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GIA 30 Carat Citrine Rose Diamond Halo Ring 14 Karat Gold Antique Belle Epoque
Located in New York, NY
sparkling Rose Cut Diamonds in a 14 Karat Rose Gold setting of great beauty. The magnificent statement ring
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Gold, 14k 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 Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Eighteen Karat Rose Gold Contemporary Engagement Artisan Ring with Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
19th century. Some of the gemstones used in this piece include a 7.01-carat unheated pear-cut green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, Beryl, Crystal, White Diamond, Kunzite, Morganite, ...

Antique Victorian 10.00 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
10.00 carats, accented by a halo of Rose cut Diamonds weighing a total of approximately 1.00 carat
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Rose Gold Aquamarines Artisan Contemporary Ring with Diamonds and Sapphires
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
market since 19th century. Some of the gems are: Green sapphire, pear cut, 7,01 carats, unheated. Big
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Beryl, Crystal, Diamond, White Diamond, Kunzite, Morganite, ...

Antique 18K Yellow Gold Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An antique diamond and yellow gold ring, comprising three old European cut diamonds and two rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Burma no heat ruby diamond 18k rose gold three stone ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
antique old mine cut diamonds in a romantic 18k rose gold setting. Center stone: Cabochon cut ruby
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 2.30 Ct Old Diamond Cut 14 KT Gold ring
Located in Napoli, IT
rose cut Diamonds giving out lovely twinkling in addition to the great sparkle, approx .60 Ct same good
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Art Nouveau Golden Old Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1900s.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Art Nouveau ring made of gold and silver elements with diamonds in old rose and old-brilliant cuts
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Rose Gold Engagement Ring with Copper Bearing Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This Tibetan 18 karat rose gold contemporary ring is encrusted with diamonds, and oval cut paraiba
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green ...

Antique Victorian Australian Opal and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
centers this exquisite antique ring surrounded by a halo of 0.85 carats of rose-cut diamonds. Set in 18K
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rose Gold Copper Bearing Paraiba Tourmaline Ring with Diamonds and Sapphires
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This Tibetan 18 karat rose gold contemporary ring is encrusted with diamonds, yellow sapphires, and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green ...

Antique English Victorian Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Victorian ring in platinum on 18k gold with rose-cut diamonds and rubies in crisscross design
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian Diamond and Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This exquisite Victorian ring handcrafted in the late nineteenth century in 14kt yellow and rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Colombian Emerald Diamond and Pearl Cocktail Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This square-shaped antique ring, most likely dating back to the early 19th century, features a
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
-cut diamonds, each displaying a shimmering effect to accentuated the vibrancy of the rubies. The
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond Dinner Ring
Located in Denver, CO
mix of approximately 1.00 carat of rose cut and Old-Mine cut diamonds set in platinum atop a new 14K
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Late Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Ring with Paraiba Tourmaline, Diamonds and Sapphires in 18 Karat Rose Gold
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
An unusual form makes this Tibetan 18 karat rose gold contemporary ring an art object. It is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green ...

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

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.85 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume jewellery: Chanel, Christian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian Pink Paste and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
of the face and is contained within a frame of rose cut diamonds around the outer edge. The piece is
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond

Antique French Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold Ø 6.25US / 12gr
Located in SE
Ca. 19th - early 20 cent. French Ruby and Diamonds ring in solid 14K Rose Gold. Hallmarked with
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Double Row Old Cut Diamond Band Ring, Circa 1880
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Double row ring. Crafted in 18ct gold with hint of rose, this
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow or Rose Gold Fashion Ring with Paraiba Tourmaline and Diamonds
By Polya Medvedeva Jewellery
Located in Berlin, DE
This Tibetan 18 karat yellow or rose gold contemporary fashion ring is encrusted with diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary German Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Sapphire, Spinel, Tourmaline, Paraiba, Gold, 14k Gold...

Vintage 14k Yellow and White Gold Old Minor Cut Diamond Wedding Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage 14k Yellow and white Gold Old Minor Cut Diamond Wedding Ring Diamond Wedding Ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century American Retro Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Denver, CO
This antique ring features eleven rose cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.25 carats set in
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Diamond Tourmaline Gold Bug Insect Ring
By Blackbird and the Snow
Located in Boulder, CO
diamonds. Each wing sparkles with four diamonds (eight total) and a rose cut diamond for each eye. Ring
Category

Antique 19th Century North American Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold

Victorian Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
matching old cut diamonds before the piece is made complete by split rose gold band. This ring offers a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Pearl and Diamond Ring, 1800s
Located in Milano, MI
Antique ring from the beginning of the 19th century in 18ct gold and silver. The diamonds are rose
Category

Antique Early 19th Century More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Pearl and Diamond Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Of foliate design, set throughout with rose-cut diamonds and a 6.0mm pearl, mounted in silver and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Silver

Victorian Pearl Old-Cut Diamond Three-Stone Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, FR 46 (appr
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
-cut diamonds (combined total approx. 1.0 ct). Each diamond is set in a low bezel with subtle white
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Diamond Giardinetti ring, European, circa 18th century.
Located in London, GB
Diamond Giardinetti ring. Set with a round rose cut diamond in a closed back grain setting with an
Category

Antique 18th Century Georgian Cluster Rings

Victorian Vintage Turquoise and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
perfect color and surrounded by 40 twinkling rose cut diamonds. The shape is loosely translated from the
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Georgian Diamond Button Ring
Located in Brisbane City, QLD
'button' was delicately altered to become a ring during the 19th century with the addition of a yellow
Category

Antique 18th Century European Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1.45ct Old Asscher Cut Fancy Colour Diamond Set Ring In 18ct Gold
By Hancocks
Located in London, GB
Description: A old cut cognac coloured diamond and 18ct rose gold set ring by Hancocks. The handcrafted ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Band Rings

Materials

Brown Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
expertly set around the outer edge before rose cut diamond set shoulders and a slim 18ct yellow gold band
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique "Ring of Heavens" or "Bague au Firmament", blue enamel and diamond ring
Located in OVIEDO, AS
set in a flower shape. Beneath the rose diamonds is a Royal blue enamel ground. 19th century rings
Category

Antique 19th Century Spanish Georgian Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, Enamel

Antique 18ct Victorian Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
stone ring. Set with beautiful, oval opals & a cute cluster of rose cut natural diamonds. Mounted in
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal

Antique German Ring 1.4ctw old cut Diamonds solid 12K Gold Silver ØUS8/ 3.6gr
Located in SE
Ø 6mm /ca 1 ct, twenty two greenish rose cut Diamonds Ø 1.5 mm/ 0.02 ct each. Total weight ca 1.4
Category

Antique 19th Century European Art Nouveau Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver, 10k Gold

Antique 0.78 Carat Total Old European Cut Diamond Fashion Ring in Two-Tone Gold
Located in New York, NY
An antique fashion ring, featuring four old European cut diamonds and smaller rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, White Gold

Angara Natural Emerald-Cut 3ct Aquamarine Diamond Engagement Ring in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
of your relationship, this engagement ring features an emerald-cut aquamarine and two trapezoid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold

Victorian 18kt Gold Solitaire Ring with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
rose cut diamonds nestled on the shoulders of the ring. These charming diamonds add a touch of vintage
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Angara Natural Cushion Cut Aquamarine Engagement Ring With Diamond in 14K Gold
By ANGARA INC.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
individuality. We design with intention—using vivid coloured gemstones and ethically sourced diamonds to create
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Aquamarine, 14k Gold, Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring
Located in London, GB
. Around the outer edge we then find a row of rose cut diamonds; all of which have been individually rub
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Pearl Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Centered by a claw set pearl diameter 7 mm, framed by 9 rose cut diamonds weighing approximately
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Diamond Emerald Ring 14K White Gold Antique Cocktail Victorian
By Estate Jewelry
Located in East Brunswick, NJ
the total weight of .56 carat. The diamonds are different in size and quality. Old mine and rose-cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Late 19th Century Asymmetrical Antique Ring in Platinum and Gold with Natural Em
Located in Milano, MI
0.50 ct (visually ~0.70 ct), surrounded by rose cut diamonds and a small old-cut diamond, adding
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, Gold, Platinum

Antique Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
round faceted old mine cut diamonds, each with a exhibiting a white hue. The shoulders showcase an open
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Diamond, Ruby Opal Antique 18KT Gold Checkerboard Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Antique Checkerboard Ring Late 1800s European made The Ring Contains Diamonds Rubies Opals 18KT
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
. This trio is set prominently at the centre of the face with tiny rose cut diamonds neatly nestled at
Category

Antique 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Pearl Gold Ring and Earrings Set
Located in Napoli, NA
rose-cut diamonds and mother of pearls, mounted in 12k rose Gold. All handcrafted, Circa 1880
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond and Red Garnet Trilogy Ring
Located in Denver, CO
garnets. The vertical orientation of this ring is indicative of late 19th-century dinner ring design.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Pearl, Diamond and Enamel Mourning Locket Ring
Located in London, GB
rose cut diamond in a cut collet setting and is surrounded by four original natural pearls in a
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Victorian sapphire diamond 18k yellow gold cluster ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
mine cut diamonds, each stone reflecting the soft, romantic glow characteristic of 19th-century
Category

Early 20th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a chic and stylish antique ring featuring a trio round faceted old mine cut diamonds
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Georgian 18K and Silver Diamond Cluster Ring in Figural Diamond Shape c1810
Located in Baltimore, MD
is an open pinched collet set large rose cut diamond. In the corners are 4 large rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Early 19th Century British George III Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Victorian Pearl, Diamond and Enamel Mourning Locket Ring
Located in London, GB
rose cut diamond in a cut collet setting and is surrounded by four original natural pearls. Fine black
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

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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.