Skip to main content

3 And A Half Carat Diamond Ring

to
79
441
202
605
283
169
59
53
50
38
31
21
18
17
15
11
10
9
8
8
7
6
5
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
1
1
66
25
19
13
13
Sort By
GIA 3.43 Carat Cushion Diamond 3-Stone Engagement Wedding Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Breathtaking vintage HANDMADE PLATINUM (stamped) Cushion Diamond Three-Stone Engagement ring. The
Category

Early 2000s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in London, England
An exquisite diamond and sapphire half eternity ring set in 18k yellow and white gold. The ring
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Gold Solitaire 0.50 Half Carat Diamond Ring, circa 1950s
Located in Addison, TX
This classic diamond engagement ring features a lively half carat solitaire diamond set in the
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, 14k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and 18 Carat White Gold Half Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
sparkle. Ring Size: N or 6 3/4 Band Width: 2.5mm Weight: 1.94g
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

Vintage 14 Karat Gold Solitaire 0.50 Half Carat Diamond Ring, circa 1950s
Located in Addison, TX
This classic diamond engagement ring features a lively half carat solitaire diamond set in the
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA 3.65 Carat Vintage Asscher Diamond 3-Stone Engagement Wedding Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Breathtaking Estate HANDMADE PLATINUM (stamped) Diamond Three-Stone Engagement ring dazzles GIA
Category

Early 2000s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1920s 3 Carat Star Sapphire and 0.25 Carat Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
1920s Art Deco Star Sapphire Ring - 14k White Gold, Star Sapphire, Diamonds Features a 3 carat
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Star Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Contemporary Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and emerald half eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is composed of 7 round
Category

2010s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Ring Set in 18k Yellow and White Gold
Located in London, England
A lovely diamond and emerald half eternity ring set in 18k yellow and white gold. The ring is
Category

2010s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

4.77tcw 18K AAA+ Colombian Cushion Cut Emerald Half Moon Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
An investment-grade Colombian emerald and half-moon diamond engagement, statement, or right-hand
Category

2010s Colombian Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Half Diamond Eternity Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
approximate diamond weight 0.72 carats, G/H colour, VS-SI clarity. The ring is currently a US finger 5 3/4
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Classic Akoya Cultured Pearl and Diamond Ring in 18 Karat White Gold
By A. Kurz
Located in Lucerne, CH
of 7.8 mm in diameter. The half-entourage of 8 brilliant-cut diamonds is given a modern twist by the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Cultured Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Diamond Yellow Gold Half Eternity Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Diamond Yellow Gold Half Eternity Band Ring. Featuring seven round brilliant cut
Category

1990s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Diamond Emerald Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
A bright Victorian emerald and Old Mine cut diamond half hoop five stone ring dating to about 1880
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Platinum AGL Burma No Heat Red Ruby W/ Half Moon Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
Platinum AGL Certified Cushion Cut Red Burma Ruby And Half Moon Cut Diamond Ring 5.8 Grams Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Contemporary Burma Ruby 4.67 Carat and 3.25 Carat Diamond Band Ring
Located in Florence, IT
This 4.67 Carat Burma Ruby and 3.25 Carat Diamond band ring makes a seriously impressive statement
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Stunning 1.92ct Sapphires and Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 1.92ct Sapphires and Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified This
Category

2010s Israeli Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Ring Set in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A lovely diamond and emerald half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is composed of 7
Category

2010s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Half Diamond Ring, Platinum Stacking Band Vintage Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish half diamond stacking band crafted in platinum. Round brilliant cut diamonds total an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Luminous 1.82ct Sapphires and Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
Luminous 1.82ct Sapphires and Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified This
Category

2010s Israeli Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co. Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Yellow Gold
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. diamond and ruby half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold. The
Category

Early 2000s Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Contemporary Sapphire and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and sapphire half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of
Category

2010s British Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Contemporary Ruby and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and ruby half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of 11
Category

2010s British Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Contemporary Emerald and Diamond Half Eternity Band Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in London, England
A stylish diamond and emerald half eternity ring set in 18k white gold. The ring is composed of
Category

2010s British Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Bishop s Stortford, Hertfordshire
Tiffany & Co. Brilliant Cut Diamond Platinum Half Eternity Ring Product Details Xupes Ref: J1458
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Red and White Diamond Alternating Half Eternity Band 14K White Gold Ring
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Material: 14K White Gold 3 Round Brilliant Red Diamonds at approximately 0.27 Carats Total Weight 2
Category

2010s American Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Tiffany Co. Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. diamond half-eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is composed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Tiffany Co. Diamond Half Eternity Ring in Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
A beautiful vintage Tiffany & Co. diamond half-eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is composed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

French Napoleon 3 18 Carat Yellow Gold Platinum Engagement Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
ring - French work of the second half of the 19st century. Our opinion: Brillante, rose cut diamonds
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Modern 3, 18 Carats Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds set half-moon. On either side of the ring, 2 brilliant-cut diamonds are set in the middle. Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

GRS Certified 4.0 Carat Vivid Red Ruby Diamond 3-Stone Ring
Located in Greenville, DE
The Vivid Red Ruby 3 Stone Ring is crafted in 18k white gold with an 18k yellow gold box and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Cushion Cut Blue Sapphire and Half-Moon Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, England
weighing 0.25 carats each (0.50 carats total diamond weight). Both half-moons are G/H in colour with VVS
Category

2010s British Modern Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

White and Natural Yellow Diamond Half Eternity Ring Set in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in London, England
A beautiful white and natural yellow diamond five stone half eternity ring set in 18k yellow gold
Category

2010s British Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Estate 6 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This glamorous sapphire and diamond 3 stone ring is an absolute beauty. The rich blue sapphire has
Category

1990s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Tiffany Seven Stone Diamond Forever Half Circle Platinum Band Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Tiffany seven stone diamond forever half-circle platinum band ring. What a lovely way to
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

5.18 Carat Emerald Cut and Pear Shape Diamond Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A new emerald cut and pear shape diamond ring. The emerald cut diamond weighs 5.18 carat and the 3
Category

2010s Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Diamond Pave 3-Row Gold Band Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
total of 1.41 carats. The rows of diamonds run half way around the ring but when worn all that can be
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

19th Century Napoleon 3 18K Yellow Gold 0, 70 carats Diamond Man Engraved Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
antique brilliant- cut diamond. On either side, on the half of the ring are engraved patterns of ivy
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings

Materials

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

French 19th Century Napoleon 3 18 Karat Rose Gold 0.60 Carat Diamond Man Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
that end on the claws that enclose the diamond. Total weight of diamond: 0.60 carat approximately
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Signet Rings

Materials

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

Tiffany Co. Round Brilliant Diamond Half Eternity Ring Set in Platinum
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, England
A lovely signed Tiffany & Co. diamond half eternity ring set in platinum. The ring is set with
Category

2010s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

14KT 2.25 Carat Diamond Fashion/Cocktail Ring
Located in Towson, MD
diamond in this ring weighs approximately .82 carats (over 3/4 carat). All the diamonds weigh about 2.25
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Five Stone Diamond 18 Karat Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
weigh about 3 carats total. The ring is a stunning example of a diamond half hoop ring. It is 6.5 mm
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

19th Century Napoleon 3 Diamond Natural Pearl You and Me Engagement Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
. Main diamond weight: about 1.16 carat, total weight of other diamonds: about 0.30 carat. Diameter of
Category

Antique 1850s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Ideal Cut Radiant 3 stones Ring w/ half moon made from 18k Yellow Gold w/1.36 ct
Located in רמת גן, IL
Ideal cut Radiant 3 stones ring with half moons made from 18k Yellow Gold Diamond Pave Ring w/1.36
Category

2010s Israeli Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald Diamond Half Hoop Band Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Stacking Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
Stylish vintage emerald & diamond half hoop ring crafted in 14 karat yellow gold. Four emeralds
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

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

Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat White Gold Princess .94 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
sapphire solitaire held in a half-bezel mount that is adorned with glittering princess cut diamond accents
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Dazzling 1.03ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 14k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Dazzling 1.03ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 14k White Gold - IGI Certified This classic 14K
Category

2010s Israeli Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

19th Century Napoleon 3 Diamond Natural Pearl Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds: 0.60 carat approximately. Height: 21.6 mm, width: 10.3 mm, thickness: 5.4 mm, width of the ring
Category

Antique 1880s French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Stunning 1.88ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Stunning 1.88ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k Yellow Gold - IGI Certified Embrace the
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dazzling 2.93ct Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
white gold diamond half-eternity ring features 12 round diamonds with a total carat weight of 2.93-carat
Category

2010s Israeli Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Glamorous 1.58ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Glamorous 1.58ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified This exquisite half
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Glamorous 1.58ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Glamorous 1.58ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified This exquisite half
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1930 Half Eternity Ring in Platinum with 10 Round Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
Eternity ring band with Natural Diamonds. An Art-Deco half eternity band ring crafted in America
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Elegant 1.28ct Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Elegant 1.28ct Diamonds Half Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified Elevate your style
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Elegant 1.00ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k Rose Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Elegant 1.00ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k Rose Gold - IGI Certified 10J2041324 Elevate
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Stunning 0.88ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
half-eternity ring features a cluster of 14 sparkling round diamonds, boasting a total carat weight of
Category

2010s Israeli Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Exquisite 2.38ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified
Located in רמת גן, IL
Exquisite 2.38ct Diamonds Half-Eternity Ring in 18k White Gold - IGI Certified Crafted in
Category

2010s Israeli Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "3 And A Half Carat Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.