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Victorian 1.50ct Diamond and Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian five stone ring features a trio of old cut diamonds, with two blue
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring is a mix of beautiful blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds. The centre
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring is a mix of beautiful blue sapphires and sparkling diamonds. The centre
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Late Victorian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old European and
Category

1890s English Late Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Five Stone Emerald Diamond 18 Carat Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
Our antique Victorian five stone ring, features a stunning trio of antique diamonds, flanked by a
Category

19th Century British Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Edwardian Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Gypsy Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Set in this gypsy style ring are five diamonds measuring 35pts in total. The diamonds are bright
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring three old mine cut
Category

Early 1900s American Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Late Victorian Sapphire and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
0.25ct old cut diamonds to comprise this early twentieth century rendition of the traditional five stone
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring three diamonds with a
Category

1910s American Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring three diamonds with a
Category

1910s American Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond and Opal 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The opals in this ring are pale but have pretty flecks of colour running through it. The diamonds
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

Edwardian 1.20 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
Five glittering diamonds are set in this Edwardian engagement ring. The centre stone is 0.40 carat
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Five-Stone Diamond Filigree Ring 2.63 Total Carat
Located in Narberth, PA
An absolutely exquisite diamond ring from the Art Deco (ca1920) era! Crafted in platinum, this
Category

1920s Art Deco Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Sapphire and diamond five stone ring, 18k gold, Victorian
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique, late Victorian era Sapphire and Diamond five stone ring. Five vibrant and rich
Category

Early 20th Century British Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond 1.50 Carat Five-Stone Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A stunning timeless diamond band ring set with five old mine cut shiny and sparkly Diamonds total
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold , Edwardian Five Stone Garnet Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Garnet Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1910 This stunning 18ct gold Edwardian five-stone
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring three old mine cut
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Emerald Diamond Five Stone Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
five beautiful natural emeralds set in an 18ct gold carved setting, with sparkling diamonds accents
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.90ct Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1900s
Located in London, GB
diamond ring. All done by hand, the carving demonstrates the talent acquired in the Victorian era. The
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.10ct Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This striking ring dates back to c.1880 and features three oval sapphires and four old cut diamonds
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 2.40ct Five Stone Ring, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This enchanting Victorian ring features five old cut diamonds totalling 2.40 carat. The central
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Sapphire and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This gorgeous ring holds three deep blue sapphires which total 70pts and two diamonds which total
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold

Victorian 2.10ct Diamond Five Stone, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
A beautiful piece of classic Victorian design, this five stone ring showcases a sparkling
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 1.40ct Emerald and Diamond Five Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A trio of vibrant green emeralds are intersected by a pair of old cut diamonds in this beautiful
Category

1910s British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Antique 1900s 0.72 Carat Diamond, 18k Yellow Gold, Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.72 carat diamond (total) 18k yellow gold five stone ring; part of
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique English Diamond Five Stone Carved Half Hoop Ring c1910
Located in Firenze, IT
line of old-cut diamonds weighing approximately 2.50 cts,scroll carved gallery mounted in platinum and
Category

20th Century British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Victorian Rose Cut Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Thus victorian beauty is modelled out of 18carat gold and has five rose cut diamonds set within it
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Five-Stone Old Cut Diamond and Opal Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
This five stone ring dating from the 1910s centres an old cut diamond between a magical pair of
Category

1910s Unknown Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Platinum

1.60Ct Diamond Five Stone, Platinum Ring - Art Deco - Antique Circa 1925
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.60 carat diamond (total) five stone Art Deco ring in platinum; part
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco 2.85 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Engagement Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This stunning art deco ring features five old cut diamonds set in platinum. The centre diamond is
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian 1.70 Carat Old Cut Diamond Five Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Edwardian era diamond ring scintillates with five old cut diamonds totalling 1.70
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 0.55 Carat Rose Cut Diamond Platinum Five Stone Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Bead set to the front with five rose cut diamonds, graduating in size Total diamond weight is
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian English Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian English Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old mine cut
Category

1910s English Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 0.90 Carat Diamond and Sapphire Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful five stone ring was made in the Victorian era. The centre diamond is 0.50 carat
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Five Stone Diamond 18 Karat Gold Half Hoop Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian 18k gold five stone old mine diamond half hoop ring, circa 1870. The ring is
Category

1870s British Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Old Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Old Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring five old European and
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 1.80 Carat Garnet and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous Victorian Ring holds five pink garnets, accented by eight-cut diamonds. The garnets
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.40 Carat Emerald and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful Victorian ring features alternating emeralds and diamonds set in 18 carat yellow
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1890s Antique 1.28 Carat Diamond and Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 1.28 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of
Category

1890s Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 2.52 Carat Diamond and 15k Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
five stone ring; part of our antique estate jewelry collections. This stunning antique Edwardian 5
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Diamond Half Hoop Ring, Five Stone, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
A beautiful antique five stone diamond, half hoop ring. It is a dainty ring with a rich 18kt gold
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Edwardian Pink Tourmaline and Diamond 15 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
pairs of rose cut diamonds set in between. Ring Size: N 1/2 or 7 Band Width: 7mm Weight: 2.1g
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Tourmaline, Diamond, Gold

Victorian Five-Stone and Opal Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This lovely five stone Victorian ring, dating back to 1880s, highlights three old cut diamonds
Category

1880s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian 16k Yellow Gold Sapphire and Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in New York, NY
Stone: Sapphire 2.07TCW (0.51ct/0.85ct/0.71ct); Diamond 1.48TCW (0.79ct/0.69ct) Stone Grade: K-L SI2
Category

Late 19th Century Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 15k Gold

Vintage 0.30 Carat Five-Stone Eight Cut Diamond Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
Dating from the 1920s, this Jazz Age ring sparkles with a quintet of eight cut diamonds that have
Category

1920s British Art Deco Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 1.40ct Diamond Five Stone, c.1880s
Located in London, GB
This Victorian five stone ring showcases a stunning array of diamonds. At its centre, a 0.40 carat
Category

1880s British Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Antique Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Antique Diamond Sapphire 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Ring. Featuring three old
Category

1910s Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Antique 1.39 Carat Sapphire and Diamond Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
karat yellow gold, five stone ring; part of our antique jewelry and estate jewelry collections. This
Category

1910s Unknown Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Five-Stone Hand Carved Ring, circa 1910
Located in London, GB
Antique five stone diamond carved ring, horizontally set with five round old cut diamonds in open
Category

1910s English Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Gypsy Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamonds that sit either side of this stone measure 4pts each and the smallest rubies measure 4pts each
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Art Deco 1.80ct Diamond and Sapphire Five Stone Ring, c.1920s
Located in London, GB
. Gemstone: Diamond Stone Shape: Transitional Cut Carat Weight: 1.80 Colour: G-H Clarity: VS Metal: Platinum
Category

1920s Unknown Art Deco Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold Victorian Emerald Diamond Five Stone Carved Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
timeless elegance of the Victorian era. Featuring a stunning five-stone design with alternating natural
Category

Early 20th Century English Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 15ct Gold Birmingham Hallmarked Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ring 15ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1879 Makers Mark H & S This 15ct gold ring
Category

Late 19th Century English Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 15k Gold

18ct Yellow Gold, Chester Hallmarked 1916, Sapphire Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
gold boat-shaped ring, boasting alternating sapphires and diamonds that are impeccably set flush into
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Jelly Opal Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Five Stone Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Five stone ring centers a prong set 5.0 mm cushion shaped opal cabochon. Flanked by prong set round
Category

19th Century Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

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

Late Victorian 1.50 Carat Old Cut Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
stone ring is claw set in platinum above a contrasting 18 carat yellow gold shank. Gemstone: Diamond
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Old Cut Diamond and Oval-Shaped Sapphire Five-Stone Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
heart of this late Victorian era five stone ring. The ring’s original period setting was handmade in 18
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

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Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the antique five stone diamond ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. If you’re looking for an antique five stone 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 20th Century. Creating an antique five stone diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Single Stone are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes old mine cut and round cut alternatives. There aren’t many items for men if you’re seeking an antique five stone diamond ring, as most of the options available are for women and unisex.

How Much is a Antique Five Stone Diamond Ring?

The price for an antique five stone diamond ring starts at $295 and tops out at $61,250 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,502.

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.