Skip to main content

Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

to
43
1,163
382
1,284
1,284
577
255
182
153
149
42
42
38
15
14
13
12
11
10
5
4
3
3
3
3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
12
7
5
3
3
Sort By
Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian 0.70ct Diamond Pearl Rectangular Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond & Pearl Ring 18ct Gold Tested Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning and unique
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold

French 1925s Diamond Platinum Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
and the start of the ring is decorated on both sides of 2x3 small antique- cut diamonds. Total weight
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Nouveau 14k/Platinum Pearl and Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A gorgeous pearl and diamond bypass ring from the Art Nouveau (ca1910s) era! Crafted in 14k yellow
Category

1910s Art Nouveau Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Stamped, Edwardian Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920s Rose Cut Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Como, IT
Vintage white gold ring with a light brown 0,25 carat rose cut diamond and 10 white rose cut
Category

Early 20th Century Italian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian Platinum French Diamond and Sapphire Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A stunning diamond and sapphire ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! This beautiful ring is
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Ruby Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite and colorful navette ring from the Edwardian (ca1900s) era! Crafted in 18k yellow gold
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian era Square Shaped Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold & Platinum Tested Circa 1910 Introducing a stunning
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Natural Untreated GIA 6.60ct Jade Jadeite Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Art Deco GIA 6.60ct Natural UNTREATED Green Jade JADEITE Diamond Platinum Ring There are three
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Platinum

1925s Art Deco Calibrated Sapphire Diamonds Platinum Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
beginning of the ring is also chiseled with vegetal motifs. Weight of the main diamond : 0.40 carat
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

18ct White Gold 0.15ct Square Set Single Stone Diamond Ring Hallmarked 1938
Located in Brighton, GB
Behold this exquisite vintage 18ct white gold engagement ring adorned with a stunning single diamond
Category

Early 20th Century English Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold, Edwardian Toi et Moi Diamond Belle Époque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
motifs. Total Diamond Weight Over 1.0cts Ring Measures Approx 16mm Tall UK Size L US Size 5 3/4
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

2.73 ct GIA Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Own a piece of history. This stunning diamond engagement ring features a 2.73 carat Old Mine Cut
Category

1890s Unknown Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum Old European Cut Diamond Navette Shaped Ring
Located in Venice, CA
This stunning Edwardian diamond engagement ring features approximately 2.5 carats of Old European
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum 1920s Original Art Deco Ruby Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
beautifully. With an estimated total weight of 3 carats, these diamonds are not only eye-catching but also
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

C1840 18K Early Victorian or Late Georgian Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
circling a larger central diamond. Gemology: Total of 1/3 carat of Old Mine Cut Diamonds Color J VS (very
Category

1840s English Early Victorian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French 20th Century Rubies Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
opinion : Feminine and original, this antique ruby diamond ring would make a lovely engagement ring
Category

Early 20th Century European Belle Époque Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Platinum Natural Three-Stone Diamond European Cut Navette Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Art Deco Platinum Natural Three-Stone Diamond European Cut Navette Ring Metal: Platinum Weight
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Style Emerald Diamond 18K White Gold Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
unique engagement ring. A round full cut .10 carat diamond is featured at center and .21 carats of accent
Category

1920s American Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, 18k Gold

French Pearl and Diamond and Rose Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French seed pearl and 0.09 carat diamond, 18 karat rose gold and 18
Category

Early 1900s French Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Edwardian 1900 Ring in 18kt yellow Gold and Platinum with Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
This elegant Edwardian engagement ring, crafted in the early 1900s, is a timeless representation of
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 1.76 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum Antique Laurel Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bezel set with a halo surround of bead set old European cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.00 carat
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Georgian 13.01 CTW No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond Antique 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
prongs and featuring a halo surround of old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.38 carats total
Category

19th Century Georgian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18K Gold Edwardian/Art Deco Two Stone Diamond Ring with Sapphires
Located in Venice, CA
carat weight of 0.25 carats; the ring has a TCW of 0.5 carats. The diamonds are VS2 in clarity and I-J
Category

1910s Unknown Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1920 Art Deco Platinum Ring with 3.00 Cts in Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
precision-cut baguette diamonds weighing 3.00 carats in exceptional VVS-VS clarity and F-G color, with
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique French Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring, Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.60 carat diamond and 15 karat white gold full eternity ring; part
Category

1920s French Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, White Gold

Antique 1905 Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.56 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone cocktail ring
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Old Cut Diamond And Platinum Ring 1920 s
Located in Firenze, IT
Period: 1920 ca. Size: 6 3/4 Weight: 3.9 gr. The Art Déco ring presents a rectangular shape and is
Category

1910s Italian Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Style Platinum Ring with 3.90 CTW in Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Aventura, FL
Diamond • Ring Size: 6 3/4 (sizable) • Ring Width: 1.00 inches (25.4 mm) • Stamped: No, tested for
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Diamond Emerald 18 Karat White Gold Filigree Ring
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
a beautiful 1.60 carat round faceted Miner's Cut diamond highlighted by two faceted .06 carat
Category

1890s American Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 14K 585 Yellow and White Gold Natural Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 14K Ruby and Natural Diamond Ring Metal Type: 14k Yellowand White Gold Total Item Weight
Category

Early 20th Century Contemporary Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 4.25 CTW Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Ring AGL
Located in Philadelphia, PA
1.46 carats total - H/I color with VS2 to SI1 clarity Flanked by rows of bead set rose cut diamonds
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Platinum 0.84ctw Old European Old Single Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
--Stone(s):-- (3) Natural Genuine Diamond - Old European Cut - Pave Set - G-Cape Color - VS2-I2
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Early 20th Century 18ct Gold Diamond Toi Et Moi Ring
Located in London, GB
This sumptuous diamond toi et moi ring is perfection. Crafted in 18ct gold, a simplistic and
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Gold

Victorian Turquoise Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Stamped for 14 karat gold Circa: 1860s Ring size: 4 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 12.0 mm and
Category

1860s Victorian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.0 Ct. Diamond 1.0 Ct. Sapphire Five Stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
of solid 18 Kt gold, stamped Setting comprises a selection of 3 bright white old mine cut Diamonds
Category

Late 19th Century European Victorian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond Sapphire Ring Size 5 IGI Certified
Located in Media, PA
Art Deco 14K White Gold Diamond Ring Size 5 – 1ct Total, Lab Center & 14 Natural Diamonds, SI1–SI2
Category

1920s Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

19th Century Natural Pearl Pear- Cut Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
the start of the ring, are 2 x 3 antique brilliant- cut diamonds. Weight of the pear-cut diamonds
Category

19th Century French Napoleon III Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gol...

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring has 3 beautifully deep blue sapphires, complimented by two lovely old cut
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian French Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Circa: 1910 Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 24.5 mm and sits 6.0 mm high Total
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

J.E. Caldwell Ruby Diamond Platinum 18K Gold Antique Foliate Dinner Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
south by old mine cut diamonds Weighing approximately 1.12 carats total - H color with VS2 clarity Bezel
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.84 CTW Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Bypass Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
finish Stamped for 18 karat gold Circa: 1900s Ring Size: 5 3/4 and sizable Measures north to south 13.0
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

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

1890s Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Pink Natural Unionidae Pearl Diamond Platinum Antique Dinner Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
as platinum With maker's mark for W.W. Fulmer Co. Circa: 1925 Ring size: 3 1/4 and sizable Measures
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Black Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
by grooved shank Tested as 18 karat gold and platinum Circa: 1910 Ring size: 5 3/4 and sizable
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Georgian Foil Backed Diamond 18K Gold Silver Colette Fleur-De-Lis Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an antique rectangular step cut diamond diamond weighing approximately 1.25 carats Light
Category

1830s Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Silver

Antique 14kt Gold Ring with Three Old-Cut Diamonds, ca. Early 20th Century
Located in Rotterdam, NL
yellow gold Stones: 3 old-cut diamonds, approx. 0.60ct total Ring Size: EU 17 (approx. US size 6.75
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold

French 19th Century Certified Fine Pearl Diamonds 18 Karat Rose Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
diamonds. The start of the ring is decorated, on both sides, a cloverleaf pattern set with 3 rose-cut
Category

Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pearl, Natural Pearl, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Art Deco Colombian Square Cut Emerald Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
2.78 carat square cut emerald ring attributed to the most ancient of mines. With an exceptional and
Category

1920s American Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, Platinum

18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Sapphire Diamond Dress Cocktail Ring, circa 1905
Located in Zurich, CH
carats. It is in very good condition. Dimensions of the ring head: 3 x 1.2 cm / 1.18 x 0.47 in Ring
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

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

1910s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1920s 18K White Gold Filigree Diamond Love Bird Ring with GIA Report
Located in Lexington, KY
ring is currently sized at a 6.0 The center diamond is measured to be 1.10 carat, G in color, SI2
Category

1920s Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Art Deco Antique Old European Diamond Two-Tone Gold Filigree Solitaire Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Shape: Old European Cut Carat Weight: .06 ct Color: J Clarity: I1 This ring can be sized up or down 3
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

A Platinum Art Deco Ring Set with Diamonds and An Oval Facetted Burma Ruby
Located in Amsterdam, NL
A platinum ring set with an oval untreated Burma ruby (app. 0.8 carat) and old cut diamonds, France
Category

1920s French Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Rose-Cut Diamond and Blue Enamel Ring. England, circa 1680–1700.
Located in London, GB
/ 6.75 US / 54 EU. Weight: 3 grams. Description An English late 17th-century ring in high-carat gold
Category

17th Century Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Art Deco Filigree Floral Carved 14 Karat Two Tone Gold Solitary Diamond Ring
Located in Addison, TX
This Art Deco solitaire is a fine example of a filigree solitaire engagement ring crafted in 14
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Elegant Edwardian GIA Diamond 3 Stone 4 Carat Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Exemplifying the elegance of the Edwardian era, this magnificent, GIA Certified 3 stone diamond
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

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

Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings For Sale on 1stDibs

Browse a vast assortment of antique 3 carat diamond engagement rings for sale on 1stDibs. All of the items for sale were constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold. Find a collection of 835 vintage versions or 120 modern creations for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Our inventory has long been popular, and it includes earlier versions that date to the 19th Century and newer variations that were made as recently as the 21st Century. There are many different pieces in our collection of antique 3 carat diamond engagement rings to choose from, but Art Deco and Edwardian antique 3 carat diamond engagement rings are of considerable interest. There have been many well-made iterations of these items over the years, but those made by J. Birnbach, Neil Lane Couture and Antinori Fine Jewels are often thought to be among the most beautiful. A selection of old european cut, antique cushion cut and round cut can be found today on these pages. When shopping our range of antique 3 carat diamond engagement rings, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for men today than there are for women.

How Much are Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings?

Prices for antique 3 carat diamond engagement rings start at $352 and top out at $850,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $7,750.

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.

Questions About Antique 3 Carat Diamond Engagement Rings