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Antique Rings Europe 1900

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Circa 1900s Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring - VEG#2029a
Located in Hicksville, NY
Circa 1900s Art Nouveau 18K Yellow Gold Black Opal and Diamond Ring - VEG#2029a Item Details: Year
Category

Early 1900s Art Nouveau Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

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

Antique Diamond Dress Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a stunning diamond dress ring taken from the Edwardian period. This antique piece has
Category

Early 1900s Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Engagement Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has H color and s2. Ring size is US 8.5 (We offer free resizing) We can make any size. Box is not
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Edwardian Natural Pearl .85 Ct Mine Cut Diamond Rare ring
Located in Napoli, IT
solid 18 KT gold silver topped 1890/1900 ca Epitome of endless elegance, rare and impressive ring
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold, Silver

Louis Wièse Art Nouveau Lapis Lazuli Diamond Gold Cornflower Motif Cocktail Ring
By Jules Louis Wiese
Located in London, GB
. 1900 Dimensions: H 3.70cm (1.46 in) x W 2.00cm (0.79 in) Weight: 11.70 Grams Case: Ring Case Marks
Category

Early 1900s European Art Nouveau Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is rose cut diamond 0.15 carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1. Ring size is US 7. We can
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
. Totally is side rose cut diamond 0.03 ct. The diamond is has generally H color and s1-s2 clarity. Ring
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Natural Saltwater Pearl and 1.43 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
1.43Cts. The elevated ring shoulders are each set with a pavé set Old European round cut diamond, and
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

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

Antique 1.05 Carat Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
European round cut diamond (circa 1900), claw / prong set in subtle relief to the center of the vintage
Category

Early 1900s Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 18kt Gold Old-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Edwardian 18kt Gold Old-Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring An elegant Edwardian solitaire ring crafted in
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
old cut diamond 0.60 ct. The diamond is has H-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1 clarity. Ring size is
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Cushion Cut Diamond Ring (Approx 0.30-Carats) Platinum 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique ring, dating back to the Art Nouveau era circa 1900, showcases a harmonious
Category

Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Pearl Old Euro Diamond (Approx. 0.7-Carats) Floral Halo Ring, 18k Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite antique ring is a remarkable example of Edwardian-era craftsmanship, dating back to
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 3.02 Ct Old Cut Diamond Three Stone ring
Located in Napoli, IT
For Ever Breathtaking, original Edwardian period three stone Diamond ring, 1900/09 ca Superbly hand
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Cabochon Cut Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color and s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.19 ct. Ring size is US 6.75 We can make any size. The box is
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 2.82 Carat Diamond Ring, VVS2 GIA
Located in Hummelstown, PA
This exquisite ring exemplifies the essence of Edwardian femininity. The mounting has been
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique 4.76 Carat Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
ring; part of our antique jewelry/estate jewelry collections. This magnificent, fine and impressive
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Elegant Edwardian GIA Diamond 3 Stone 4 Carat Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
engagement ring offers a fascinating view into the past. Its unique, domed bombé setting is embellished with
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Circa 1900s 5k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3-Pique1 clarity. Ring size is US 6.7 We can make any size. Acid tested to be
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Alliance Ring Sapphire Diamonds In Rose Gold, Vienna c1900
Located in Vienna, AT
Elegant band ring in 14k red gold, reinforced at the top and set in the center with an inlaid
Category

Early 1900s Austrian Art Nouveau Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Handcrafted Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please contact
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Edwardian 18ct Gold 0.25ct Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
Edwardian era five stone ring set in 18ct gold. The ring features five old cut bright lively
Category

Early 1900s English Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique 18k Gold Circa 1900s Natural Diamond Decorated Pretty Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7.5 We can make any size. Acid tested to be 18k real
Category

Early 1900s European Late Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has H color and s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. Box is not included. Acid tested
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Victorian 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
old cut diamond 0.27 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 5.5 We can
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 18k Gold Handcrafted 1900s Natural Diamond Decorated Cocktail Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Totally is rose cut diamond 0.15 ct. Ring size is US 6.5 We
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is has H-I-J-K-L color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7 We can make any size. Box is not included
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has H-I-J color and s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 6.2 We can make any size. Acid tested to be 18k
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is brilliant cut 0.06 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Ring size is US 6 (We
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
brilliant cut diamond 0.05 ct. The diamond is has H-I color vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 7.5 (We offer
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is has F-G color and vs-vvs clarity. Ring size is US 6.1 We can make any size. Acid tested to be
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian 1.55Ct Diamond and 18k Yellow Gold Marquise Ring (1903)
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
marquise shaped cluster ring; part of our diverse antique cluster diamond rings collection. This stunning
Category

Early 1900s English Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Pretty Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
Antique Circa 1900s 8k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Pretty Ring In very good condition
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
. Totally is side brilliant cut diamond 0.25 ct. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size. The box is not
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Edwardian 1.50 Ct Diamond F VVS VS Sapphire Platinum ring In
Located in Napoli, IT
Superb example of Edwardian period Diamond and Sapphire ring Individually hand crafted as unique
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Euro Diamond and No Heat Ruby Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
center that has a GIA report and two old European cut diamonds on the sides. The ring has gorgeous laced
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3-Pique1-2 clarity. Ring size is US 6 The handle of the ring has been redone
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Edwardian Certified 8.5 mm. Natural Pearl 1.35 Ct Diamond Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
This fabulous antique Edwardian period Diamond & Pearl ring is the epitome of eternal elegance
Category

Early 1900s European Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, 18k Gold

Victorian Single Stone Signet Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This delicate little ring, made to be worn on the little finger, holds an oval old cut. The shining
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 8.7 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Halo Ring 0.55 Diamonds solid 14K Gold 4.25US/ 2gr
Located in SE
Antique Halo Ring with Diamonds ,band in solid 14K Yellow Gold (tested) .Crown with top custers in
Category

Early 1900s European Art Deco Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Handrafted 18k Gold Natural Marquise Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has K color and vs clarity. Ring is size is US 8 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Handmade 18k gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has H color s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 7.3 . We can make any size. Box is not included. Please
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color and vvs clarity. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please contact for
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has G-H color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is us 6.6 We can make any size. Box is not included
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Edwardian Platinum Old Cut Diamond Milgrain Engraved Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
- 0.65ct (approx.) (6) Natural Genuine Diamonds - Old European Cut - Pave Set - G/H Color - VS2-SI2 Clarity
Category

Early 1900s Edwardian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Antique Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Berlin, DE
Antique Ring with 3 Diamonds and one Ruby 2 old european cut diamonds 1 pear cut diamond 1 pear
Category

Early 1900s Unknown Art Nouveau Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Pretty Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
brilliant cut diamond 0.40 ct. The brilliant cut diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 10k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has G-H-I color and vs-s1-s2 clarity. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size. Box is not included
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Solitaire Engagement Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
color and vvs clarity. Ring size is US 5 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please contact for
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

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

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has H color and vs clarity. Ring size is US 6.5 We can make any size. Box is not included. Please
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is has G-H color and vs-s1. Ring size is US 5.2 Acid tested to be 18k real gold. We can make any
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has G color and vs-s1 clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. Acid tested to be 18k real
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Strong Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
side diamond about 0.35 carat. The diamond is has G-H color and vs-s1-s2. Ring size is US 6. We can
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
has brown color and s1-s2-Pique1 clarity. Ring size is US 8 (We offer free resizing) We can make any
Category

Early 1900s European Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s Handcrafted 14k Gold Natural Old Cut Diamond Solitaire Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
F color and vs1 clarity. Ring size is US 8 We can make any size. Please contact for any questions.
Category

Early 1900s Victorian Antique Rings Europe 1900

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

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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.