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4.73 Carat Art Deco Style GIA Fancy Yellow Cushion Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
yellow diamond weighing 4.73 carats skillfully adorned with cabochon rubies and old mine cut diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Revival Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pla...

Vintage Retro Ring natural 30ct Rock Crystal / Quartz 18K Gold Ø7.75 US /14.5gr
Located in SE
stone. The band and crown in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural Rock Crystal step cut 20 mm x
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Rock Crystal, 18k Gold

1954 Signet Men Ring 4.5ct natural Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 9.25 US / 4.25gr
Located in SE
ϟiignet Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural black Onyx stone stone
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

1918 Antique Halo Ring solid 18KGold 0.9ct Sapphire 0.8ct Diamonds Ø 6US/ 2.4gr
Located in SE
Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural and untreated Blue Sapphire and 16 old European
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold

1933 Nordic Ring natural Blue Spinel Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.75 /1.7gr
Located in SE
holding three old - diamond hand-cut natural stones. Natural Blue with a weak tint of Green Spinel Ø 4mm
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Men von Boltenstern Ring Intaglio Signet 18K Gold Carnelian ØUS9.5/15 gr
Located in SE
of Von Boltenstern's coat of arms under the crown of Nobility set into wide band ring in solid 18K
Category

Mid-20th Century European Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
consisting of a single row of round faceted old mine-cut diamonds. All stones here have been finely milgrain
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Belle Epoque Pearl Diamond Antique Ring Ref: 280554
Located in Chicago, IL
vertically set with three pearls (5 mm each) framed by old mine brilliant cut diamonds. The leaf motif
Category

Vintage 1910s Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Retro 18kt yellow Gold Ring with 3.65 CTW Garnet Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
complements the gold. The center stone is accented with a mix of old mine and single-cut diamonds totaling
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1968 Ring natural 2.5ct Yellow - Green Sapphire solid 18k Gold Ø US 7.25 / 4.4gr
Located in SE
A Ring with claw set natural Yellow with strong tint of Green Sapphire diamond cut Ø7.5 mm x 5.5 mm
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Green Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco Style Platinum Heart Ring with Diamonds and Emeralds
Located in Aventura, FL
stunning contrast that enhances both the vibrant green emeralds and sparkling diamonds. The old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Natural Pearl and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
setting. This principal stone is then circulated by a frame of chunky old mine cut diamonds around the
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Men Signet Ring natural 11ct. Jade solid 18K Gold Ø 8.5US / 11.5 gr.
Located in SE
causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all. So if you request
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, Jade, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
round faceted old mine cut diamond sits slightly risen at the centre of an open face in an 8 clawed
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified .20 Carat Burma Myanmar Ruby Diamond Victorian Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
octagonal Burma Myanmar red ruby with a old mine cut .15ct diamond in a handmade 18k yellow gold setting
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1937 Ring Amethyst solid 18K Gold Ø US7.75 / 2gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Gold for every day Art - Deco period styled with a thin band and bezel with
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Art Deco Three Stone Twisted Ring 1.25 Ct Diamond
Located in Napoli, IT
with further antique Diamonds – 10 old mine cut adding .50 Ct of more dazzling effect – G/H VS Head is
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Ring natural 1.3ct. Sapphire Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø4.75US/ 1.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural medium Blue Sapphire and 6 miniature
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1800 2.50 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Antique 18K rose Gold Ruby and Diamond ring. The cluster style ring is centered with an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

12 Carat Natural Ruby 3.5 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
approximately 0.50 carats. The oval ruby is surrounding with approximately 3 carats of old mine cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1964 Nordic Ring 0.3 ct Ruby 0.22ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 7.5 US/ 2.5gr
Located in SE
Elegant Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with Platinum clusters holding oval cut natural Rose Red Ruby
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1953 Signet Men Ring natural 4.5ct Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø 10.5 US / 5 gr
Located in SE
ϟiignet Ring for Men in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural black Onyx stone stone
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Mars Ares Ring Intaglio Red Onyx solid 18K Gold ØUS 6.75 / 16.3 gr
Located in SE
Signet Intaglio Ring in solid 18K Orange / Rose / Red Gold with bezel set fine intaglio on Red Onyx
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Men Unisex Ring natural 9ct Turquoise solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 9.25/5.6gr
Located in SE
A ring with natural Blue Turquoise stone cut cabochon 13 mm x 11 mm x 6 mm deep / ca.9 ct . Face
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Turquoise, 18k Gold

Hancocks 1.18ct Colombian No Oil Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
handcrafted emerald and old cut diamond cluster ring by Hancocks. To the centre of the ring is an oval step
Category

2010s British Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian GIA Burma no heat pink sapphire diamond navette ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
: Approximately 1.50 carat Accent Stone: 22 old mine cut diamonds Weight: Approximately 2.20 carat Color: H-I
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

3.08ct Antique Diamond in Floral Setting with 2.85ct Modern Diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
This exquisite flower-motif ring features a rare 3.08-carat old mine cut diamond (approx. 9.2 x
Category

1990s French Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1.31 Carat Edwardian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
] Weight: 2.8 grams Diamond Details: GIA Report#: 6.67mm x 6.02mm x 4.53mm Weight: 1.31ct Cut: Old Mine
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Spectra Fine Jewelry 12.52 Carat Cushion Diamond Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
Cushion Cut Diamond Halo Engagement Ring by Spectra Fine Jewelry, crafted in 18K white gold. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique late Baroque (Rococo), Diamond, Blue Enamel Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
cannetille using . Silver, 18-karat gold and popular cuts for diamonds included ‘rose cut’, ‘old mine cut
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Spanish Baroque Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Enamel, Silver, 18k Gold

KURT WAYNE Geometric Cocktail Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With 1.71 Ctw Diamonds
By Kurt Wayne
Located in Miami, FL
. Traditionally, the jeweler used 18 K gold and precious stones – emeralds, diamonds, sapphires, rubies, etc. Item
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Round Diamond 1.10 Carat Solitaire Rind Set in 18k White Gold
Located in Aventura, FL
and the focal point which is the old mine cut diamond. The ring is certified as a being 1.10 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

ROGER LUCAS 1970 Cubism Geometric Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold With Lapis Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gold for the settings of the diamonds. The ring is embellished with an oversized cube carved from blue
Category

Vintage 1970s Canadian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k...

Convertible Pendant Ring In 18Kt Gold With Ctw In Diamonds Sapphires And Coral
Located in Miami, FL
old European rose cut diamonds and 1 round brilliant cut diamond, with a total weight of 0.50 carats
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k ...

Antique Intaglio Signet Ring solid 18K Gold Carnelian ØUS9.75/ 4gr
Located in SE
made of solid 18K Rose Gold. This ring was ordered in Helsinki, Finland for a man in ca. XIX century
Category

Antique 19th Century Finnish Empire Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

18KT and Platinum Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Lynchburg, VA
carats. It is surrounded by 12 old mine-cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.57 carats. We also believe
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Edwardian Pearl Old Mine Diamond Lariat Necklace
Located in Addison, TX
diamonds and pearl are natural and earth mined. The diamonds are old mine cut approximately .60ctw. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian More Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Two Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The pair of sapphires in this ring measure 10pts each. These blue stones are surrounded by old mine
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Exceptional Antique 13.86 Carat Color-Change Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ri
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
in an instant. Surrounding the central gem are old mine-cut diamonds, totaling 1 carat, which provide
Category

Antique 1890s American Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Certified Natural Jade, Ruby Diamond Peach Longevity Ring. Imperial Green!
Located in Hong Kong, HK
without any treatments. This ring is set in 18k white gold with Burma rubies, authentic old mine cut and
Category

2010s Hong Kong Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring natural Ruby Emerald Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø6US/ 1.9gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Blue Sapphire of old European diamond cut Ø 2.5 mm / ca. 0.1 ct each . Total weight : ca. 0.3
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Emerald, 18k Gold

Natural Type A Jade 30 Diamond Ring 18 Karat White Gold Wedding Engagement
Located in New York, NY
are accented by 30 sparkling Old Mine Cut White Diamonds set in a beautiful step down setting in 18
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Jade, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1930 German Ring Spinel solid 18K Gold Silver Ø US7.5 / 4.26gr
Located in SE
A Ring decorated with oval cut Blue Spinel ( lab -made) 15 mm x 8 mm x 5 mm deep / ca. 6 ct
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Spinel, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Vintage Unisex Ring X- links solid 18K Gold Ø US8 / 2.15gr
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 1930s European Retro Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

1.02 Carat Yellow Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By Mellen
Located in New York, NY
diamond accompanied by a .68 and .75 carat old mine cut white diamond to either side. Round brilliant is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Ring natural 5ct Opal solid 18K Gold ØUS6 / 4.83 gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring decorated with bezel set oval cut cabochon of natural Opal stone Ø 12 x 10 mm x 5.25
Category

Vintage 1930s German Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold

1948 Ring natural 1ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø7US / 3.1 gr
Located in SE
side of the stone shows oval / old diamond cut , back side of briolette cut with no distinctive culet
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Filigree and Diamond Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
old mine cut diamonds set in beautifully detailed 18K white gold filigree. Top of ring measures 22 mm
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Emerald and Diamond Ring, signed G. R. Addis, Australia, circa 1890–1910
Located in OVIEDO, AS
designed with a central emerald-cut emerald of vibrant green colour, flanked by old mine-cut diamonds, and
Category

Antique 1890s Australian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 1880 Antique Ring, Sapphire (GIA Approx. 1.20-Carats) 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
Tertiary Stone: Diamonds Tertiary Stone Weight: Approximately 0.7-Carats Tertiary Stone Cut: Old Mine Cut
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Cluster 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
claw set old mine cut diamonds of 1.80 carats approximately, assessed as H-J colour, VS2-SI1 clarity
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GRS Certified 7.72 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
GRS Certified 7.72 Carat Colombian Emerald and Diamond Platinum Ring This exceptional ring
Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Natural Oval Ruby Ring (Approx. 1.60-Carats), Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
geometric halo of old mine-cut diamonds, creating a striking contrast and timeless appeal. Expertly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

1943 Ring 6.5 ct natural Cornflow Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold Ø US4.75/ 4gr
Located in SE
Ring for every day in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with natural light Cornflower Blue Sapphire
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 18kt Gold Locket Ring with Diamond Accents
Located in Braintree, GB
rose gold the ring features old-cut diamonds set within the urn. The hidden compartment, accessed via
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Ring 0.85ct Emerald solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US7 / 3.7gr
Located in SE
Elegant vintage Emerald Ring, the carved band in solid 18ct Yellow Gold + bezel set natural emerald
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold

1912 Ring Red Garnet Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø5US / 1.1gr
Located in SE
Antique Ring with two natural Seed Pearls and one rose cut Garnet of Pyrope variety set in solid
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Garnet, Pearl, 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.