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Vintage Dangle Earrings solid 14K Gold / 5 gr
Located in SE
day, both indoors and outdoors. Stones of the rings photographed alone may look a bit differently when
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Spinel, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian Negligee Necklace Opal Diamond Pearl Platinum Vintage Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
carat old mine cut diamonds. A further 5 estimated 0.08 carat old mine cut diamonds total an estimated
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Drop Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Pearl, Platinum, Sterling Silver

Victorian Russian 14k and Sterling Silver Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
is bordered by 10 old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.60ctw. The diamonds rest in shared
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Victorian Russian 14k and Sterling Silver Emerald and Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
is bordered by 10 old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.60ctw. The diamonds rest in shared
Category

Antique 1890s Late Victorian Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique German Heart Locket Pendant solid 18K / 5 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold

1959 Nordic Drop Dangle Earrings Diamonds Pearls 18K Gold Platinum / 2.3gr
Located in SE
. Diamonds of old European diamond cut Ø 3 mm /0.11ct each, G,H / VVS with open backs.. Each off-round pearl
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold

1989 Soviet Union Russian Earrings Diamonds solid 14K Gold / 5.95 gr
Located in SE
10.7 mm, both 5mm deep. 32 diamond cut Russian Diamonds stones 1.5 mm / 0.015 ct each, total ca 0.45
Category

Vintage 1980s Russian Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Vintage Danish solid 14/18k Gold 5 Charms Mix Bracelet / 18cm / 11.4 grams
Located in SE
diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the
Category

Vintage 1950s Danish Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Garnet, 18k Gold, 14k Gold

1918 Nordic Necklace 0.8 ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum / 43 cm/ 4.58g
Located in SE
Early 20th century Necklace / Pendant featuring a beautiful set of 11 natural old diamond cut
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Bracelet 5.5 ct Sapphire 2.3ctw Diamonds 18K Gold Platinum /17.7cm/9.4gr
Located in SE
Platinum with natural and untreated Blue Sapphire and 20 old diamond-cut Diamonds. All stones have their
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Link Bracelets

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Egyptian Revival Scarab Brooch 1ctw Ruby 1ctw Emeralds 0.56 ctw Diamonds /7.6gr
Located in SE
2.5 mm / ca.0.13 ct each. Total weight of Rubies here: ca. 1.8ct Largest old diamond cut Emerald Ø
Category

Vintage 1950s Egyptian Egyptian Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Silver, Gold-filled

Antique Butterfly Brooch Pin 2ct Ruby 1.5 ct Diamond 10K Gold Silver / 3.9gr.
Located in SE
rose cut Diamonds set in Silver , 10K Rose and Green Gold. One Ruby is of old table cut 7 mm x 5 mm
Category

Antique Mid-18th Century European Renaissance Revival Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Silver

Vintage Earrings Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold /5.3 gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1980s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Halo stud Earrings 1ctw. natural Ruby 0.65ctw. Diamonds 18K Gold/3.9gr
Located in SE
-1960s. Each floret Ø 11mm x 6mm deep. Two claw set natural rosy Red Rubies old diamond cut Ø 5 mm / ca
Category

Vintage 1950s English Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1953 Pearl Necklace natural Sapphire Diamonds solid 18K White Gold 54 cm / 14gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1950s Swedish Retro Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, 18k Gold

Vintage Earrings natural 2ctw Sapphire 0.25ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 4.3 gr.
Located in SE
with 12 old European cut diamonds Ø 1,25 mm / ca. 0.01 ct. each. Thus total diamonds weight is ca. 0.25
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

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

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Sapphires Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.4 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique European Earrings solid 14K Gold Pearls Diamonds /13.6gr
Located in SE
diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold

Vintage Earrings natural 1.35ctw Ruby 0.5ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 4.4gr
Located in SE
naturals. Each Sapphire is surrounded with 12 old European cut diamonds Ø 1,5 mm / ca. 0.02 ct. each. Thus
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, 18k Gold

Austrian Halo Earrings 1.5ctw Sapphires 0.6ctw Diamonds solid 14K/18KGold /3.2gr
Located in SE
Sapphire is surrounded with 8 old European cut diamonds Ø 2 mm / ca. 0.04 ct. each. Thus total diamonds
Category

Vintage 1960s Austrian Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, 14k Gold

Antique Earrings natural 3.35 ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold Silver / 8.7g
Located in SE
European and cushion cut Diamonds. On one earring the largest central diamond measures : 5 x 4,5 x 2.63 mm
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century European Arts and Crafts Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Earrings Garnets Diamonds solid 14K Gold / 1.8 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Early 20th Century European Belle Époque Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Halo Earrings natural 1 ctw Emeralds 0.5 ctw Diamonds solid 18K / 3.3 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Rubies Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.63 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1960s English Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage European stud Halo Earrings Emeralds Diamonds solid 18K Gold / 2.2 gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1970s Danish Retro Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Imperial Russian 84 Silver Bangle Bracelet natural 2ct Sapphire Ruby Enamel/34gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Silver, Enamel

1904 Art Nouveau Nordic Locket Pendant Sapphire Pearls solid 18KGold / 5.25gr
Located in SE
diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Pearl, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1916 Antique Necklace solid 18K Gold Filigree Citrine River Pearl / 7.7 gr
Located in SE
: oval cut Citrine stone is 10 mm x 8 mm x 5 mm/ about 3ct, drop cut is 6.5 mm x 4.5 mm / ca.0.57 ct
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique von Aminoff 3 Intaglio Fob wax Seal Citrine solid 18K Gold / 8.7gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

1676 Friedrich von Arenstorff Intaglio Fob wax Seal Rock Crystal Silver
Located in SE
diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the
Category

Antique 1670s Danish Baroque Vanity Items

Materials

Crystal, Rock Crystal, Silver

Vintage Nordic Earrings natural Green Chalcedony solid 18K Gold /2.7gr
Located in SE
Vintage earrings featuring two encased orbs Ø 5 mm / 0.92 ct of natural green Chalcedony stones
Category

Vintage 1980s Swedish Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

1900 Antique Danish Faceted Natural Amber Honey Cognac Necklace 58 /85gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Early 20th Century Danish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Amber, Silver

1904 Nordic Necklace 200ct Natural Coral 18K Gold /48.5 cm /55 gr
Located in SE
diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the
Category

Early 20th Century Swedish Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, 18k Gold

Antique Austrian Bangle Bracelet Seed Pearls Blue Enamel solid Silver / 32.8gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Art Nouveau Bangles

Materials

Pearl, Silver, Enamel

Antique German Earrings Green Spinel solid 14K Gold / 1.17 gr
Located in SE
A pair of German ca. 1920s - 1930s. 14K Gold Earrings decorated with oval cut Green Spinel stones
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Spinel, 14k Gold

1954 USSR Russian solid gilt 875 Silver Bowl Basket / 188 gram
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Centerpieces and Tazzas

Materials

Silver

Vintage Drop Dangle Earrings solid 18K Gold / 2 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

European Dangle Earrings 11ct natural Red Coral solid 14K Gold / 11gr
Located in SE
mm long x 15 mm wide. Larger Coral stones measures Ø 9.5 mm x 5 mm deep / ca. 4 ct. each. Smaller
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Coral, 14k Gold

Antique Box natural Sapphire Blue Guilloché Enamel Gilt Sterling Silver / 125 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Boxes and Cases

Materials

Sapphire, Silver, Sterling Silver, Enamel, Gold-filled

1737 Danish Floral Bowl solid Silver / 135 gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Antique 1730s Danish Baroque Silver Bowls

Materials

Sterling Silver

1874 Set of four Paste Knives solid 830 Gilt Silver / 177gr
Located in SE
The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine
Category

Antique 1870s Swedish Art Deco Dinnerware and Flatware Sets

Materials

Sterling Silver, Gold-filled

Vintage Dangle Earrings solid 18K Gold / 2.78gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1930s Swedish Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Garnet Pendant solid 56/ 14K Gold / 8.5gr
Located in SE
The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine
Category

Vintage 1910s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Garnet, 14k Gold

Antique Bracelet natural 18ctw Blue White Sapphire solid Silver 10K Gold/18.5cm
Located in SE
total weight of ca. 20ct. There are both oval and old diamond cut stones + one stone is cushion cut
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Link Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, 10k Gold, Silver

Vintage German Solingen solid 14K Yellow Gold Steel Fruit Pocket Knife / 15gr
Located in SE
The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older mine
Category

Vintage 1960s German Retro Vanity Items

Materials

Steel, 14k Gold

1859 Antique French 10 Francs 22K / 18K Gold Dangle Earrings / 4gr
Located in SE
items that are at least several decades old.. Also presume that sometimes metal parts, stones or
Category

Antique 1850s French Arts and Crafts Dangle Earrings

Materials

18k Gold, 22k Gold

Vintage Hànzì styled Bracelet 20ct Turquoise solid 14K Rose Gold/17.5cm / 11gr.
Located in SE
indoors and outdoors. Stones of the rings photographed alone may look a bit differently when on hand
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Link Bracelets

Materials

Turquoise, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Balestra Negligee Necklace natural 24ct. Blue Chalcedony 18K Gold 40cm
Located in SE
diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the
Category

Vintage 1960s European Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Chalcedony, 18k Gold

1905 Pair of Candle Holders Neoclassical Corinthian Columns / 372 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swedish Classical Greek Candleholders and Candelabra

Materials

Sterling Silver

Antique German Lameyer Baron s Serving Platter Tray solid Silver/ 630gr
Located in SE
items that are at least several decades old.. Also presume that sometimes metal parts, stones or
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century German Renaissance Flatware and Serving Pieces

Materials

18k Gold, Gold-filled, Silver

Antique Pendant Picture Locket solid 18K Yellow Gold / 11 gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Danish Amethyst Earrinngs Dangle solid 18K Gold /2.4gr
Located in SE
STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are usually of older
Category

Vintage 1980s Danish Retro Dangle Earrings

Materials

Amethyst, 18k Gold

Antique German ON / NO Pendant Locket solid 18K Gold / 5.6 gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1930s German Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Bracelet natural 20ctw Sapphires solid Silver/ 10K Gold /18cm / 22gr
Located in SE
total weight of ca. 20ct. There are both oval and old diamond cut stones + one stone is cushion cut
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Link Bracelets

Materials

Sapphire, 10k Gold, Silver

Antique Austrian Bracelet + Brooch 50ctw Turquoise Pearls Gilt Silver 18cm 52gr
Located in SE
diamonds can chip or stones fall out if proper care is not taken. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the
Category

Vintage 1920s Austrian Renaissance Revival Link Bracelets

Materials

Pearl, Turquoise, Silver

Vintage European stud Earrings Sapphire Emerald Ruby solid 18K Gold / 6.1 gr
Located in SE
A pair of fine Three Stones studs from ca. 1960s -1970s in solid 18K Yellow featuring old diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s European Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Spanish Sterling Silver Fish Table figure Flex Body Green Eyes /39gr
Located in SE
. WEIGHT OF THE STONES The cuts of the stones that you may see on many of the older jewelry items are
Category

Vintage 1920s Spanish Art Deco Figurines and Sculptures

Materials

Sterling Silver

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5 Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the 5 stone old mine cut 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, 18k gold and platinum. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a 5 stone old mine cut 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. For this particular piece, .5 carat and 1 carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing 5 stone old mine cut diamond ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Peter Suchy, Emilio! and Tiffany Co. each produced a popular version that is worth a look. A 5 stone old mine cut diamond ring of any era or style can lend versatility to your look, but a version featuring diamond, from our inventory of 714, is particularly popular. An old mine cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also old european cut and oval cut versions for sale. Most of our 5 stone old mine cut diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 226 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a 5 Stone Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring?

The price for a 5 stone old mine cut diamond ring starts at $386 and tops out at $999,999 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,833.

Why Gold Shines in Jewelry Craftsmanship

Gold is the feel-good metal, the serotonin of jewelry. Wear vintage and antique gold necklaces, watches, gold bracelets or gold rings and you feel happy, you feel dressed, you feel, well, yourself. 

Gold, especially yellow gold, with its rich patina and ancient pedigree going back thousands of years, is the steady standby, the well-mannered metal of choice. Any discussion of this lustrous metal comes down to a basic truth: Gold is elementary, my dear. Gold jewelry that couples the mystique of the metal with superb design and craftsmanship achieves the status of an enduring classic. Many luxury houses have given us some of our most treasured and lasting examples of gold jewelry over the years.

Since its founding, in 1837, Tiffany Co. has built its reputation on its company jewelry as well as its coterie of boutique designers, which has included Jean Schlumberger, Donald Claflin, Angela Cummings and Elsa Peretti. There are numerous gold Tiffany classics worth citing. Some are accented with gemstones, but all stand out for their design and the workmanship displayed.

For the woman who prefers a minimalist look, the Tiffany Co. twist bangle (thin, slightly ovoid) is stylishly simple. For Cummings devotees, signature pieces feature hard stone inlay, such as her pairs of gold ear clips inlaid with black jade (a play on the classic Chanel black and tan), or bangles whose design recalls ocean waves, with undulating lines of lapis lazuli and mother-of-pearl. And just about any design by the great Jean Schlumberger is by definition a classic.

Even had he eschewed stones and diamonds, Southern-born David Webb would be hailed for the vast arsenal of heavy gold jewelry he designed. Gold, usually hammered or textured in some manner, defines great David Webb jewelry. The self-taught jeweler made very au courant pieces while drawing inspiration from ancient and out-of-the-way sources — East meets West in the commanding gold necklaces made by Webb in the early 1970s. The same could be said for his endlessly varied gold cuffs.

In Europe, many houses have given us gold jewelry that sets the highest standard for excellence, pieces that were highly sought after when they were made and continue to be so. 

Numerous designs from Cartier are homages to gold. There are the classic Trinity rings, necklaces and bracelets — trifectas of yellow, white and rose gold. As a testament to the power of love, consider the endurance of the Cartier Love bracelet.

Aldo Cipullo, Cartier’s top in-house designer from the late 1960s into the early ’70s, made history in 1969 with the Love bracelet. Cipullo frequently said that the Love bracelet was born of a sleepless night contemplating a love affair gone wrong and his realization that “the only remnants he possessed of the romance were memories.” He distilled the urge to keep a loved one close into a slim 18-karat gold bangle. 

BVLGARI and its coin jewelry, gemme nummarie, hit the jackpot when the line launched in the 1960s. The line has been perennially popular. BVLGARI coin jewelry features ancient Greek and Roman coins embedded in striking gold mounts, usually hung on thick link necklaces of varying lengths. In the 1970s, BVLGARI introduced the Tubogas line, most often made in yellow gold. The Tubogas watches are classics, and then there is the Serpenti, the house's outstanding snake-themed watches and bracelets.

A collection called Monete that incorporated the gold coins is one of several iconic BVLGARI lines that debuted in the 1970s and ’80s, catering to a new generation of empowered women. Just as designers like Halston and Yves Saint Laurent were popularizing fuss-free ready-to-wear fashion for women on the go, BVLGARI offered jewels to be lived in

Since Van Cleef Arpels opened its Place Vendôme doors in 1906, collection after collection of jewelry classics have enchanted the public. As predominantly expressed in a honeycomb of gold, there is the Ludo watch and accessories, circa the 1920s, and the golden Zip necklace, 1951, whose ingenious transformation of the traditional zipper was originally proposed by the Duchess of Windsor. Van Cleef's Alhambra, with its Moroccan motif, was introduced in 1968 and from the start its popularity pivoted on royalty and celebrity status. It remains one of VCA’s most popular and collected styles.

Mention must be made of Buccellati, whose name is synonymous with gold so finely spun that it suggests tapestry. The house’s many gold bracelets, typically embellished with a few or many diamonds, signified taste and distinction and are always in favor on the secondary market. Other important mid-20th-century houses known for their gold-themed jewelry include Hermès and Ilias Lalaounis.

Find a stunning collection of vintage and antique gold jewelry on 1stDibs.

The Legacy of Diamond in Jewelry Design

Antique diamond rings, diamond tiaras and dazzling vintage diamond earrings are on the wish lists of every lover of fine jewelry. And diamonds and diamond jewelry are primarily associated with storybook engagements and red-carpet grand entrances — indeed, this ultra-cherished gemstone has a dramatic history on its hands.

From “A Diamond Is Forever” to “Diamonds Are a Girl’s Best Friend,” pop culture has ingrained in our minds that diamonds are the most desired, the most lasting and the most valuable gemstone. But what makes the diamond so special? Each stone — whether it’s rubies, sapphires or another stone — is unique and important in its own right. April babies might claim diamonds for themselves, but just about everyone wants this kind of sparkle in their lives!

There are several factors that set diamonds apart from other stones, and these points are important to our gem education.

Diamonds are minerals. They are made up of almost entirely of carbon (carbon comprises 99.95 percent; the remainder consists of various trace elements). Diamonds are the hardest gemstones, ranking number 10 on the Mohs Hardness Scale. Even its name, diamond, is rooted in the Greek adamas, or unconquerable. The only object that can scratch a diamond is another diamond. Diamonds are formed deep within the earth at very high temperatures (1,652–2,372 degrees Fahrenheit at depths between 90 and 120 miles beneath the earth’s surface) and are carried up by volcanic activity. Diamonds are quite rare, according to the Gemological Institute of America, and only 30 percent of all the diamonds mined in the world are gem quality.

In the 1950s, the Gemological Institute of America developed the 4Cs grading system to classify diamonds: clarity, color, cut and carat weight. Not all diamonds are created equal (there are diamonds, and then there are diamonds). The value of the diamond depends on the clarity (flawless diamonds are very rare but a diamond's value decreases if there are many blemishes or inclusions), color (the less color the higher the grade), cut (how the diamond’s facets catch the light, certain cuts of diamonds show off the stone better than others) and carat weight (the bigger, the better).

When you start shopping for a diamond engagement ring, always prioritize the cut, which plays the largest role in the diamond's beauty (taking the time to clean your diamond ring at least every six months or so plays a role in maintaining said beauty). And on 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

Shop antique and vintage diamond rings, diamond necklaces and other extraordinary diamond jewelry on 1stDibs.  

Finding the Right Rings for You

Antique and vintage rings have long held a special place in the hearts of fine jewelry lovers all over the world.

No matter their origin or specific characteristics, rings are timeless, versatile accessories. They’ve carried deep meaning since at least the Middle Ages, when diamond rings symbolized strength and other kinds of rings were worn to signify romantic feelings or to denote an affiliation with a religious order. Rings have also forever been emblematic of eternity.

Over time, rings have frequently taken the form of serpents, which have long been associated with eternal life, health and renewal. Italian luxury jewelry house Bulgari has become famous for its widely loved Serpenti motif, for example, and its Serpenti ring, like the other accessories in the collection, began as an homage to jewelry of the Roman and Hellenistic eras. The serpent is now a popular motif in fine jewelry. Jewelry devotees have long pined for rings adorned with reptiles, thanks to antique Victorian rings — well, specifically, Queen Victoria’s illustrious engagement ring, which took the form of a gold snake set with rubies, diamonds and an emerald (her birthstone). Designs for Victorian-era engagement rings often featured repoussé work and chasing, in which patterns are hammered into the metal.

Engagement rings, which are reliably intimidating to shop for, are still widely recognized as symbols of love and commitment. On 1stDibs, a range of buying guides can be found for those in the market for antique engagement ringsvintage engagement rings or Art Deco engagement rings

The most collectible antique engagement rings and vintage engagement rings are those from the Victorian, Edwardian and Art Deco eras. Named for the monarchies of the four King Georges, who in succession ruled England starting in 1714 (plus King William’s reign), antique Georgian rings, be they engagement rings or otherwise, are also coveted by collectors. Pearls, along with colored gemstones like garnets, rubies and sapphires, were widely used in Georgian jewelry. The late-1700s paste jewelry was a predecessor to what we now call fashion or costume jewelry

The Art Nouveau movement (1880–1910) brought with it rings inspired by the natural world. Antique Art Nouveau rings might feature depictions of winged insects and fauna as well as women, who were simultaneously eroticized and romanticized, frequently with long flowing hair. Art Deco jewelry, on the other hand, which originated during the 1920s and ’30s, is by and large “white jewelry.” White metals, primarily platinum, were favored over yellow gold in the design of antique Art Deco rings and other accessories as well as geometric motifs, with women drawn to the era’s dazzling cocktail rings in particular.

Whether you’re hunting down a chunky classic for a Prohibition-themed cocktail party or seeking a clean contemporary design to complement your casual ensemble, find an exquisite collection of antique, new and vintage rings on 1stDibs.