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Petra Ring, Tourmaline and Diamond Ring in Rose Gold
By Selin Kent
Located in New York, NY
- White diamonds cover 2/3 of the band - Size 4-8, including half or quarter sizes. Please reach out for
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Birks Blue Sapphire Diamond and Platinum Ring
By Birks
Located in Toronto, Ontario
A stunning Birks ring is set with fancy Marquise cut Diamonds and Blue Sapphires in a 5 mm wide
Category

Late 20th Century Canadian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Hi June Parker 14 Karat Gold Connected Rings 0.53 Carat Salt Pepper Diamonds
By Hi June Parker
Located in New York, NY
wedding bands. Hi June Parker's best selling Shadows ring band has been upgraded with a few more diamonds
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold

2.55 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Three-Stone Ring
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
18 karat white gold 3 stone ring consisting of 1 cushion shape ruby weighing 2.55 carats, with AGL
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Gold Tone and Sterling Silver Tourmaline and Diamond Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
3 carat Tourmaline of purplish-pink, centres this very unusual & attractive Ring. It is oval
Category

2010s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Sterling Silver

5.14 Carat Burma Ruby Diamond gold platinum Ring
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
cut half moon shaped diamonds having a total weight of 1.07 carats.
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

1.88ct Oval Muzo Emerald And Diamond Engagement Ring
By Harlin Jones
Located in Sydney, NSW
Diamonds F-VS Approx 0.36ct - Finger Size (Australian 'K') - (US 5.1/4) - Total Carat Weight Approx 2.24ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Australian Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Late Art Deco .96 Carat I/J VVS Diamond Twin Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
his is a very charming late Art Deco ring, in lovely rectangular crown starring a duo of Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.20 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Solitaire Plus Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
half cut diamonds totalling approx .52 CT (G/H-VVS/VS) UK size: M 3/4 US size: 6 1/2 Measures: head is
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 2.42 Carat Emerald Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Three Stone Ring
By DGI
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Cut Green Emerald that weighs 1.25 Carats and has Half Moon Cut Diamonds weighing 0.63 Carats. It is
Category

2010s American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Crest Wave 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.36 Carat Diamond Twist Ring
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
CREST WAVE diamond twist ring, is 7mm wide, lacy eternity band with hand twist detail that’s
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.55 Carat Natural Burmese Ruby .40 Carat Old Diamond Seven-Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Say for Ever! Outstanding quality, Victorian period half hoop ring set with 100% natural untreated
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco 3.00 Carat Natural Aquamarine .50 Carat Old Mine Diamond Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
the Sky shadows Flanked on sides by two old mine cushion cut Diamonds - .50 Ct half of a carat total
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Superlative Art Deco 2.20 Carat Diamond Plus .70 Carat Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
cut totalling approx 2.20 Ct (.70 - .80 .70 Ct – H/I-VVS/VS) – 24 half cut diamonds totalling approx
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Defne Night Sky Ring, Marquise Diamond Ring
By Selin Kent
Located in New York, NY
existing stack. - Diamond marquise 6.5x3mm: 0.3 carats, F/G color, VS clarity - Pavé diamonds cover 2/3
Category

2010s American Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Diamond, 18k Gold

Scilla Aquamarine and Diamond Star Twist Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
round Aquamarine • Total 0.12 carat white diamonds • Made to order in size 4 to 8.5, whole and half
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Petal Belt 18 Karat Yellow Gold 0.336 Carat Diamonds Open Lace Crown Ring
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
PETAL BELT open lace diamond ring. The wide eternity band features diamond tipped twist petals
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Scilla Dee Blue Sapphire and Diamond Star Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
0.19 carat • JeweLyrie signature twist base • 1mm wide pavé set diamond half shank • 0.18 total carat
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 3.86 Carat Alexandrite Fashion Ring
Located in Encino, CA
One electronically tested platinum ladies cast alexandrite and diamond ring. The featured
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Alexandrite, Diamond, Platinum

Victorian 1.20 Carat Natural No Heat Ruby Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Captivating Red Colour Beautiful antique Victorian period three stone ring, 1900 ca Lovely half
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Chloris Double Halo Sky Blue Topaz and Diamond Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
set on 1mm wide half pavé diamond band. • Chloris ring • 8mm round sky blue topaz 2.3 carat • Pavé
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 2.41 Carat Paraiba Tourmaline Fashion Ring
Located in Encino, CA
Electronically tested 14KT yellow gold ladies cast Paraiba tourmaline and diamond ring with a
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 14k Gold

Blue Sapphire, Ruby, Emerald and Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
One Electronically tested 18k yellow gold ladies cast multi gemstone & diamond ring with a bright
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

French Certified 2.0 Carat Plus Natural Fancy Yellow Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
(HRD certificate) – 8 half cut diamonds totalling approx .30 Ct UK size: M 3/4 US size: 6 1/2 Measures
Category

Vintage 1950s Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 10.13 Carat Rare Unheated Ruby Fashion Ring
Located in Encino, CA
One electronically tested platinum ladies cast ruby and diamond ring with a bright polish finish
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Diamond Voyager Ring by Birthright Foundry
By Birthright Foundry
Located in Annapolis, MD
Natural Diamond Council and Lorraine Schwartz. Details Available for order in sizes: 3-15 including half
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Un-Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
flush to the face of the signet ring, so the top half and bottom half pyramid shapes of the diamond are
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Un-Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
flush to the face of the signet ring, so the top half and bottom half pyramid shapes of the diamond are
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Cipullo Diamond Gold Platinum Eye on the Right Hand Vintage Ring
By Renato Cipullo
Located in New York, NY
half carat of baguette diamonds and .25 round diamonds Size 6 3/4
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Yellow Matte Gold Natural Octahedron Rough Diamond Signet Ring
By SHIHARA
Located in Shibuya, Tokyo, JP
flush to the face of the signet ring, so the top half and bottom half pyramid shapes of the diamond are
Category

2010s Japanese Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Gold

Diamond "Guler" Ring by Selin Kent in Platinum
By Selin Kent
Located in New York, NY
Featuring graduated white diamonds culminating in a single pear-shaped diamond, our Guler Ring
Category

2010s Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Best of Both: Ruby Sapphire Diamond Flip Ring
Located in Wimberley, TX
) graduated brilliant cut diamonds of an estimated total weight of .40 carats (H-I color; VS2-SI1 clarity
Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire

Scilla Diamond Star Twist Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
Dainty and exquisite SCILLA diamond star twist engagement ring, showcasing a 3.5mm round diamond
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

4.99ct Emerald Cut Zambian Emerald Halfmoon Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
• Color: Natural Beryl Green • CDC Certified: CDC 1909296 • Number of Half Moon Diamonds: 2 • Carat
Category

2010s American Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Wisteria Twist V Diamond Ring 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
Dainty yet eye catching Wisteria twist diamond V ring sparks with prong set small brilliant round
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

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

AS29 DNA Pave Diamond Opened Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
By AS29
Located in Hong Kong, HK
ring perfectly wraps around the finger and is detailed with a half pave diamond band and a contrasting
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Five Stone Tatau Ring by Birthright Foundry
By Birthright Foundry
Located in Annapolis, MD
weight of 0.70 carats. Available for order in sizes: 3-15 including half sizes. Composition: 18K Yellow
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Band Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Eva Ring in White Gold with White Diamonds by Selin Kent
By Selin Kent
Located in New York, NY
14k rose gold with white diamonds. - Diamond carat weight: 0.25 - Available in sizes 4-8
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Eva Ring in Rose Gold with Black Diamonds by Selin Kent
By Selin Kent
Located in New York, NY
14k rose gold with black diamonds. - Diamond carat weight: 0.30 - Available in sizes 4-8
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Eva Ring in Rose Gold with White Diamonds by Selin Kent
By Selin Kent
Located in New York, NY
14k rose gold with white diamonds. - Diamond carat weight: 0.25 - Available in sizes 4-8
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Eva Ring in Yellow Gold with White Diamonds by Selin Kent
By Selin Kent
Located in New York, NY
14k yellow gold with white diamonds. - Diamond carat weight: 0.25 - Available in sizes 4-8
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Calliope Rose Cut Diamond Vertical Wavy Bar Ring in 18k Gold
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
wavy bar is 37mm long, 7.5mm wide. Total 0.326 carat diamonds, 3.02 gram Calliope ring in 18K yellow
Category

2010s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Hammered Ring with Oval Rose Cut Diamond in 18 Karat Gold, A2 by Arunashi
By Arunashi
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This simple yet chic ring with a half carat (0.53 carat) Rose Cut Diamond is easy to wear on its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Carelle 18K WG 1.25 Ct Pink Sapphire .20 Ct Diamond Bridal Anniversary Band Ring
By Carelle
Located in New York, NY
, surrounded by a scalloped border of .20 carats of dazzling GH-VS diamond pave. The band tapers to a 3 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 18k Gold

Oval Ruby Diamond Band
Located in Carmel, CA
features 3 rubies for a total of 1.95 carats, 10 baguette cut diamonds for .17 total carats and 20 round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Orchard Rose Cut Diamond Eternity Wavy Band 18K
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
. total 0.382 carat white diamonds, F,G, VS-SI. Also shown Orchard ring stacking variations with JeweLyrie
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

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

PHILIPPE SPENCER 20K Gold 5x2mm Band “Lucky 13” COLORLESS Diamonds
By PHILIPPE SPENCER
Located in Key West, FL
wide, and 1.8 to 2.2mm thick, and .82 to .87 Carat Total Colorless Diamonds. Why COLORLESS Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

PHILIPPE SPENCER 20K Gold 5x2mm Band “Lucky 13” COLORLESS Diamonds
By PHILIPPE SPENCER
Located in Key West, FL
between 4.7 - 5.25mm wide, and 1.8 to 2.2mm thick, and .82 to .87 Carat Total Colorless Diamonds. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

PHILIPPE SPENCER 20K Gold 8x2mm Band with 1.03 Ct. Tw. COLORLESS Diamonds
By PHILIPPE SPENCER
Located in Key West, FL
ring. This in-stock item is a size 11 1/2, and ships within 3 business days from our Key West, Florida
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

PHILIPPE SPENCER 20K Gold 8x2mm Band with 1.03 Ct. Tw. COLORLESS Diamonds
By PHILIPPE SPENCER
Located in Key West, FL
wide, and 1.9 to 2.2mm thick, and 1.02 to 1.05 Carat Total Colorless Diamonds. Why COLORLESS Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Carelle 18K WG 1.76 Ct Sapphire, .33 Ct Diamond Anniversary Three Stone Band
By Carelle
Located in New York, NY
, surrounded by a scalloped border of .33 carats of dazzling GH-VS diamond pave. The band tapers to a 3 mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Gothic Revival Gold Ring with Joan of Arc by Louis Wièse, Late 19th Century
Located in Chicago, IL
56.45 mm.; US size 7 3/4; UK size P ½ Cast and chased openwork gold ring with square section hoop
Category

Antique 1890s French Gothic Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

Gold

Clio London Blue Topaz Twist Vine Solitaire 18 Karat
By JeweLyrie
Located in Paterson, NJ
  • Scattered small brilliant rounds along ring shank • Total 0.13 carat brilliant cut white diamonds • Made to
Category

2010s American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Emerald Jewelry Set with Diamonds, 18 Carat White Gold, 20th Century
Located in Berlin, DE
carat yellow gold Europe, 2nd half 20th century 3 emeralds of a total of approx. 1.5 Carat 22 diamonds
Category

Mid-20th Century German Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Tahitian Pearl, Tourmaline, Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold Platinum Dangle Earrings
By Raintree
Located in Burlington, VT
pearl carved in half. Each hemisphere is lined with Nacozari Turquoise, trimmed with a ring of pave set
Category

2010s American Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Tourmaline, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Classic American 0.60 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
framed by a half dozen Swiss cut diamonds. Weighing a combined 0.12 carats and grading as VS clarity and
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Filigree 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in Boston, MA
diamonds grade as VS clarity and H color with a combined weight of 0.06 carats. Currently a size 5 3/4 US
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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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.