Skip to main content

Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

to
235
3,029
2,308
3,990
3,990
1,480
1,314
787
647
561
232
153
135
114
84
59
58
42
36
27
24
23
13
7
7
7
7
6
6
6
6
5
4
4
4
4
2
2
2
2
1
1
1
1
1
25
21
15
9
7
Sort By
Early 18th Century Stuart Crystal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
-cut white diamonds. The intricate design is set in a combination of 18ct yellow gold and silver, with
Category

18th Century Georgian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Crystal, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, Enamel

Art Deco Diamond Filigree Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
perfect for that special occasion. It is all amde from 18 carat white. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Burmese Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
crafted in 18ct rose gold with a platinum setting for the diamonds. The ring is completed with two old cut
Category

1910s Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Emerald Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
cut diamonds and the ring comfortably sits across the finger. It has a low profile making it suitable
Category

19th Century Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

A Belle Epoque .90 Ct Diamond Panel Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This charming Belle Epoque ring is 1910 ca. 18 KT solid gold Platinum top Elegant and precious
Category

Early 20th Century European Belle Époque Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau 1.50 Ct Diamond 18 KT Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold and silver, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 1 old European cut diamond of
Category

1890s European Art Nouveau Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Blue Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond Three-Stone 18ct Gold Ring, circa 1890
Located in London, GB
Hand carved Late Victorian three stone ring set with a 1.41ct old cut diamond and two beautiful
Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

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

Antique 0.50 Carat Brilliant Cut Diamond Solitare Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 18k white gold old european cut diamond solitare ring with an estimate diamond weight of
Category

1920s Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

18k Gold

Antique Old Cut Diamond And Natural Pearl Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Toi et Moi ring in yellow gold 750 thousandths and platinum 850 thousandths, centered on a white
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco ring (circa 1920) in 18-carat gold (750 millièmes) and platinum.
Located in PARIS, FR
This vintage Art Deco ring (circa 1920) is crafted in 18-carat gold (750 millièmes) and platinum
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.00ct Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
carat white gold, with an open basket, these diamonds truly sparkle. A split shouldered tapering band of
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.88ct Diamond Halo Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
feminine ring has been elegantly crafted in a combination of 18ct white gold and platinum. Gemstone
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Era Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Victorian Era Antique Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring 1.35ct 18K Yellow Gold A romantic
Category

Early 1900s British Modern Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco .65 Carat G Color VS Old European Cut Diamond Wedding Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
European Cut Diamond in a beautiful open work setting in 18 Karat White Gold. The Old European Cut Diamond
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
hand crafted basket and band of 18 carat yellow gold completes the ring perfectly. Gemstone: Sapphire
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau Pearl Diamond Royal Blue Enamel Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold, tested Hallmarks: none/worn Gems: 1 salt water of 8.9 mm. – 4 rose cut diamond
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Nouveau Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Deco 1.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
been crafted entirely in 18ct white gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.50
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.15 Carat Diamond Solitaire Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
in 18ct white gold. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.15 Colour: G Clarity: VS2
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
sparkle of the diamonds. The band of the ring is crafted in 18ct white gold whilst the setting for the
Category

1920s Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco 1.30ct Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 1.30 Colour: H Clarity: SI2 Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1920s
Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, White Gold

0.25 Carat Total Old European Cut Diamond Art Deco Black Onyx Fashion Ring
Located in New York, NY
0.25 carat total. Finely made with an 18K white gold mounting. Size 5.25 US, resizable upon request. 
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1.97 Carats deep blue sapphire and diamond cluster ring
Located in Uccle, BE
clarity). Ring made of gold 18 Karat, Yellow gold for the bottom of the ring and white gold for the top
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
: Approx. 0.56ct (0.28ct each) Diamond Details: Approx. Colour: G-H, Clarity: SI Tested As: 18ct Gold Box
Category

1880s Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 1910s Carnelian and Emerald Dinner Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold featuring Carnelian and French cut Emeralds, as well as Old
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian Opal Three-Stone and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a striking Victorian ring crafted from 18ct yellow gold. The design showcases three
Category

19th Century Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

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

Georgian Diamond Rare Navette Cluster Ring 18 KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This unique Diamond navette ring is 1800/30 ca Gorgeously hand made during the time of solid 18 Kt
Category

Early 19th Century European Georgian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian 0.40ct Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
18 carat yellow gold. Gemstone: Ruby Stone Shape: Old Cut Carat Weight: 0.40 Metal: 18ct Yellow Gold
Category

1910s British Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

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

Art Deco Mixed Metals 14 and 18 Karat Gold and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
set in a 14k white gold bridge supported by an 18k yellow gold shank. Simply a wonderful illusion-set
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Mixed Metal

Vintage .70 Ct Diamond Coiled Snake 18 Kt ring
Located in Napoli, IT
cultures This beautiful vintage coiled snake Diamond ring is 1920 ca, hand crafted of solid 18 Kt gold
Category

1920s European Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.50 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
diamonds set above and below the centre diamond. The ring is made in 18 carat white gold. Gemstone
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian 1.00ct Moonstone and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
been set into a platinum head, allowing their whiteness to be exemplified. A band of 18 carat yellow
Category

1910s British Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

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

Late Victorian 16.00 Ct Amethyst 1.70 Ct Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Hand crafted of solid 18 Kt Gold Platinum portions Amazing elongated Navette shape, quite distinctive
Category

Early 20th Century European Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 3.60 Ct Old Mine Diamond Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Diamond is an old mine cut Diamond of 1.60 Ct bright white with very minor internal inclusion assessed I/J
Category

1890s European Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Certified 4.97ct Fancy Light Yellow Old Cushion Cut Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A beautiful antique 4.97ct old cushion cut diamond three stone ring set in 18k yellow gold and
Category

1890s Unknown Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold synthetic ruby and diamond ring from the Edwardian era. The vibrant
Category

Early 1900s Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Metal: 18ct White Gold, Platinum Age: 1920s Size: P
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 1910s 0.90 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with an Old European cut Diamond at the center weighing
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian .60 Ct Diamond 6mm. Natural Pearl Crossover ring
Located in Napoli, IT
as romantic love token standing for You & Me kissing, 1890 ca Hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold with
Category

1880s European Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco 1920s 0.87 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old European cut center Diamond weighing 0.87 carat, H
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco GIA 1.21ct Fiery Old Diamond Solitaire Filigree Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
** Material: Solid 18k White Gold Weight: 3 Grams Ring Size: 7.5 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this
Category

19th Century Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold

Art Deco 1.04 Carat Diamond Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
, while the band is made of 18 carat yellow gold. This is a classic art deco engagement ring, and a
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 1920s 1.84 Carat Oval Cut Ruby Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with an Oval cut Ruby weighing 1.84 carats, and four accenting
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

French Edwardian Untreated Ruby Diamond 18 KT/Platinum Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This ring is a very fine example of the Edwardian era Metal: 18 Kt yellow gold and platinum, tested
Category

Early 1900s French Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 3.55ct Sapphire and Diamond Halo Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
sapphire is firmly claw set into an intricate ring hand crafted from 18 carat rose gold. It is then
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco 0.61 Carat Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
lovely detailing, and the 18 carat white gold band gently tapers in to the diamond. This 1920s engagement
Category

1920s Unknown Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.20ct Sapphire and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
VS2 in clarity. The ring itself is hand crafted entirely in 18 carat white gold for a clean and
Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian 1900s 0.75 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white gold with an Old European cut Diamond weighing approximately 0.75 carat
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond 18 Carat Gold Full Eternity Band
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
An exquisite Art Deco eternity band fully set with stunning white diamonds and modelled in 18 Carat
Category

1910s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Antique Edwardian 1910s 2.37 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with a GIA certified Old Mine cut Diamond weighing 2.37 carat, I
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Halo Ring 1 ct Sapphire Diamonds solid 14K Rose Gold US 3.75 / 2.8gr
Located in SE
14 old diamond cut Diamonds in White gold or Platinum clusters mounted on shoulders and band in solid
Category

1920s European Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Rose Gold, 14k Gold

Art Deco 1.00 Carat Diamond Two-Stone Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
G to H in colour and VS clarity. They are claw set in the delicate 18 carat white gold band. This is
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Sparkling pink rubies and white diamonds make up this five stone ring. The centre ruby weighs 0.40
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum 18K French Old Mine Diamond Eternity Band - Size 4 3/4
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum and 18K White Gold French Old Mine Diamond Eternity Band - Size
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco 1.30ct Diamond and Sapphire Trilogy Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
carat each, these stones have been expertly claw set into 18 carat white gold, the same metal as the
Category

1920s European Art Deco Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Spinel and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a wonderful Victorian spinel and diamond cluster ring. The central spinel is a highly
Category

19th Century Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Spinel, 18k Gold

Antique 1.55 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring, circa 1900
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
, fine and impressive sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The scrolling
Category

Early 1900s Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Antique 19th Century Rose Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring 18KT/Silver
Located in Napoli, IT
This amazing antique Diamond solitaire ring is 19th Century Transitional between Georgian
Category

1830s European Early Victorian Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact antique 18k white gold ring diamond you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and White Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. Finding the perfect antique 18k white gold ring diamond may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing antique 18k white gold ring diamond — no matter the origin — is easy, but Natkina, Roman Malakov and Malpani Jewels each produced a popular version that is worth a look. See these pages for an antique cushion cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also round cut cut and old european cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our antique 18k white gold ring diamond for sale are for women, but there are 174 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Antique 18k White Gold Ring Diamond?

On average, an antique 18k white gold ring diamond at 1stDibs sells for $3,500, while they’re typically $372 on the low end and $595,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.