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GIA Tahitian Pearl 18K Diamond Vintage Necklace Saltwater Strand Fine Huge 13 mm
Located in Sylvania, GA
Colombian Emeralds, Sapphires, and Antique Aquamarines set in Solid 18k Gold, 14K Yellow Gold, and Platinum
Category

20th Century Beaded Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

GIA Australian Opal Platinum Solid Diamond 14K Vintage Pendant Natural 17.91 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
Emeralds, Sapphires, and Antique Aquamarines set in Solid 18k Gold, 14K Gold, and Platinum. Fine Vintage
Category

20th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

England 1810 Georgian Battersea Enamel Neoclassical Decorated Box
Located in Miami, FL
Early 19th century Georgian Battersea enamel box. A beautiful antique English Battersea Bilston
Category

Antique 1810s English George IV Snuff Boxes and Tobacco Boxes

Materials

Bronze, Enamel

Jade Pendant as Seen in The New York Times and Town Country
Located in Northampton, MA
that diamond pendant you love so much? Your ruby Edwardian Négligée necklace? No? I can't say I'm
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Coral, Jade, Onyx, Natural Pearl

1.35 Carat Ruby and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in DALLAS, TX
18K White Gold, 1.35 CT Ruby and 0.55 CT Diamond Ring. Sz 7
Category

20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Antique Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Vail, CO
rubies and circular-cut diamonds, in 10k white gold, circa early 20th century. Pearl measuring
Category

Early 20th Century American Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, White Diamond, 10k Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Vail, CO
Antique diamond and ruby ring, featuring a round diamond weighing approximately 0.50 carats and a
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Ruby White Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A sweet antique flower cluster ring, modelled in 18k gold with platinum tipped head. It's set with
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Trilogy Ring 18 Carat White Gold, circa 1915
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
deep pink Ruby and Diamond trilogy ring is set in 18ct White Gold. Circa 1915 The Ruby is 1.45ct in
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
alongside more contemporary rings as part of a ring stack. MARKS 18ct METAL 18 carat white gold STONE
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique, Art Deco, White Gold, Natural Burmese Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Early Art Deco, ruby and diamond plaque ring, circa 1920. Antique cushion-cut ruby set in an open
Category

Early 20th Century Austrian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Go...

Ring, White and Yellow Gold, Antique, Art Deco Style, Diamonds and Ruby
Located in EL Waalre, NL
Art Deco style ring, in 14 carat white gold and set with 31 Diamonds, brilliant cut, total 0,60 crt
Category

Vintage 1920s Dutch Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Diamond Ruby Emerald Clover Gold Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This lovely antique ring is set with a trio of natural gemstones: a diamond, a ruby, and an emerald
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Art Deco 1920s Diamond Ruby Fox 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Crownsville, MD
natural ruby eyes set on an 18K white gold patterned milgrain edge band. Band is marked as 18K, and
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Sterling Silver

Vintage, 18 Carat White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
comfortable and practical to wear day-to-day. Ring size: US: 7.25. / UK: ‪N 1/2‬ Metal 18ct White gold
Category

Late 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Chequerboard Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A cool antique chequerboard ring set with two rows of alternating rubies and old cut diamonds. The
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Certified Retro Ruby Diamonds 18 Carats White Gold Ring
Located in Paris, FR
(US: 5 3/4) Ring weight: 6 g French work circa 1970 18 karat white gold, 750/1000th (eagle head
Category

Early 2000s French Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Antique Ruby and Diamond Double Circle Ring
Located in Vail, CO
Antique ruby and diamond ring, designed as two interlocking circles, one set with calibré cut
Category

20th Century American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
antique patina. STONES Ruby & Diamond RING SIZE 9.5 US MEASUREMENTS Head: 1.0 x 1.5cm Width of band
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Scrolled Gypsy Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A fine Edwardian ruby and diamond ring with deeply chased scroll-work to the shoulders and gallery
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Double Row Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This splendid antique ring is set with two rows of gems: one ruby, one diamond. Modelled in 18k
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Opal Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A beautiful antique Victorian cluster ring dating from c.1860. The central stone is a vibrant blue
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 15k Gold

Antique Victorian Star Ruby Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This stunning antique cluster ring is set with a show-stopping central star ruby, surrounded by a
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Flower Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A sublime antique pavé cluster ring, the platinum head modelled as a stylised flower. It's set with
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Chequerboard Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A superb Edwardian period ’chequerboard’ cluster ring; twelve calibre cut rubies and fourteen rose
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18 Carat Gold, circa 1900
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
This fabulous antique Victorian 18ct Yellow Gold ring is set with beautiful rich Pink Rubies and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique, Cushion Ruby Multi-Diamond Fashion/Fancy Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Antique Cushion Cut Ruby (3.80ct) with multiple round Diamonds (1.38ct)
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby and Diamond Double Snake Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This classic coiled double snake ring is modelled in 15k yellow gold, with clear Chester hallmarks
Category

Antique 1880s English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond 5-Stone Bezel Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A cool antique 5-stone ring dating from the early 20th Century. It's set with alternating rubies
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Distinctive Ruby Diamond Gold Cluster Style Ring
Located in Melbourne, VIC
Made in the Antique Style, this ruby and diamond ring comprises a central oval cut ruby of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

.65 Carat Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
A beautiful antique engagement ring featuring a .65ct. apx. Ruby accompanied by two diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Victorian Sapphire Ruby Diamond Double Heart Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
heart - each on set with a halo of diamonds around either a blue sapphire or a ruby. Double heart rings
Category

Antique 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Indian Rose Gold Krishna Ring with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Chicago, IL
Ring with the God Krishna India, probably Calcutta, c. 1900-1915 Rose gold, platinum, rubies and
Category

Early 20th Century Indian Anglo-Indian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold, Platinum

Fine Antique Burmese Ruby and Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in London, GB
Claw-set with a cushion-shaped diamond and fine Burmese ruby weighing 1.18ct and 1.04ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Antique Edwardian 0.85ct Ruby, Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Gold Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Such a gorgeous ring showing a beautiful red colour in this Ruby weighing 0.85ct setting with a
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat White Gold, Burmese Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
setting at front: 16.5mm x 10.5mm Metal Type 18 carat white gold, Platinum - Marked ‘18CT’ & ‘PLAT’ Date
Category

Early 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

18 Carat White Gold, ‘Pigeon’s Blood’ 4.27 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
‘Pigeon’s Blood’ ruby and diamond ring. The 4.27 carat unheated ruby at the centre of this ring is
Category

Late 20th Century British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18 Carat White Gold and Platinum
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
Platinum and 18ct White Gold with markings on the inner band (faded). The design features an oval cut
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, Round Ruby Halo Ring Engagement Ruby Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
-balanced, this antique ring dates to the early 20th century. Handcrafted in Constantinople, this almost
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond, Sapphire, Ruby Patriotic Ring, circa 1915
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This antique ring is such a sweet design. Set with gemstone in the colours red, white and blue
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18 Carat Gold, Rare 3 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
diamonds and complemented by a yellow gold band, this is the perfect ruby cluster ring – a classic and
Category

Early 20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond Trilogy Ring Gordon to Libbie, circa 1910
Located in Lancaster, Lancashire
trilogy ring is set in 18ct White Gold. Trilogy means past, present and future Or those 3 little words- I
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian 7.82 Carat Aquamarine Diamond Ruby Marquise Halo Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
An astonishing Edwardian era marquise cluster ring, set with a central aquamarine framed by a
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1950s Interchangeable 18kt Gold, Diamond, Pearls, Ruby, Sapphire Fashion Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
. Material: 18kt yellow and white gold. US size: 8. Free resizing. Measurements: Diameter head of ring 2 cm
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby Diamond 5-Stone Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This pretty antique ring is set with three old cut diamonds, and two blood-red rubies. The
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Coral Diamonds White Gold Italian Craft Ring
By CIARAVOLO
Located in Marcianise, IT
Ring by Ciaravolo. This is an Italian manufactury ring in white gold 18K gr 27,80 black and white
Category

2010s Italian Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby Diamond 5-Stone Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
This beautiful antique ring is set with three natural rubies and two old European cut diamonds. The
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring, Art Deco Target Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
A head-turning unique Art Deco ruby and diamond ring! This utterly gorgeous antique ring is made of
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Ruby Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
A cool antique 5-stone ring set with natural rubies and old cut diamonds. The stones rest in simple
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique, Art Deco, 18ct White Gold, Cabochon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
. This ring, in smooth white gold, is rub-over-set with a cabochon sapphire in a dreamy deep blue
Category

Early 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Antique, Mid Century, 18ct White Gold, Yellow Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
diamonds in 18 carat white gold. A very pretty cluster ring with an unusual central stone, sure to bring a
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Sapphire, White Gold

Art Deco .75 Carat No Heat Burmese Ruby Diamond Gold Engagement Fashion Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
A gorgeous Art Deco Burmese Ruby, Diamond and 18K white gold engagement/fashion ring featuring a
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ana De Costa Yellow Gold Round Ruby Tsavorite Garnet Diamond Stacking Rings
By Ana de Costa
Located in London, Kent
These beautiful rings have been hand crafted from 18ct yellow gold and are a set of 4 separate
Category

21st Century and Contemporary British Contemporary Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Garnet, Ruby, Tsavorite, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

Late Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ruby and Diamond Gypsy Ring, circa 1897, Birmingham
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A late Victorian 18 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond seven stone gypsy ring that was hallmarked
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique, Art Deco, 18 Carat White Gold, Black Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Height of setting: 5.5mm Width of setting at front: 20mm x 18.3mm Metal Type 18 carat white gold Marks
Category

Early 20th Century British Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold

Victorian Sapphire Ruby Diamond "Tricolor" Marquise Cluster Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
ruby. With an openworked claw gallery, and simple gold band, it's a gorgeously styled antique ring
Category

Antique 19th Century English Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold

Antique, Art Deco, Platinum 18 Carat White Gold Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
of setting: 4mm WEIGHT Gross weight 3.2 grams - A COMPLIMENTARY ORIGINAL ANTIQUE RING BOX WITH
Category

Early 20th Century British Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, White Gold, Platinum

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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.