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19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds Ring

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Belle Époque Old Mine Brilliant Cut Diamonds Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
, vs/i). Two rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Unheated Burmese Ruby Old Cut Diamond Surround Gold Ring
Located in Stratford upon Avon, GB
Victorian rose gold ring, featuring an unheated Burmese ruby with old cut diamond surround
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
14K rose gold antique ring set with large oval amethyst 22.50 ct. surrounded by Old Mine cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Turquoise and Diamond Victorian Ring
Located in Oxford, GB
An diamond and turquoise 18k gold Victorian ring, natural Persian turquoise surrounded by 13 rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Cluster Two Toned Ring
Located in New York, NY
This turn-of-the-century diamond dome ring is set with 43 rose-cut diamonds. The 18 Karat yellow
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Gold, Silver, Diamond and Cameo Ring
Located in Bologna, IT
external ring of rose cut diamonds, surrounding the shell cameo. The ring is modelled both in 18K gold and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Silver

Mathon Paris Morganite, Diamonds and Pink Gold Ring
By Mathon Paris
Located in Paris, IDF
Lotus Ring by Mathon Paris at Second Petale Gallery About the Gemstones : - Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Rose Gold, Gold

Georgian Ruby Diamond Gold Crowned Hearts Ring
Located in Austin, TX
18th century natural ruby and diamond ring. In the form of crowned twin hearts, the rubies are set
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond and Gold you and Me Ring
Located in London, GB
(VVS/VS-D/E)(SI/I-D/E); 4 old mine cut diamonds totalling approx .83 Ct (VS/SI-D/E); 12 rose cut
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown High Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

1890s English Victorian Bull’s Eye Agate Diamond Ring
Located in St. Catharines, ON
rose-cut diamond on a gold star motif, within a twisted ropework border. Oval bezel: 7/8 in. (2.2 cm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Aquamarine and Diamond Ring
Located in Houston, TX
Soft beautiful bright marquise cut aquamarine center stone surrounded by rose cut diamonds and old
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
An antique emerald and diamond ring, the oval buff-top emerald with an open scroll rose-cut diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold Plate

Victorian 22 Karat Gold Silver Diamond Fox Ring
Located in Boston, Lincolnshire
A Cute Victorian Silver, Rose cut Diamonds and Ruby Fox head stick pin conversion ring on 22 Carat
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Gold, 22k Gold

Antique Sapphire and Diamond RIng
Located in New York, NY
prongs are decorated with rose-cut stones, size 7.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Georgian Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Austin, TX
Georgian era emerald & rose cut diamond ring. Gemstones are set in silver closed back foiled
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian era 18K gold marquise agate cameo diamond pearl ring
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale a beautiful 18K gold ring dated back to the 19th century, the Victorian era. This
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

Large Victorian Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
mine cut stones mixed with some small rose diamonds. An incredibly comfortable, striking ring to wear.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French antique Victorian era 18K gold opal cabochon diamond halo ring
Located in Versailles, FR
For sale an antique 18K gold ring made from the 19th century, the Victorian era. At its heart lies
Category

Antique 19th Century French Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Turquoise Diamond Marquise Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Turquoise Cushion cut & rose cut Diamonds RING SIZE 6.75 US MEASUREMENTS Head: 18.8 x 7.9mm Width of band
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Turquoise, 15k Gold, Silver

Victorian Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
's. This unique and inexpensive engagement ring centers an oval cut natural ruby gauged at 5.05 mm x
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Era Opal Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Victorian Era ring featuring an oval cut Opal center stone. The Opal is white in color, with
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Sapphire Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring
Located in Camelford, GB
resizing needed Style: Classic Cluster Engagement Style Ring Gems: Old Round Rose cut sparkling white
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Gold Halo Ring
Located in Madison area, WI
- Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring - c. 1890-1900 - 14k rose gold, sapphire, diamond A
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Solitaire Diamond Ring in 18 Karat Pink Gold, Wedding Ring
Located in PARIS, FR
the diamond. Antique solitaire diamond ring, late 19th century, Victorian period. Jewel tested with
Category

Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Gold, Turquoise, and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Madison area, WI
pattern, places a glittering rose-cut diamond at the center of a lush ring of antique turquoise. The wide
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold

Victorian Fancy Brown-Yellow Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
and VS clarity and is further decorated with six rose cut diamonds alongs the shoulders of the ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Turquoise Diamond Gold Navette Halo Ring
Located in Madison area, WI
- Victorian Turquoise and Diamond Navette Ring - c. 1880-1900 - 14k rose gold, Persian turquoise
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold

Art Deco Blue Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
oval shape blue sapphire center, accented with gold bezeled rose cut diamonds, and micro pave round
Category

Antique 19th Century Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Blue Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in Los Angeles, CA
oval shape blue sapphire center, accented with gold bezeled rose cut diamonds, and micro pave round
Category

Antique 19th Century Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Cluster Gypsy Ring 750 950 Purity
Located in Camelford, GB
Cluster Daisy Style Ring Gems: Deep Rose Cushion cut sparkling white natural diamonds x 9 All stones are
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Emerald Ring 0069
Located in New York, NY
This is a classic cocktail/fashion 18k Gold Ring Studded with African Emerald and Rose Cut Diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Indian Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold 3 Stone Blue Sapphire Diamond Bridge Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
beautifully clear Sapphires of Royal Blue, clear tone, oval cut of excellent size are embellished with 5 Rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Demantoid Garnet Diamond Gold Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Edinburgh, GB
a central rose cut diamond, estimated to weigh 0.56 carats, set within a twenty-eight stone diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.50 Carat Diamond Augustus Head Agate Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
impressive old mine cut Diamonds content, 2.50 Ct rated G/H VVS/VS Hand crafted mounting made of 18 KT rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian More Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold

Original 1930s Coral Pearl and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Melbourne, AU
One Original 1930’s 18ct yellow gold, white gold set, coral, cultured pearl and rose cut diamond
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Cultured Pearl, 18k Gold

English Diamond Enameled 18k Gold Harlequin Ring, circa 1890
Located in St. Catharines, ON
From the late 19th century, the top decorated in vibrant deep cobalt blue enamel enhanced with five
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring Size N 6.75 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
and sturdy shank hence ideal if resizing needed Style: Classic Victorian style Diamond Trilogy ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Natural Pearl Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Edinburgh, GB
A yellow gold and platinum fronted ring set with one central old cut diamond flanked by two natural
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Era 18k Gold Banded Agate Diamond Enamel Ring
Located in Versailles, FR
the white is evoked with the use of the dazzling rose cut diamonds with the eye-catching white line on
Category

Antique 19th Century French High Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Victorian Double Heart Ring with Natural Pearls and Diamonds
Located in Miami Beach, FL
bordered by rose cut diamonds and topped with a diamond-accented bow motif. Size : 6 1/2
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Snake Ring, Dated 1888
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
diamond eyes. A late Victorian classic. Cut – Pear cut sapphire and rose cut diamonds. Carat – The
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Late Victorian More Rings

Materials

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

Charming Belle Époque Diamond Engagement Ring, 1900s
Located in Antwerp, BE
. (colour and clarity: G/I, vs/i). 12 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is
Category

Early 20th Century Belgian Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring
Located in Camelford, GB
: Classic Trilogy Bypass Engagement Style Ring Gems: Old Round Rose cut sparkling white natural diamonds x 3
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Superb 25.30 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Theydon Bois, Essex
engraving. Glorious, rare, beautiful. Cut - Cushion cut sapphire and rose cut diamonds Colour
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Revival Cluster Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Georgian Natural Tourmaline Diamond Rare Scroll Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
prior the 19th century Rings most than all, are hard survivor to the time for being the more stressed by
Category

Antique 1790s Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond and Pearl Engagement Ring So-Called Romantic Toi et Moi
Located in Antwerp, BE
subject of this piece, although typical 19th Century, announces the coming of the Art Nouveau style
Category

Antique 1890s Belgian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, South Sea Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gol...

Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Double Snakes Ring, 1890s
Located in Antwerp, BE
. (colour and clarity: fancy light yellow, i). Four rose cut diamonds and senailles . A senaille is a
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian, 18ct Yellow Gold, Natural Sapphire and Diamond Half Hoop Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Diamond and sapphire ring, late 19th century. This classic five-stone ring is set with a well
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Belle Epoque Romantic Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring, French for You and Me
Located in Antwerp, BE
diamonds with an estimated weight of ± 0.16ct. Six rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Cameo Ring
Located in Paris, IDF
rose-cut diamonds, yellow and pink gold, circa 1820-1840 Note to Customers in Europe: contact us for
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Romantic More Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian 18ct Solid Gold, Carved Half Hoop Five Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
, graduating old cut diamond half-hoop ring, inter set with four pairs of very small rose chip diamonds. Old
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Bridal Rings

Art Deco .17 Carat Old European Diamond and Sapphire White Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
/i). 24 rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in our trade
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Mindi Mond Victorian 17.61 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Silver Gold Ring
By Mindi Mond
Located in New York, NY
- J; Clarity: SI1 - I1 115 Rose Semi-faceted, 3 Single Cut, 4 Round Brilliant Cut Round Diamonds
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century North American Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold, Silver

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring Size U 10.25
Located in Camelford, GB
if resizing needed Style: Classic Trilogy Bypass Engagement Style Ring Gems: Old Round Rose cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

4.50 Carat Natural No Heat Pink Sapphire and Diamond Victorian Style Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
punctuated by three glinting rose-cut diamonds on each side, and the side gallery is adorned with a lovely
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

French 3.60 Carat Old Mine Diamond Important Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Magnificent Treasure Early 19th century ring ageless – French import marks – rare beautiful
Category

Antique 1810s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring Size L 6 750 950
Located in Camelford, GB
Style: Classic Trilogy Bypass Engagement Style Ring Gems: Old Round Rose cut sparkling white natural
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

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19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate 19th century rose cut diamonds ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Silver, this item was constructed with great care. Making the right choice when shopping for a 19th century rose cut diamonds ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 20th Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 19th century rose cut diamonds ring over the years, but those made by Single Stone are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a rose cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old mine cut and antique cushion cut alternatives. When shopping for a 19th century rose cut diamonds ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds Ring?

Prices for a 19th century rose cut diamonds ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $266 and can go as high as $110,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $2,800.

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.