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Art Deco 1.20ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Certification: EDR #F257022 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1920s Size: K
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.50ct Sapphire and Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
has been securely set into platinum whilst a band of 18 carat white gold completes this stunning ring
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Diamond Halo Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
made of 18 carat yellow gold, a feature of the era. This ring dates back to the 1920s and has an
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.92ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
eight cut diamonds are sat totalling a further 0.06 carat, with a band of 18 carat white gold completes
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Sapphire Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This is a truly stunning original
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.80ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
claw set into platinum and completed with a band of 18ct white gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the 1920’s Art Deco period is this classic solitaire ring set with a single 0.50
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 2.09ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
in quality. The ring is then finished with a simple band, hand shaped in 18 carat white gold
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

18ct Gold 1920s Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring with Australian Unicorn Head Hallmark
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Unicorn Head Hallmark- Letter A
Category

Early 20th Century Australian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Platinum, 1920s Peridot and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Peridot & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This exquisite ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920s Antique 1.20 Carat Turquoise 2.22 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
This stunning, fine and impressive antique ring has been crafted in 18 karat white gold. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, White Gold

Art Deco 0.78ct Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This uniquely styled ring was crafted in the Art Deco period. Crafted in 18 carat white gold the
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1.57 CTW Diamond 18K Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Scotts Valley, CA
Details: Fantastic 18K white gold filigree 1.37 carat old mine cut diamond ring from the 1920's
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1920s Nordic Halo Ring 1ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø 6.25US /2.2 gr
Located in SE
Diamonds in Platinum settings. Hallmarked 18K, Swedish Ring. No year marks, made ca. 1920s -1930s. I have
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 7.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Carat Weight: 7.00ct Colour: I - J Clarity: VS1 - VS2 Metal: Platinum & 18ct White Gold Age: 1920s Size
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1920s Pearl and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
fine and impressive pearl and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with a platinum setting
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1920s Diamond and Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique 1920s 0.62 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold, 18 karat white gold set
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Art Deco Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold and platinum, own and grotesque hallmarks. Sublime Art Deco ring, it
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum, Gold, 18k Gold, ...

Antique Diamond and 18K White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The vintage white gold, diamond solitaire ring features an
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct White Gold French Stamped, 1920s Sapphire and Diamond Bombe Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire Bombe Ring 18ct White Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s Crafted in exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold 1920s French Hallmarked Dome Shaped 0.85ct Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Band 18ct Yellow Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s This 18ct yellow gold band
Category

Early 20th Century French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Art Deco Diamond and Triangular Blue Sapphire Dome Band Ring in White Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
the 1920s and features a 0.16 carat round brilliant cut diamond, flanked by two triangular blue
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct White Gold, 1920s French Stamped, Dome Shaped Diamond Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Band 18ct White Gold French Stamped Circa 1920s This 18ct white gold band with
Category

Early 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Men s 0.08 Carat Round Diamond Squared Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Antique Men's 0.08 Carat G/VS Single Cut Round Diamond Squared Ring 18k Gold. Very elegant ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
This 1920s solitaire ring is timelessly elegant, showcasing a 0.60 carat old oval cut diamond at
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1920s 18ct Gold /Platinum Stamped 3 Stone Emerald Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Emerald & Diamond Crossover Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This
Category

Early 20th Century English Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

18k Antique Diamond channel band. Art Deco 1920s diamond band.
Located in Port Charlotte, FL
Vintage from the 1920s Size: 6 US Materials: Stone Gemstone: Diamond Gem Color: Colorless Band
Category

Early 2000s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Discover the allure of this exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
. A band on 18 carat white gold completes the ring. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.97ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
With a timeless design, this beautiful solitaire ring dates back to the Art Deco era. A single old
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold, 1920s Art Deco, Hexagonal Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Sapphire and Diamond Target Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1920s Introducing an exquisite
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Target Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
set in 18 carat yellow gold the diamond is 0.60 carat with a colour of J and clarity of VS2
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Original Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Sapphire Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1920s This is a truly stunning
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold, 1920s Art Deco Rectangular Onyx Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Onyx Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1920s This stunning 18ct gold Art Deco era ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.70ct diamond solitaire ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.70 Colour: I Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Authentic Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold Circa 1920s This exquisite 18ct gold original Art Deco ring
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.11ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
estimated grade of H in colour and SI2 in clarity. The ring itself is hand crafted from 18 carat white gold
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Weight: 1.00 Colour: I Clarity: VS1 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1920s Size: J 1/2
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique French 1920s 1.70 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique French 1.70 carat diamond solitaire ring in 18 karat white
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1920s 2.42 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cocktail Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive antique 1920s emerald ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold with an 18k white gold setting
Category

Vintage 1920s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 0.60ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
: 0.60 Colour: H Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1920s Size: N
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.94ct Solitaire Diamond Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
A glorious 1920s solitaire engagement ring highlighting a 0.94 carat old cut diamond. This
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.75ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
of 18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.75 Colour: I Clarity
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.25ct Diamond Full Eternity Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Twenty-five old cut diamonds glitter across this 1920s full eternity ring. The diamonds, totalling
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1.50ct Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
18 carat white gold for a truly elegant piece and a quintessential engagement ring from the Art Deco
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.95ct Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Clarity: VS Metal: 18ct White Gold Age: 1920s Size: N
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18ct Gold Platinum 1920s Art Deco Diamond and Sapphire Rectangular Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1920s This exquisite art deco ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

French 1920s Natural Tsavorite Garnet Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Long antique ring it presents an oval setting
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique European Rose Cut Diamond Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Honolulu, HI
Item Specifications: Metal: 18K Yellow Gold ​​​​Ring Size: 4.75 Style: Statement Ring Total
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Art Deco Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s Introducing a stunning 18ct Gold Art
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco French Bombe Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
remainder of the ring is fantastically modelled into it's shape. It is made of 18 carat rose gold and is
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.60 Total Colour: G Clarity: VS2 Metal: 18ct White Gold Age: 1920s Size: S
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Amethyst and Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
amethyst in its 18 carat yellow gold openwork setting at the centre of this classic 1920s era marquise
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
into a platinum setting and as the diamond shoulders end, the band made in 18ct white gold begins
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 0.88ct Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
feminine ring has been elegantly crafted in a combination of 18ct white gold and platinum. Gemstone
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Solitaire and 18K White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Denver, CO
An approximately 0.30-carat Old European cut diamond centers this antique Art Deco ring, IJ color
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Circa 1920 Art Deco 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
carat. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.20 carat. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 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.