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19th Century French Napoleon III Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
beautiful antique ring is decorated with an oval ruby surrounded by rose- cut diamonds. On both sides, on
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian 0.25 Carat Diamond Black Onyx 10 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond with single cut diamond accents, weighing approximately 0.25
Category

Antique 19th Century Late Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold

Antique 5.31 Carat Pear Cut Champagne Diamond Ring
By Belrose Estate Jewelers
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
(Champagne) Clarity: I1 Accent Diamonds: 10 Rose Cuts 0.05 carats total Ring Size: 6.5, sizing available
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Silver

Georgian French Holland Cut Diamond Ring 0.60ct center
Located in Narberth, PA
Rose Cut stones, and look incredible together. Resting at the center of the ring is a 0.60ct Holland
Category

Antique Early 19th Century French Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 14K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Engagement Ring. This cute ring has a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Rose Gold

French, 19th Century, Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold You and Me Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
either side, the start of the ring is formed by a wave of rose-cut diamonds. Weight of the emerald : 0.60
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Bridal Rings

Materials

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

Late 19th Century 18kt Gold Diamond And Opal Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
in a surround of rose-cut diamonds, the gallery underlined by a foliate frieze. Finger size: 6. Gross
Category

Antique 1890s Italian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Double Heart Ring Diamond 9 Karat Rose Gold Wide Band Vintage
Located in Torrance, CA
karat rose gold. Two estimated 0.05 carat single cut diamonds are set into the hearts. The total
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

18K Rose Gold, European Opal, Dematoid Garnet Diamond Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
18K Rose Gold, European Opal, Dematoid Garnet & Diamond Victorian Ring - Handmade in America
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 18k Gold

19th Century 0.90 Carat Turquoise Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
either side, each start of the lysed flower ring is adorned with 2 rose- cut diamonds. It is engraved
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Turquoise Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Oval Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
turquoise matrix surrounded by rose- cut diamonds. The basket is openworked with arabesques. Weight of the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Rose Gold Silver Ruby and Diamond Antique Dress Ring, circa 1890
Located in Zurich, CH
Charmy rose gold, silver, ruby and diamond antique dress ring, circa 1890. Crafted in delicate
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

BVLGARI Roma Serpenti Ring In 18Kt Rose Gold With VVS Diamonds Box Certs
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
rose gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The ring is embellished with a great selection of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Georgian Early 19th Century 1ct Ruby and Diamond Target Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
settings which is further surrounded halo of smaller cushion cut rubies. The ring is typical of early 19th
Category

Antique Early 19th Century English Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 22k Gold

Victorian Sapphire Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Navette Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Mixed Cut Natural Blue Sapphire weighing an estimated 1.82 Carats. Surrounded by 26 Old Mine Cut & Rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.46 Carats Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Snake Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
in color and prong set with a halo surround. Comprised of flush set old mine cut diamonds with
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified .95 Carat Ruby Diamond Halo Rose Gold Victorian Engagement Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Original red ruby diamond halo engagement ring. Circa 1880-1889 with old mine halo of diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

French 19th Century 4 Carat Jade Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
on its top a cabochon of green jade surrounded by rose- cut diamonds. Weight of the jade : 4 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Old Miner Cut Diamonds and Turquoise Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Victorian ring with a very pretty Turquoise stone in the center surrounded by old mine cut
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold

19th Century French Diamond Natural Pearl You and Me Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
charming antique ring is adorned with a natural pearl button shape, and an antique brilliant- cut diamond
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

Rare French Victorian Old Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
grade. Accented by eight (8) Round Rose Cut diamonds weighing 0.40 Ct. in total. Come w/ original
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 14 Karat Rose Gold Emerald and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
: Approximately 0.15 cts rose cut diamonds Diamond Color: I Diamond Clarity: I1 Ring Size: 4 (sizable) This
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Antique Georgian Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 1.70 carats in an open-work leaf design radiating out from an
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Victorian Snake Ring Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Gold Serpent Band
Located in Torrance, CA
Finely detailed antique Victorian era snake ring crafted in 14 karat rose & yellow gold (circa
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

18 K Rose White Yellow Gold 1.62 Carat Diamond Handmade Milgrain Eternity Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
brilliant-cut diamonds. Total carat 1,62 ct. . size EU 54/ US 6 3/4 . A new ring can be custom made to
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belgian Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

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

BVLGARI Roma Serpenti Ring In 18Kt Rose Gold With Diamonds Box Papers
By Bulgari
Located in Miami, FL
rose gold of 18 karats with high polished finish. The ring is embellished with a great selection of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modernist Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.53 Carat GIA Certified Diamond Rose Gold Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
European cut diamond that is J color, SI2 clarity. Brilliantly displayed in the 18k rose gold solitaire
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 3.20 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
color, VS2 clarity, GIA #11877075. The ring features accenting Rose cut Diamonds on the setting weighing
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

c1880s Victorian Diamond Ring Four Leaf Clover Enamel 14k Rose Gold Sz 7 Antique
Located in Torrance, CA
14 karat rose gold. Round brilliant cut diamond is estimated at 0.10 carats (estimated at I-J color
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 14 Karat Rose Gold and Diamond 5-Band Harem Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A Victorian diamond harem ring comprised of 5 bands in 14 karat rose gold. Set with nine Old Mine
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Victorian 10K Rose Gold Garnet Glass Doublet Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Stone: Four Rose Cut Diamonds Carat Weight: Approximately 0.07 Carats in Total Color/Clarity: H-I / I1
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Garnet, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Spinel and Diamond Heart Ring
Located in London, GB
surrounding rose cut diamonds set in silver. This piece started life as a pin but has been transformed into
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
by a halo of old rose cut diamonds. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and silver, a very common practice at
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cut diamond perfectly accented by well matching rose cut diamonds thoughtfully placed throughout the
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Hand Ring
Located in London, GB
trio of round faceted old mine cut diamonds with three rose cut diamonds neatly nestled below. The
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Amethyst Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
century creation features a vibrant purple hexagonal amethyst outlined by rows by rose cut diamonds. Hand
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Georgian Enamel Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
is accented by a halo of rose cut diamonds. Hand crafted in swooping intertwining lines of 18k yellow
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Georgian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Origina Victorian Coral, Antique Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
, coral and diamond ring contains 0.75 carats of old european cut diamonds in addition to subtle accents
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old Euro and Rose Cut Three Row Eternity Band
Located in Great Neck, NY
band is crafted in platinum. The band has old cut diamonds in the center with rose cut diamonds on the
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Victorian AGL 2.99 Carat Burma No Heat Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
striking ring. Victorian AGL 2.99 carat Burma no heat sapphire. Accented with 8 old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Gold and Silver Diamond Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A 14 carat gold and silver cluster ring set with a cushion cut diamond (app. 1 carat) open set
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
rose cut diamonds. Hand crafted in 18k yellow gold. Ring size 6-1/2 and may be resized.
Category

Antique 19th Century British Georgian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau Light Yellow Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
diamond rose gold ring. This ring can be worn by both women and men. 1 round diamond, approx. total
Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Victorian Rosy Yellow Gold GIA 1.31ct Old Pear Cut Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Info ** (9) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Rose Cut - Pave Set Material: Solid 10k Rosy Yellow Gold
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 19th-Century 18K Yellow Gold Seven-Stone Old-Mine Diamond Ring, FR 53 (U
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
that was fashionable in the late 19th century. With its low profile, this ring lies comfortably against
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Question Mark Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
old mine cut diamonds. It could be a unique engagement ring. Weight: 4.95g Size: 17 (US 6.75
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Georgian Diamond Cluster Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
-cut Diamonds. Total Diamond weight: .70 carat Gross Weight: 3.25 gr Ring Size: IT 14 - FR 54 - UK N/O
Category

Antique 19th Century Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
cut center diamond with a slight yellow hue that has been surrounded by 16 white rose cut diamonds in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Old European Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
further accented by small rose cut diamonds that fill in the open space of the ring, which is a lovely
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
antique rose cut diamonds. This ring displays the always pleasing flower motifs that were so popular at
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian Sapphire Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
antique rose cut diamonds. This ring displays the always pleasing flower motifs that were so popular at
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.83ctw 5 Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond and yellow gold ring, set with five old European cut diamonds, and eight rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Emerald Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Navette Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
vintage design. This ring features 5 emerald gemstones in the center surrounded by 24 rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

A Five-Stone Diamond Ring Early 20th Century
Located in Firenze, IT
A five-stone diamond ring, late 19th century, set with a sequence of five cushion-shaped diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Emerald and Rose Diamond Ring, Circa 1880
Located in Brighton, GB
rich green saturation and is claw-set flanked by four rose-cut diamonds in symmetrical formation. Each
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
rose cut diamonds. Hand crafted in 18k yellow gold. Ring size 6-1/2 and may be resized.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Georgian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Pearl Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
by a halo of old rose cut diamonds. Crafted in 18k yellow gold and silver, a very common practice at
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

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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.