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Antique Ring Carnelian solid 18K Orange Gold Ø US 5.5 / 5.1gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

18 Karat White Gold Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Washington Depot, CT
sparkling old mine cut diamond (.57 ct.) set in beautifully detailed white gold filigree, Top of ring
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

1836 Nordic Men Unisex Signet Ring Carnelian solid 18K Gold US7 / 5gr
Located in SE
Signet Ring - in Empire style in solid 18K Orange Gold adorned with bezel set Orange plate of
Category

Antique 1830s European Empire Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

1829 Signet Men Intaglio Ring Chalcedony solid 18K Gold ØUS9.5 /10.5gr
Located in SE
195 years old Signet Intaglio Ring featuring a natural red- spotted Gray - Blue Sardonyx stone with
Category

Antique 1820s Swedish Medieval Signet Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

Vintage 7.96 Carat Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
of scintillating chunky old mine cut diamonds before the piece is finished with fleur-de-lis style
Category

20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 1.17 Carat Ruby Diamond Halo Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Natural no heat Ruby engagement ring. GIA certified center oval ruby with a halo of 8 old mine cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

GIA 1.75 Carat Total Weight Edwardian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
: Blue Diamond Details: Natural, Old Mine Brilliant, G/H VS Finger to Top of Stone Measurement: 5mm
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau .90 Ct Natural Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Royal Blue Principle old mine cut Diamonds of .70 Ct (G /VVS/VS) and further .50 Ct more of old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Ruby and Emerald Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
work plays host to a delightful array old mine cut diamonds before a meticulous arrangement of matching
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Platinum

17.01 Carat Kunzite Diamond Platinum Gold Art Deco Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
stone in a platinum 18k white gold cocktail setting with 6 old mine cut accent diamonds. The crown is
Category

Mid-20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Unisex Illusion Ring solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø US 8.5 / 6gr
Located in SE
Antique or Vintage Ring in 18K Gold which is composed of two twisted bands joint together in a
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 10ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø7.25 US / 5 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with plain shoulders decorated with claw set natural oval cut
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

1953 Wedding Ring solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 6.5 US / 3.7 gr
Located in SE
Regular type 18K Yellow Gold Wedding Ring . In fine used condition. Made in Sweden ,hallmarked 18K
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 1.2ct. Sapphire Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø6.25US/ 2.8gr
Located in SE
Beautiful old Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with natural Blue Sapphire and 18 natural Seed Pearls
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1916 Ring natural 8ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø8.25 US / 8.6 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with carved shoulders, decorated with claw set natural emerald
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

1838 Antique Poison Ring Garnet solid 18K Gold Ø 2.75 US / 0.95gr
Located in SE
Old Poison Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with a hinged compartment on the crown. Hand- engraved
Category

Antique 1830s Swedish Baroque Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold

Victorian Green Demantoid Garnet Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
medium green in color - bead set with halo surround Comprised of prong set old mine cut diamonds Weighing
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring natural Carnelian solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.75 / 4.6 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with claw set natural Carnelian stone oval cabochon cut 22 mm x 12 mm x 6 mm deep / ca 12
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Vintage Egyptian Men Signet Ring Onyx stone solid 18K Rose Gold Ø11.25US / 5.2gr
Located in SE
causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all. So if you request
Category

Vintage 1950s Egyptian Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Deco 1915 Ring in 18kt Gold with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
mine-cut diamonds, weighing a total of approximately 0.40 carats, graded colorless (VS2-SI1 clarity
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Deco 1930 Solitaire Ring in Two Tone 18kt Gold with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
stunning Old Mine Diamond set in a secure bezel, weighing approximately 0.35 carats with a captivating H
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

1948 Ring natural 1.6ct Green Tourmaline solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 1.6 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold decorated with claw set emerald cut natural Tourmaline measuring 7
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, 18k Gold

Victorian Old Cut Diamond Heart Pendant Necklace
Located in London, GB
the shape of a love heart with intricate openwork playing host to an array of round faceted old mine
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Silver

1959 Nordic Ring Amethyst solid 18K Gold Ø 5.5 US / 4 gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 15ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø 6.75 US / 7.2 gr
Located in SE
A Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with plain shoulders, decorated with claw set natural emerald cut
Category

Mid-20th Century European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Turquoise 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Cluster Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
6.0 mm to 5.5 x 7.0 Opaque medium greenish blue in color Accented by diamond halo surround Old mine
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Peter Suchy EGL Certified 1.54 Carat Diamond Rose Gold Halo Engagement Ring
By Peter Suchy
Located in Stamford, CT
is an old mine brilliant cut 1.54 diamond that is mounted in 18k rose gold with scroll shoulders and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Spectra Fine Jewelry 4.08 Carat Fancy Brown Yellow Diamond Engagement Ring
By Spectra Fine Jewelry
Located in New York, NY
touch of brilliance. The cushion cut, inspired by the antique Old Mine cut, enhances the diamond’s lush
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian Ring in White Gold, Diamonds and Pearl
Located in PARIS, FR
old mine cut diamond weighing 0.4 carat supported by elegant scrolls paved with rose-cut diamonds for
Category

Early 20th Century Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, White Gold

1966 Retro Ring 7ct Amazonit solid 18K Yellow Gold ØUS 5.25 / 7.5g
Located in SE
Unusual modernist ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with fine setting of some variety of Amazonit stone
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amazonite, 18k Gold

Vintage Ring natural 1.25ct Sapphire 0.8ct Ruby solid 18K Gold Ø US 5.5 / 9gr
Located in SE
Vintage Ring with three stones in solid 18K Yellow Gold. This design reminds old Roman / Byzantine
Category

Vintage 1960s European Greek Revival Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1910 Art Nouveau Ring natural 0.35ct Blue Sapphire solid 18K Gold ØUS4.75/ 1.2gr
Located in SE
A Ring from Art Nouveau period decorated with a bezel set natural Sapphire of Blue color oval cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 1.30 Ct Nat Sapphire 1.20 Ct Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
vivacious Blue, shows little wear on the surface visible under magnification Embellished by two old mine cut
Category

Antique 1880s European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

EDWARDIAN 1905 Cocktail Ring In Platinum With 14.16 Ctw Turquoise Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Diamond, Gold, White Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

Antique Signet Cameo Ring 5ct Banded Onyx solid 18K Gold Ø6US /3.2gr
Located in SE
Antique Unisex signet ring dating to ca. XIX -early XX cent. Solid 18K Yellow Gold with fine cameo
Category

Vintage 1910s European Greek Revival Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique Ring natural 3.5ct Green Jade solid 18K Gold ØUS 5.5 / 10gr
Located in SE
used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Jade, 18k Gold

Antique Men Signet Ring Banded Red Onyx solid 18K Gold ØUS12.25 / 11.5gr
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 1910s Swedish Aesthetic Movement Signet Rings

Materials

Onyx, 18k Gold

Antique von Aminoff Intaglio Signet Ring solid 18K Gold Carnelian ØUS11.75/7.5gr
Located in SE
/tested 18K. Crown of the ring measures 21mm x 17mm x 6mm deep. The body of the Banded Carnelian stone is
Category

Antique 1890s Finnish Empire Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold

Antique Ring Purple Sapphire solid 18K Gold Siver Ø US7.25 / 3.2 gr
Located in SE
machinery used for polishing causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique German Ring 3ct Aquamarine solid 18K Gold Ø 6.75 US /4.4gr
Located in SE
German ring with open-work crown and band in solid 18K Gold featuring natural transparent
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.84 CTW Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
medium saturation Prong set and flanked by swirled bypass shoulders Bead and prong set with old mine and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
on either side by a single round faceted old mine-cut diamond. This trio of fine stones sit atop an
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Portuguese Ring Diamonds solid 19K Gold Silver ØUS11 /2.87gr
Located in SE
Ø2mm /0.04 ct old diamond cut Diamond in the center and six rose cut Diamonds Ø2mm /0.04 ct each
Category

Vintage 1920s Portuguese Art Nouveau Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Ring natural 0.35ct Emerald solid 18K Rose Gold Ø4US / 2.88 gr
Located in SE
A Ring with band in solid 18K Rose Gold with claw set natural bright Green Emerald 5.5 mm x 4 mm
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Emerald, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

1941 Ring Red Garnet solid 18K Rose Gold Silver Ø 5US/ 1.3gr
Located in SE
A Ring with Red Flower, since 1941. Crown in Silver Ø 10 mm /3mm deep. Band in solid 18K Rose Gold
Category

Vintage 1940s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

1932 Finish Three stones Ring 0.7 ctw. Diamonds solid 18KGold Ø US6.25 /2gr
Located in SE
Platinum and three natural Diamonds of old European Diamond cut, hand - made cut. Beautiful and still very
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Nouveau Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1907 Nordic Ring Blue Turquoise Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold ØUS5.25 /1.4gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Rose Gold with three size-matching natural Blue Turquoise stones flanked with 6
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Arts and Crafts Cluster Rings

Materials

Turquoise, Pearl, 18k Gold

German Ring unisex Chain links solid 18K Yellow Gold Ø 8.75 US / 1.5 gr
Located in SE
Ring in solid 18K Yellow Gold with split shoulders attached to seven soldered chained links on the
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1863 Bombe Ring natural Gems Seed Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US5.75 / 1.7 gr
Located in SE
causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all. So if you request
Category

Antique 1860s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold

1906 Ring natural 0.75ct Blue Sapphire Pearls solid 18K Gold Ø US7 / 2.8 gr
Located in SE
causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all. So if you request
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Pearl, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

1954 Ring natural Green Chalcedony 18K Yellow Gold Ø 6 US / 2 gr
Located in SE
Ring in 18K Yellow with cabochon cut natural Green Chalcedony stone 8 mm x 6 mm x 3.7 mm deep / ca
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Solitaire Rings

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

Vintage Egyptian Revival 7.80 Carats Carved Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
-transparent with natural inclusions - some surface reaching. Surrounded by table and old mine cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Egyptian Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1904 Antique European Wedding Ring solid 18K Gold Ø 9.5 US / 4.3 gr
Located in SE
Fine 18K Antique Rose Gold Wedding Ring . Engraved cross/flowers ornament around the shank. Made
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Signet Ring Intaglio Bull Taurus Carnelian 18K Yellow Gold ØUS7/12.3gr
Located in SE
causes vibration that old rings (with prongs for example ) often do not like at all. So if you request
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Classical Greek Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 5.95 Carats Pear Shape Diamond Antique Style Engagement Ring
By Roman Malakov
Located in New York, NY
color and SI1 clarity, set on a nine prong setting. Flanked by four old-mine cut diamonds weighing 0.83
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1958 Toi et Moi Ring natural 2.5 ctw. Rubellite 18K Gold US4.25/ 2.35gr
Located in SE
Toi et Moi Ring featuring twisted frame in solid 18K Reddish Gold with two bezel set cabochon cut
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Rubelite, 18k Gold

Vintage Ring Sputnik H.Stern Natural 7.5ctw Aquamarine 18K Gold Ø 8.25US /6.2gr
Located in SE
: dome is Ø 23 mm. 19 bezel set diamond cut natural Aquamarine stones with open backs. Stones measure
Category

Vintage 1970s Brazilian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 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.