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Vintage Emerald and Diamond Dress Ring, circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
This stunning ring dates back to the 1980s. In the centre is a beautiful green emerald weighing an
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Charles Krypell Diamond Sapphire and Emerald Ring
By Charles Krypell
Located in Towson, MD
diamonds are flanked by nine 1.5mm square cut natural emeralds and nine 1.5mm square cut natural sapphires
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 0.90ct Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring, c.1980s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful cluster ring from the 1980s features a characterful, green emerald surrounded by a
Category

Vintage 1980s British Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Harry Winston Emerald and Diamond Floral Cluster Platinum Engagement Ring
By Harry Winston
Located in London, GB
Harry Winston Emerald and Diamond Floral Cluster Platinum Engagement Ring Circa 1980 This stylish
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Vintage GIA 4.54 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage GIA 4.54 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring. Featuring one GIA emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Natural GIA Certified Emerald Ring
Located in New York, NY
Amazing Natural GIA Certified Emerald Ring The total weight of Emerald Stone is 16.95 CT. , GIA
Category

Vintage 1980s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

1.92 Carat Emerald Diamond Pave Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This ring is composed of 18kt white gold and features a stunning Emerald center stone with an
Category

Vintage 1980s American Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1980s 3.02 Carat Emerald 0.82 Carat Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
1980's emerald cluster ring is supplied with an independent diamond grading report card. The ring has
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Emerald and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Solitaire Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The Emerald in this ring measures 60pts and is a great colour. Either side sits a tapered baguette
Category

Vintage 1980s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Vintage Tiffany Co. Schlumberger GIA Colombian Emerald Diamond Platinum Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Tiffany & Co. Schlumberger GIA Colombian Emerald Diamond 22k Platinum Ring. Featuring
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Charles Krypell Diamond, Sapphire and Emerald Ring
By Charles Krypell
Located in Bethesda, MD
This ring contains has 24 baguette diamonds, 10 baguette sapphires and 10 baguette emeralds. ♦
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

1980s David Webb Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
By David Webb
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
David Webb ring with 2 cabochon emeralds weighing 6.20 carats, 2 cabochon rubies weighing 9.07
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Ruby Sapphire Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
of white, clean round cut diamonds. Signed VCA, numbered and stamped with French hallmarks. Ring
Category

Vintage 1980s French Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

GIA 11.06 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Show your art-deco side, with this candle-light romantic, emerald cut diamond engagement ring
Category

Vintage 1980s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Emeralds, Coral, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
mounted with a coral in the central part surrounded by white diamonds and emeralds. This ring was totally
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

8.20ct F VS1 Vintage Emerald Cut Diamond Ring by Cartier, Paris
By Cartier
Located in London, GB
A stunning diamond ring by Cartier c.1980s, set to the centre with a beautiful vinatage emerald-cut
Category

Vintage 1980s French Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Diamond Emerald 18K Yellow Gold Bypass Textured Flower Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This vintage 1990s ring with a bypass style emeralds with diamonds is crafted in solid 18K Yellow
Category

Vintage 1980s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Hammerman Bros. 1.20 Carat Cabochon Emerald Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Hammerman Brothers
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The cabochon emerald sits protected in a nest of rubies, approximately 4 carats in total, and is
Category

Vintage 1980s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

BVLGARI 4.86 carats GRS Emerald Diamond Platinum Three Stone Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This Classic BLGARI Natural Emerald and Diamond Three Stone Engagement Ring boasts beauty with an
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Emeralds Rubyes Sapphires Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
three together or even individually, each band is enriched with diamonds ,and the first with emeralds
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

Webb 18k Gold and Platinum Emerald and Diamond Asymmetrical Ring
By David Webb
Located in San Antonio, TX
Asymmetrical Ring Pear Shaped Emerald (1.60 cts) and Diamond (.45cts) Ring set in 18k Gold and
Category

Vintage 1980s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Platinum

Vintage GIA Zambian Emerald and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage GIA Zambian Emerald and Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring one GIA octagonal step
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA 1.87cts Diamond Emerald Platinum Deco Halo Cocktail Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Setting, The center diamond is framed by a Channel Set, (16) French Cut genuine emerald of approx. 0.50
Category

Vintage 1980s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Three-Stone Emerald and Diamond Ring, circa 1980s
Located in London, GB
A lovely piece which highlights a stunning 0.70 carat Emerald with two shield diamonds either side
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Engagement ring in 18 carat gold set with emeralds and pavé diamonds
Located in SAINT-OUEN-SUR-SEINE, FR
Engagement ring in 18 carat gold set with emeralds and pavé diamonds Élegant ring in the spirit of
Category

Vintage 1980s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold

Vintage 2.05 Carat Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
and impressive vintage emerald cut emerald and diamond ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
exquisite vintage ring from the 1980s showcases a stunning 0.5-carat emerald-cut emerald at its center
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 6 Carat Emerald and Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 6 Carat Emerald and Diamonds Cocktail Ring. Very elegant and bold standout ring with a
Category

Vintage 1980s Colombian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Emerald Cut Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. The 18 k gold ring features 3 emerald cut diamonds approximately 0.80 carat, F-G color, VS clarity
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 3.20 carat cabochon emerald diamond 18k yellow gold ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage 1960s 18k yellow gold ring features a lush 3.20 carat cabochon cut emerald, accented
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1980s Very Fine Colombian Emerald Triangular Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
, stamped inside with the purity mark ‘18K’. This emerald and diamond ring remains in excellent condition
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

English Late 20th Century Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
An English Late-20th Century 18 karat gold ring with diamond and emerald. The ring has an emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s English Cocktail Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Diamonds Blue Sapphire Ruby Emerald Rose Gold Band Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
center surrounded by diamonds 0.25 ct Diamonds ct 0.25 Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Emerald ct 1.55 Size Ita
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

1.86Ct Diamond 1.70Ct Emerald, 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring - Vintage
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage cocktail ring embellished with 1.86 carats diamonds and 1.70 carats
Category

Vintage 1980s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14k Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat yellow gold fashion ring set with twelve marquise cut emeralds approximately 0.54
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

BIRKS 14K Yellow Gold Emerald and Diamond 7-Stone Ring 0.40TCW
By Birks
Located in Victoria, BC
alternating emeralds and diamonds in horizontal channel settings. The ring is wax cast and hand finished
Category

Vintage 1980s Canadian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Ring 18 Karat Gold Ring with Sapphire, Emerald and Diamond
Located in Dallas, TX
Vintage 80's18k Yellow Gold Ring with .4ct Sapphire and .2ct Emerald, and .70ct Diamonds. Nice
Category

Vintage 1980s American Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Coral, Diamonds, Sapphires, Emeralds, Rose Gold and Silver Retro Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
crown of emeralds, diamonds and light blue sapphires. The origin of this ring goes back to the 1980s, it
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage 1980 s 11.00ct Aquamarine and Diamond Cocktail Ring Set in Platinum
Located in London, GB
A beautiful vintage 1980's 11.00ct aquamarine and diamond cocktail ring set in platinum. The piece
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Platinum

Vintage Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring. Featuring one oval shaped emerald of approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Miami, FL
, this outstanding diamond engagement ring exposes a genuine, GIA certified round emerald-cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.50 Carat Emerald and Diamond Ballerina Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Brazilian Emerald weighing approximately 1.50 carats total framed with 27 baguette cut diamonds weighing
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Blue Sapphire Lion Ring
Located in London, GB
A highly unique vintage diamond, ruby, emerald and blue sapphire lion ring set in 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Colombian Emerald and Diamond-Set Gold Ring GIA
Located in Litchfield, CT
Details: The diamonds are very white and sparkly and the Colombian Emerald is a gorgeous bright hue
Category

Vintage 1980s Swiss Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1.25 Carat Emeralds 1.72 Carat White Diamonds White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Shining ring in 14K white gold composed of 3 emeralds in the
Category

Vintage 1980s Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, White Gold

3.75 Carat Square-Cut Emerald Diamond Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
3.75 Carats Square-cut Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring Square emerald-cut 3.75 carats emerald and
Category

Vintage 1980s Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

1970 Van Cleef Arpels Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Birmingham, AL
This men's ring centers a 0.10ct round brilliant cut diamond which grades as H-I in color and SI2
Category

Vintage 1980s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Ruby Sapphire Emerald Yellow Gold Band Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond, Ruby, and Sapphire, Emerald Band Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With 26
Category

Vintage 1980s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Two Ducks Coral Diamond Emerald Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold Diamond Coral Emerald Two Ducks Ring by Van Cleef & Arpels. With Round brilliant
Category

Vintage 1980s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

Diamonds, Emerald, Red Coral, Rose Gold, Snake Shape Fashion Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
drop surrounded by 0,33 ct of little diamonds crown. This ring is totally handmade by Italian master
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Coral, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage 1.40 Carats Emerald Cut Diamond Platinum Three Stone Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Designed as a three stone basket style ring centering an emerald cut diamond weighing approximately
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Heart Shape Diamond Emerald Halo Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Queen of hearts! This ballerina style ring features a center heart shape diamond weighting 1.30
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Top Quality 18k Gold 5.20ctw Round Diamond Marquise Emerald Swirl Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Here we have an absolutely outstanding, vintage, diamond and emerald swirl ring that was crafted
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Bulgari Emerald Diamond Mother-of-Pearl Quartz Vintage Ring
By Bulgari
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering round cut emerald weighing approximately 0.25 carat total Transparent bright medium green in color
Category

Vintage 1980s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Quartz, Rock Crystal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Yellow Gold Bypass Ring with Diamonds Cabochon Emerald Sapphire
Located in Dallas, TX
18K Yellow Gold Bypass Ring with Diamond Cabochon Emerald and Sapphire. 11.4 Grams Size 5 .75
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Vintage GIA 4.61 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage GIA 4.61 Carat Emerald Cut Diamond Sapphire Platinum Ring. Featuring one GIA emerald
Category

Vintage 1980s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Vibrant Emerald and Diamond Ring in White Gold
Located in Litchfield, CT
emerald of exceptional quality and color surrounded by dazzlingly bright diamonds (.73 carats of H color
Category

Vintage 1980s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

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Diamond Emerald Ring 1980 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate diamond emerald ring 1980 for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold — can elevate any look. In our selection of items, you can find a vintage example as well as a contemporary version. If you’re looking for a diamond emerald ring 1980 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 20th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic diamond emerald ring 1980 over the years, but those made by Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and Tiffany Co. are often thought to be among the most beautiful. An emerald cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also round cut and mixed cut versions for sale. Finding a diamond emerald ring 1980 for sale for women should be easy, but there are 180 pieces available to browse for unisex as well as men, too.

How Much is a Diamond Emerald Ring 1980?

Prices for a diamond emerald ring 1980 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $245 and can go as high as $1,050,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $5,301.

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.