Skip to main content

3 Carat Round Diamond Rings

to
1,091
13,381
6,356
6,056
5,107
5,003
15,663
2,309
2,355
1,126
950
14
233
4,141
11,809
152
144
275
241
139
289
231
318
323
318
10
11,328
4,590
293
8777
1454
785
596
577
to
4
2
487
476
367
336
334
2,617
2,344
1,947
374
305
236
80
67
41
41
19
19
16
8
6
4
16,163
48
11,568
1,824
Sort By
Rose Gold Twisted Vine 3/4 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
encrusted vine band and halo enhance the sparkling 3/4 carat natural round diamond with its contemporary
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

.925 Sterling Silver 1/3 Cttw Pave Set Round-Cut Diamond Braided Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is created in sterling silver and features 1/3ct TDW of diamonds. A glittering round cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

Floral Diamond Ring, 3.20 carats
Located in New Orleans, LA
round diamonds. The flowers are set with a total of 3.20 carats of white diamonds of F-G color and SI1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14K Rose Gold 3/8 Carat Baguette and Round Diamond Bridal Band
Located in New York, NY
in 14k rose gold, set with a total 3/8 cttw diamonds of an approximate H-I color and VS1-VS2 clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Contemporary Bridal Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

1.00 Carat Round Diamond Halo 14k White Gold Three Stone Cluster Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
This 1940's 1.00 Carat Round Diamond Halo Three Stone Cluster Ring is a timeless expression of
Category

Early 20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

.925 Sterling Silver 1/3 Cttw Pave Set Round-Cut Diamond Braided Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is created in sterling silver and features 1/3ct TDW of diamonds. A glittering round cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

.925 Sterling Silver 1/3 Cttw Pave Set Round-Cut Diamond Braided Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is created in sterling silver and features 1/3ct TDW of diamonds. A glittering round cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

.925 Sterling Silver 1/3 Cttw Pave Set Round-Cut Diamond Braided Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is created in sterling silver and features 1/3ct TDW of diamonds. A glittering round cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

.925 Sterling Silver 1/3 Cttw Pave Set Round-Cut Diamond Braided Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is created in sterling silver and features 1/3ct TDW of diamonds. A glittering round cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Rhodium

Platinum Diamond Vintage Engagement Ring, 900 Round Cut 1.18 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
milgrain-outlined accent diamonds which grace the ring’s knife-edge band. This ring is a size 7, but it
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

0.54 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.54 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.26 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.26 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1.25 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.25 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

GIA Certified 1.01 Carat VS2, E Round Solitaire Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
GIA Certified, 1.01 Ct VS2, E Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring GIA cert
Category

2010s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.38ctw Round Diamond 3-Stone Engagement Ring 18k White Gold Size 7
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamond - Carats - 0.89ct (6.3 mm) Cut - Round Brilliant Color - L
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1.50 Carat Natural Diamond 3 Flowers Ring G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
1.50 Carat Natural Diamond 3 Flowers Cluster Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.75 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.75 Carat 3 Stone Natural Diamond Ring G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

1 1/3 Ctw, Graduated Round Diamond Wrap Ring, 14K Solid Gold, SI GH
Located in New York, NY
ring, Spiral open Ring, Half Eternity ring, Open Cuff Ring, Round Diamond ring, open Wrap Ring
Category

2010s American Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Sterling Silver 1/3 Cttw Pave Set Round-Cut Diamond Braided Halo Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
This ring is created in sterling silver and features 1/3ct TDW of diamonds. A glittering round cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sterling Silver

AGL Certified 0.77 Carat Emerald Three-Stone Diamond Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 3 Stone Emerald Ring The ring is 18K White Gold. The Center is a beautiful Round 0.77
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

AGL Certified 0.96 Carat Emerald Three-Stone Diamond Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Beautiful 3 Stone Emerald Ring The ring is 18K White Gold. The Center is a beautiful Round 0.96
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

0.60 Carat Natural Diamond 3 Row Ring G SI 14K White Gold
Located in New York, NY
0.60 Carat Natural Diamond Ring Band G SI 14K White Gold 100% Natural Diamonds, Not Enhanced in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Shiran Two Rows Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This band features two rows of Micro- Prong-set round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Rose Gold Shiran Two Rows Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This band features two rows of Micro- Prong-set round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

18 Karat White Gold Shiran Two Rows Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This band features two rows of Micro- Prong-set round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

14 Karat Yellow Gold Shiran Two Rows Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This band features two rows of Micro- Prong-set round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

14 Karat White Gold Shiran Two Rows Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This band features two rows of Micro- Prong-set round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Shiran Two Rows Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
This band features two rows of Micro- Prong-set round brilliant diamonds. Experience the difference
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

Tacori Diamond Royal T GIA 4 Carats Round Brilliant Platinum Engagement Ring
By Tacori
Located in Austin, TX
This iconic platinum diamond ring is a Tacori Royal T stunner! The 4.00 carat round diamond is GIA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

1 1/3 Ct Natural Real Round Solitaire Diamond Halo Engagement Ring 14k Gold
Located in New York, NY
Classic 1 1/3 Ct brilliant round solitaire diamond halo engagement ring in 14k white gold. The
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat Marquise Style Eternity Ring 3 Carat
By Belfiore Jewelry
Located in Great Neck, NY
14K Eternity ring set in a marquise style, but set with all round diamonds. The total weight of the
Category

2010s American Modern Bridal Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

0.90 Carat Diamond Carved Filigree Design Three-Stone Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Carved Filigree Leaf & Flower Design. The ring is 18K White & Yellow Gold. The 3 Diamonds are Round
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

1.00 Carat Total Diamond Three-Stone Two Tone Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
The ring is 14K Two Tone White & Yellow Gold The Diamonds are Round Brilliant The 3 Round diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

3 1/2 Carat Fancy Diamond Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Tustin, CA
diamonds, totaling 3.56 carats, meticulously set to enhance their natural sparkle. Designed in luxurious
Category

2010s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

TJD 3/4 Carat Round Diamond 14Karat White Gold Stackable Engagement Wedding Band
By TJD
Located in New York, NY
. This engagement band ring is studded with sparkling 11 round white diamonds in secured french setting
Category

2010s Indian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1.80 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
design. The center stone weighs 1.61 carats. The center stone is accented with 3 brilliant round diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond

White Gold Diamond Cluster Band - 14k Round Brilliant 3/4ctw Milgrain Ring
Located in Greensboro, NC
Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): 3/4ctw Cut: Round Brilliant Color: G - H Clarity: SI2 - I1 Total
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Cartier 0.83 Carat Round Brilliant E VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Designer: CARTIER Title: Cartier 0.83 Carat Round Brilliant E VS1 Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Shreve, Crump Low GIA Certified 5.90 Carat K VS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Boston, MA
, Crump & Low platinum 3-stone ring. The 5.90 carat round brilliant cut center diamond is accompanied
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Solitaire Ring with 1.50 Carat Round Natural Diamond in G VS2 -Egl USA
Located in רמת גן, IL
A beautiful classic solitaire ring with a dazzling 1.50 carat round brilliant cut natural diamond
Category

2010s Israeli Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Tiffany Co 4.57 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Number of Stones: 1 Color: G Clarity: VVS2 Shape: Round Brilliant Gemstone 3: 1.22 Carat Diamond
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 3-stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique 3-stone diamond ring in 18k yellow gold. Circa 1890. The ring features three old European
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Early Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Stackable 0.18 Carats Three-Stone Diamond and Enamel Gold Ring
By Diamond Stars Jewelry, Inc.
Located in New York, NY
Fun Stackable Ring The ring is 14K White Gold There are 0.18 Carats In Diamonds G/H SI The black
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Hong Kong Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

14K White Gold Round Pearl and 1/3 Cttw Diamond Openwork Flower Blossom Ring
Located in New York, NY
, this ring features an elegant 11mm round pearl at its center. The precious metal stretches out in an
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Indian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Shreve, Crump Low GIA Certified 3.23 Carat E VVS2 Round Brilliant Diamond Ring
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Boston, MA
Shreve, Crump & Low platinum 3-stone ring. The 3.23 carat center diamond is accented by two pear shape
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Harry Winston, 1.17 Carat Round Brilliant Diamond Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in Chicago, IL
stunning 0.75 carat round brilliant cut center diamond, GIA certified with D color, VVS1 clarity. This rare
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

GIA Certified 4.09 Carat Round Diamond Platinum 950 Solitaire Ring
By FERRUCCI
Located in New York, NY
, platinum 950 solitaire ring. Custom options for diamonds and settings are always available. Ring size is 5
Category

2010s American Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

White Gold Diamond Wedding Band - 14k Round .26ctw Channel Set Ring SZ 5 3/4
Located in Greensboro, NC
Size: 5 3/4 Metal Content: 14k White Gold Stone Information Natural Diamonds Carat(s): .26ctw
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

0.99ctw 3-Stone Round Diamond Engagement Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 7-7.25
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamonds - Total Carats - 0.99ctw Cut - Round Brilliant Color - G
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 3 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Ring FLAWLESS F COLOR
Located in Chicago, IL
đź’Ž 3 Carat Internally Flawless Emerald Cut Diamond Ring đź’Ž A breathtaking GIA Certified 3.00 carat
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Contemporary 18K White Gold Pavé Diamond Link Band Ring, 3 Carats
Located in Miami, FL
approximately 3.00 carats of brilliant-cut diamonds in a seamless pavé finish. The design features a rhythmic
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

3/8ctw Round Brilliant Diamond Ring Sterling Silver Fancy Blue Halo Cluster
Located in Greensboro, NC
: I - J; Fancy Blue Cut: Round Brilliant Total Carats: 3/8ctw Style: Cluster Halo Face Height
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sterling Silver

3 Carat Oval Halo Eternity Band Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Gold Oval Brilliant Cut Halo Diamond Full Circle Eternity Wedding Band / Anniversary Ring. The
Category

2010s Italian Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 14k Gold

3 Carat Oval Halo Eternity Band Ring
3 Carat Oval Halo Eternity Band Ring
$20,000 Sale Price
20% Off
0.82ctw Round Diamond 3-Stone Halo Engagement Ring 14k White Gold Size 10.75
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamond - center Carats - 0.40ct Cut - Round Brilliant Color - H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

14 Karat White Gold Heather 2 Rows Interweave Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
ring. Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat White Gold Heather 2 Rows Interweave Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
ring. Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Heather 2 Rows Interweave Diamond Ring 1/3 Carat
Located in San Francisco, CA
ring. Product details: Center Gemstone Color: WHITE Side Gemstone Type: NATURAL DIAMOND Side
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Rose Gold

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

3 Carat Round Diamond Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

There is a broad range of 3 carat round diamond rings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, White Gold and 18k Gold. Our selection of items includes 4914 vintage examples as well as 12156 contemporary versions. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 18th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Our collection of 3 carat round diamond rings includes designs that are universally popular, but Contemporary and Modern styles, specifically, are sought with frequency. LB Exclusive, TJD and Tiffany Co. each produced beautiful examples of these items that are worth considering. A selection of round cut, baguette cut and oval cut can be found today on these pages. There aren’t many items for men in our collection of 3 carat round diamond rings, as most of the options available are for women.

How Much are 3 Carat Round Diamond Rings?

Prices for 3 carat round diamond rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $160 and can go as high as $4,900,000, while 3 carat round diamond rings, on average, fetch $2,980.

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 rings, vintage 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 rings, vintage 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.