Skip to main content

Diamond Rings White Gold 1890

to
64
715
413
381
143
134
689
257
103
89
38
3
526
116
96
82
10
2
1
4
4
3
469
277
2
137
89
85
74
50
to
3
93
5
4
4
4
360
83
82
46
20
9
3
3
2
1
748
399
336
Sort By
Victorian Mine Cut Diamond Pearl Bypass Yellow Gold Engagement Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
made of real 18K gold and the diamond is a Mine Cut - a type of cut used when candles were the only
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 10k Rosy Gold Old Cushion Diamond Seed Pearl Open Work Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
Rosy Yellow Gold Weight: 1.91 Grams Ring Size: 7.0 (Fitted on a finger. We can custom size this ring
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Gold

T. B. Starr Antique emerald Diamond gold 5-stone ring
Located in New York, NY
An Antique gold ring with diamonds and emeralds by T. B. Starr. The classic 5 stone ring has two
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald, White Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian sapphire, diamond, and yellow gold ring, comprising three round cut blue sapphires, and
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 1.83ctw 5 Stone Old Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian diamond and yellow gold ring, set with five old European cut diamonds, and eight rose
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 9K Gold Round Opal Solitaire w/ Old Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
: 0.40-0.50 (approx.) Material: Solid 9k Yellow Gold w/ Silver Top Weight: 2.28 Grams Ring Size: 5.5
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 9K Gold Round Opal Solitaire w/ Old Cut Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
: 0.40-0.50 (approx.) Material: Solid 9k Yellow Gold w/ Silver Top Weight: 2.28 Grams Ring Size: 5.5
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 4.70 Carats Old Mine Diamond 14 Karat Gold Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
3.55 carats total, I/J color with VS1 clarity Tested as 14 karat gold Circa: 1890 Ring Size: 9
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 14k Gold

2.0 Carat Antique Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
white gold. Excellent Condition. Remark: "If one-of-a-kind is your heart's desire. Old mine-cut
Category

Antique 1890s Swiss Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian 4.15 Carat Diamond Cluster Ring and Pendant Set
Located in Miami, FL
Sensational ring and pendant set featuring a Victorian diamond cluster, crafted in 18 karat yellow
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Belle Époque French Ruby and Diamond 14k Rose Gold Monogrammed Band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Belle Époque French Ruby and Diamond 14k Rose Gold Monogrammed Band. Featuring 15 rose cut
Category

Antique 1890s Belle Époque Band Rings

Materials

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

Belle Epoque Openwork Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1890 A silver topped gold ring is vertically set with two old mine cut diamonds: one bright
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond

Belle Epoque Ladies Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
circa 1890 An 18K yellow gold tiara shaped ring is prong set with two antique cushion cut and
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond

Antique 18ct Gold Amethyst Diamond and Peridot Suffragette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Suffragette Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Hallmarked Birmingham 1915 Beautiful, suffragette
Category

Early 20th Century English Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian 18K Rose Cut Diamond and Onyx Royal Crown Signet Conversion Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Victorian 18K Rose Cut Diamond & Onyx Royal Crown Signet Conversion Ring. The ring is in excellent
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, 10k Gold, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Silver-over-Gold Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
the vibrant yellowish orange hue of the citrine and white sparkle of the diamonds against a blackened
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Enchanting 8.80 Carat Emerald Cut Aquamarine Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in רמת גן, IL
, these diamonds add sparkle and brilliance to the ring. 1 aquamarine main stone of 8.80 carat cut
Category

2010s Israeli Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, White Gold

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Sapphire and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
sapphire with fantastic quality. Flanked by two wonderful white diamonds each measuring 55 points, F colour
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique English Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique English Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Three Stone Ring. Featuring one oval
Category

Antique 1890s English Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Opal 0.20 Carat Diamond Gold Dress Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique Victorian opal and 0.20 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold dress
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau French Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
All elegance and fineness, the curves if the Art Nouveau period sparkle on this 18 kt gold ring
Category

Antique 1890s French Art Nouveau Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Kutchinsky 1970 London Ring in 18kt Gold with 3.56 Cts Diamonds Coral Onyx
By Kutchinsky
Located in Miami, FL
A ring designed by Kutchinsky. Beautiful piece made in London United Kingdom by the house of
Category

Vintage 1970s English Modernist Band Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, White Diamond, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Kutchinsky 1972 London Ring in 18kt Gold and Platinum with 1.82 Ctw VS Diamonds
By Kutchinsky
Located in Miami, FL
Jeweled cocktail ring designed by Kutchinsky. Nice bombe piece created in London in 1972, by the
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Diamond Pearl Crossover Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 This Belle Epoque antique crossover engagement ring is centered with a bright white old
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl

Victorian French Old Cut Diamond 18k Two Tone Band
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
karat rose gold with a 18 karat white gold top with French hallmarks. Circa 1890. The ring is a size 5
Category

Antique 1890s Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 4.60 Carats Heart Cut Sapphire Old European Cut Diamond Silver Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
shoulders. Tested as 18 karat gold and silver. Circa: 1890's., Ring size: 7 1/4 and sizable. Measures
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a wonderful 18ct yellow gold Victorian diamond five stone ring ring. The diamonds are
Category

Antique 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

French Victorian GIA Certified 1.26 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
A classic Cluster Ring of French Origin composed of 18 Karat Yellow Gold. This Victorian era ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Victorian Opal, Green Garnet and Diamond Double Halo Ring, circa 1890s
Located in London, GB
turn is haloed by a further circle of shining white diamonds. They have a combined weight of 0.44 carat
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Diamond, Garnet, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Neoclassical Diamond Enamel Platinum-Topped 18 Karat Tri-Colored Gold Cu
Located in Philadelphia, PA
background Surrounded by a green gold laureled border - accented by additional rose cut diamonds With a
Category

Antique 1890s Neoclassical Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Russian 1.28 Carat Cushion Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 An antique Russian 14K gold engagement ring features a sparkling bright white old
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond

Neo Renaissance Enamel and Old Cut Diamond 5 Carat Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
BERNARDO ANTICHITÀ PONTE VECCHIO FLORENCE The old-cut cushion shaped ,5ct approximately, to diamond
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Italian Renaissance Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Diamond Cluster Ring with Old Mine Cuts Approximate 6.48 Carat
Located in New York, NY
Antique Victorian Diamond Cluster Ring with Old Mine Cuts 18 Old Mine Diamonds weigh Approx 6.48
Category

Early 20th Century American Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Demantoid Rose-Cut Diamond Unheated Pink Blue Sapphire Fancy Pink Diamond Ring
By Joke Quick
Located in Antwerp, BE
One of a kind Ring In Sparkling Subdued Colours Handmade in Belgium by Jewellery Artist Joke Quick
Category

Antique 18th Century Belgian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Pink Diamond, Garnet, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sapphi...

Georgian Dutch Revival GIA 4.31 Carats Old Mine Cut Diamond 14k Silver Cluster R
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
, graded J-K color, VS-SI clarity. Crafted in 14 karat yellow gold and silver. Circa 1890. The ring is a
Category

Antique 1890s Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Original Edwardian Old Mine Cut Natural Fancy Yellow Three-Stone Diamond Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This ring is an absolutely all original Edwardian piece! It is a rich 18 karat yellow gold ring
Category

Antique 1890s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

"R" Initial Ring Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Antique Victorian Edwardian
Located in New York, NY
beautifully made with gorgeous diamonds. The shank of the ring is 18 Karat yelllow gold. Diamonds 15 Old
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold

Antique 2.30 Carat Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have an outstanding five-stone diamond ring taken from the Victorian period. This antique
Category

Antique 19th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Antique German Armorial Intaglio Old Mine Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
weight is 2.60 cts. The 14K gold ring shank is a later replacement. The hematite and diamond cluster
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond

Sapphire Old European Diamond Ring, circa 1890s
Located in Miami, FL
Spectacular sapphire and diamond ring circa 1890 featuring an AGL graded sapphire with a Ceylon
Category

Antique 19th Century American Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Dated 1897 Hallmarked Five Stone Diamond and Emerald Antique Unisex Band Ring
Located in Addison, TX
in the message section. Item Details: Ring Size: 5 Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold (If no hallmark
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Art Deco Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

One Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Pearl Engagement Ring Antique Victorian
Located in New York, NY
Old Mine Cut Diamond of approximately .65 Carats. The diamond is brilliantly white and sparkling
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Platinum, Gold

Antique Colombian Emerald and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 This splendid antique engagement ring from the late Victorian era features a lush
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Emerald

Art Nouveau Enamel Portrait Ring Athena 18 Karat
Located in North Hollywood, CA
14K and the ring band itself is done in 18K Yellow Gold. There is a small Diamond on her head dress
Category

Antique 1890s Swiss Art Nouveau Signet Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique 8.66 Carat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Cluster Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 This antique Russian 14K gold engagement ring features a chunky 8.66 ct cushion cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Blue Sapphire

2 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Platinum Pearl Ring Antique Victorian Flower Motif
Located in New York, NY
This is a stunning antique Victorian two carat Old Mine Cut Diamond ring with a central 7MM Pearl
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, 14k Gold, Platinum

Renaissance Revival Bloodstone Signet Ring 18 Karat, circa 1890s
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1890s 18k. This chic Victorian ring features a renaissance revival aesthetic perfect for
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Turquoise and Diamond Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
diamonds in this ring that resembles a crown. The diamonds are rose cuts that emit so much light, they look
Category

English Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond

Kutchinsky 1972 London Toi et Moi Ring 18Kt Platinum 1.20 Cts Diamonds Coral
By Kutchinsky
Located in Miami, FL
in solid 18 karats yellow gold and .900/.999 platinum for the settings of the diamonds. One of the
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Russian 5 Carat Demantoid Fancy Colored Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
of six white and six fancy colored old cut diamonds with an approximate total weight of 1.80 carats
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Russian Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Garnet

Antique No-Heat Ceylon Sapphire Ring GIA
Located in Litchfield, CT
carat No-Heat, Ceylon sapphire surrounded by .30 carats of brilliant white diamonds. Finely fashioned in
Category

Antique 1890s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.46 Carats Old Mine Old European Cut Diamond Turquoise 14 Karat Yel
Located in Philadelphia, PA
'. Stamped for 14 karat gold. Circa: 1890. Rung size: 5 1/4 and sizable. Measures: North to South 9.5 mm and
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Turquoise, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond H Monogram Necklace Pendant .25ct 14K White Gold Original 1890
Located in Dearborn, MI
Monogram Shape We Can Add a Ring For Your Chain 14K White Gold Circa 1890's The Victorian Era in
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Victorian 3.95 Carats No-Heat Ceylon Sapphire Old Mine Cut Diamond 14 Karat Yell
Located in Philadelphia, PA
clarity. With pierced scalloped gallery. Tested as 14 karat gold. Circa: 1890's. Ring size: 5 3/4 and
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow ...

Original 7.58ct Authentic Antique Victorian Turquoise Diamond Cluster Cocktail
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Authentic Classic VICTORIAN Turquoise and Diamonds Cluster Ring, hand-fabricated in 14K
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Antique Three-Diamond Filigree Low Profile Vintage Engagement Ring
Located in Addison, TX
ring crafted in 18 karat white gold. The sparkling old european cut diamonds are held by a beautiful
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Radiant Diamond and Natural Pearl Band
Located in Stamford, CT
The ring is radiant That is the primary visual effect of the brilliance of the gold and diamonds in
Category

English Band Rings

Materials

Diamond

  • 1
  • ...
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Diamond Rings White Gold 1890", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

Diamond Rings White Gold 1890 For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact diamond rings white gold 1890 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, yellow gold and 18k gold. Find an antique version now, or shop for 756 vintage or 94 modern creation for a more contemporary example of these cherished accessories. If you’re looking for a diamond rings white gold 1890 from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 18th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but .5 carat and 1 carat versions are of considerable interest. A diamond rings white gold 1890 from Victor Mayer, Cartier and A. J. Hedges Co. — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. An old european cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and old mine cut versions for sale. When shopping for a diamond rings white gold 1890, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Diamond Rings White Gold 1890?

Prices for a diamond rings white gold 1890 can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $254 and can go as high as $195,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,417.

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.