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Edwardian Antique Sugarloaf Star Sapphire Mine Miner Diamond 18K Gold Halo Ring
By Estate Jewelry
Located in Brambleton, US
Edwardian Antique Sugarloaf Star Sapphire Mine cut Miner Diamond 18K Gold Halo Ring What a great
Category

20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Star Sapphire, 18k Gold

Natural Oval Ruby Ring (Approx. 1.00-Carats) Oval Cut Ruby Halo Ring, Platinum
Located in New York, NY
This exquisite Edwardian-inspired ring showcases a captivating approx 1.00-carat natural oval-cut
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
Openwork Ring, meticulously crafted in luxurious 18K white gold. At its heart sits a captivating oval
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian 1.66ctw Sapphire and Diamond Ring, Platinum and 14kYellow Gold
Located in McLeansville, NC
color, VS2 - SI2 clarity - sapphire, 1 stone - oval - approximately 1 carat - 7 x 5 mm Ring Size 4.75
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum, Gold

Edwardian Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Coronet Cluster Ring, English, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Edwardian Ceylon sapphire and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to center with a single cushion
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
This is an 18ct yellow gold synthetic ruby and diamond ring from the Edwardian era. The vibrant
Category

Antique Early 1900s Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian 2.48 Carats No Heat Burma Sapphire Diamond Platinum Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
nestled amongst glittering old European cut diamonds in a cluster-style mounting. Cluster rings hail from
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Edwardian Opal Diamond Platinum 18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Navette Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
- bead set with halo surround Platinum-topped and prong set with old European cut diamonds With
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 18K Yellow Gold No Heat Sapphire Diamond Engagement Ring - GIA. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.60ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A bright ruby sits between two contrasting old cut diamonds in this Edwardian engagement ring. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

14k Yellow Gold Cameo Snake Ring 1890 Edwardian
By Non Branded
Located in Lexington, KY
This refined cameo ring from the 1890 Edwardian period features a detailed snake crafted in 14k
Category

Antique 1890s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 0.40ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A lively blue sapphire sits between two charming old cut diamonds. The sapphire is oval in shape
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Era 18 Karat Gold Fire Opal Old European Cut Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Edwardian Era Natural Fire Opal & Old European Cut Diamond Navette Ring composed of 18k white gold
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

9K Yellow Gold Oval Amethyst and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stunning tribute to timeless elegance, this vintage-style ring features a luminous oval amethyst
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 0.80ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
Dating back to the Edwardian period, this stunning three stone ring features a vivid blue sapphire
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 8.15 CTW Amethyst Diamond Platinum 14K Gold Antique Fleur-De-Lis Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut amethyst weighing approximately 6.45 carats - transparent medium purple Bezel
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian 3.00 CTW Diamond Ruby Platinum 14K Gold Antique Scroll Band Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Featuring an oval cut ruby weighing approximately 0.86 carat - transparent medium purplish red in
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Sapphire Ruby Old Cut Diamond Toi Et Moi Cluster 18k yellow gold ring
Located in London, GB
An original Edwardian Natural Ruby, sapphire and old cut diamond cluster toi et moi ring set into
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 18K Sapphire, Diamond and Burmese Ruby Quatrefoil Ring - AGL
Located in Hummelstown, PA
From the turn of the last century comes this charming quatrefoil ring. Featuring a gorgeous royal
Category

Antique Early 1900s Burmese Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, 18k Gold

18ct Yellow Gold, Edwardian era Amethyst, Diamond and Peridot Suffragette Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
exquisite 18ct gold-stamped Edwardian suffragette ring, a true testament to the spirit of the suffragette
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum, Edwardian Aquamarine and Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Aquamarine & Diamond Ring 18ct Rose Gold & Platinum Circa 1910 Step into elegance with
Category

20th Century English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Emerald Diamonds Ring 14 Karat 1.20 Carat Edwardian Deco
Located in New York, NY
.60ct Natural Oval emerald ring. 6x4mm emerald, even green clean clarity and transparent. .60
Category

2010s American Cluster Rings

Materials

Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 0.90ct Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This stunning trilogy ring from the Edwardian period features an oval cut, 0.90 carat, ruby at it’s
Category

Vintage 1910s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Openwork Art Deco Inspired White Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
diamonds with milgrain edge. The ring would make a lovely Art Deco style engagement ring but equally it’s a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Untreated Oval Mixed Cut Sapphire and Trillion Diamond Ring in Platinum
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Absolutely breathtaking sapphire and diamond ring. The brilliant blue stone against the bright
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Platinum

Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Style Floral Motif Dinner Ring in 14K White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
. Featuring a vibrant oval sapphire at the center, the ring is surrounded by sparkling diamonds in a refined
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold, 14k Gold

Vivid Oval Emerald Diamond Sun Ray Halo Unique Luxury Vintage 18 White Gold Ring
By Galt Bro. Jewelers
Located in Oakton, VA
Vivid Oval Emerald Diamond Sun Ray Halo Unique Luxury Vintage Style White Gold Ring 18 Karat White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, White Gold

Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Edwardian Style Engagement Ring in 18K Two Tone Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
sparkling diamonds, the design adds a touch of vintage glamour and sophistication. The geometric shapes and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Rubellite Tourmaline Diamond Ring
Located in Wailea, HI
4.06 Carat Oval Rubellite Tourmaline with 0.75 Carats of Round Brilliant Diamonds in Platinum ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Tourmaline, Platinum

Ruby and Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
This captivating ring by Iris Fine Jewelry is a stunning creation that draws the eye with its
Category

Antique Early 1800s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Ruby and Diamond 18K Gold Ring
$4,880 Sale Price
20% Off
Edwardian Certified 6.35 Ct Imperial Topaz 1.20 CT Diamond three stone Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
, original late Victorian transitional Edwardian, has been hand crafted of solid 18 KT gold with Platinum
Category

Early 20th Century European Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Imperial Topaz, 18k Gold, Platinum

AGL Certified 7.76 Carat Oval No Heat Burma Blue Sapphire Ring in Platinum
Located in Miami, FL
the legendary Edwardian-Art Deco era. Circa 1915-1935. This vintage ring features a stunning hand
Category

Early 20th Century Burmese Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Burmese Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a truly beautiful ruby and diamond cluster ring. At the centre of the face we find an
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
0.40ct Old cut diamonds and oval-shaped old cut rubies alternate in quintessential Edwardian era
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

9K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Rich in elegance, this vintage-style ring features a vibrant ruby at its heart, radiating deep red
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwradian Rose Cut Diamond 18 Carat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
This ring is modelled in 18 carat gold and the rose cut diamonds are set in platinum. The diamond
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Gold

14K Yellow Gold Peridot and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
An oval peridot shines at the heart of this vintage-style ring, glowing with a fresh, green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, 14k Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

9K Yellow Ruby and Diamond Vintage Style Half Eternity Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
This vintage-style ring features vibrant oval rubies beautifully set with sparkling diamonds placed
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby with Diamond Ring Set in 18 Karat Gold Settings
Located in Bangkok, TH
Ruby 2.17 carats with Diamond 0.80 carat Ring set in 18 Karat Gold Settings Width: 2.0 cm Length
Category

2010s Thai Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Cabochon Emerald Diamond Halo 2 Tone Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A classic Princess Diana style gemstone engagement ring. Centered by a glowing near 2 carat oval
Category

2010s American Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

4.76 Carats Ruby Ring with White Diamond Halo
Located in London, GB
white diamond halo, arranged octagonally around the main stone’s oval shape. Ring Size: UK -P, US - 8
Category

20th Century British Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Early 20th Century Vivid Yellow Green Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
stages of the 20th century. At the centre of the face we find a vibrant vivid yellow green diamond, oval
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

Blue Topaz Diamond Vintage Style Floral Cluster 14K Yellow Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
A gorgeous ring with blue topaz and diamond flower motif. The center prong set with a delightful
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

9K Yellow Gold Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
, sparkling diamonds dance like stars around a midnight sky, adding brilliance and contrast to the sapphire's
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Burmese Ruby Diamond Ring, circa 1915
Located in London, GB
Natural Burmese ruby and diamond ring. Set with an oval old cut natural unenhanced Burmese ruby to
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique 18ct Gold Amethyst, Diamond and Peridot Suffragette Ring Hallmarked 1915
Located in Brighton, GB
with this exquisite 18-carat gold-stamped Edwardian suffragette ring, a true testament to the spirit of
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, Gold, 18k Gold

9K Rose Gold Opal and Diamond Vintage Style Three Stones Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
diamonds that bring additional shine and brilliance. The opal’s captivating play of colors creates a unique
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

38.35 Carat Tanzanite, 38.85 Carat Pink Sapphire Diamond Cocktail 18K Gold Ring
By EstatebyJR
Located in New York, NY
, Cabochon Cut Pink Sapphire: 38.85 Carats, Oval Cut Diamond: White, accent stones Metal: 18K White Gold
Category

20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Tanzanite, 18k Gold, White Gold

Certified Vintage Caged Line Ring Shank with Oval Cabochon Lavender Type A Jade
Located in Miami, FL
Experience the timeless sophistication of this stunning lavender jade ring. The oval shape cabochon
Category

20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Gold, 18k Gold

JE Caldwell JEC Vintage Opal Old European Diamond Ring 18K Gold Antique J.E.C
Located in Brambleton, US
JE Caldwell JEC Vintage Opal Old European Diamond Ring 18K Gold Antique Estate J.E.C. This is a
Category

20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

9K Yellow Gold Natural Amethyst and Diamond Vintage Style Cocktail Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
Featuring a rich, oval-shaped amethyst at the center, this stunning piece captures attention with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

Red Sapphire and Diamonds natural gemstone Ring, 14 Karat Yellow Gold, 7US
By GRALJEWELRY
Located in Daugavpils, LV
Natural 0.80Ct Sapphire and Diamonds gemstone 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ring Laboratory full
Category

2010s African Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Garnet and Diamond Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
sparkling diamonds, the ring's design highlights the contrast between the bold garnet and the brilliance of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

18ct Yellow Gold Amethyst, Diamond and Peridot Suffragette Ring, Hallmarked 1907
Located in Brighton, GB
history with this exquisite 18ct gold-stamped Edwardian suffragette ring, a true testament to the spirit
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Peridot, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Blue Sapphire Red Ruby Diamond Double Heart Vintage Style Crown Gold Ring
By Unbranded
Located in Oakton, VA
diamond set ribbon bow to the top, all in white top yellow gold. Ring Information Style: Edwardian Weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Ring in Solid 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
Experience timeless elegance with our Natural Blue Sapphire and Diamond Vintage Style Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 9k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Blue Topaz and Diamond Vintage Style Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Bangkok, TH
A luminous oval blue topaz takes center stage in this vintage-style cluster ring, set elegantly in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Edwardian Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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Edwardian Oval Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact edwardian oval diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Frequently made of Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 138 antique edition and 28 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a edwardian oval diamond ring 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 1.5 Carat and 2 Carat versions are of considerable interest. Creating a edwardian oval diamond ring has been a part of the legacy of many jewelers, but those produced by Concierge Diamonds Inc., Janesich and Jiedy Jewels are consistently popular. Today, if you’re looking for an oval cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes cushion cut and old mine cut alternatives. Most of our edwardian oval diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 47 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Edwardian Oval Diamond Ring?

Prices for a edwardian oval diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $396 and can go as high as $250,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,340.

A Close Look at Edwardian Jewelry

Antique Edwardian jewelry is named for King Edward VII of Great Britain, who ruled from 1901 until 1910. Classic Edwardian necklaces, engagement rings, earrings and other jewelry are often overshadowed by the more popular style of the era, Art Nouveau, which is a shame. At its best, Edwardian jewelry was all about the exquisite diamond, platinum and pearl creations made by such famous names as Cartier and Boucheron.

Edward introduced incredibly formal Buckingham Palace court presentations, balls and soirées, resulting in a huge demand for diamond jewels starting with his coronation in 1902. Dozens of tiaras and formal jewels in an updated 18th-century style were purchased from French jewelers Boucheron and Chaumet and from Russia’s Fabergé. The court jewelers Asprey, Garrard, Carrington and the newly opened London branch of Cartier were all overwhelmed with orders for sumptuous diamond jewelry to be worn at the king’s elaborate coronation.

During the Edwardian era, pearls were more valuable than diamonds. The pear-shaped pearl La Peregrina, for example, belonged to some of the most fabulous and strongest women in history and bounced among royal courts in Spain, France and Russia for several centuries. So while today the scale and clarity of a diamond ring matters, back then the size and quantity of your pearls was more important a declaration of wealth. And just as Victorian notions of propriety and femininity began to change after Queen Victoria died in 1901, jewelry design also evolved but there was some overlap with late Victorian styles.

Women of the Edwardian period sported bejeweled headpieces like tiaras and bandeaus with feathered aigrettes. Another popular piece of jewelry that is said to have been directly inspired by Queen Alexandra were colliers de chien, or dog collars — today's choker necklaces — which consisted of either a ribbon decorated with a brooch, a gemstone or several strands of pearls strung closely together.

Two major jewelry houses, Cartier and Boucheron, were founded in the mid-1850s, and by the beginning of the 20th century, the wealthy considered them household names. The Cartier brand became even more desirable once the house became the official jewelry supplier to King Edward VII. Cartier took this title seriously and designed some of the most innovative jewelry of its day, since it was willing to experiment with new materials like platinum and because it was mindful of fashion trends. Filigree settings also became popular. This saw-piercing technique was decorative and at the same time created a sense of lightness.

Perhaps even more important than Cartier’s use of platinum was the founding of De Beers Consolidated Mines Limited in 1888. The discovery of new diamond mines made the stone more affordable and prompted the introduction of new gemstone cuts. It is not uncommon to see Edwardian jewels with baguette or briolette diamonds.

Find antique Edwardian rings, bracelets, watches and other 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.