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Morganite Diamond Pink Sapphire Ring, 10K Rose Gold, Light Pink Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
A 10 karat rose gold morganite, pink sapphire and diamond ring. This ring features a three stone
Category

1990s Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Morganite, Pink Sapphire, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

14K Yellow Gold over Silver 1/10 Ctw over Diamond Composite Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.056, Treatment: None • Diamond 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

14K Yellow Gold over Silver 1/10 Ctw over Diamond Composite Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.056, Treatment: None • Diamond 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

14K Yellow Gold over Silver 1/10 Ctw over Diamond Composite Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.056, Treatment: None • Diamond 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

14K Yellow Gold over Silver 1/10 Ctw over Diamond Composite Halo Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
, Origin: Natural, Setting: Prong, Shape: Round, Total Carat Weight: 0.056, Treatment: None • Diamond 3
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Magnificent 1.87ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut 3-Stone Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
0.30-carat, enhancing the ring's overall brilliance. Additionally, ten round diamonds, totaling 0.05
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Exceptional Estate Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring by Cartier
By Cartier
Located in San Francisco, CA
down the shank of the ring for over half a carat total melee diamond weight. The platinum ring weighs
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Platinum Gold Engagement Ring with GIA 0.73ct Bezel-Set Diamond Rated E-VS1
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
. The total weight of the ring is 3 grams and the total diamond weight is 0.91 carats. Currently, this
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

4.64ct GIA Certified Color Change Sapphire Diamond Scallop Ring 18k White Gold
Located in Toronto, Ontario
. Twelve half bezel set round brilliant cut diamonds, measuring 3.50 x 2.05mm (depth est.) , 2.00% GTCF
Category

2010s Canadian Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Cartier Pave Diamond Band Ring Set in Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
with 17 round brilliant cut diamonds. The 374 diamonds total approximately 4.00 carats. The ring has
Category

Vintage 1970s American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century Antique Clover Shape Natural Pearl Diamonds Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats rose gold, and silver, owl and swan hallmarks. In the shape of a 4 leaves clover
Category

Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Bridal Rings

Materials

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

Captivating 1.37ct Double Excellent Ideal Cut Diamonds Pave Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
This elegant 18k white gold pave ring features a stunning 1.01-carat cushion-cut diamond as its
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18K Old Mine Cut 1.30 CTTW Antique Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
of the diamonds work together effortlessly in making a breathtaking engagement ring. Crafted in 18K
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Tiffany Co. 18K Yellow Gold Diamond Wedding Band Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in San Fernando, CA
weighing approx .33 total carat weight of diamonds Signed "Tiffany & Co." "750" 3 mm wide This Tiffany
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Solitaire Diamond White Gold Filigree Carved Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
about half way around the shank. This ring is in excellent condition for it's age and would make an
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Modern Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bangle Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. Bangle ring, the upper half of the ring is set with a pavement of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage French Diamond 18 Karat Gold Six Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French Diamond 18 Karat Gold Six Stone Ring. Featuring six round brilliant cut diamonds
Category

1990s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

LB Exclusive 14K White Gold 0.95 Ct Diamond Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
butterfly, held in place by three prongs, for a total of 0.95 carats of diamonds over the ring. The ring has
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Tiffany Co. Harmony Bead-Set Diamond Ring Platinum Wedding Band
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Hicksville, NY
with an Engagement Ring or to be worn alone. Features 20 prong set Diamonds with a .23 carat total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian .94 Carat GIA Old European Cut Vintage Diamond Platinum Solitaire
Located in Addison, TX
the century ring features a brilliant GIA certified 0.94 Carat Old European cut diamond is set
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Mesmerizing 1ct Oval Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Embrace the captivating beauty of this sophisticated ring, featuring a mesmerizing 1 carat oval
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Very Fine Victorian Three-Stone Ruby Diamond Antique Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
This is a very fine Victorian triple cluster ruby diamond ring. A gold and silver ring horizontally
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 14k Yellow Gold 1.05 Antique Cushion Cut in a Belcher Solitaire Ring
Located in Addison, TX
around the gallary and about half way down the shank. This ring is in great condition for its age, with a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1ct Diamond Marquise Band Platinum Sz 5.75 Ring Vintage Anniversary Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish marquise diamond ring crafted in 900 platinum. 9 marquise cut diamonds graduate in size
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Versace Diamond Band Fashion Ring in 18K Rose Gold
By Versace
Located in Dallas, TX
in ancient designs. The top half of the ring consists of a row of diamond-encrusted interlocked
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Unique 18K White Gold Ring with 0.60 ct Natural Diamonds
Located in רמת גן, IL
Beautiful Tapered Style Half Eternity Ring made from 18K White Gold with a 0.60 total diamond carat
Category

2010s Israeli Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Elegant 1.56ct Cushion Cut Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
. Offered in size 54, it adjusts up to 3 sizes for a perfect and comfortable fit. 1 Diamonds main stone of
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Two-Tone 14K Yellow Gold and 18K White Gold .95 Carat Three-Stone Ring
Located in Addison, TX
half way done the shank, adding beautiful delicate detail. The three diamonds have a lot of character
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Mesmerizing 0.81ct Cushion Cut Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Embrace the enduring beauty of this captivating ring, showcasing a mesmerizing 0.81 carat cushion
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sophisticated 2.58ct Diamonds Cluster Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
-carat center stone. Flanking the main stone are two half-moon diamonds totaling 0.60-carat, offering a
Category

2010s Israeli Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sparkling 1.83ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Sparkling 1.83ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified Celebrate opulence with
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Five Stone Diamond Ring Set in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond five stone half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of
Category

Early 2000s British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Luminous 1.35ct Diamonds Pave Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
white gold, this diamond pave ring showcases a captivating 1.01-carat oval brilliant diamond as its
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 19th Century 18 Karat Yellow Gold Silver Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
ring. Total weight of sapphire: approximately 0.45 carat, total weight of main diamonds: approximately
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...

Luminous 18k White Gold Diamond Pave Ring w/2.00 ct - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Luminous 18k White Gold Diamond Pave Ring w/2.00 ct - IGI Certified Embrace the luxurious allure
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vivid No Heat Madagascar Blue Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
3-Stone No Heat Vivid Blue Sapphire from Madagascar & Diamond Ring set in Platinum. The center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, Platinum

Cartier Oval Diamond Mimi Bombé Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
By Cartier
Located in London, England
A beautiful diamond set Cartier Mimi ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is predominantly set
Category

1990s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue Sapphire Statement Ring in 18k Solid White Gold with Diamonds
By VR Jewels
Located in New York, NY
Blue Sapphire Statement Ring with Diamonds in 18K Gold featuring natural sapphire of 1.55 carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Old Euro 5.11 CTW Diamond Cluster Platinum Cocktail Dome ring Circa 1950
Located in New York, NY
Exquisite vintage cocktail Dome diamond cluster ring in platinum, showcasing a fusion of old
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Art Deco 18 Karat Gold Diamond Engraved Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in Addison, TX
old european cut .51 carat diamond is set beautifully in a highly engraved ring. The 18 karat white
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 18k Gold

20 Karat Gold Hand Carved Gallery Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Ring Squared Head
Located in Addison, TX
WOW! This Art Deco solitaire is a stunner! Featuring a lively 3/4 carat Old Euro at the heart of
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Art Deco .85 Ct Old Cut Diamond 18k Solitaire Ring Original Box Receipt, 1926
Located in Addison, TX
This is truely a rare find! This amazing example of an Art Deco diamond ring come complete with the
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco .85 Ct Old Cut Diamond 18k Solitaire Ring Original Box Receipt, 1926
Located in Addison, TX
This is truely a rare find! This amazing example of an Art Deco diamond ring come complete with the
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Luxurious Fancy Color Three Stone Ring with 2.01 Ct Natural Diamonds, GIA Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
. the all ring made from 18k white gold with 2.01 total carat of cushion modified diamond and half moon
Category

2010s Israeli Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond

1990 s 1.78 CTW Pink Sapphire Diamond Platinum Vintage Three Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
in color - prong set in basket Flanked by prong set half-moon cut diamond shoulders Weighing
Category

1990s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum

Charming 18k White Gold Three Stone Ring 1.43ct Natural Diamonds GIA Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
A stylish and sophisticated 3 stone ring with a Shiney and natural cushion modified brilliant
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Dazzling 18k Yellow Gold Ring with 2.15 ct Natural Diamonds IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
An elegant cluster ring with a dazzling 1.45 carat square cushion brilliant natural diamond. It has
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Glamorous 18K White Gold Natural Diamond Ring with 1.25 ct - GIA AIG Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
1.25 carat Ideal Cut Cushion and half moons diamond ring Indulge in the beauty of eternal love
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Charming 18k White Gold Three Stone Ring with 1.43ct Natural Diamonds GIA Cert.
Located in רמת גן, IL
A stylish and sophisticated 3 stone ring with a Shiney and natural cushion modified brilliant
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Glamorous 18k Rose Gold Three-Stone Ring w/ 0.74ct Natural Diamonds AIG Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
A marvelous pave three stone ring with a dazzling 0.8 carat cushion shape natural diamond. It has
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Stylish 18k White Gold Cluster Three Stone Ring 1.1ct Natural Diamonds GIA Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
A ravishing and stylish ring with a dazzling 0.81 carat princess cut natural diamonds. It has 0.29
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Sparkling 18k White Gold Three Stone Ring w/ 1.27ct Natural Diamonds IGI Cert.
Located in רמת גן, IL
A sophisticated and stunning pave ring with a dazzling 0.9 carat princess cut natural diamond. It
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Gorgeous 18k White Gold Three Stone Ring w/ 1.23ct Natural Diamonds IGI Cert.
Located in רמת גן, IL
A stunning moon ring with a dazzling 0.92 carat radiant natural diamond. It has 0.31 carat of side
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Dazzling 18k White Gold Three-Stone Ring w/ 1.29ct Natural Diamonds AIG Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
A sophisticated pave ring with a dazzling 0.81-carat cushion natural diamond. It has 0.46 carats of
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Three Stone Pave Ring w/ 2.82ct Natural Diamonds IGI Certificate
Located in רמת גן, IL
An elegant cluster ring with a dazzling 1.75 carat square cushion natural diamond. It has 1.07
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Stunning 18 kt. White Gold Ring with 1.44 ct Total Natural Diamonds - IGI Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
Dazzling 1.44 Carat Rectangular Cushion Brilliant Diamond Ring with Side Stones in 18K White Gold
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ravishing 18k White Gold Three Stone Ring w/ 0.97 ct Natural Diamonds IGI Certif
Located in רמת גן, IL
A glorious ring with a dazzling 0.7 carat square cushion natural diamond. It has 0.29 carat of side
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

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3 And A Half Carat Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact 3 and a half carat diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, 18k gold and yellow gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 643 vintage editions and 740 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a 3 and a half carat diamond ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 18th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic 3 and a half carat diamond ring over the years, but those made by Tiffany Co., Shreve, Crump Low and Gems Paradise are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and cushion cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking a 3 and a half carat diamond ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a 3 And A Half Carat Diamond Ring?

Prices for a 3 and a half carat diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $1 and can go as high as $1,875,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,390.

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.