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18ct White Gold Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18ct white gold is the dream vintage ruby
Category

20th Century French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 3.61 Carat Diamond and White Gold Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 3.61 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cluster ring; part of
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1960s French 1.23ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Trilogy Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive vintage 1.23 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold trilogy ring
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

French 1960s Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Eternity Wedding Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
yellow gold engagement ring or another diamond wedding band in another gold color, for example
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 3.23 Carat Diamond and 18k White Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring Circa 1960
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
vintage 1960s engagement ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated setting displays
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14K White Gold Ring with 1.71 Carat Light Brown Brilliant-Cut Diamond
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A timeless solitaire-style ring crafted in 14K white gold, centering a brilliant-cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage GIA 5.95ct Marquise Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring Gold Diamond Jacket
Located in New York, NY
Vintage Diamond Engagement Three Stone Marquise Diamond Platinum Ring With Fitted 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Late 20th Century North American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Gold

Vintage 1970s Style GIA 2.02ct ROUND Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Free-Form Vintage 1970s Style GIA 2.02ct Natural ROUND Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Ring This an
Category

Vintage 1970s North American Modern Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Square Mixed Cut Diamond Ring Sz 6.75 Mid Century 14k White Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish Mid Century mixed cut diamond ring crafted in 14k white gold (circa 1950s to 1960s
Category

Mid-20th Century American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

1960s Vintage Frascarolo 18 Karat Gold Ruby Enamel Tiger Cocktail Ring
By Frascarolo
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
This is an amazing tiger cocktail ring designed by Italian jeweller Pierino Frascarolo. Circa 1960
Category

20th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

18K White Gold Diamond Wedding Set: Daisy Diamond Ring U-Shaped Diamond Band
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
. Matching 18K White Gold Wedding Band, U-shaped - designed to be worn with engagement ring set with 5
Category

Vintage 1960s Australian Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

Ring Ruby Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Rose White Yellow Gold Ø 6.25 US / 3.5gr
Located in SE
Ring of unusual design with three twisted bands of solid 18K Rose, White and Yellow Gold joined
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Ruby, Diamond, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Rose Gold, 18k Gold

18ct Gold 2 Carats of Diamonds 2.65 Carat Cushion Cut Aquamarine Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Vintage Aquamarine Cluster Ring 18ct Yellow & White Gold Tested Circa 1960s Discover the
Category

Mid-20th Century European Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Late 20th Century White Gold Diamond Half-Eternity Band
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
-century design. Fashioned from 18-carat white gold, its broad, polished shank tapers gently toward the
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18.63 Carat Green Tourmaline Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring Estate Fine Jewelry
Located in Montreal, QC
, approx. 1.70tcw. Hand crafted in 18K White Gold. Circa: 1960s. In excellent condition and recently
Category

Mid-20th Century Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

2 Carat Diamond Vintage Round Brilliant Marquise 18 Karat Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
Vintage Diamond Marquise Round Brilliant Cut Cocktail Ring Yellow Gold. Unique diamond bow tie
Category

Vintage 1960s Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage Ring natural 1ct Yellow Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.75/2.35gr
Located in SE
Vintage Halo Ring in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold with natural Yellow Sapphire and 8 Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

W.A. Bolin 1960s 18k white gold and diamond ‘zig-zag / chevron’ bracelet.
By BOLIN
Located in Malmö, Skåne län
Braided links in 18 karat white gold forming a Chevron pattern, an inverted V pattern, with each
Category

Vintage 1960s Swedish Modern Retro Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Earrings natural 0.5 ctw. Ruby 0.3 ctw. Diamonds 18K White Gold / 2.3gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine vintage European flower halo studs in solid 18K White Gold . Hand-made ca. the
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Emeralds Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.3 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine flower studs in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold. European sisters made ca. 1960s
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Earrings natural 2ctw Sapphire 0.25ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 4.3 gr.
Located in SE
and White Gold . No hallmarks of maker. Not hallmarked,metal tested solid 18K. Each floret measures
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Sapphires Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.4 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine flower studs in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold. European sisters made ca. 1960s
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.63 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine openwork flower halo studs in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold. European, made ca
Category

Vintage 1960s English Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Emeralds Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine flower studs in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold. European sisters made ca. 1960s
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco Revival Platinum Chain Necklace Diamond Sapphire Enamel Beads
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
jewelry. Vintage Art Deco engagement rings are always in high demand. They have a perfectly balanced
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Art Deco Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum, Yellow Gold

Austrian Halo Earrings 1.5ctw Sapphires 0.6ctw Diamonds solid 14K/18KGold /3.2gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine 1950s- 1960s vintage Austrian flower studs in solid 14K Yellow and White Gold with
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 14k Gold

Engagement Emerald Diamonds Cluster Ring on White Gold
Located in PARIS, FR
18kt white gold, engagement cluster ring set with a central stunning oval cut emerald weighting apx
Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold

2.19 Carat Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
. Measurements: 9,55 x 7,59 x 4,74 mm. Adorned with 44 small brilliant-cut diamonds. Mounted in 18 K white gold
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage White Gold and Round Cut Diamond Ring, 1960s
Located in Bologna, IT
A simple but refined vintage ring: it is crafted in white gold throughout and it is set with a
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

0.90 Carat Brilliant Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring in 18 Carat White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Carefully forged in 18 carat white gold, this gorgeous vintage engagement ring features a striking
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Solitaire Engagement Ring 18K WG 0.58ct Marquise I SI-1 circa 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Lovely 18k white gold solitaire engagement ring with .58ct marquise cut center diamond, I color/SI1
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat White Gold and 2.47 Carat Round Cut Diamond Ring, 1960s
Located in Bologna, IT
real "firework" effect. The ring is crafted in 18K white gold throughout and dates from the 1970s
Category

Late 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Dazzling Late Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Gold Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Pendleton is a dazzling and authentic Late Art Deco 14k yellow and 14k white gold engagement ring
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

White Gold Round Diamond Vintage Swirl Bypass Style Ring
Located in Pikesville, MD
Circa 1960's, a 14 karat white gold elegant vintage swirl diamond engagement ring that can
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Platinum Diamond Engagement Ring Wedding Set 0.51 Carat D-VS2
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Stunning 1960s platinum engagement ring featuring an EGL certified 0.51 carat round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 14ct Gold Pearl Twist Solitaire Engagement Ring Size K1/2 5.5 585 Purity
Located in Camelford, GB
A very special item: 14CT GOLD VINTAGE PEARL TWIST SOLITAIRE RING DETAILS Material: Solid 14ct
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Wedding Set, Emerald Cut Diamond and 14 Karat White Gold
Located in Lombard, IL
Vintage diamond and 14k white gold lady's engagement ring and wedding band - set with one illusion
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1960 s White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in BALMAIN, NSW
Newly Restored, 1960's White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring, with Engraved Shank 14ct White Gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Solitaire Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Garnet, Gold, White Gold

Round 5.10 Carat Solitaire and Trillion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in METAIRIE, LA
maximum brilliance - Facing up very white in color, also appearing to be an older Mid-Century (1960s) cut
Category

Early 2000s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

5.23 Carat Round Brilliant Cut Diamond E Color S12 Clarity HRD Certified
Located in Mayfair, GB
modern round brilliant diamond is mounted in a 18 ct white gold setting with tapered baguette shoulders
Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Engagement Ring 14 Karat White Gold 0.50 Carat G-SI2, circa 1960s
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous 14k white gold diamond engagement ring featuring approximate 0.50ct round brilliant cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Wrist Watches

Materials

White Diamond, White Gold

AnaKatarina 4 Elements "Earth" Ring w/Malachite, Emerald, Ruby, Black Opal, Gold
By AnaKatarina
Located in Dedham, MA
the bumblebee. An 18k yellow gold bee, with white gold wings, ruby eyes, and a black opal body, is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Agate, Emerald, Malachite, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1960s Vintage 0.93 Carat Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
as 14 karat gold Circa 1960's Top measures: 5.8 mm wide and sits 6.8 mm high Ring Size: 6
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Emerald Diamond White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Austrian, Vienna, circa 1960s A mid-century finely crafted 14K white gold openwork cluster ring is
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

GIA Certified .99 Carat Diamond White Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
1960's round cut diamond engagement ring. One old European cut diamond set in a four prong
Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1960s Cartier 14 Karat White Gold Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring 1.08 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 1960's Cartier 14K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring This authentic Cartier
Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1960s Cartier 14 Karat White Gold Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring 1.08 Carat
By Cartier
Located in Washington Depot, CT
Vintage 1960's Cartier 14K White Gold Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring This authentic Cartier
Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1.01 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring in White Gold
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 14k, American. This classic engagement features a brilliant 1.01 carat diamond in a
Category

Vintage 1960s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Natural Purple Cushion Spinel Diamond White Gold Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Estate 14k white gold ring with Platinum center set with a rare certified deep purple cushion cut
Category

Vintage 1960s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, Platinum, White Gold

1960s French Pink Sapphire Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This gorgeous daisy style ring is claw set with
Category

Vintage 1960s French Modernist Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1960s White Gold Diamond Sapphire Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This daisy ring is set with a round sapphire
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1960s Retro 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Retro ring, it is claws set in the center of a
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Boucheron Mid-Century Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring White Gold
By Boucheron
Located in Lisbon, PT
18kt white gold, France, 1950s/1960s. A creation by the first of the main contemporary jewelers to open
Category

Vintage 1950s French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1960s 1.50 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Thread Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. Round shaped, this retro ring is claw-set on its top with a modern
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1960s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark, and platinum, dog's head hallmark. Called daisy
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1960s Aquamarine Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. In the shape of a flower, this daisy ring is
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 1960s Cultured Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark and platinum, dog's head hallmark. Feminine
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Cultured Pearl, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gol...

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1960s White Gold Engagement Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 1960s white gold engagement ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, White Gold and 18k Gold. You’re likely to find the perfect 1960s white gold engagement ring among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 1960s white gold engagement ring over the years, but those made by Cartier, Bulgari and Estate Jewelry are often thought to be among the most beautiful. See these pages for a round cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also brilliant cut cut and emerald cut cut versions available here, too. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 1960s white gold engagement ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 1960s White Gold Engagement Ring?

The price for a 1960s white gold engagement ring starts at $225 and tops out at $88,885 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,735.

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.

Questions About 1960s White Gold Engagement Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 1, 2023
    Whether platinum or white gold is better for engagement rings is a matter of personal preference. Each type of precious metal has certain advantages. White gold tends to be more affordable and is less malleable, increasing its durability. Platinum requires less maintenance and retains its color over time. Find a variety of platinum and white gold engagement rings on 1stDibs.
  • 1stDibs ExpertNovember 2, 2023
    Yes, you can wear a rose gold wedding band with a white gold engagement ring if you wish. Your bridal jewelry should represent your sense of style, so you're free to mix and match pieces however you see fit. If you want to create a cohesive look, choose a wedding band and an engagement ring with similar elements, such as matching gemstones or decorative embellishments. Find a large selection of wedding bands and engagement rings on 1stDibs.