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Art Deco .40 Carat Diamond Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
This is a lovely Art Deco diamond and sapphire engagement ring. It is crafted in Platinum & 18k
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Art Deco .31 Carat Diamond Sapphire Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
engagement ring! Primary Stone(s): Diamond - Conflict Free Weight: .31ct. apx. Color: G-H Clarity: VS2
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Nouveau Natural Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A yellow gold and platinum fronted ring set with one central old cut diamond flanked by two natural
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

2.80 Carat Vintage Emerald Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Barnsley, GB
Vintage Emerald Ring with 12 Diamonds set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold . This is in exaalt Condron
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco .65 Carat Diamond Sapphire Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
Crafted in 18K White Gold. It is delicately pierced & engraved with geometric diamond shaped cartouches
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique .64 Carat GIA Cert Diamond Sapphire Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
A gorgeous antique engagement ring featuring a .64ct. apx. European cut diamond that G.I.A. graded
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

.33 Carat Diamond Antique Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Tampa, FL
design that adds to the rarity of this lovely Antique engagement ring! Primary Stone(s): Diamond
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Engagement Ring 18 Karat WG 0.79 Carat OEC E-SI1, circa 1920s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Stunning 18K white gold Art Deco diamond engagement ring showcasing an EGL certified 0.79ct
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco 15 Carat Citrine Diamond 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Crownsville, MD
with two sparkling minecut diamonds set in 18K rose gold shank and scrolled shoulders with an 18K white
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Early Australian Old Cut Diamond Ring 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
An early Australian vintage beauty, the Shai Ring is set with a graceful row of old-cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Gold Intaglio Signet Ring with Diamonds, 1919
Located in Glasgow, GB
An 18ct yellow gold signet ring, featuring the intaglio arms of The Burgh of Buckhaven, Methil and
Category

Vintage 1910s British Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

5.95 Carat Pink Spinel Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Tucson, AZ
This classic ring is done in 18-karat white gold. The 17 VS clarity and G color diamonds sparkle in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Engagement 18 Karat WG Engagement Ring 0.72 Carat OEC H-VS1, circa 1920s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lovely vintage 18k white gold diamond engagement ring featuring a stunningly bright 0.72ct Old
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

Art Deco .50 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
A meticulously filigreed antique engagement ring crafted in 18K white gold and features a .50ct
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Spotted Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold domed cocktail ring is an original Ben Moses design, upcycled in the 1990
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Original Art Deco White Gold, Onyx and Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Melbourne, AU
ne, Art Deco, 18ct white gold, onyx and old cushion cut Diamond ring. Featuring, one old cushion
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold

Art Deco French 18 Carat Gold Dome Ring Set with a Single Diamond
Located in Dordogne, FR
A stunning Art Deco french dome ring, set in 18 carat gold wit a solitaire diamond. Weight of the
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Art Deco Cabachon Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Kennebunkport, ME
Platinum Art Deco cabachon emerald and diamond ring. The filigree setting with one natural
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Unheated Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Ring
Located in Oxford, GB
unheated stones. The estimated total diamond weight is 0.70ct. Ring size O1/2. Weight 3.7gms. The diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage 18 Karat White Gold Old European Cut Diamond 3-Stone Ring 1.00 Carat
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lovely 18k white gold 3-stone ring setting. Featuring 3 Old European Cut diamond ring
Category

20th Century Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Diamond Cocktail Ring Square Setting Old Cuts 18 Karat Gold Platinum
Located in Preston, Lancashire
This striking Art Deco diamond ring made in 18 karat yellow gold with platinum setting features a
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond Panel Ring 18 Karat Gold Platinum Setting, Antique Rings
Located in Preston, Lancashire
Art Deco diamond panel ring 18 karat gold & platinum double rectangle setting, circa 19205 This
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Platinum Ring with Carved Emerald and Diamonds
Located in Berlin, DE
Art Deco ring with carved oval shaped Colombian emerald cabochon weighing 10,12 ct. Surroundet by
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring 18 Carat White Gold 1.10 Carat Diamond
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This stunning Diamond 18ct White Gold ring is genuine 1920s set in a lovely Art Deco gallery that
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 5.74 Carat Old Cut Marquise Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
cut roound diamonds, set in 18k white gold. The center diamond is 5.74ct and is approximately N-O in
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco .66 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
and masterful piece of art! Primary Stone(s): Diamond - Conflict Free Weight: .66ct. apx. Color
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco .85 Carat Old European Diamond white gold Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Huntington, NY
This is a gorgeous 1920 Antique Art Deco 18k Solid White Gold .85ct Old European Diamond Filigree
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 18 Karat and Platinum Diamond Five-Stone Ring 0.53 Carat, circa 1927
Located in West Hollywood, CA
This vintage 18k yellow gold and platinum five stone diamond ring was most likely made in Europe
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Bridal Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique, Art Deco, 18ct Yellow Gold, Emerald and Diamond Marquise Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
France during the 1920s, it has the eagle head hallmark; for 18ct gold. The ring has a wonderful golden
Category

Early 20th Century French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sugarloaf Cabochon Sapphire Diamond Ring
By T. Foster Co.
Located in Yardley, PA
handcrafted in platinum with 18K yellow gold prongs, and set with diamonds of impeccable color, cut, and
Category

2010s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
influences. Period: ca. 1920 Material: 18K white gold Diamond(s): One old European cut diamond with an
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco .17 Carat Old European Diamond and Sapphire White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
origin. Style: Something between Art Deco and Belle Époque Period: ca. 1920 Material: 18K white gold
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

European Cut .67 Carat Center Diamond Engagement Ring Set in 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Atlanta, GA
This lovely and delicate 18 karat white gold engagement ring from the 1920's is set with a .67
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Diamond Heavy Signet Ring Size N 6.75 750 Purity c1920 5g
Located in Camelford, GB
A very special item: 18CT GOLD HEAVY AND THICK DIAMOND SIGNET RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Diamond Heavy Signet Ring Size N 6.75 750 Purity c1920 5g
Located in Camelford, GB
A very special item: 18CT GOLD HEAVY AND THICK DIAMOND SIGNET RING DETAILS Material: 18ct 750/000
Category

20th Century British Art Deco Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Genuine Vintage Art Deco Three-Stone Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
decorative. Period: ca. 1920    Material: Two tones of precious metal, the main part being 18K yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Natural Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An absolute classic, 1920s Art Deco sapphire and diamond ring. Certified, natural sapphire is
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Vintage Art Deco Engagement Ring with Sapphires and Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
. 1920 Material: Two tones of precious metal, the main part being 18K yellow gold and the white parts
Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

MAIKO NAGAYAMA 0.68 Carat Natural Emerald and Diamond Contemporary Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This Art-Deco style modern British-London Hallmarked 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with highest
Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Pink Sapphire and Cream Diamond Kinetic Teardrop Cocktail Ring
By FerrariFirenze
Located in Toronto, Ontario
18K Gold Ring with Cream Diamonds and Pink Sapphires. Teardrop sapphires are kinetic and movable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

Modern Emerald Blue Sapphire and Diamond Kinetic Teardrop Cocktail Ring
By FerrariFirenze
Located in Toronto, Ontario
18K Gold Ring with Blue Sapphires, Green Emeralds and Diamonds. Teardrop sapphires, emeralds, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Certified 13.52 Carat Natural Untreated Ruby and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Period: ca. 1920 Material: platinum and 18K red gold Diamond(s): ± 100 old mine brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum, Gold

MAIKO NAGAYAMA Tanzanite 7.96 Carat Kunzite Diamond Contemporary Cocktail Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This modern handmade British-London Hallmarked 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with the highest
Category

2010s British Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Tanzanite, 18k Gold

MAIKO NAGAYAMA 20 Carat Natural Garnet with Diamond Contemporary Cocktail Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This modern handmade British-London Hallmarked 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with highest quality
Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Diamond, Garnet, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Art Deco Large Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Also Called Solitair
Located in Antwerp, BE
philosophical roots or intentions, Art Deco was purely decorative. Period: ca. 1920 Material: 18K white gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Art Deco Navette or Boat Shaped Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in Antwerp, BE
. 1920 Material: Two tones of precious metal, the main part being 18K yellow gold and the white parts
Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

MAIKO NAGAYAMA 7.96 Carat Natural Kunzite, Tanzanite with Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This modern handmade British-London Hallmarked 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with highest quality
Category

2010s British Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Kunzite, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

MAIKO NAGAYAMA 1.96 Carat Natural Pink Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This feminine British-London Hallmarked 18 karat rose gold ring, set with highest quality of
Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Art Deco Diamond and Natural Sapphire ‘1.10 Carat’ Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Deco Period: ca. 1920 Material: platinum and 18K white gold Diamond(s): 36 rose cut diamonds. We do
Category

Vintage 1920s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Modern Pink and Blue Sapphires and Cream Diamond Kinetic Teardrop Cocktail Ring
By FerrariFirenze
Located in Toronto, Ontario
18K Gold Ring with Cream Diamonds and Pink & Blue Sapphires. Teardrop sapphires are kinetic and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

1.18 Carat Tanzanite and Pink Sapphire Rose Gold Target Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
modern twist with the use of bold colour and warm 18k rose gold. Tanzanite & Pink Sapphire Target Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Colombian Emerald 2.12 carats with AGL Gem Report in Antique Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
platinum and 18K yellow gold. So perfect for today's collector or bride to be who wants to make a romantic
Category

Vintage 1920s French Belle Époque Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Diana Kim England 5.5 Carat Blue Sapphire and Diamond Ring in Platinum
By Diana Kim England
Located in Red Hook, NY
back to the prohibition era. In the 1920s, the most valuable cocktail rings showcased large diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

MAIKO NAGAYAMA 2.05 Carat Natural Burma Ruby Contemporary Engagement Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This modern British-London Hallmarked 18 karat rose gold ring, set with highest quality of diamonds
Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

MAIKO NAGAYAMA 1.78 Carat Natural Royal Blue Burma Sapphire Engagement Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This modern British-London Hallmarked 18 karat white gold ring, set with highest quality of
Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Gents Midcentury 18 Karat Asscher-Cut Diamond Wedding Band
Located in Metairie, LA
modernist-style wedding band has been hand crafted by LANG in solid 18k yellow gold. It has been
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern Pink Sapphire Kenetic Teardrop Cocktail Ring
By FerrariFirenze
Located in Toronto, Ontario
18K Rose Gold Charleston Ring with Pink Sapphires. Teardrop Sapphires are kinetic and moveable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

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1920s Diamond 18k Gold Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 1920s diamond 18k gold ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold. You can easily find a 2586 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. You’re likely to find the perfect 1920s diamond 18k gold ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 20th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 1920s diamond 18k gold ring over the years, but those made by Tiffany Co., Belais and Cartier are often thought to be among the most beautiful. An old european cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and old mine cut versions for sale. If you’re browsing our inventory for a 1920s diamond 18k gold 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 1920s Diamond 18k Gold Ring?

On average, a 1920s diamond 18k gold ring at 1stDibs sells for $2,801, while they’re typically $325 on the low end and $350,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.