Skip to main content

5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

to
6
78
54
93
93
34
30
24
22
6
5
5
5
3
3
3
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
Sort By
Tiffany Co. Edwardian Emerald Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with a high oval cabochon cut emerald with on each side an old cut diamond (app
Category

1910s American Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum

1920s 8.06 Carat Sapphire and 3.45 Carat Diamond, Platinum Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
Australian sapphire and diamond dress ring has been crafted in platinum. The impressive feature oval cut
Category

1920s Australian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Victorian 14k Gold AGL Ceylon No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
You are looking at a truly breathtaking antique sapphire and diamond "Princess Diana" engagement
Category

1890s Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco GIA 0.90 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco GIA 0.90 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Ring. Featuring one GIA certified antique
Category

1920s American Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco GIA 0.90 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco GIA 0.90 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Platinum Ring. Featuring one GIA certified antique
Category

1920s American Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

2.80 Carat Sapphire and 1.50 Carat Diamond Rose Gold Silver Set Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive antique 2.80 carat natural blue sapphire and 1.50 carat diamond, 18
Category

1920s Unknown 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

French "Pompadour" Oval Sapphire Ring with Rose Cut Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
natural sapphire, boasting a rich, deep blue hue and weighing approximately 5 carats. The sapphire is
Category

1910s French 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire

Belle Époque French AGL 1.55 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Belle Époque French AGL 1.55 Carat Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Platinum Gold Bypass Ring
Category

1910s French Belle Époque 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

.73 Carat European Cut Diamond Art Deco Ring, 18 Karat Gold Vintage Solitaire
Located in Greensboro, NC
Put the sparkle into your bride’s eyes when you propose with this gorgeous Art Deco engagement ring
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

10K Synthetic Sapphire Diamond Ring
Located in McLeansville, NC
. Stones: - blue stone, 1 stone - oval cut - 7 x 5 mm - diamonds, 2 stones - full cut round - 2.25
Category

1920s 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Peridot Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
oval cut green peridot weighing approximately 3.1 carat accented by 12 old european cut diamonds
Category

1870s 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond Toi et Moi Ring - AGL
Located in Hummelstown, PA
This romantic Edwardian era toi et moi ring features a velvety blue 1.63 carat natural, unheated
Category

Early 20th Century 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Black Opal Diamond Platinum Antique Clover Dinner Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
filigree and bead set diamonds Old European cut and weighing approximately 0.50 carat G/H color with VS2
Category

1910s Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Platinum

1900s Antique Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
mm. Width of the ring at the base: 1,8 mm. Total ruby weight: about 0.60 carat, total diamond weight
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

20th Century Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
applied and on platinum 2 x 5 rose- cut diamonds. Total weight of the sapphires: approximately 1.85 carats
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French 20th Century Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Magnificent antique ring, its oval mounting is
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Ruby Diamond Ring 1.72ct Platinum Antique Original 1920 s Vintage
Located in Dearborn, MI
Genuine Original Antique from the 1920's Ruby Diamond Ring 1.72ct Platinum Art Deco Featuring a
Category

1920s Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Sapphire Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Art Deco sapphire and diamond platinum ring circa 1925. The design showcases a bezel-set, oval
Category

1920s Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Flower Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Victorian Sapphire and Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Silver Flower Ring. Featuring one oval mixed cut
Category

1880s Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Edwardian 1.84 CTW Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Navette Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an elongated oval cut diamond weighing 0.66 carat - H color with VS1 clarity Set with
Category

1910s Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Art Deco Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18K white gold and platinum. A splendid oval Art Deco ring set with an antique cut
Category

1920s French Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920s Pearl 1.02 Carat Emerald Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.02 carat emerald and pearl, 15 carat yellow gold dress ring; part
Category

1920s 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, Pearl, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 1.36 CTW Diamond Black Opal Platinum 14K Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
clarity Flanked by rounded shoulders Tested as platinum and 14 karat gold Circa: 1910 Ring Size: 5 1/2 and
Category

1910s Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Black Opal, Diamond, Platinum, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Arts Crafts 3.73 CTW Ruby Emerald Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.04 carats total - I/J color with SI2 clarity With grooved
Category

Early 1900s 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1.37 CTW Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
carats total - G color with I1 clarity Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1880s Ring size: 5 1/2 and sizable
Category

1880s Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.52 CTW Opal Diamond Silver 14 Karat Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
of old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 0.52 carats H/J color with VS2 clarity Flanked by
Category

1860s Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

1925 French Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Diamond Lace Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Oval-shaped, this lovely antique ring is
Category

1920s French Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circa: 1870s Ring Size: 5 and sizable Measures north to south 20.5 mm and sits 5.5 mm high Total Weight
Category

1870s Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
cut diamonds prong set in gold Weighing approximately 1.04 carats total G color with VS2 clarity
Category

1910s Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

Victorian Cabochon Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Foliate Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval-shaped ruby cabochon weighing approximately 1.24 carats Transparent medium
Category

1830s Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Early Art Deco Boulder Opal Diamond Platinum 14 Karat Gold Antique Garland Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
14 karat gold Tested as platinum Circa: 1920 Ring Size: 5 and sizable Measures north to south 12.5 mm
Category

1920s Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Platinum Oval Plaque Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
panache. This Art Deco, circa 1925, diamond platinum oval plaque ring can be worn as you see fit but
Category

1920s American Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 14 Karat White Gold 0.90 Carat Tourmaline 1.00 Carat Diamond Band Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond brooches, also costume jewellery
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian 1.66ctw Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Platinum and 14kYellow Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
.66 carat - GH color, VS2 - SI2 clarity - sapphire, 1 stone - oval - approximately 1 carat - 7 x 5 mm
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Deco Tsavorite Garnet Diamond Ring Vintage 14 Karat Yellow Gold Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Elegant vintage Art Deco era tsavorite garnet & diamond ring (circa 1920s to 1930s), crafted in 14
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Natural Color Changing Sapphire Diamond Ring with French Hallmarks
Located in Narberth, PA
worn on special occasions, or could make an exceptional gemstone engagement ring! The ring has a
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian GIA Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian GIA Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one oval mixed
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Go...

GIA Platinum Blue Sapphire No Heat Sri Lanka Diamond Ring VS Vintage 19.92 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
UNHEATED SAPPHIRE DIAMOND VINTAGE RING AND BOX. VERY RARE 17.27 CARAT TRANSPARENT BLUE GIA CERTIFIED RARE
Category

19th Century 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Black Opal Ring Platinum Diamond Estate Jewelry
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A gorgeous Art Deco black opal ring, made of platinum and featuring diamonds. The opal displays a
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Dated 1897 Hallmarked Five Stone Diamond and Emerald Antique Unisex Band Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Details: Type: Emerald Shape: Old Oval Cushion Carat Weight: 0.12 Ct Color: Green Accent Diamonds
Category

1890s Unknown Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Original 7.58ct Authentic Antique Victorian Turquoise Diamond Cluster Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Authentic Classic VICTORIAN Turquoise and Diamonds Cluster Ring, hand-fabricated in 14K
Category

19th Century Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow 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 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified 1.75 Carat Sapphire Diamond Three-Stone Engagement Platinum Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
GIA certified 1.15 carat oval sapphire in the center of two .60ct old European diamonds in a
Category

Early 20th Century 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

GIA 3.00 Carat Old Oval Moval Cut Diamond Platinum Antique Vintage Ring
Located in New York, NY
A very ELEGANT and CLASSY , original Art Decowith Old-cut Antique OVAL ( Moval) Diamond ring in
Category

1920s Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Art Deco Vintage Oval Cluster Band Lacy
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An original Art Deco antique filigree diamond engagement ring with an interesting oval cluster A
Category

1910s Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

19th Century 5 Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in silver and 18 karat yellow gold, owl hallmark. Of shuttle shape, this antique ring has 5
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, Diamond, Sterling Silver, Silver...

Exquisite Antique Art Deco 2.51ct Moval Marquise Cut Diamond PL Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
1920 Art Deco 2.51ct Moval Marquise Cut Diamond Engagement Anniversary Antique Platinum Ring What
Category

1920s Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.1 Carat Sapphire Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring Antique Art Deco, Circa 1905
Located in New York, NY
This is a magnificent Antique Art Deco Wedding Engagement Ring with a 1.1 Carat square cushion cut
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Emerald, Platinum

Victorian Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian Ceylon sapphire diamond and gold ring circa 1890. Centering upon on oval blue sapphire
Category

1890s Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Gold

French 19th Century Sapphire Diamonds Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats yellow gold, eagle's head hallmark. Called daisy ring because of the shape of
Category

1850s French Napoleon III 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1910s Onyx and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.38 carat diamond and black onyx, 12k yellow gold dress ring with a 12k
Category

1910s Unknown Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Opal Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A stunning antique Edwardian ring set with an oval cabochon opal measuring approximately 7 x 4 x
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

French 20th Century Emerald Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Garter Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Called garter, this antique engagement ring is
Category

Early 20th Century French Belle Époque 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Russian 1910s Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
. Gemstones: Diamonds: natural Ruby: synthetic 3. Design & Style: engagement ring 4. Cut & Shape: Old mine
Category

1910s European Russian Empire 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Royal Blue Victorian GIA 2.29ctw Sapphire Diamond Antique Cluster 14K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian ROYAL-BLUE GIA 2.29ct No Heat Oval Old Mine Sapphire Diamond Cluster 18k Gold
Category

1890s European Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Art Deco Platinum 1.25 Carat Oval Emerald 0.80 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
Deco, Art Nouveau, Edwardian, Georgian, Victorian styles, from engagement rings to rose-cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Victorian 14 Karat Gold 1 Carat Sapphire 1 Carat Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
oval blue sapphire: 1.00ct, B 7/5, I1. The gem is surrounded by 10 old cut diamonds: TW 1.00ct, RW-W
Category

Late 19th Century French Victorian 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Find an expansive variety of 5 carat antique oval diamond engagement rings available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum, these items were constructed with great care. Our collection of these items for sale includes 30 vintage editions and 5 modern creations to choose from as well. Our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and pieces in stock date back to the 19th Century while others were produced as recently as the 21st Century. Pieces in our collection of 5 carat antique oval diamond engagement rings made by Art Deco jewelers — as well as those associated with Victorian — are very popular. Versions of these items have been a part of the life’s work for many jewelers, but those produced by J. Birnbach, Five Star Jewelry and Neil Lane Couture are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for oval cut 5 carat antique oval diamond engagement rings and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old european cut and round cut alternatives. Most of our 5 carat antique oval diamond engagement rings for sale are for women, but there are 4 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much are 5 Carat Antique Oval Diamond Engagement Rings?

Prices for 5 carat antique oval diamond engagement rings can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $2,159 and can go as high as $343,600, while 5 carat antique oval diamond engagement rings, on average, fetch $11,377.

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.