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19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds Ring

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

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Trilogy Bypass Engagement Ring Size M1/2 6.75
Located in Camelford, GB
cut natural white diamonds in a rub over setting It is a classic engagement ring design but could be
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold 1.25Cttw Diamond Cluster Gypsy Ring 750 Purity Size R 8.75
Located in Camelford, GB
shoulders. Style: Classic Cluster Gypsy Style Ring Gems: Deep Rose Cushion cut sparkling white natural
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.42 Ct Natural Burma Ruby, Art Nouveau Inspired Ruby and 1.35 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in București, B
: diamonds, brilliant cut Weight: 1.35 ct Color: F Clarity: VS1 Cut Grade: V. Good We are specialized in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Romanian Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Belle Époque 2.20 Carat Fancy Yellow Diamond 18 Karat Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
period in European social history that began during the late 19th century from the Franco-Prussian War
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian double snake ring in yellow gold 18 karats
Located in PARIS, FR
wrapping around the finger. The heads of the two reptiles are surmounted by a Dutch rose-cut diamond. The
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Diamond Bypass Engagement Ring 750 950 Size L 1/2 6
Located in Camelford, GB
: Classic Twist Engagement Style Ring Gems: Old Round Rose cut sparkling white natural diamonds x 2 All
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Ring Late 1800 in 9 Kt Gold, Unavailable
Located in Palermo, IT
the 19th century. It measures 22. It weighs 2.9 grams. The fineness of the gold is the one used in
Category

Antique 1890s Italian Retro More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 10k Gold

Flower Enamel Secret Locket Ring in 18k Gold
Located in PARIS, FR
enamelled guilloché on which is applied a silver flower set with eight rose-cut diamonds. A secret
Category

Antique 1880s French Late Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Stunning Emerald Silver Gold Ring
Located in TRYON, NC
Victorian silver topped ring with a 5 X 7mm emerald. The emerald is surrounded by 8 rose cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Silver, Yellow Gold

Vintage Crowned Flaming Heart Engagement Ring, Platinum 0.4 CT Emerald Gold Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
love. This beautiful ring is set with a natural tear drop emerald of 0.4 carat, 2 rose cut diamonds and
Category

Early 20th Century German Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Bague D’amour En or 18 Carat , Émail Bleu Et Diamants Époque Milieu Xixème Siècle
Located in VERSAILLES, FR
diamants taillés en rose et posée sur une base en émail de couleur bleu royal .Ce médaillon central est
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Édition II.2
Located in PARIS, FR
diamond 0.15 ct Ring 'Toi & Moi', late 19th century, pink gold 750/°°°, two rose-cut diamonds totalling
Category

Vintage 1960s French Artisan More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18th Century Diamond Bracelet with 2000-Year-Old Intaglios, 1790s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Century and older are rose cut diamonds. - All diamond weights, color grades and clarity are approximate
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Empire Charm Bracelets

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Go...

Victorian Antique Garnet and Diamond Snake Pendant Brooch, 1830s
Located in Antwerp, BE
cut diamonds and with a total of 86 rose cut diamonds set in foil. While the ruby-eyed snake wraps
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold, Rose G...

Antique 15ct Gold Diamond Paste Horseshoe Pin Brooch c1840 2.5g 625 Purity
Located in Camelford, GB
: Victorian classic pin in the stock style with lovely gem set horseshoe. Gemstones: Round cut diamond paste
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Blue Enamel Diamonds Snake Necklace Bracelet
Located in Houston, TX
-shaped rose-cut diamond weighing approximately 1.30 carat (estimated by measurement). The tail clasps
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Certified 3, 65 Ct Natural Untreated Sapphires and Diamonds Drop Earrings
Located in București, B
Treatment: natural Sapphire, do not show evidence of heating Secondary Stone Type: diamonds, brilliant cut
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Romanian Art Nouveau Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Diamond Stock Pin Brooch c1850 Heavy 625 Purity Ship s Wheel
Located in Camelford, GB
: Natural rose cut white diamond, good quality sparkling stone. Age: Mid Victorian (c1850s) Condition: Very
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Diamond Stock Pin Brooch c1880 Heavy 625 Purity Tie Lapel Hat
Located in Camelford, GB
cut white diamond, good quality sparkling stone with no visible flaws. Age: Late Victorian (c1880s
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
cut (old mine) diamonds 0.70ct. Mix of old mine and rose cut diamonds in an 18 carat yellow gold with
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Opal Pendant/Brooch, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
cut (old mine) diamonds 0.70ct. Mix of old mine and rose cut diamonds in an 18 carat yellow gold with
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Platinum Art Deco Diamond Necklace with Natural Drop Pearl of 7 Carat, 1930s
Located in Antwerp, BE
clarity: G/I, vs/si). Six rose cut diamonds. We do not have the weight of the diamonds which is normal in
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Natural Pearl and Diamond Starburst Style Earrings in 18kt White Gold
By Sarah Ho
Located in London, GB
sky blue or the ring with the rare natural rainbow pearl amidst the rose cut diamonds. Sarah hand
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Austrian Contemporary Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Haute Victorian Gem-Set Pendant Chain
Located in Wimberley, TX
of approximately 2.35 carats to a surround of twelve (12) old mine and cushion cut diamonds to a ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Rose Cut Diamond Gold Men s Ring
Located in Boston, MA
An antique victorian period rose cut diamond mens ring in 14 karat rose gold. Set with a single
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Victorian Rose Cut Diamonds Gold and Silver Mens Ring
Located in Viana do Castelo, PT
composite with 9 Rose Cut Diamonds. Grooved detailing adorns the ring's shank. For the dashing man of good
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Portuguese High Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Sapphire and Rose Cut Diamond Ring in Yellow Gold
Located in Boston, MA
a 1.14 carat antique oval cut sapphire, this ring features a halo of early rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Blue Sapphire, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Russian Victorian Demantoid Garnet Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Boston, MA
An original antique, pre Soviet era Russian made demantoid garnet and mine cut diamond ring in 14
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Floral Rose Cut Diamond En Tremblant Brooch
Located in Boston, MA
A monumental En Tremblant rose cut diamond floral motif brooch. Centered by a movable, or En
Category

Antique 19th Century Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

19th Century Rose cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
1.6ct stone and bordered by twelve rose stones, open cut-down collet set in silver and gold. Weight
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

19th Century 14k Yellow Gold Silver Rose-Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Kingston, NY
MID 19th century 14K yellow gold and silver diamond ring, comprising approximately 123 rose-cut and
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

19th Century Antique Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
. The ring is embellished with old rose cut diamonds of various shapes and sizes. The diamonds are set
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with 4 rose cut diamonds starred set. The departure of the ring on both sides is eventful. Height: 8.3
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Victorian Emerald Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Antique 19Kt Gold & Silver Ring from the 19th century. This intricate and elaborate piece of art is
Category

Early 20th Century Portuguese Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique 19th Century Rubellite Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
is framed by two rows of chunky old rose cut diamonds. The rubellite measures 9.13 x 7.15 x 4.60 mm
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rubelite, Gold

French 19th Century Rose-Cut Diamond Solitary Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with a rose- cut diamond set on a daisy decor, with straw. The mount is decorated with oak leaves and
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
with 2 rose-cut diamonds set with starred. On either side of the central motif, two drop patterns are
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Georgian Early 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in London, GB
19th century, circa 1820. The ring is set with a fantastic domed rose cut diamond in a cut down
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Antique Rose Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
The rose cut diamond dates back to the Middle East of the 16th century. Looking back to that time
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Ring Rose Cut Diamond Gold
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. CIRCA: Late 19th Century MATERIALS: 10k Yellow Gold GEMSTONE: Rose Cut Diamond WEIGHT: 4.1 grams RING
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

French 19th Century Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
work of the 19th century. Our opinion : A very refined diamond solitaire, perfect for an engagement
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Diamonds 14 Karat Rose Gold Pompadour Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
second half of the 19th century. Our opinion : A beautiful antique pompadour diamonds ring, full of charm.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat rose gold, eagle head hallmark. A delightful antique rose gold ring, with an
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
its round setting with 10 rose- cut diamonds, the one in the center being larger. Height: 9.8 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
its round setting with 10 rose- cut diamonds, the one in the center being larger. Height: 9.8 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

19th Century French 6.20 Carat Hessonite Garnet Rose Cut Diamonds Antique Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
hessonite orange garnet surrounded by rose-cut diamonds. On both sides, the start of the ring forms a fleur
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Rose Cut Diamond and Enamel Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold ring set with a large crown rose cut diamond (app. 1 carat), in the shank are blue
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
claws with an antique cushion-cut diamond. On either side, at the start of the ring, 2x3 falling rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French Early 19th Century Emerald and Rose Cut Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This unusual antique emerald and diamond ring was made in France and dates to the early 19th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

French 19th Century Rose-Cut Diamonds Yellow Gold Cluster Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
daisy decoration set with 9 rose-cut diamonds. The basket is openwork. Height: 11.6 mm, width: 11.5 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique 1.00 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique One Carat Rose Cut Diamond Engagement Ring Metal: Yellow gold on top of silver Weight
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Superb 18th Century Rose Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A superb and rare early 18 carat gold ring set with a very large crown rose cut diamond (app. 1.8
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Dutch Georgian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

French 19th Century Rose Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Shape Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
rose- cut diamonds. The start of the ring is formed by 2 palmettes. Height: 8.3 mm, width: 9.5 mm
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 19 Century Georgian Rose Cut Diamond Cruciform Ring
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Georgian rose-cut diamond cruciform ring set in silver and yellow gold, circa
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Silver

French 19th Century Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
entirely set with antique brilliant-cut diamonds. On either side of the head, the start of the ring forms a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Rose-Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, and platinum. This solitaire ring is adorned on its top with a rose
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

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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.