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Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Oval Cut Ruby Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.25 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1980s European Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Oval Ruby Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring Circa 1980s
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Oval Ruby Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring circa 1980s. * The Oval Ruby and Diamond 14k Yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Diamond Yellow Gold Geometric Ring
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous ring features a chic geometric design crafted in 14k yellow gold and pave-set with
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond And Caliber Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.1 grams. Totally is diamond 0.55 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1980s Turkish Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Circa 1980s 1.12 Carat Oval Sapphire and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Addison, TX
Circa: 1980s Metal Type: 14K gold Size: US 10.25 Weight: 16.3g Diamond Details: Cut: Baguette
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

circa 1980s Georgian Style Heart Opal and Diamond Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Addison, TX
Circa: Circa 1980s Metal Type: 14 karat yellow gold Size: US 8.5 Weight: 5.7g Diamond Details
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Renaissance Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 6 Carat Rose Quartz Diamond and 14K Yellow Gold 1980s Cocktail Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This Vintage rose quartz and diamond halo ring is a stunning example of 1980s fine jewelry
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Quartz, Yellow Gold

1980s Diamond Star Sapphire White Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This classic ring is crafted in 14k white gold and set with an oval 8.0mm x 10.0mm x 7.6mm grayish
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

1980s Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Bold 1980s amethyst diamond yellow gold ring. The beautifully cut octagonal step cut amethyst
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Circa 1980s 2 1/2 Dollar Coin and Diamond Statement Ring in 14K Gold
Located in Addison, TX
This mens ring has an 1858 2.5 dollar coin in 24k gold with accent diamonds at G-H color VS-SI
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 s 12.25 CTW Imperial Topaz Diamond 14 Karat Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circa: 1980s Ring Size: 5 1/2 and sizable Measures north to south 16.2 mm and sits 8.0 mm high Total
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 14k Gold Natural Diamond And Caliber Cut Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 3.7 grams. About 0.20 carat natural diamond. The diamond has
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Golden South Sea Pearl and Diamond Heart Motif Ring in 14K Gold, 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
Romantic Revival influences Period: 1980s Metal: 14K Yellow Gold Gemstone: Golden South Sea Pearl Diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century American Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Vintage 0.68ct Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold White Gold Set Solitaire Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.68 carat modern brilliant round cut diamond solitaire ring in 14
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Italian Smoky Topaz Diamond Ring in Sterling Silver and 14K Gold, c. 1980s
Located in Miami, FL
a 14K yellow gold bezel. The stone is framed by flowing silver elements accented with pavé diamonds
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage 1980s 1.00 Carat Round Cut Diamonds Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s Yellow Gold and Diamond Knot Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s 0.95 Carat Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow and white gold with a center Marquise cut Diamond weighing
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s 0.28 Carat Round Cut Diamonds Signet Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s 0.57 Carat Bar Set Diamonds Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring bar-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total
Category

Vintage 1980s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s Tulip Sapphire Ring 14k Yellow Gold
Located in Sugar Land, TX
♥ Product Summary ♥ Main Stone: Sapphire Band Material: 14k Yellow Gold Weight: 2 grams Bulb
Category

21st Century and Contemporary North American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1980s 1.15 Carat Oval Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring a center Oval cut Diamond weighing a total of
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s 1.30 Carat Pear Shaped Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring a center Pear Shaped Diamond weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Sapphire Ruby Square Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Totally is diamond about 0.13 carat. The diamond
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Vintage Textured Gold Diamond Ring from the 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Vintage Textured Gold Diamond Ring from the 1980s features a unique design with textured open
Category

Vintage 1980s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Ring with Textured Finish, Circa 1980s
Located in Palm Desert, CA
Yellow Gold Diamond Ring with Textured Finish, Circa 1980s. This captivating Yellow Textured Gold
Category

Vintage 1980s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Vintage 1980s 1.50 Carat Round Cut Solitaire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold featuring a center GIA certified, Round Brilliant cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage 1980s 8.00 Carat Cushion Cut Aquamarine Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
and surrounding Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 0.65 carat. Circa 1980s
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold

0.50 Carat Total Diamonds in 14k Yellow Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Houston, TX
1980s Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring This bold 1980s vintage ring features approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Question Mark 18ct Gold Swirl Ring Circa 1980s
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
A diamond and white gold dress ring by Van Cleef & Arpels c.1980s, the asymmetric ring in 18ct
Category

Late 20th Century French Dome Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

Heavy Vintage Fan Ring in Textured 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Houston, TX
1980s Vintage 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Ring This fun 1980s vintage ring delivers style and presence
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 s Pear Shaped Onyx and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This 18 karat yellow gold cocktail ring features a pear-shaped Onyx surrounded by two rows of 54
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold

1980s Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Auckland, New Zealand
birthstone for September. Sapphire ring with six surrounding diamonds, set in 14 karat solid gold. A
Category

Vintage 1980s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

1980s Trilliant Cut Blue Topaz Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This exuberant 1980's wide band ring is made up of a pattern of brilliant trilliant cut Topazes and
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s Ruby Diamond Ring 14 Carat White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Vintage. Circa 1980s. Great to Know The Valentia Ring is part of our trove of strongly sustainable
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Circa 1980s Sapphire Diamond Marquise Halo Ring 14 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Discover the timeless elegance of this Varinia 1980s Sapphire & Diamond Marquise Halo Ring, bathed
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s 14 Carat Yellow Gold Lapis Lazuli and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Hamilton, AU
Forged in shimmering 14 carat yellow gold, this decadent vintage crossover ring, circa 1980s
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Lapis Lazuli, Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s Tourmaline Ring 14 Carat Yellow White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
14 carat gold she is a statement piece for all of life's big occasions. The Collins Ring Gem Details
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s Bright Blue Aquamarine Diamond Ring 14 Carat White Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
brilliant cut diamonds total 0.18 carats and are of GH colour and P1 clarity grades. Ring Size P 1/2
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1980s Diamond Three Stone Band 14 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
The Richelle Ring, crafted from 14 carat gold, makes a lovely and sophisticated statement. It
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 s Disco Glam Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Band
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
: Very good Era: Contemporary vintage Year: 1980s Metal: 14k Yellow Gold Diamonds: (12) Carat Weight
Category

20th Century Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Estate Carved Jade, Diamond Onyx Cocktail Ring 14K Yellow Gold, Circa 1980 s
Located in Miami, FL
A powerful and sculptural unisex cocktail ring, this estate piece is crafted in 14K yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Jade, Onyx, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

1980 s Vintage 1.25 Carats Princess Diamond 14 Karat Gold Channel Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring is mystery set to front by two rows of princess cut diamonds Weighing in total
Category

Vintage 1980s Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1980s 1.15 TCW Baguette Diamond and 14k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Towson, MD
This glamorous vintage 1980s 14 karat yellow gold cocktail ring showcases a striking display of
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.98 Carat Round Diamond and Baguette Diamond 14k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring 1980s
Located in Towson, MD
This enchanting 1980s 14 karat yellow gold ring radiates vintage allure with its shimmering cluster
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 s Vintage 1.05 Carats Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
: 1980's Ring Size: 8 1/2 & sizable Measures North to South 6.7 mm and sits 3.0 mm high Total weight
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

1980 s Vintage Onyx Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Statement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
finish Stamped 14K for 14 karat gold Circa: 1980s Ring Size: 7 1/2 & sizable Measures: 39.5 mm wide
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1980s Byzantine Emerald Diamond Yellow Gold Wide Band Ring
Located in New York, NY
-VS2 diamonds of an estimated 0.16 carats. Made in United States circa 1980s. Measurements: 0.62" (16mm
Category

Vintage 1980s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1980s Aquamarine, Diamond Tourmaline Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 14k yellow gold with an Emerald cut Aquamarine weighing approximately 8.00 carats
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold

Vintage 1.75 Carat Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
This large daisy cluster ring dates to the 1980s and is made in 14 carat gold. It is likely to be
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

1980s Tanzanite and Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
surround in 14 karat white gold ring. This beautiful ring dates back to the 1980s. Ring Details: Metal
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

1980s American 14K Yellow Gold Carved Onyx and 1.50 Carat Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Sculptural and sophisticated, this 1980s American dome ring is crafted in richly polished 14K
Category

Vintage 1980s American Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980s Buckle Style Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
1985 was a great year! This ring has a huge look at a little price! One emerald cut green
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late 20th Century Sapphire Diamond Ring Circa 1980s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
diamonds to each side upon a matt textured finish which follows through on the whole ring. Edging the
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

6.50 Carat Peridot and Diamond Ring 14 Karat, circa 1980s, American
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1980s, 14k, American. This stunning ring has gorgeous proportions, bright diamonds, and
Category

Vintage 1980s American Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, White Gold

1980 s 2.71 CTW Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shoulders Stamped for 14 karat gold With maker's mark Circa: 1980s Ring size: 8 and sizable Measures north
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 1980s Fluted Onyx Diamond Ring Cocktail Jewelry 14 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage fluted onyx & diamond cocktail ring (circa 1980s) crafted in 14 karat yellow gold
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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1980s 14k Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact 1980s 14k diamond ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 14k Gold and Yellow Gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 1714 vintage or 11 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a 1980s 14k diamond ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Creating a 1980s 14k diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Estate Jewelry, Luise and Erté are consistently popular. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also oval cut and mixed cut versions for sale. Finding a 1980s 14k diamond ring for sale for women should be easy, but there are 321 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a 1980s 14k Diamond Ring?

The price for a 1980s 14k diamond ring starts at $1 and tops out at $300,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,000.

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.