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Edwardian 1908 1.74 CTW Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Floral Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing approximately 1.21 carats - K color with VS2 clarity
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1.03 Carat GIA Cert Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
high quality sparkling round cut diamond accents. The ring is stamped PLAT and weighs 2.4 grams. It is
Category

20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Blue Sapphire Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
: 0.08 Carat (approx. total weight) This ring will be made to your order in 3-6 weeks, contact us to find
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

1915 Edwardian early Art Deco GIA 7.87ct Peridot Diamond Platinum Antique Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique GIA 6.73ct Old Cushion Peridot and Diamond Edwardian Platinum Ring. From the mid-1800s
Category

Vintage 1910s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Platinum

Marquise Blue Aquamarine Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
shoulders. Hand fabricated. Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 4.60 g. (approx. total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Blue Sapphire Edwardian Style Cluster 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Wonderful and very special antique design ring. It is decorated with an approx. central 0.35 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 8.15 CTW Amethyst Diamond Platinum 14K Gold Antique Fleur-De-Lis Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
diamonds Weighing approximately 1.70 carats total G to I in color with VS2 clarity Accented by pierced
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 3.00 CTW Diamond Ruby Platinum 14K Gold Antique Scroll Band Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
baguette cut diamonds bar set in-between Weighing approximately 0.60 carat total - H color with VS2 clarity
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Blue Topaz and Diamond Edwardian Style Dome Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Make a bold statement with our Natural Blue Topaz and Diamond Edwardian Style Ring, expertly
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Dome Rings

Materials

Topaz, Blue Topaz, Diamond, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Blue Tanzanite Diamond Vintage Style Edwardian Wide Band Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
weight) Ring size: US 3 8 available Center Gemstones Type: Tanzanite Shape: Oval Size: 7 x 5 mm. Number
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tanzanite, 14k Gold, White Gold

Rose Gold Diamond Edwardian Cluster Cocktail Ring 14k 10k Rose .30ctw Snowflake
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 3 1/2 Sizing Fee: Up 4 sizes for $40 Era: Edwardian Date: 1900s - 1910s Metal Content: 10k
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 1.17 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage GIA Certified 1.07 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Handcrafted from Edwardian era, this ring is centered with a sparkling GIA certified round
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 1.37 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Stunning 2.27 Carat GIA Cert Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
This platinum ring is centered with a sparkling GIA certified round brilliant cut diamond that
Category

20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Round Diamond Emerald Edwardian Style Floral Engraved 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
This diamond and emerald engagement ring is set with 0.35 carat round brilliant cut diamonds. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Edwardian Quatrefoil White Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.22 carat opal and 0.30 carat diamond, 14 karat yellow gold cocktail
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 1.67 Carat Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

Emerald Diamond Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style Target White Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Embrace the beauty of timeless sophistication with this exquisite Edwardian-style engagement ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Green Emerald Diamond Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style White Gold Unique Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Celebrate love with this stunning Vintage Inspired Edwardian Style-style engagement ring, where
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Diamond Black Onyx Edwardian Inspired Style Dinner 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Information Style: Edwardian Inspired Total weight: 3.50 g. (approx. total weight) Ring size: US 3-8
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 14k Gold, White Gold

Blue Aquamarine Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
x 3, 2 mm. Number: 12 Weight: 1.50 Carat (approx. total weight) Accent Gemstones  Type: Diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

18K Gold Edwardian/Art Deco Two Stone Diamond Ring with Sapphires
Located in Venice, CA
This stunning 18k white gold, diamond, and sapphire ring is from the cusp of the late Edwardian and
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Rectangle Door Shape Scrollwork Edwardian Style White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
finishing touch to a special gift. Ring Information Style: Edwardian Total weight: 3.00 g. (approx. total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 5.79 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
and 14 karat gold Circa: 1910 Ring size: 6 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 20.0 mm and sits
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Spring Bloom Vintage Style Edwardian Inspired Diamond 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Weight: 0.21 Carat (approx. total weight) This ring will be made to your order in 3-5 weeks, contact us
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

Diamond Red Pink Ruby Edwardian Style Engagement 18K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
This Art Deco style Diamond and Ruby Ring is absolutely divine. It’s fashioned from 18k white gold
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Yellow Gold Diamond Edwardian Bypass Ring - 14k European and Mine .50ctw
Located in Greensboro, NC
: 14k Yellow Gold & 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .50ctw Cut: European
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Emerald Diamond Marquise Shape Edwardian Style 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Add an elegant touch to your look with this oval emerald and diamond ring. This beautiful ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian / Art Deco Platinum and Diamond Trilogy Ring - GIA VVS2/G
Located in Hummelstown, PA
from all angles. Currently a ring size 6 3/4. Center diamond: 1 ct., G color, VVS2 clarity, GIA
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA 4.30 Carat Sri Lanka Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
on an Edwardian-inspired mounting with accents of round brilliant-cut diamonds, totaling 0.56 carat
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

.50 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold and Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold & Plat [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 1890 Ring in 14kt yellow Gold and Silver with Old mine Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
& Silver Stone: Natural Diamonds Ring size: 7 3/4 (sizable). Ring width: 0.37 inches Stamped: No stamp
Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Daisy Edwardian Style Cluster Engagement Ring in 18K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. round diamond is set in the center for the flower design. This is an Edwardian style daisy flower ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
approx. 0.70 carat central bezel set blue sapphire. The rest of the ring’s top contains shimmering round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Red Pink Ruby Diamonds Floral Dome Edwardian Engagement 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
in a dome mounting of open-work filigree, set with round diamonds. This ring is decorated with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamonds measuring 15pts per trio. The ring is modelled in 18ct gold. There is some wear to one of the
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

1910s Unisex Antique Edwardian Rose Gold Platinum Diamond Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Rose Gold and Platinum Diamond Band Finger size: 9.5 Comfort Fit Width: 7.75 mm/ .3 inch
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold, Platinum

Platinum Cocktail Ring with 2.5 Carats in Old Cut Diamonds Plus Sapphire Accents
By Eytan Brandes
Located in Sherman Oaks, CA
to a very contemporary and very kickass cocktail ring The face of the ring was an Edwardian-era
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Emerald Diamond Edwardian Style Target Engagement Ring in 14K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Embrace the beauty of timeless sophistication with this exquisite Edwardian-style engagement ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Old European Cut Diamond, Platinum and Yellow Gold Long Cocktail Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
Edwardian cocktail ring is set with approximately 3.87 carats of true Old European cut diamonds. 3 of the
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

ALGT certified Natural 3.32 Carat Alexandrite and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
Diamonds Precious stones: Alexandrite (Ural origin) 3. Design Style: engagement/cocktail ring 4. Cut
Category

2010s European Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Alexandrite, White Gold, 18k Gold

Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Style Floral Motif Dinner Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Make a bold statement with this Sapphire and Diamond Art Deco Style Floral Motif Dinner Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold

Edwardian 1900s Antique Toi et Moi Burma Ruby and Diamond Platinum 18K Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian 1900s Antique 1/2 Ct Burma Ruby and 1/3 Ct Old European Cut Diamond Ring in Toi et Moi
Category

Early 20th Century Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1.27 Carat GIA Cert Circular Brilliant Cut Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
clarity. The center stone is accentuated by dazzling round cut diamond accents. The ring is size 6 3/4
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Style Engagement Ring in 18K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
: 5 x 4 mm. Number: 1 Weight: 0.24 Carat (approx. total weight) Accent Gemstones Type: Diamond Shape
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Emerald and Diamond Edwardian Style Wide Band Ring in 18K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Make a bold statement with this stunning wide Edwardian Style Wide Band Ring. where vintage charm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

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

Modern 18 Karat Gold 1.20 Carat Ruby 1.05 Carat Diamond Eternity Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
rubies, square cut, TW 1.20ct, spR 6/4, P2 - 3 diamonds, round brilliant/antique cut, TW 0.50ct, RW-W, VS
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Round Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Three Stone 14K White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
This amazing Edwardian inspired ring features three main Ceylon sapphire with intricate details and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 0.78 Carat Sapphire 0.88 Carat Diamond, 14k Yellow Gold Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
gold ring; part of our antique Edwardian jewelry. This stunning and impressive diamond and sapphire
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Opal and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Navette Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
rose cut diamonds around the outer edges, 3 on either side, with an approximate weight of 0.30ct
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 0.22 Carat Sapphire 0.20 Carat Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
: - 1 sapphire, round cut, 0.22ct, B 6/3, VS - 1 diamond, old mine cut, 0.20ct, W-STW, VS Weight: 4.45g
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage 2.45 Carat Sapphire and 0.50 Carat Diamond 18k White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 2.45 carat sapphire and 0.50 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold 0.80 Carat Purple Sapphire 0.55 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
(oval cut, 0.80ct, bP 4/3, SI) - 10 diamonds (round brilliant cut, TW 0.55ct, W-STW, VS-SI) “Violette
Category

20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Purple Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 1.21 Carat Diamond Platinum
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3 grams Center Diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Platinum

18K Yellow Gold Three Stone 4.84 Carat GIA Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
-GIA Certified Cushion Cut Diamond J Color VS2 Clarity 3.20 Carats, GIA Certified Cushion J Color VS1
Category

2010s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.53 Carats Asscher Cut Blue Sapphire Antique Style Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
A stunning antique style engagement ring, featuring a bezel-set 1.53 carats Asscher cut blue
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

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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.