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Ana de Costa Platinum Three Round White Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring
By Ana de Costa
Located in London, Kent
This ring is handcrafted in platinum and is set with a central white Gia certified diamond which
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Platinum

1.85 Carat Reddish Pink Spinel and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Tucson, AZ
Rubies and red spinels are mostly set in white gold. Elke likes to set them in yellow gold, it
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fabergé Colours of Love Black Rhodium Rainbow Multicoloured Set Fluted Ring
By Fabergé
Located in London, GB
The Colours of Black Rhodium Plated White Gold Rainbow Multicoloured Gemstone Fluted Eternity Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Tsavorite, White Gold, Rhodium

Antique, Art Deco, Platinum, Cabochon Sri Lankan Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
white gold Date Of Manufacture 1925 - 1935 Period Of Manufacture Art Deco Condition Very good Signs
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Vintage Diamond and Sapphire Engagement Ring, 1940s
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: very good condition
Category

Vintage 1940s Belgian Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Orange and Green Sapphire Three-Stone Ring
Located in METAIRIE, LA
completely of 18 Karat White Gold. Accented with highly detailed, intricate Hand Engraving throughout [down
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Sapphire, Green Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Original Vintage Art Deco Sapphire and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: excellent condition
Category

Vintage 1930s Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Vintage High Quality 1970s Ring with Diamonds and Sapphire, Great Model
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: ring Condition: excellent condition Ring size Continental: 55 & 17
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Artist Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Stylish Art Deco Style Diamond and Natural Sapphire Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: excellent condition
Category

Mid-20th Century Belgian Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White G...

Most Elegant Diamond and Sapphire Lady Di Type of Engagement Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
Antique jewelry object group: engagement ring (or anniversary ring) Condition: very good condition
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, White Diamond, Diamond, Gold, Platinum, Yellow ...

1940s Retro Diamond Rubies 18K Yellow White Gold Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Superb tank ring, organic design typical for this period. Ring in 18 karat yellow and white gold
Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Loose Gemstones

Materials

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

1940s Retro Diamond Rubies 18K Yellow White Gold Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Superb tank ring, buckle design typical for this period. Ring in 18 karat yellow and white gold
Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Antique Style Ruby and Rose Cut Diamond Cluster Drop Earrings
By Valentina Fine Jewellery
Located in Sai Kung District, HK
Brilliant Diamonds, G colour and VS clarity. Set in 18K Rose Gold, with White Gold bezel setting on the
Category

2010s Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Sabine Getty Ruby Diamond Gold "Marquise" Earrings
By Sabine Getty
Located in London, GB
beautiful fine jewellery line consists of antiqued rose gold, diamonds and rubies, and key designs include
Category

2010s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold

Sabine Getty Ruby Diamond Gold "Heart" Earrings
By Sabine Getty
Located in London, GB
jewellery line consists of antiqued rose gold, diamonds and rubies, and key designs include an elegant
Category

2010s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold

Sabine Getty Ruby Diamond Gold "Love" Earrings
By Sabine Getty
Located in London, GB
fine jewellery line consists of antiqued rose gold, diamonds and rubies, and key designs include an
Category

2010s Italian Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold

Sabine Getty Large Ruby Diamond Gold Relic Earrings
By Sabine Getty
Located in London, GB
Sabine Getty 18kt rose gold Relic earrings set with ruby and white diamond. Diamond: 2,72 Ruby
Category

2010s Italian Drop Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold

Sabine Getty Ruby Diamond Gold-Plated Silver Necklace/Headpiece
By Sabine Getty
Located in London, GB
beautiful fine jewellery line consists of antiqued rose gold, diamonds and rubies, and key designs include
Category

2010s Italian More Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Gold Plate, Silver

Fine Antique Indian Mughal Gold Gem-Set White Nephrite Jade Pendant (Haldili)
Located in Kenley surrey, GB
Fine Antique Indian Mughal Gold & Gem-Set White Nephrite Jade Pendant (Haldili) This very fine
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Pendant Necklaces

1960s, Sapphire Star Cabochon and Diamonds Halo 18k white Gold Cluster Earrings
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
Classic 1960s, Ruby star cabochon and diamonds halo 18k white gold cluster stud Earrings A
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Modern Stud Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Victorian Antique Garnet and Diamond Snake Pendant Brooch, 1830s
Located in Antwerp, BE
This Early-Victorian bi-colour gold-backed pendant from 1830 embodies a treasure of symbols through
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Unknown Early Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, White Diamond, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, Silver, Gold, Rose G...

Diamond Blackened Gold Chain and Cross Pendant Set
By Sabine Getty
Located in London, GB
antiqued rose gold, diamonds and rubies, and key designs include an elegant headpiece / necklace, statement
Category

2010s Italian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold, Rose Gold

Vivacious Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Boston, MA
A beautiful hand crafted ruby, and diamond engagement ring in 14 karat white gold. Cantered by a
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Patriotic Art Deco Ruby, Diamond and Sapphire Ring in White Gold
Located in Boston, MA
An art deco period diamond, ruby, and sapphire ring in 18 karat white gold. Beautifully hand
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Hand Engraved 0.42 Carat Diamond Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Boston, MA
A beautiful hand engraved diamond and ruby ring in 14 karat white gold. Centered by a sparkling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Cut Ruby Ring White Gold with Diamonds
By Angeletti
Located in Roma, IT
Antique Cut Ruby Ring set in White Gold with Diamonds. An Antique Cut Ruby ct. 6.21 is set with
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond 18K White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Weight: Approximately .30 Carats Color: H Clarity: SI Metal: 18K White Gold Era: Antique Circa: 1872's
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
This stunning white gold band ring features round brilliant cut diamonds with a total weigh of 1.10
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Ruby Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
An Antique English 18 kt gold and oxidized silver ring with ruby and diamonds. The ring has an oval
Category

Antique 1890s Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Silver

2.01 Carat Heart Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By De Maria fine&antique jewelry
Located in Napoli, NA
Beautiful 18k white gold ring set with a heart shaped ruby weighing 2.01 carats, flaked by round
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby Antique style Eternity Band Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
, all set in 18k white gold. With twenty-six rubies set with an open-back gallery, the band will surely
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby Antique style Eternity Band Ring in 18K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
, all set in 18k white gold. With twenty-six rubies set with an open-back gallery, the band will surely
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Glamourous Ruby and 0.40ct Diamonds in 18K White Gold Ring
Located in רמת גן, IL
allure of the piece. Metal: 18K White Gold Main stone: 1 ruby stone Color grade: Red Side stone: 8
Category

2010s Singaporean Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Midcentury Ruby Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Midcentury ruby and diamond white gold cocktail ring circa 1950. The slightly domed, navette-shaped
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Ruby White Gold Eternity Ring Size 6.5
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Ruby and white gold eternity ring, size 6.5. Clear and concise information you want to know is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Russian Ruby Diamond Gold Serpent Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Russian antique 14 karat gold ring with ruby and diamond. The ring has an oval ruby with an
Category

Antique 1890s Russian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 14k Gold

1920s Antique 1.35 Carat Ruby and Diamond White Gold Twist Ring French
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting. The
Category

Vintage 1920s French Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
ruby that is surrounded by a halo of white, clean diamonds. Hand crafted in 18k yellow gold. Stamped
Category

Vintage 1910s French Belle Époque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

0.15Ct Ruby 0.75Ct Diamond, 18k White Gold Ring - Art Deco - Antique French
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique 0.15 carat natural ruby and 0.75 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Art Deco Platinum White Gold Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum White Gold Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring. This amazing ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum White Gold Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum White Gold Diamond and Ruby Three Stone Ring. This amazing ring
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum

Oval Ruby Round Diamond Marquise Vintage Antique Cocktail Ring 14k White Gold
By Alberto
Located in GREAT NECK, NY
Metal: 14K White Gold Center Stone: 1 Oval Ruby 0.57 carats - measuring 4.2 x 5 millimeters Side
Category

2010s American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18ct White Gold Single Stone Ruby Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
ruby (approx. 0.40ct) in a secure rub-over setting, framed by polished 18ct white gold. Hallmarked
Category

21st Century and Contemporary English Solitaire Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

New French Antique Style Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in platinium and 18 carat yellow gold, eagle and dog heads hallmarks. This superb ruby
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Napoleon III Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Art Deco 18 Karat White Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Gorgeous Antique Art Deco 18K White Gold Rose Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring. This beautiful ring
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Antique Ruby and Diamond-Set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s, 14k. This late 19th century croix-tetes ring features a fabulous .65 carat ruby
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1920s Ruby and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 0.62 carat ruby and 0.20 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ruby and 1.40 Carat Diamond White Gold Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
antique ruby and diamond trilogy ring has been crafted in 18k white gold with a platinum setting. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique 18 Karat White Gold Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Filigree Cocktail Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
Antique 18 Karat Old Mine Cut Natural Diamond & Ruby Filigree Cocktail Ring Size 5.5 Metal: 18k
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

6.34 Ct. Aquamarine and Ruby Antique Design Cocktail Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
either side is French cut rubies set in to a white gold mount. Ring Information Style: Art-deco Metal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. A feminine ruby-diamond daisy ring, its flower
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. A feminine ruby-diamond daisy ring, its flower
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1.21Ct Ruby 0.15Ct Diamond, 18k White Gold Trilogy Ring - Antique Circa 1920
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive original antique ruby and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The feature oval
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond Ruby Gold Snake Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Vienna, Austria, circa 1900 A Victorian era 14K gold ring is designed as a stylized coiled snake
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Austrian Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

French 1970s Ruby White Sapphires 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle head hallmark. Delightful flower ring, the center is set with an
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1950s Sapphire Diamond Ruby White Gold Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1950s Sapphire Diamond and Ruby white gold Vintage engagement ring. The 1950s sapphire diamond and
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1922 Rare Suffragette Colors Violet Ruby Emerald Gold Ring
By Glorious Antique Jewelry Collection
Located in Stamford, CT
A delicious ruby, emerald and pearl ring with a marvelous 15 kt gold setting pulls no punches with
Category

Vintage 1920s British Late Victorian More Rings

Materials

Emerald, Garnet, Natural Pearl, 15k Gold

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Antique White Gold Ruby Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact antique white gold ruby ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using gold, white gold and 18k gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 685 vintage editions and 213 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect antique white gold ruby ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. Finding an appealing antique white gold ruby ring — no matter the origin — is easy, but Tutti Frutti Jewellery, Natkina and Baume each produced a popular version that is worth a look. An antique white gold ruby ring can make for a versatile accessory, but a selection from our variety of 605 diamond versions can add an especially stylish touch. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes oval cut and antique cushion cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for an antique white gold ruby ring, you’ll find that many are available today for women, but there are still pieces to choose from for unisex and men.

How Much is a Antique White Gold Ruby Ring?

Prices for an antique white gold ruby ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $60 and can go as high as $680,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,949.

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.