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Edwardian 1.05 Carat Diamond Platinum-Topped 14 Karat White Gold Heart Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
throughout by old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.05 carats total; G to J color with VS and SI
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

AUSTRO-HUNGARIAN 1900 Earrings Ring Set 18Kt Gold With 3.15 Cts In Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
blue sapphires, with a total weight of about 1.80 Carats. Diamonds: Surrounded around, with 45
Category

Antique Early 1900s Austrian Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silv...

Edwardian 0.37 Carat Diamond Platinum Horseshoe Charm, circa 1920
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Horseshoe charm bead set with rose cut and Swiss cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.37 carat
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Charm Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Clover Pendant Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a petite clover motif necklace compromised of three old European cut diamonds Weighing
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, White G...

Edwardian Amethyst Diamond Pearl Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Gold Swag Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
approximately 0.25 carat total Completed by a spring ring clasp Tested as platinum and 18 karat gold Circa
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Chain Necklaces

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Pl...

Edwardian 1.40 Carat Diamond Platinum 14 Karat White Gold Necklace Binder Bros
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Pierced open-form, centering articulated drop with bezel set graduated old European cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

French Edwardian No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.91 carats total - H/I color with VS2 clarity Accented by a
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Platinum Antique Horse Saddle Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Weighing approximately 0.17 carat total Eye-clean and bright Completed by jump ring bale Tested as platinum
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Platinum

Edwardian Old Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bar Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Old Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Bar Brooch. Featuring three old mine cut and old
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Enamel Platinum Belmont Park Antique Horse Race Program Charm
Located in Philadelphia, PA
single cut diamonds bead set at corners Weighing approximately 0.04 carat total - eye clean and bright
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Edwardian GIA Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Pair of Edwardian GIA Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Yellow Gold Cluster Earrings. Featuring two
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 5.45 CTW Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Clover Heart Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
set throughout with old European and old mine cut diamonds With a prong set halo surround of old
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Natural Pearl Onyx Platinum Long Chain Necklace, circa 1910
Located in Philadelphia, PA
by old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.41 carat total, H/I color and VS clarity
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Natural Pearl Onyx Platinum Long Chain Necklace, circa 1910
Located in Philadelphia, PA
by old European cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.41 carat total, H/I color and VS clarity
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Natural Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Chalcedony 18 Karat Gold Antique Cat Intaglio Fob Pendant
Located in Philadelphia, PA
" Suspending from jump ring bale Tested as 18 karat Circa: 1910 Measures: 3/4 x 1 inch Total Weight: 11.2
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 12.04 CTW Citrine Diamond Pearl 14K Gold Antique Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.24 carat total Accented by 3.0 mm round seed pearls White with
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Art Nouveau 1900 Scarab Brooch Gold Silver Diamonds And Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
. Diamonds: Mount in flush settings, with 32 mixed old rose cuts natural diamonds, 1.60 carats, white-gray
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Ye...

Edwardian 12.04 CTW Citrine Diamond Pearl 14K Gold Antique Cross Pendant Brooch
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.24 carat total Accented by 3.0 mm round seed pearls White with
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau 1900 Edwardian Enamel Orchid Flower In 18Kt Gold With Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
brooch and a retractable ring to wear in a chain. Diamond: Mount in a six-prongs setting, with 1
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Brassler Co. Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Swag Necklace
Located in Philadelphia, PA
brown matrix veining - black is dye while brown is natural Accented by old European cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold 26.00 Carat Ruby 0.16 Carat Diamond Drop Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
piece features: - 4 rubies, cabochon/pear mix cut, TW 26.00ct, slpR 7/4-7/3, P3 - 24 diamonds, RBC - 17
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Modern 18 Karat Gold 2.5 Carat Tanzanite 0.81 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
tanzanites (TW 2.50ct, bV 4/3, VS) and 14 brilliant cut diamonds (TW 0.81ct, RW+/RW, VS). Weight: 10.05g
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold 4.00 Carat Pear Cut Sapphire 0.25 Carat Diamond Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
. pear cut blue sapphire: 4.00ct, B 9/3, P3 - 25pcs. diamonds: 17 facet, TW 0.25ct, RW-STW, VS-SI Weight
Category

Late 20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Modern 18 Karat Gold 1.2 Carat Sapphire 0.24 Carat Diamond Half Hoop Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
features: - Sapphires: 4pcs., marquise cut, 1.20ct, B 8/3, VS - Diamonds: 6pcs., round brilliant cut
Category

Late 20th Century Hoop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage 9 Karat Gold 3.00 Carat Blue Green Tourmaline 0.18 Carat Diamond Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
(emerald cut, 3.00ct, BG-GB 4/3, VVS) - 8 diamonds (17 facet, TW 0.18ct, RW+/RW, VS-SI) Weight: 3.58g Size
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, 9k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Garnet 0.10 Carat Ruby 0.24 Carat Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
features: - 1 garnet, pear cut - 3 rubies, round cut, TW 0.10ct, slpR 5/4, SI - 12 diamonds, RBC -17/57, TW
Category

Mid-20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 14 Karat Gold 5.40 Carat Emerald 0.54 Carat Diamond Tennis Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
strongly bluish green (vstgB 3/5), SI-I2, F Diamonds: 0.54ct, RW, SI-P1 The piece has a safe clasp
Category

Late 20th Century French Art Deco Tennis Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Platinum

18 Karat Gold 0.58 Carat Sapphire 0.28 Carat Diamond “Star Of David” Pendant
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
sapphires (TW 0.58ct, B 7/3, VS) and 12 brilliant cut diamonds (TW 0.28ct, RW+/W, VS-SI). Weight: 2.95g
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold 3.00 Carat Blue Sapphire 0.11 Carat Diamond Chain Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume jewellery
Category

Early 20th Century French Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modern 900 Platinum 0.26 Carat Diamond Hinged Bangle Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Modern 18 Karat White Gold TW 0.95 Carat Diamond Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Modern 18 Karat White Gold 1.11 Carat Garnet Rhodolite Diamond Collier Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
rhodolites (TW 1.11ct, stpR 3/3, VS-SI) and 3 brilliant cut diamonds (TW 0.009ct, W, SI-P1). Weight: 4.23g
Category

Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Rhodolite, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 22 Karat Yellow Gold 2.59 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Bracelet
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume jewellery: Chanel, Christian
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, 22k Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Antique Russian Diamond Star Pendant Locket
Located in Chicago, IL
. Estimated total diamond weight 1 carat. Height without suspension ring - 45 mm (1 3/4 in.) Width - 35
Category

20th Century Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond

Antique Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Earrings
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
with a total weight of approximately 8.00 carats. Accented by 24 old mine cut diamonds with a total
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Lever-Back Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Swiss 1895 Red Guilloché Pendant Watch In 14Kt Gold 3.12 Ctw Rose Cuts Diamond
Located in Miami, FL
An Edwardian Guilloché enameled pendant-clock. A beautiful and finely detailed pendant-watch
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Modern 18 Karat Gold 1.00 Carat Garnet Polished Quartz Heart Shape Earrings
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
, including Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut
Category

Late 20th Century Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Garnet, Quartz, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Navette Edwardian 3 Carat
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A jaw-dropping 1 1/2" long authentic antique sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Known as a navette
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This diamond ring holds three glittering diamonds measuring a total of 1.10carats. The diamonds are
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Late Edwardian 1.77 Carat Diamond Platinum Filigree Engagement Ring, circa 1915
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.62 carat, H color with VS clarity
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Platinum Geometric Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
round brilliant cut diamond weighing approximately 0.12 carat, I color and SI1 clarity Surrounded by
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian 1.05 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian 1.05 carat old European-cut diamond and platinum engagement ring circa 1910. * The facts
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian 6.80 Carat Natural Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite sapphire ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Made of 18kt yellow gold, the ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The style of this Edwardian ring is stunning. Each diamond is clean and bright and has gorgeous
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Amethyst and Diamond 15 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
glossy stone sit two 7pt diamonds. The shoulders have scroll and leaf details. The leaves on the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 15k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Platinum and 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
! 18ct gold band and diamonds set in Platinum. Ring Size: P 1/2 or 7 3/4
Category

Antique 1830s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Gypsy Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gypsy ring holds three diamonds totalling approx 25pts and these are set in star settings. The
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The style of this Edwardian ring is stunning. Each diamond is clean and bright and has gorgeous
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
18ct gold band. Diamond total approx 55pts. Ring Size: P or 7 3/4 Cluster diameter: 9mm Weight: 2.68g
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
total 1.15ct and also holds diamond points in-between the larger stones. Ring Size: N pr 6 3/4 Height
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This cluster ring holds Diamonds totalling approx 1ct and are bright and sparkly. The stones are
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
. Either side of the largest stone are pairs of diamonds points. Ring Size: L or 5 3/4 Height off finger
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The beautiful square cut Emerald in this ring is a bright green colour and the Diamonds either side
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This cluster ring holds old mine cut Diamonds totalling approx 27pts and are bright and sparkly
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
mine cut diamond total is 40pts. Ring Size: P or 7 3/4 Width: 6.5mm Height Off Finger: 5mm Weight
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Diamond Five-Stone 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
mine cut diamond total is 40pts. Ring Size: P or 7 3/4 Width: 6.5mm Height Off Finger: 5mm Weight
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Green Garnet and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This unusual style Edwardian ring holds five stones, starting with two Diamonds on the outside and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

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3 Carat Edwardian Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 3 carat edwardian diamond ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, platinum and yellow gold. You can easily find a 1301 antique edition and 251 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a 3 carat edwardian diamond ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 carat and 1 carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Creating a 3 carat edwardian diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Unbranded, Tiffany Co. and Intini Jewels are consistently popular. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and oval cut versions for sale. Most of our 3 carat edwardian diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 321 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 3 Carat Edwardian Diamond Ring?

The price for a 3 carat edwardian diamond ring starts at $386 and tops out at $200,100 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,207.

A Close Look at Edwardian Jewelry

Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.

Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.

During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.

Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.

Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.

Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.

Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other 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.