Skip to main content

18k Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring

to
200
2,454
2,154
2,969
1,745
1,292
914
909
426
415
405
400
298
295
250
166
153
147
138
127
83
69
67
58
56
52
44
30
26
23
19
17
15
13
11
8
7
6
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
23
20
16
12
11
Sort By
Edwardian 18k Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
central row features 5 old mine cut diamonds, which vary slightly in size, but have an approximate total
Category

1990s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Rosy Gold AGL No Heat Ruby GIA Old Mine Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Diamond - Old Mine Cut - Prong Set - H Color - VS2 Clarity - 0.57ctw (exact) ** See Certification Details
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Era 1.52 Carat GIA Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Original Antique Victorian 1.52 Ct. Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring composed of 18k yellow
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique English 18K Gold and Diamond Buckle Ring
Located in New York, NY
Made in Chester, this 18K gold English strap and buckle ring is set with an old mine-cut diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Sugarloaf Cabochon Blue Sapphire Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Sugarloaf Cabochon Blue Sapphire & Old European Cut Diamond Ring. The ring weighs 6.2 grams
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Antique Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold and Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
18 carat yellow gold and cool platinum. This classic ring showcases an elegant trio of old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

18K White Gold Retro Diamond Pearl Ring
Located in New York, NY
a harmonious focal point. Surrounding the pearls are old mine cut diamonds, totaling 3.0 carats
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Gold 7.15 Carat Solitaire Diamond Old European Cut Ring
Located in Firenze, FI
A classic old european cut diamond and 18k white gold , set with a magnificent bright and lively
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Ruby Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
and platinum, this ring features a navette-style centerpiece. The centerpiece features 5 mine cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

4.26 Carat Vivid Green Colombian Muzo Mine Emerald Emerald Cut Diamond Ring
By Gad Co.
Located in Miami, FL
trade as “Old Mine” emeralds” Item Details: - Type: Ring - Metal: 18K White and Yellow Gold - Weight
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Un-Heated Art Deco 4.35 Carat Ruby Ring with Authentic Old Cut Diamonds 18k Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. Enhancing the captivating ruby centerpiece are a collection of Authentic Old Mine Cut Diamonds, weighing an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Asian Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Mine Diamond Robin s Egg Turquoise Platinum 18K Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
With additional diamonds bead set in shoulders Old mine and European cut - weighing approximately
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 18k Diamond Engagement Ring .85ct
Located in Narberth, PA
ring features a solitaire old mine cut diamond. The diamond is held within an eight-prong setting, and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Yellow Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18k Diamond Cross Motif Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A lovely diamond ring from the Victorian (ca1880s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold, this ring
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 4.61 Carat Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone 18 Carat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
cushion shaped Old Mine Cut diamond in the centre which weighs 2.50ct and is mounted in a 12 claw open
Category

Early 20th Century English Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring .12ct Old European Cut Original 1930 s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Diamond 18K Featuring a Gorgeous Genuine .12ct H-I/VS Natural Mined Old European Cut Diamond Center
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

J. Birnbach GIA Certified 1.85 Carat Total Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring
By J. Birnbach
Located in New York, NY
ring combines the warmth of gold with the elegance of a platinum crown, allowing the diamonds to take
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1.30ct
Located in Narberth, PA
yellow gold and platinum, this ring feature a 1.30ct old mine cushion cut diamond, which is held within a
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring 1ct
Located in Narberth, PA
platinum, this ring features a solitaire 1ct mine cut diamond. The diamond is held within an eight-prong
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian English 18K Gold Diamond Buckle Ring
Located in Houston, TX
two (2) Old Mine cut diamonds with a total weight of 0.75 carats. Beautiful engraving with diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century English Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring .26ct Old European 18K Original 1930 s Antique
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1930's Diamond Engagement Ring .26ct Old European Cut 18K
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

New Made 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Wedding Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2.4 grams. Totally is main old cut diamond 0.53 ct. Totally
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18k Platinum Art Deco Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18k Platinum Weight 4.56g Art Deco Center Old Cut Diamond Approx. 1.35ct Ruby Ring Size 5.75
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Old Miner Twin Diamond Sapphire Cocktail Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Set in 18 Karat White Gold with: Two (2) old mine cut natural diamonds: Measurements: 3.60mm
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Natural Diamond Ring European cut 18K White Gold Vintage 2.79 TDW
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
Natural Diamond Ring European cut 18K White Gold Vintage 2.79 TDW This stunning vintage ring is
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Platinum Sapphire Burma No Heat Diamond Ring Antique AGL Old Mine 6.33 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
Gorgeous Vintage Sapphire is Crowned With 3.68 Carats of Sparkling Old Mine Cut Diamonds) Still
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Platinum

Edwardian Chrysoberyl Cats Eye Old European Diamond Ring 18K Platinum hallmarked
By Estate Jewelry
Located in Brambleton, US
Antique Edwardian Chrysoberyl Cats Eye Old European Diamond Ring 18K Gold Platinum Hallmarked
Category

20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Chrysoberyl, Platinum, 18k Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Henderson, NV
Vintage 18K white gold Art Deco style engagement ring, featuring an old mine cut diamond solitaire
Category

Late 20th Century American Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 18K Gold Twin Serpent Ring with Diamonds
Located in Houston, TX
mine-cut diamond that total 0.25 carats, G-J in color and SI clarity. Ring is currently a size 9 1/2
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 18k Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring .20ct
Located in Narberth, PA
and platinum, this ring features a solitaire old mine cut diamond. The diamond has an approximate
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 18k Diamond Moi Et Toi Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
, this lovely piece features two old mine cut diamonds nestled together at the center, forming a stylish
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Gold 5.56 Carat Solitaire Diamond Old European Cut Art-Deco Style Ring
By Gems Paradise
Located in Jaipur, IN
18 Karat Gold 5.56 Carat Solitaire Diamond Old European Cut Art-Deco Style Ring This old mutual
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Diamond Figural Tiger Ring - 18K Gold
Located in Hummelstown, PA
celebration of artistic excellence and imagination. At its center shimmers an old mine-cut diamond accented by
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Old Cut Diamond and Enamel Navette Three Stone Halo Ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
are a Halo of 22 hand cut antique old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.10 carat. Total
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Deco 18k/Platinum Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
, the 7 old mine cut diamonds have an approximate total carat weight of .60ctw, and display I/M color
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 18k Platinum Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
ring features five mine cut diamonds running horizontally across the front of the ring. All of the
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Old European Diamond Halo Ring (Approx. 0.40-Carats), Silver 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Victorian-era ring showcases a breathtaking cluster of old European and old mine-cut
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique German Ring 1.4ctw old cut Diamonds solid 12K Gold Silver ØUS8/ 3.6gr
Located in SE
fit and measures 16mm x 14.75mm x 8.25mm deep. Central Diamond is of irregular old European round cut
Category

Antique 19th Century European Art Nouveau Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 10k Gold

Estate French 18k GIA Diamond Engagement Ring 1.18ct
Located in Narberth, PA
central 1.18ct old mine cut diamond, which is held within a four-prong setting. The diamond displays L
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Georgian Gold Silver Oval Blue Enamel Old Cut Diamond Flower Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
of old mine and old single cut diamonds giving this ring its unusual and truly wonderful appearance
Category

Antique Early 1800s Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver, Enamel

1931 old Ring 1ct Emerald 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver ØUS5.5/6.6gr
Located in SE
solid 18ct Yellow Gold holding natural Emerald stone and four rose-cut Diamonds set in Silver clusters
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

C1840 18K Early Victorian or Late Georgian Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
cool tones of the diamonds. The diamonds are old mine cut diamonds, also typical of the period also
Category

Antique 1840s English Early Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco Diamond target ring, 18k gold, Engagement rings
Located in NEWARK, GB
take centre stage here and so they should. A larger central old Mine cut diamond surrounded by a halo
Category

Early 20th Century British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 2.55 CTW Mine Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Gold Antique Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring three old mine cut diamonds prong set in platinum as trefoil motif Largest of the three
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Silver Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Center Stone: 35 Diamonds Cut: Old Mine and Rose Cuts Weight: Approximately 0.8 Carats Color: I-J
Category

Antique 1870s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

White Gold Diamond Art Deco Solitaire Engagement Ring, 18k Old European .10ct
Located in Greensboro, NC
Art Deco engagement ring dates from circa 1920's-1930's. The old Mine cut diamond is bead-set in an
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Handcrafted Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 9.3 grams. Totally is main old cut diamond 0.57 ct. Totally
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian English 18k Gold Platinum Opal Old Diamond Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Colors - 5.2mm (approx.) (8) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old Mine & Old European Cut - Pave Set - Nice
Category

Antique 19th Century Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Georgian French 18k Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
an incredible navette centerpiece. The centerpiece features a central, large old mine cut diamond
Category

Antique 1790s Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 6.6 grams. Totally is old cut diamond 0.75 carat. Totally
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Old Ring Bague au Firmament Diamond Blue Enamel 18K Gold Ø5.75 US/ 5.5 gr
Located in SE
Аntique ca. early XX cent. solid 18K Yellow Gold Bague au Firmamen styled Blue Enamel and Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Empire Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Platinum

Georgian French 18k Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
an incredible navette centerpiece. The centerpiece features a central, large old mine cut diamond
Category

Antique 1790s Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 18k/Platinum "Moi et Toi" Diamond Bypass Ring 1.90ctw
Located in Narberth, PA
gold with platinum prongs, this piece features two old Mine Cut diamonds nestled together at the center
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 18k/Sterling Silver Diamond Engagement Ring .85ct
Located in Narberth, PA
and sterling silver, this ring features a central .85ct mine cut diamond. The diamond is held within a
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage AGL Certified 11.28 Carat Colombian Emerald Old Euro Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
6 old euro cut diamonds, 3 on each side of the shank in bezel setting. The shank is 18k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Colombian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Diamond and Pearl shamrock ring, 18k gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
lovely old cut diamonds. The three leaved shamrock traditionally represented the holy trinity and the
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

New Handmade 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Decorated Drop Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is center rose cut diamond L color and s2. Side old cut diamond totally is 2.42 carat. Clarity is
Category

2010s Turkish Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

  • 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.