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Antique Rings Europe 1900

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Belle Epoque diamond ring in 18k gold, 0.55 ct diamonds, cluster ring
Located in PARIS, FR
French Belle Epoque Diamond ring in 18 karat white gold and platinum. In the center, 4 old-cut and
Category

Early 1900s French Belle Époque Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Low Profile Engagement Ring - GIA. This
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Three-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a classically styled three-stone diamond ring. This antique piece has been crafted
Category

Early 1900s Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond Toi et Moi Engagement Ring - GIA. This
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian 1.00 Ct Diamond Platinum Panel ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Edwardian Sensual and sinuous ballerina design ring, Platinum hand crafted as unique, 1900 ca Fine
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.18 Carat Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
crafted in platinum. The solitaire ring displays a stunning feature antique 1.18Ct Old European round cut
Category

Early 1900s Contemporary Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Old Euro Diamond Prong Set Ring (Approx. 1.10-Carats), Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique engagement ring showcases a stunning approx. 1.10-carat old European cut
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Art Deco Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
side rose cut diamond 1 ct. Ring size is US 6 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size. Box is not
Category

Early 1900s European Late Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Silver

Antique Platinum Ring with Natural Cabochon Emerald and Diamonds – Liberty / Art
Located in Milano, MI
A stunning original ring from the early 1900s, crafted in platinum with a refined domed design
Category

Early 1900s European Art Deco Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1900s Diamond and Yellow Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.88 carat diamond and 18 karat yellow gold five stone ring; part of
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an exquisite diamond cluster ring taken from the Edwardian era. The design showcases a
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Toi et Moi Diamond Ring of 14k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
This antique ring (circa 1900–1910) is set with two sparkling old European cut diamonds weighing
Category

Early 1900s Belle Époque Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

GIA Cert. 5.01 Carat Old Euro Cut Diamond Edwardian Antique Platinum Ring
Located in Miami, FL
: Engagement Ring Metal: Platinum (PT) Ring Size: 4 Era: Edwardian (Early 1900's) Center Stone Details: Type
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Edwardian J.E. Caldwell Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring
By J.E. Caldwell Co.
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian J.E. Caldwell Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring. This
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
generally H-I color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

1900s 1.57 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Marquise Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
feature 0.72Ct Old European round cut diamond, pavé set to the center of the design. The ring is
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian French Platinum Gold Double Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
A stylish antique Edwardian platinum topped 18k gold double diamond ring, circa 1900. This
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Emerald Platinum rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Sensual Beauty An extraordinary and most exquisite antique Edwardian period Diamond Panel ring
Category

Early 1900s North American Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Antique 1.97 Carats deep blue sapphire and diamond cluster ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Antique cluster ring circa 1900. Ring set with a center deep blue sapphire of 1.97 Carats and 10
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Circa 1900s Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Crossover Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 7.5 Metal Type: [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 6.2grams
Category

Early 1900s Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

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

.12 Carat Edwardian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 7 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Center Diamond
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian 14K White Gold Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
beautiful ring features a gorgeous old European cut diamond set in the center of an amazing Edwardian
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Platinum

Antique 18k Gold Top Sİlver Natural Cabochon Cut Sapphire And Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
brown color and s1-s2 clarity. Totally is sapphire 1.95 ct. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. The
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique and Vintage 3.22ct Diamond and 18k White Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
stunning collet set antique (circa 1900) 2.02ct Old European diamond. The substantial and broad ring
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French Diamond and Platinum Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive French 0.80 carat diamond and platinum engagement ring; part of our diverse
Category

Early 1900s French Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 18K Gold and Platinum Old Euro Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
gorgeous Edwardian old European cut diamond engagement ring is crafted in 18k yellow gold and platinum
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

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

Antique Tiffany Co. Old Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Chicago, IL
A rare and exquisitely crafted antique Tiffany & Co. engagement ring, showcasing a stunning 2.15
Category

Early 1900s American Art Deco Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Platinum Ring 3.5 Carat Navette Wedding Engagement Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
navette shape in Platinum. The ring dates to circa 1900 - 1910. Diamonds and platinum epitomize the
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Art Deco Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This simply stunning ring holds a clean and bright diamond measuring approximately 70pts. The
Category

Early 1900s British Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Circa 1900s 18k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Emerald Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond. The diamond is has vs-s1 clarity and H color. Total is about 1.80 ct emerald. Ring size US 7.7
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Silver

Art Nouveau Diamond Silver Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in London, GB
. Tested yellow gold with silver settings, numbered '2533' circa 1900. This ring bears a close resemblance
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Silver, Yellow Gold

GIA .82 Carat Total Weight Edwardian Diamond 14Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum Diamond Cluster Halo Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 4 (Sizable) Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

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

Art nouveau ring set with old-cut diamonds in 18-carat gold
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Lovely ring dating from the early 20th century, in 18-carat gold, set with three cushion-cut
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold

GIA .69 Carat Total Weight Edwardian Diamond 14Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1900s Item Details: Ring Size: 6 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 1.03 Carat Edwardian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.75 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.6grams Center
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1.06 Carat Total Weight Edwardian Diamond 14 Karat Gold/Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams 2
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

GIA Certified 1.37 Carat Edwardian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.25 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 3.4 grams Center
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

1900s Pearl and 1.73 Carat Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A very fine and impressive antique bouton pearl and 1.73Ct diamond 18k white gold cocktail ring
Category

Early 1900s Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

.20 Carat Total Weight Edwardian Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8 Metal Type: 18K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 5.3 grams Details: Ruby
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 6k Gold Top Silver Natural Old Cut Diamond And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-I-J-L color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.69 ct. Ring size is US 7 We can make
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

.90 Carat Edwardian Sapphire 14 Karat Yellow Gold/Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 6.5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold & Platinum [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 4.0 grams
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

GIA .60 Carat Total Weight Edwardian Diamond 14Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 8.75 Metal Type: 14k Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.0 grams Diamond
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Australian 5-Stone Old-Cut Diamond Half-Hoop Ring in 18K Yellow Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
a beautiful condition Of timeless half-hoop design, it features 5 sparkling Old-European cut
Category

Early 1900s Australian Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Belle Epoque Diamond Gold and Silver Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful Gold handmade genuine Belle Epoque ring. It is set in 18k Rose Gold featuring a large
Category

Early 1900s European Belle Époque Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

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

.55 Carat Total Weight Edwardian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Ring Size: 4.5 Metal Type: 14 karat Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 2.5 grams Diamond
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Belle Époque Ring Natural Oriental Bouton Pearl 3.47 Ct Plat Diamond
Located in Munich, Bavaria
This elegant Belle Époque ring was crafted around 1900. It is made from platinum and is set with a
Category

Early 1900s English Belle Époque Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Oriental Pearl, Platinum

Edwardian Madeira Citrine Diamond Platinum 14 KT ring
Located in Napoli, IT
The Classy Edwardian Must! Genuine Edwardian period Madeira Citrine and Diamond ring crafted of
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Vintage Edwardian Diamond Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
Simply Beautiful! Finely detailed Platinum on 14K Gold Diamond Edwardian Cluster Ring. Securely
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Sapphire Platinum 18 KT Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Quintessential, Edwardian ring, with charming design and gorgeous colour contrast Very finely hand
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 1900s 2.00 Carat Three Stone Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in platinum with an Old European Cut Diamond in the center weighing approximately
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Diamond Engagement Ring (Approx 0.45-Carats), Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique swirl ring showcases an old European cut diamond at its center, weighing
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Diamond Engagement Ring (Approx. 0.5-Carats), Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique Edwardian two-stone ring showcases a pair of captivating old European cut
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold and Platinum 1.75 Carat Diamond Tiara Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
-Six Old European Cut Diamonds Total Carat Weight: Approximately 1.75 Carats Color/Clarity: G-H / VS2
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

antique sapphire and diamond ring
Located in Uccle, BE
Antique gold 18 Karat ring circa 1900/ 1910. The ring is set with a round deep blue Ceylon
Category

Early 1900s Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

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

Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold Diamond "Knot" Motif Woven Signet Unisex Ring, H.W.
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Elegantly designed in woven “knot” motif & finely detailed throughout, this unisex ring is of
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Diamond Engagement Ring (Approx. 0.5-Carats), Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique swirl ring showcases a mesmerizing approx. 0.5-carat old European cut
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

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Antique Rings Europe 1900 For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the antique rings europe 1900 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. You’re likely to find the perfect antique rings europe 1900 among the distinctive items we have available, which includes versions made as long ago as the 19th Century as well as those produced as recently as the 20th Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. Creating an antique rings europe 1900 has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Neil Lane Couture and Nikolai Nemirov-Kolodkin 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 round cut alternatives. When shopping for an antique rings europe 1900, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Antique Rings Europe 1900?

Prices for an antique rings europe 1900 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $788 and can go as high as $65,112, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,548.

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.