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Rectangular Imperial Orange Colour Topaz in Diamond Border set in 18K Ring
Located in London, GB
divine, there are 20 glittering round and pear shape diamonds along the rim of the ring, each and every
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Three Diamond Decorated Band Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 ct. The diamond is has G-H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

1979 Men Unisex Ring natural 2.5ct Emerald Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS7.25 /19gr
Located in SE
Emerald and Diamonds Ring with wider band in solid 18K Yellow and White Gold. This ring is of Men
Category

Vintage 1970s Swedish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1970s Meister Emerald and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K white gold with three Emeralds weighing a total of 2.32 carats, Marquise-cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Contempo Seventies Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960-70s, 18k, Swiss. Set with 2.23 carats of brilliant white diamonds (F color and VS
Category

Vintage 1970s Swiss Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Men’s 0.30 Carat Diamonds 1/10oz Fine Gold Elizabeth II Coin Ring 18k
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Men’s 0.30 Total Carat Weight Diamonds 1/10oz Fine Gold Elizabeth II Coin Ring 18k Iconic
Category

Vintage 1970s Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, 24k Gold

Vintage 18K White Gold Cabochon Emerald and Old Cut Diamond Double Halo Ring
Located in Miami, FL
An exquisite vintage cocktail ring in 18K white gold, centered with a richly colored cabochon-cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald

Vintage 18ct White Gold Aquamarine Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage aquamarine and diamond cluster ring, circa 1970. Set in stamped 18ct white gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

70s Diamond Square Ring Sz 6 Stacking Band Vintage 18k Yellow Gold Fine Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
) and 10.5mm (0.41) rising 7.5mm from the finger. Metal & Hallmark: 18 karat yellow gold. The ring is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

2.50ctw G-H SI1-SI2 Diamond Ring Set In 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Sewickley, PA
Crafted in luxurious 18k yellow gold, this striking diamond ring showcases an opulent display of
Category

Vintage 1970s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Colombian Emerald No Heat GIA Ring with Diamonds
Located in Darnestown, MD
Stunning emerald and diamond ring set in 18 karat gold. The central stone is an octagonal 2.56
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Type IIa marquise shape diamond solitaire ring.
Located in London, GB
Type IIa marquise shape diamond solitaire ring. Set to centre with a Golconda type IIa marquise
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

2.0 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
carats, Diamond 1.50 total carats ERA: 1970s RING SIZE: US 7 - IT 14 - FR 54,5 - Resizable on request
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1973 Finish Halo Ring natural 0.5 ct Sapphire Diamonds 18K Gold Ø8.5US/2.9 gr
Located in SE
Vintage Halo Ring made in Finland in 1975 (combination U7) with set of Finish hallmarks, 750. Band
Category

Vintage 1970s Finnish Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Estate Coral Putti Diamond Emerald Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
beauty Italian origin, 1970 ca, 18 KT solid gold beautifully crafted as individual piece – marked Centred
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage European Ring 3ct Aquamarine Diamonds solid 18K Gold Ø US 9.25 US /4.5gr
Located in SE
Vintage Aquamarine and Diamonds Ring ,made ca. 1960-1970s. The band in solid 18ct Gold with top of
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Unusual Coral and Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring
Located in Riverdale, NY
High design Coral and Diamond Domed Cocktail Ring from the 1970's in heavy 18k gold. A large creamy
Category

Vintage 1970s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s Opal, Ruby and Diamond Ring Pendant
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k white and yellow gold with an Opal center stone surrounded by Round cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s Carved Lapis Lazuli Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18k yellow and white gold with a carved Lapis Lazuli and Single cut Diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Bulgari Gold, Onyx and Diamond Bombe Ring
By Bulgari
Located in New York, NY
Bulgari 18k Yellow Gold, Onyx and Diamond Bombe Ring. Made in Italy, circa 1970.
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Topaz, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Beautiful ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central topaz and,laterally, diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mid-century 18kt yellow Gold Ring with Emeralds Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
(circa 1970s) Metal: 18K Yellow Gold Stones: Natural Emeralds Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 7 1/4
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Huge Diamond and Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in New York, NY
Huge Diamond and Gold Cocktail Ring Weight approximately 41.4 grams Ring Size: Size 6
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Gold

Vintage 1970s Cabochon Ruby Sapphire Diamond Bypass Ring
Located in New York, NY
Finely crafted in 18K yellow and white gold with a Cabochon Ruby weighing approximately 4.00 carats
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond, Emerald and Onyx Panthère Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
A fine Cartier Diamond Pantère ring in 18k white gold, showcasing with approximately 3.00 carats of
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Diamond and White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.43 carat Diamond and 18k white gold twist ring / cocktail ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

White gold diamond and blue sapphire cluster ring
Located in PARIS, FR
Vintage gold cluster ring with diamonds and sapphire 1.12 ct Cluster ring in 18k gold (750
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Cartier 18 Karat Lapis Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k gold lapis and diamond ring by Cartier circa 1970. The lapis and the diamonds oppose
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s 22.79 Carat Cabochon Sapphire Ring with Diamonds
Located in New York, NY
. The ring features Baguette cut and pave-set Round Brilliant cut Diamonds weighing a total of
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Emerald Diamond Carved Coral Italian Vintage Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Italy, circa 1970s An elegant and uniquely designed 18K yellow gold ring, centered with an
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond Band Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a smart and sophisticated 18ct white gold band ring. The design features alternating
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Men’s 0.60tcw 3-Stone Old Mine Diamond Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Men’s 0.60tcw 3-Stone Old Miner Diamond Ring 18k Gold. Each diamond weights approx 0.20
Category

Vintage 1970s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.75 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

1970s Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
This 1970's design ruby and diamond ring features 16 round diamonds weighing approximately 0.85
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Turquoise, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a central turquoise surrounded by
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Emerald, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central emerald surrounded by brilliant
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 18kt Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt Gold Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring Circa 1970's An elegant 18kt yellow gold ring featuring
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The multi-strand
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Estate 2 Carat Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
: Excellent METAL: 18k Gold GEM STONE: Diamond 4 total ct - Ruby 2 ct RING SIZE: US 9 - IT 20 - FR 60 - UK S
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 18KT White Gold Colombian Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage 18KT white gold Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring from the 1970s, featuring a
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

18kt White Gold Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
18kt White Gold Cabochon Emerald and Diamond Cluster Ring Description A striking 18kt white gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 1.36 Carat Ruby and Diamond Band Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Ruby & Diamond Band Ring The ruby stones are channel set and give it a very luxurious look
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 1970s Diamond and White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive vintage 0.68 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold cocktail ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ruby, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby and,laterally, diamonds
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold and White Diamonds
By Olivo Micheletto
Located in Milano, Lombardia
Ring in 18 kt yellow gold and white diamonds the total weight of the gold is gr 6.00 the total
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 0.45 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Pavé Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Band with Tri-Gold Accent
Located in Orlando, FL
Specifications... Metal: 18k yellow gold Accent: 18k Tri-gold crossover detail (yellow, white, and
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef and Arpels 18k Yellow Gold Bague Trois Fleurettes Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
VAN CLEEF & ARPELS Large "three florets" ring in 18k yellow gold (750‰), chased and set with three
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Coral, Diamond, Yellow Gold

Mid-century 18kt Gold Ring with Baroque Pealr and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
Stones: Natural Baroque Pearl & Natural Diamonds Ring Size: 5 (sizable) Ring Width: 0.90 inches (22.9 mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1.50 Carat Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Dome Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Beautiful Vintage 1.50 Carats total weight Diamonds Dome Ring. Size 8 18k White Gold Circa 1970's
Category

Vintage 1970s Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Van Cleef Arpels Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in New York, NY
This Van Cleef & Arpels ring contains 12 round brilliant cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.25
Category

Vintage 1970s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Eight-Stone Diamond (Castle Set) Half-Eternity Band in 18K White Yellow Gold
Located in MELBOURNE, AU
Securely castle-set in 18K White Gold 8 Natural Round Brilliant Cut Diamonds exhibit sun-like
Category

Vintage 1970s Australian Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

1970s Platinum and 18K Yellow Gold Marquise Diamond Band w/ Independent App.
Located in Lexington, KY
This exceptional marquise diamond band was made in the 1970s in both platinum and 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Band Rings

Materials

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

Fine Bright Green Natural Tsavorite and White Diamond Vintage Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
18K yellow and white gold vintage ring centering a vibrant green natural Tsavorite. This stone is
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tsavorite, 18k Gold

Cartier 18 Karat Gold Lapis Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k Gold lapis and diamond ring by Cartier circa 1970. The lapis and the diamonds oppose
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

David Webb White Enamel Diamond Ring
By David Webb
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
David Webb could is definitely the king of enamel, and this fish scale design cocktail ring is a
Category

Vintage 1970s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum, Enamel

Diamonds, Pearls, 18 Karat White Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with rows of diamonds with a little pearl. This
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, White Gold

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Diamond Ring 18k 1970 For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact diamond ring 18k 1970 you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. Find an antique version now, or shop for 2721 vintage or 4 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. Making the right choice when shopping for a diamond ring 18k 1970 may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 19th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Finding an appealing diamond ring 18k 1970 — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and David Webb each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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 brilliant cut alternatives. If you’re browsing our inventory for a diamond ring 18k 1970, 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 Diamond Ring 18k 1970?

On average, a diamond ring 18k 1970 at 1stDibs sells for $4,203, while they’re typically $340 on the low end and $495,000 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.

Questions About Diamond Ring 18k 1970
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    The mark 18K on a ring stands for 18-karat gold. 18-karat signifies that the ring is 75% pure gold and 25% other metals, such as copper, zinc or nickel. The additional metals strengthen the ring, making it more durable. Shop a range of expertly vetted 18-karat jewelry on 1stDibs.