinum Ring
By AENEA Jewellery
Located in Salzburg, AT
mine colour. The emerald is surrounded by white diamonds and handcrafted in 18k yellow gold, platinum
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Rhodium, Sterling Silver,...

Antique Three Stones Engraved Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
sparkling Old mine cut Diamond weight 0,68 Carat graded H/I Color Si2 clarity, and on the side 2 smaller
Category

Antique Early 1900s Artisan Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1958 Ring Amethyst Seed Pearls 18K Yellow Gold Ø 5.25 US /2.2 gr
Located in SE
Retro Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural Amethysts and Seed Pearls. Amethyst
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, Amethyst, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ring 20ct. Rock Crystal solid 18K Gold Ø 7 US / 8.82 gr
Located in SE
stone. The band and crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural Rock Crystal old diamond cut Ø
Category

Vintage 1930s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

Victorian Aquamarine and Diamond 18 Karat Gold Navette Dinner Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
by 40 antique old mine cut diamonds. Bespoke of 18 karat yellow gold, a phenomenal value for such an
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 0.64 carat Emerald 0.79 carat Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
diamond. This impressive trilogy style design incorporates six supporting mine cut diamonds, alternating
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Antique European Ring 0.5ctw Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø 7.5 US / 1.8gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring featuring, band in 18K Yellow Gold, 4 natural pinky red rubies, made ca.1900 s -1930s
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 2.40 CTW Euro Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
-pronged mount with an ornately pierced crown-like basket Flanked by old mine cut diamonds bead set in
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

C1850 Hands Clasping Heart Fede Ring w carved enamel star
Located in Baltimore, MD
("the gift of my heart"), with a single old cut diamond embedded in a carved star. The clasped hands
Category

Antique 1850s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Vintage 1940s Retro Gold, Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
well as Old European and Old Mine cut Diamonds weighing approximately a total of 0.80 carat. Made in
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Edwardian Untreated Ruby Diamond 18 KT/Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
an old mine cut Diamond of approx. 1.0 Ct (6.31 mm. x 5.45 mm.) rated H VVS - bright white High
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1935 Nordic Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US /4.8gr
Located in SE
Poison Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with crown being a hidden compartment 13 mm x 11 mm x 5.5 mm
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Hematite, 18k Gold

Victorian Opal and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
. Surrounding the opal is a frame of round faceted old mine cut diamonds, each individually claw set in silver
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau 2.25 Ct Solid Australian Opal Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Opal is approx 2.25 Ct – measures 10.62 mm. x 8.36 mm. Complemented by old European cut Diamonds for
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1920 Ring in 18kt gold and Platinum with Diamond and Sapphire
Located in Aventura, FL
. At its center lies an old mine-cut diamond, weighing approximately 0.22 carats, graded H color and
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

0.66 Carat Diamond gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made of 18k yellow gold, this ring is set with a sparkling old mine cut diamond that weighs 0.66ct
Category

20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.04 Carat Solitaire Diamond in Blue Guilloche Enamel Setting
Located in Hummelstown, PA
This striking and distinctive vintage ring boasts a gorgeous 2.04 carat old mine cut diamond
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
. The deep red hue of the ruby is beautifully complemented by a frame of round faceted old mine-cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1940 Ring natural Emerald W.Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø US10/ 4 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with carved band and crown decorated with natural diamond cut Emerald Ø 2.5 mm / ca. 0.1 ct
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Cabochon Amethyst and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
a halo of round faceted old mine cut diamonds, each sparkling with a white brilliance. The
Category

Antique 1890s Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Victorian Opal Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
with two vibrant opals, with an old mine cut diamond between each. The opals are nicely graduated, with
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Columbian Emerald and Diamonds Cluster Ring
Located in PARIS, FR
13 Old Mine Cut diamonds of fine quality, total weight approx. 0.8 carat, the ring also set with two
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1940 Signet Ring Leopard Intaglio Red Onyx solid 18K Gold ØUS4.5 / 7.2gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Empire Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

An Antique Diamond Three-Stone Ring Circa 1900 s
Located in Firenze, IT
Crossed ring in 18K yellow gold and silver centered by three old mine cut diamonds approx. 0.50
Category

Antique Early 1900s Italian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Ring 1.75ct natural Blue-Green Zircon solid 18K White Gold ØUS3.5 /2.8gr
Located in SE
Ring featuring natural Zircon Ø 6.75 mm x 5 mm deep / ca. 1.75 ct / old European diamond cut , of
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Zircon, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Signet Ring Hand and Flower Intaglio Amethyst solid 18K Ø6.5US/5.1gr
Located in SE
thousands of years. Old Greek and Roman intaglios on Amethyst were very expensive. Price of a small fine cut
Category

Early 20th Century European Empire Signet Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

1945 Signet Ring 3.5 ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 6.5 US / 2.7gr
Located in SE
ϟignet Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural black Onyx stone rectangular cut and
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Pearl and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
and round faceted old mine cut diamonds. The design further showcases archetypal scrolled decoration
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
cornflower blue colour tone. This principle stone is then framed by a halo of chunky old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.0 Ct. Diamond 1.0 Ct. Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped Setting comprises a selection of 3 bright white old mine cut Diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique cluster Ring Diamonds solid 14K Gold Platinum Ø US7.75 /2gr
Located in SE
natural old European diamond cut Diamonds arranged in flower formation to imitate one 0.5 ct Diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in New York, NY
Topped Gold, 14K Yellow Gold Band Gemstone: Old Mine Cut Diamonds, Cushion Cut Sapphire Measurement: Ring
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Vintage Unisex Ring natural 1.5ct Emerald solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US8.5 / 2.7gr
Located in SE
Vintage Unisex Ring in solid 18ct Yellow Gold embellished with natural square cut Emerald stone 6.5
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.75 Ct Diamond J VVS plus .85 Ct Rare Cluster ring
Located in Napoli, IT
surround Centrally set with a bright white old mine cushion cut Diamond of 1.75 Ct assessed J VVS 12 old
Category

Antique 1890s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Ring Diamonds solid 14K Rose White Gold Ø US7.75 / 2.04gr
Located in SE
: largest is bezel set old European oval cut Diamond Ø 3.5 mm x 3 mm x 2.66 mm deep / ca.0.25ct + 8 minor
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1965 Men Signet Ring Hematite solid 18K Gold Ø 9.75 US / 5.48 gr
Located in SE
Swedish hallmarks , 18k, maker's and date code is P9 / hand - made in 1965. Radiant cut bezel set
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Hematite, 18k Gold

AMSTERDAM SAUER Cocktail Ring 18Kt Gold With SANTA MARIA Aquamarine Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
at the sides with a well matched pair of bright white colorless trillions cuts of earth mined natural
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Brazilian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950 Signet Men Ring ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.75 US / 5.51gr
Located in SE
rectangular cut and polished 13 x 10 mm x 2.8 mm deep/ about 4.5 ct . Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, Stockholm
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

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

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 18 Karat Gold Diamond Sculptural Tank Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an Art Deco sculptural tank ring crafted in 18K gold. The piece features diamonds (old mine
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

1984 Signet Men Ring 4ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.75 US / 3.5 gr
Located in SE
rectangular convex cut and polished 11 x 11 mm x 2.2 mm deep/ about 4 ct . Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, F
Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Georgian Natural Ruby Diamond Rare Urn Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
cut and old mine cut Diamonds for approx. 30 Ct to complement the main gemstone Rare and beautiful
Category

Antique 1780s English Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

1916 Signet Ring 2.75 ct. natural Carnelian solid 18K Gold Ø 7 US / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
ϟignet Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural Carnelian stone rectangular cut and
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Vintage Signet Men Ring 4ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø US 10.75 / 4.9gr
Located in SE
ϟiignet Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural black Onyx stone stone
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
old mine cut and have a wonderful bright sparkle. Ring Size: L 1/2 or 6 Band Width: 4mm Weight
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

1954 Signet Men Ring 5ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 10.5 US / 5.38gr
Located in SE
rectangular cut and polished 15 x 12 mm x 2.56 mm deep/ about 5 ct . Swedish ring, hallmarked 18K, G
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Victorian 6.78 Carat No Heat Sapphire Sterling Silver and 18K Gold Ring
Located in Houston, TX
-heat. There are 34 old mine-cut diamonds that total 5 carats; H-J color and VS1-SI2 clarity
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

.50 Carat Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.75 Metal Type: 18k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.3 grams Diamond
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Fine Art Deco No-Oil Colombian Emerald and Diamond Ring, ca. 1920
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
An old mine Colombian emerald and diamond ring in 18k white gold. The antique cushion cut emerald
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Natural Saltwater Pinktada Pearl And Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian Natural Saltwater Pearl And Diamond Cocktail Ring In 14k And 18k Rose Gold. The ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "18k Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.