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1970 Ring Emerald Diamond

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Multi-Colored Australian Pearl Two-Color Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
. surrounded by a crown of rubies, emeralds and sapphires, and lines of diamonds. rubies, emeralds, sapphires
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Aquamarine Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Aquamarine Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1970s This solitaire aquamarine yellow gold ring exudes elegance
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fabulous Italian Seventies Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
diamond accent in white gold, this fabulous ring is in excellent condition. Remark: “Medici meets Fendi
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Cartier 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Stunning cocktail ring created by Cartier in New York in the 1970's. It features a beautiful oval
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An aquamarine and diamond ring, the trap-cut aquamarine, weighing 23.31 carats, four claw-set to a
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

1970 Buccellati Emerald Diamond Platinum Cluster Cocktail Ring
By Buccellati
Located in London, GB
Circa 1970, an emerald and diamond dress ring by Buccellati, the emerald to the centre of a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Emerald and Diamonds French Cluster Ring, circa 1970
Located in Paris, FR
navette cut diamonds, which total weight is estimated around 2,45 Cts. French work, circa 1970. Weight
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

1970 s Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Shell Ring
Located in DALLAS, TX
18K Yellow Gold 3.10 CT Emerald & 3.31 CT Diamond Ring - Estate circa 1970. Sz 8
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Vintage circa 1970 Certified 3.62 Carat Emerald and 4.48 Ct Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Berlin, Berlin
expressive cluster design is typical of the years around 1970. An emerald in an intense, vivid hue of green
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sleek French Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
with a very fine natural emerald weighing approx. .50 cts, the emerald cut diamond is bezel set in
Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond

Emerald and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A vibrantly cut 3.00ct emerald beset on all sides by 2.50ct of stunningly white diamonds.
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

White Gold Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Newport Beach, CA
Ladies estate value item ring made from 14K White Gold with Emeralds & Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

1970s Emerald Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
18k yellow gold vintage ring, crafted in circa 1970s, ring is decorated with emeralds and
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Gold Lion Head Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
. Exclusively on 1st Dibs, this diamond and emerald lion head emerges as a rare and exotic ring unparalled to
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970 s Cameo Ring
Located in New York, NY
An important 18K gold ring, set with an antique coral cameo, 6 princess cut emeralds and 14 small
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970s Buccellati Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Buccellati
Located in Atlanta, GA
A bold 18 karat yellow and white gold, emerald diamond ring by Buccellati, Italy, set in the center
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970s Emerald Diamond Gold Free Form Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
1970s 18k gold free form ring, decorated with four emeralds and approximately 0.35-0.40ctw in
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Platinum Emerald Cut and Pear Shape Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Oxted, Surrey
Platinum Emerald Cut and Pear Shape Diamond Three Stone Ring. Set with one central 2.00ct Emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

2.21 Carat GIA Emerald Cut Diamond Three-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
This platinum ring features a 2.21 carat emerald cut diamond with J color and VS1 clarity, GIA
Category

Vintage 1970s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1970s Massive Chatham Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
A 14k yellow gold ring set with Chatham emeralds and approximately 0.24ctw of H/SI1 diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

1970s Organic Opal Diamond Emerald Gold Modernist Cocktail Ring
Located in Toronto, Ontario
design. 14k yellow gold with opal center, diamonds, and emeralds. Ring size USA 7. 1 oval cabochon white
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bold Modern Era Emerald Ring with Square Step Cut Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ventana is a bright and bold modern era (circa 1970) platinum three stone engagement ring. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1970s Illario Enamel Emerald Diamond Gold Ladybug Ring
By Illario
Located in New York, NY
Illario 18k gold ring of ladybug motif designed with diamond and cabochon emerald hinged wings
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Fashion Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Ducks Ring, Coral, Emeralds and Diamonds
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Paris, IDF
with pink coral highlighted with circular-cut emeralds and brilliant cut diamonds. The eyes are set
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Estate 1.5 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Daytona Beach, FL
Estate 1.5 Carat Emerald & Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold Metal Type: Yellow Gold Metal Purity: 18k
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1973 John Donald Emerald Diamond Gold Bombe Ring
By John Donald
Located in London, GB
letter 's', 18k gold, diamond and 4 emeralds, Ring size: L John Donald (b.1928) graduated in graphic
Category

Vintage 1970s British Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Waltham 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond Ring 12.7g
By Waltham
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Waltham 18k Yellow Gold, Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald & Diamond Ring 12.7g Size 6 For sale is a
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Retro Colombian Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Amazing Yellow and white gold ring centered with a rectangular step-cut colombian emerald, in a
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

18ct Retro Diamond and 4.83ct Emerald Cut Aquamarine Cocktail Ring
Located in Toorak, Victoria
engagement ring. Aquamarine: 1=4.83ct actual weight 12.0 x 8.8mm Diamonds: 16=0.68cts estimated total weight
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.60 Carat Emerald 1 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold "Pompadour" Ring
Located in Paris, FR
Beautiful "Pompadour" ring set with a 0.60 carat emerald surrounded by ten round cut diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamonds Cluster Ring in White 18 Karats Gold and Platinum
Located in PARIS, FR
Ring adorn with an emerald and surrounded by diamonds, in white 18 karats gold and platinum. In the
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A distinctive 18 Karat white gold emerald and diamond cluster ring which was made circa. 1970. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Certified 3.9 Carat Emerald Diamond Gold Cluster Cocktail Ring
Located in Berlin, Berlin
This spectacular vintage ring, dating to circa 1970, presents an excellent emerald of 3.5 ct weight
Category

Vintage 1970s Dutch Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald ring by Charles de Temple
By Charles de Temple
Located in London, GB
A heavily textured 18kt yellow and white gold ring set with a large rough emerald crystal
Category

Vintage 1970s British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold 0.72 Carat Emerald Flower Ring
Located in Birmingham, GB
A delicious 18ct gold ring (as tested) set with vivid green emeralds in a floral arrangement
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Gold Diamond Emerald Frog Ring Vintage 1970s Fashion Jewelry
Located in Preston, Lancashire
A very cute rose gold Frog ring set with old cut diamonds and emeralds. Circa 1970s The chunky frog
Category

Vintage 1970s British Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Rose Gold

Vintage Natural 1.70 Carat Emerald and Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Metairie, LA
From a New Orleans estate. Circa 1970. This absolutely beautiful dinner ring has been crafted in
Category

Vintage 1970s American Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.18 Carat Oval Emerald and Diamond Cluster Style Ring, 18ct Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
An emerald and diamond vintage ring that centres on an oval shaped, mixed cut medium green emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s British Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

2.10 Carat Natural Colombian Emerald Diamonds G Col. VVS 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in firenze, IT
Natural Colombian 2.10 Carat emerald, emerald cut. Two round cut diamonds of 0.60 carat each, G
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

0.51 Carat Emerald and Diamond Vintage 9 Carat Yellow Gold Halo Cluster Ring
Located in Hamilton, AU
shimmering round brilliant cut diamonds. This vintage splendour is named The Mara Ring. She is a classic
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring Mounted in 18 Carat Gold, London, 1979
Located in London, GB
Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring mounted in 18ct White Gold,London, 1979 This exquisite ring has
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Miami, FL
Classic Van Cleef & Arpels Vintage 18K Yellow Gold Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring. Circa 1970's
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Art Deco Style Vintage Emerald Onyx and Diamond Geometric Cluster Ring in Plat
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
with alluring and bright stones. Set in the Centre of this ring is a 0.85ct Emerald Cut Emerald in a
Category

Vintage 1970s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Platinum

Unique Cocktail Ring 8 Carat Colombian Emerald and 24 Diamonds in 18k Gold 1970s
Located in Hamburg, DE
Cocktail ring in 750/18k white gold. Emerald Columbian circa 8 carat. 24 Diamonds: 18 white in
Category

Vintage 1970s German Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Unusual Vintage Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
An usual and beautiful vintage ring featuring a 0.50ct bright and lively green Emerald in the
Category

Vintage 1970s British Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond and Gems Ring Quartet
Located in Lakewood, NJ
; diamond, emerald, ruby and sapphire. Rings sizes are 5. Dealer ref. 5429 _ TMW Jewels Co. is a family
Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1.48 Carat Emerald and 0.60 Carat Diamond Three Stone Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A pretty vintage 18 karat yellow gold 1.48ct emerald and 0.60ct diamond three stone ring. The
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Multi- Gemstone Dome Ring
Located in Lambertville, NJ
cut diamonds. natural sapphires, rubies, and emeralds. Total diamond weight approx..80 cts. The ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Harry Winston Flower Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in New York, NY
Gorgeous Winston flower ring featuring vibrant emeralds with a ruby center, flanked with high
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

White Gold Mouawad Cocktail Ring
By Mouawad
Located in Paris, IDF
A white gold Mouawad ring set with three pear-shaped color stones : emerald, ruby and sapphire. The
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Le Triomphe bold Elephant Gold Ring
By Le Triomphe
Located in Coral Gables, FL
diamond tiara on top of head with center emerald , emerald cab eyes and brilliant cut diamonds at the end
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970s Handcrafted Large Watermelon Tourmaline and Sculptured Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
One Unisex 18kt Textured Branch Like Gold Cocktail Ring Centering A Rare And Unusual Emerald Cut
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 18k Gold

NARDI Tulipani Rings
By Nardi
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This exact ring is in the NARDI Jewelry book. Nardi manufactures in both Italy and the US. These
Category

Vintage 1970s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Vintage Yellow Gold Cocktail Dress Coral Ruby Emerald Diamond Butterfly Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Gold: 14K Yellow Gold. Weight: 36.98 gr. Coral: 57.00ct. Diamonds: 0.14ct. G / SI1 Emeralds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artist Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Coral, Emerald, 14k Gold

1970 s Chic Diamond Emerald Gold Lion Head Ring
Located in Paris, FR
An impressive gold, diamonds and emeralds cocktail ring representing a roaring lion. EU size
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Cartier Diamond Emerald Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Faceted Beautiful Color Emeralds And Centering One Very high Quality Full Cut Diamond Weighing .55 ct.Made
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Emerald and diamonds ring in 18k gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Stones: 1 emerald of 1ct, 4 baguette diamonds, weight: 0.20ct Material: 18k yellow gold Dimensions
Category

Vintage 1970s Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

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1970 Ring Emerald Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 1970 ring emerald diamond you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. Our collection of these items for sale includes 662 vintage editions and 3 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a 1970 ring emerald diamond from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. A 1970 ring emerald diamond from David Webb, Van Cleef Arpels and Bulgari — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for an emerald cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes round cut and oval cut alternatives. When shopping for a 1970 ring emerald diamond, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 1970 Ring Emerald Diamond?

The price for a 1970 ring emerald diamond starts at $434 and tops out at $455,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $4,264.

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.