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Modern Red Rubies Kinetic Teardrop Ruby Cocktail Ring
By FerrariFirenze
Located in Toronto, Ontario
18K Gold Charleston Ring with Red Rubies. Teardrop rubies are kinetic and movable. Gold Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Modern Blue Sapphires Kinetic Teardrop Sapphire Cocktail Ring
By FerrariFirenze
Located in Toronto, Ontario
18K Rose Gold Charleston Ring with Blue Sapphires. Teardrop sapphires are kinetic and movable. Gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

MAIKO NAGAYAMA 1.06 Carat Natural Emerald and Sapphire Engagement Ring
By Maiko Nagayama
Located in London, Mayfair
This modern British-London Hallmarked 18 karat yellow gold ring, set with highest quality of
Category

2010s British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Royal 4.23ct Asscher Cut "California" Pink Tourmaline 18kt Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Royal Asscher Cut, set high in a custom made 18kt yellow gold mounting. Asscher cuts became popular in
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Tourmaline, 18k Gold

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

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, 18k Gold

1920s Art Deco Black Enamel with Seed Pearls and Diamonds Gold Locket Necklace
Located in New York, NY
Length.Spring Ring For Clasp Created In The 1920's In The United States Of America.
Category

Vintage 1920s American Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Messika Gatsby Necklace 18K Yellow Gold Diamonds
By Messika
Located in Monte-Carlo, MC
18K yellow gold necklace set with a total of 27 round brilliant diamonds. Including 22 of 0.015
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Aquamarine Diamond and Rock Crystal Pendant with Chain
Located in Berlin, DE
brilliant-cut diamonds weighing ca. 1,88 ct. and 2 satin-finished rock crystal rings. Mounted in platinum
Category

Early 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Rock Crystal, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

CARTIER An Art Deco Gem-Set Pendant Watch
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
lapis lazuli back centring on a rose-diamond-set suspention loop and jadeite ring, circa 1920, dial
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Jade, 18k Gold

Hand Engraved Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
A fantastic original art deco diamond engagement ring in 18 karat white gold. Centered by a high
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Art Deco 0.55 Carat Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
A sparkling original art deco period diamond engagement ring in 18 karat white gold. Centered by an
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Art Deco Ribbon Motif 1.03 Carat Diamond Solitaire in 18k White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
A fantastic original art deco period diamond solitaire ring in 18 karat white gold. Centered by a
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Patriotic Art Deco Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire Ring in White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
An art deco period diamond, ruby, and sapphire ring in 18 karat white gold. Beautifully hand
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Old French Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
This excellent design is from 1920's France. It's with Sapphires and in centre 0.75 carats of Old
Category

Vintage 1920s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Engagement Ring 18 Karat White Gold .51 Carat Diamond Art Deco
Located in Tampa, FL
Exceptional artistry can be found in this antique engagement ring crafted in 18K white gold. It
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1920s 2.10 Carat Diamond and 18 k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique 1920's diamond ring has been crafted in 18 k yellow gold with an 18 k white gold setting. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold 1920’s Rectangular Onyx Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Onyx Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1920’s Lovely, rectangular antique ring. Set with a
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Ring .58ct French Cut Sapphires Original 1920 s 18K
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Art Deco Antique from 1920's Diamond French Cut Sapphire Engagement Ring .58ct 18K
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K White Gold Diamond Art Deco Ring 1920s
Located in Towson, MD
Effortlessly romantic and ornate, this 1920s openwork ring in 18k white gold features three
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1920’s 18ct White Gold Sapphire Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire & Diamond Cluster 18ct White Gold Circa 1920’s Fabulous Cluster Ring
Category

Early 20th Century English Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold 1920’s Emerald, Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Cocktail Ring 18ct Gold- Stamped 750 Circa 1920’s Beautiful, deco, geometric cocktail
Category

Early 20th Century English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

1920 s Art Deco Diamond Filigree Engagement Ring, 18k White Gold, Ring Size 5.5
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: diamonds old European cut, 1 stone 3.25 mm approximately .14 carat H-I color, I1 clarity
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Deco Diamond Sapphire Engagement Ring Mined .45ct 18K Antique 1920 s-1930 s
Located in Dearborn, MI
Total Diamond & Sapphire Weight Solid 18K White Gold Circa 1920's-1930's The Art Deco Era in Jewelry
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique 1920’s 18ct Gold Platinum, French Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Onyx Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1920’s A fabulous, rounded-square shaped
Category

Early 20th Century French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920 s Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Foliate Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
foliate shoulders With striated pierced gallery featuring slight Greek key motif Tested as 18 karat gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1920s 1.31 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This fine and impressive antique 1920's diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco .75 Carat Diamond Ring 18k, circa 1920s
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k, attributed Switzerland. This lovely Art Deco diamond ring from the 1920s is set
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Art Deco Enameled Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, 18k, Switzerland. This charming antique ring is chic at its stylish best. A
Category

Vintage 1920s Swiss Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Déco Ring With Diamonds And Pearls Circa 1920 s
Located in Firenze, IT
Art Déco ring with diamonds and pearls, yellow gold, platinum. Marquise-shaped, millegriffes-set
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920s 3.06 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
round cut diamonds. The elevated, tapering 18k white gold ring shoulders blend seamlessly with the
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1920s Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
, mounted in 18ct yellow gold with platinum settings. Marked R.N. 18ct plat. Circa 1920. UK finger size O
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920s Coral Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1920s Platinum Top and 18K yellow Gold shank ring centrally set with a Coral and surrounded
Category

20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, Platinum

French 1920s Calibrated Sapphires Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Lovely round shape ring, it is closed set in
Category

Vintage 1920s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920s Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1920s, platinum and 18k. This gorgeous diamond and sapphire Art Deco ring is set with 2.25
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920 s Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Heart Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
decorated with milgrain and engraving Numbered and stamped 18K for 18 karat gold Circa: 1920s Ring Size
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920 s Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Blossom Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
blossom motifs then completes as engraving partially down shank Stamped 18K for 18 karat gold Circa
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920 s Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Lotus Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shank Partially stamped 18K for 18 karat gold Circa: 1920s Ring Size: 6 3/4 & sizable Measures North
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s Step back in time with
Category

Early 20th Century English Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Circa 1920s Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond And Turquoise Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Totally is diamond 1 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Antique 0.83 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring, Circa 1920s
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.83 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold and platinum solitaire ring; part of
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

French 1920s Cultured Pearl Diamonds Yellow gold Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 Karats yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A charming round antique ring set with small
Category

Vintage 1920s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Yellow Gold, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Diamond Daisy Illusion Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Step back in time with this
Category

Early 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920s Art Deco Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold and platinum. Feminine art deco ring, its setting is formed by an oval
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920 s Art Deco Diamond Emerald Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Double Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
carat - eye clean and white Tested as platinum-topped 18 karat gold Circa: 1920s Ring Size: 7 1/2
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 18k White Gold Diamond Ring Aprox .60 cttw Old European Cu, circa 1920s
Located in Addison, TX
section. Item Details: Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: 18K White Gold Weight: 2.5 grams Hallmarks: none
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Circa 1920 s Art Deco Two Tone 18K Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Shield Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This ring here is a true work of art. This ring has been hand crafted in 18K white and yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1920s Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Thin Round Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. Its mounting of round shape is decorated in the center of a brilliant
Category

Vintage 1920s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Sapphire Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This original 1920s era diamond and sapphire cluster ring centres a pair of vertically set old cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring Old European .25ct 18K Belais Original 1920s
By Belais Brothers
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from 1920's Art Deco .60ct Diamond French Cut Emerald Engagement Ring 18K
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1920s Navette Old Mine Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Art Deco 18K White Gold 1.5 CTW Old Mine Cut Diamond Navette Ring. The ring is in excellent estate
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1920s Deco Sapphire Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
.73 Carat J VS1 Art Deco Diamond Engagement Ring Art Deco diamond solitaire set with an old
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1920s–1930s Art Deco Style 0.60 ct Diamonds 18k Gold Platinum Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Stunning Art Deco Style ring from the 1920s–1930s, crafted in 18k gold with platinum 950 accents
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920s Rose-Cut Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, and platinum, owl and mascaron hallmarks. Delightful antique solitaire
Category

Vintage 1920s French Belle Époque Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

1920s Belle Époque Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Swirl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats yellow gold. Called swirl ring, this lovely antique ring is set in its center
Category

Vintage 1920s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920s Buccellati Pearl Diamond Silver Gold Ring
By Mario Buccellati
Located in Geneva, CH
A cultured pearl (9.1-9.7 mm) and rose cut diamond mounted in yellow gold 750 and silver 800. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Italian More Rings

Materials

Cultured Pearl, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

French 1920s Art Deco Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Antique ring, it is adorned with a brilliant
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920 s Art Deco 1.00 Ctw Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped 18ct and Plat for 18 karat gold and platinum, respectively Circa: 1920s Ring Size: 7 1/4
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

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

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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.