Skip to main content

Edwardian Oval Diamond Ring

to
19
324
211
200
161
56
400
174
79
56
44
1
10
282
118
67
109
4
1
2
1
1
1
1
224
186
1
380
3
3
3
2
to
6
2
1
1
1
377
13
3
1
1
411
196
158
Sort By
Edwardian 2.10 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Antique Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing 1.26 carats - transparent light to medium purple in color
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Oval Natural Untreated Jadeite Jade Cabochon Platinum Diamond Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
Jadeite weighing: 5.00 ct Estimated Total Diamonds: 2.05ct GH color VS clarity Ring size: USA
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, Platinum

Ruby and Diamond Edwardian Style Filigree Ring in 9K Yellow Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An exquisite oval ruby set in a prong filigree setting, radiating a deep, rich red hue. Diamonds
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 9k Gold

Antique Edwardian 12K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 12K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum and Large Opal Antique Solitaire Cocktail Ring
Located in Addison, TX
Here we have a gorgeous Edwardian ring, the simple design has breathtaking hidden detail. Sitting
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, Platinum

Edwardian 1.64 CTW Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Yellow Gold Antique Three Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a tapered oval cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.52 carats - transparent bright
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Edwardian 14K Gold Platinum Ruby and Old Mine Diamond Three Stone Ring. This
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond Demantoid Garnet Opal 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring centering a cabochon cut white opal measuring approximately 6.0 x 4.0 mm
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold

Mark Broumand 12.94 Carat Oval Cut Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Right-Hand Ring
By Mark Broumand
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This Ceylon sapphire and diamond estate ring features a superb 11.19ct oval cut natural blue
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 0.85ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
This stunning Edwardian three stone ring features a natural blue Sapphire at it's centre, flanked
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Estate 9.06 Carat Peridot and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Embark on a delightful journey with this jubilant Edwardian-style peridot cocktail ring. The center
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Peridot, Platinum

Edwardian1.30ct Sapphire and Diamond Three Stone Ring, c.1910s
Located in London, GB
A stunning Edwardian trilogy ring set with a lovely 1.30 carat Sapphire to the centre and with two
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring one oval brilliant cut sapphire
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian More Rings

Materials

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

Estate Sapphire Engagement Ring Ceylon Cornflower Blue Platinum 2 Diamond Halo
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
: Transparent (VS) Additional Gemstones: 50 Diamonds = 0.75 Total Carats Ring Size: 6.75, sizeable Rise Above
Category

Vintage 1940s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

1.05 Carat Natural Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Edwardian Style Halo Ring featuring a 1.05 Carat Natural Pink Sapphire and 0.60 Carats
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum

Antique French Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique French Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat White Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one oval cut
Category

Vintage 1910s French Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Gold Platinum Cluster Ring. Featuring one oval sapphire of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

1.18 Carat Natural Sapphire and Diamond Antique Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Edwardian style ring featuring a 1.18 Carat Natural Blue Sapphire and 0.55 Carats
Category

20th Century Japanese Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Emerald and Diamond Platinum Coronet Cluster Ring, circa 1920s
Located in London, GB
This beautiful hand made emerald and diamond coronet cluster ring features an oval shaped emerald
Category

Vintage 1920s English Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Ruby and Diamond Cluster Engagement Ring set in Yellow Gold and Platinum
Located in London, England
A beautiful red oval cut Thai ruby and diamond cluster ring set in 18ct yellow gold and platinum
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Cluster Ring. Featuring one oval mixed cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum

Gold ring from early 20th century with natural sapphire and diamonds.
Located in Chorzów, PL
with 14 old-cut diamonds weighing approx. 0.90 ct (F-G color, VS1-I1 clarity). The ring has small
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

GIA Certified 1.01 Carat Natural Unheated Ruby and Diamond Ring Set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful Engagement Ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 1.01 Carat, Natural Untreated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Japanese Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique GIA 4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique GIA 4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique GIA 4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18K Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique GIA 4.00 Carat Colombian Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

18K White gold Dome Ring with 4.70 ct Natural Sapphires and Diamonds - IGI Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
carat of oval sapphires and round brilliant diamonds. This ring comes with an IGI report and a fancy box
Category

2010s Israeli Edwardian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique 2.50 CTW No Heat Ceylon Sapphire Diamond Platinum 14K Gold Halo Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing approximately 2.30 carats - transparent medium blue
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique 2.75 Carat Ceylon Sapphire Old European Cut Diamond GIA 3-Stone Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
English Origin Edwardian era 2.75 Carat Oval Cut Sapphire & 2.14 Ctw. Old European Cut Diamond 3
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

GIA Certified 2.58 Carat Untreated No Heat Ruby Antique Ring set in Platinum
Located in Tokyo, JP
A beautiful ring set in Platinum featuring a GIA Certified 2.58 Carat Natural No Heat (Untreated
Category

20th Century Japanese Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Oval Amethyst Ring
Located in New York, NY
Antique Edwardian platinum diamond oval amethyst ring, circa 1910. This gorgeous ring is
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 14 Carat Gold Oval Cluster Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
outside set in 14carat gold. The shoulders on this ring also hold one small but sparkling diamond each in
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Oval Montana Blue Sapphire Diamond Edwardian Style Engagement Ring White Gold
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
oh-so-velvety & rich, mounted in a most romantic Edwardian or Art Nouveau style floral diamond halo
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Edwardian 2.30 Carats No Heat Sapphire Diamond Platinum Heart Band Ring GIA
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an oval cut sapphire weighing approximately 1.15 carats Bright royal blue in color with
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Edwardian Platinum/14k Sapphire Diamond Halo Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
A fabulous sapphire and diamond ring from the Edwardian (ca1910s) era! Crafted in vibrant 14k
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 4.70 CT Natural Aquamarine Diamond Rare Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Framed Sky This authentic Edwardian ring is epitome of elegance Exquisitely hand crafted mounting
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Antique Sapphire Diamond Cocktail Ring Navette Edwardian 3 Carat
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A jaw-dropping 1 1/2" long authentic antique sapphire and diamond cocktail ring. Known as a navette
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Gorgeous Edwardian Antique Platinum Ruby Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A really beautiful Platinum ring that was made circa 1900-1910. The ruby is a gorgeous pinkish 0.5
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 18 Karat Gold Platinum Top Ceylon Sapphire and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful & classic Edwardian Ceylon Sapphire & Diamond Cluster ring in a 18K Yellow Gold
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Sapphire Engagement Ring Edwardian Diamond 1900s 18 Karat Gold Platinum
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The early 1900s Edwardian era produced some of the most beautiful jewelry. A most intriguing
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Sapphire Onyx Diamond Bow Cocktail Ring Gold Platinum Garland
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
The Lewiston Edwardian sapphire onyx diamond cocktail ring is a bold statement jewelry estate
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Sapphire and Diamond Cluster Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
A stunning antique, Edwardian era Sapphire and Diamond cluster ring. The ring has a substantial
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Late Edwardian 18 kt. Yellow gold five-stone ruby and diamond ring
Located in Braintree, GB
Antique Late Edwardian 18 kt. Yellow gold five-stone ruby and diamond ring. Made in England
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Natural Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring, circa 1910s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
Belle Epoch Natural Pink Sapphire and Diamond Ring, ca. 1910s A very bright Edwardian ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Edwardian 18K Gold and Platinum Ruby and Old Cut Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
An Edwardian ruby, diamond, platinum, and yellow gold ring, comprising one oval cut ruby, fourteen
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Sapphire Diamond Estate Engagement Ring Platinum Halo Edwardian Art Deco Revival
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
This dynamic gemstone ring boasts a sizable 2 1/2 carat, velvety blue oval gem at it's center and
Category

Vintage 1940s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Luxurious Oval Ring with 4.38 Ct Citrine Natural Gemstone and Diamonds, IGI Cert
Located in רמת גן, IL
diamond oval multifaceted citrine and side diamonds. This ring comes with an IGI report and a fancy box
Category

2010s Israeli Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Citrine, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Cluster Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Antique Edwardian 14K Yellow Gold Diamond Sapphire Cluster Engagement Ring - GIA. This beautiful
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pink Sapphire, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Ruby and Diamond Gypsy Set Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Edwardian
Located in NEWARK, GB
An impeccable antique 18 karat yellow gold, Ruby and Diamond gypsy set ring. A very high quality
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Amethyst and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The bright purple of this amethyst is complimented beautifully by the bright sparkling diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold

Antique Filigree Diamond Engagement Ring Art Deco Vintage Oval Cluster Band Lacy
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
An original Art Deco antique filigree diamond engagement ring with an interesting oval cluster A
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 0.84 Carat Ruby and 0.40 Carat Diamond, Platinum Ring Circa 1910
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
supplied with an IDGL diamond and gemstone grading report card. An Edwardian ruby and diamond ring is an
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Platinum

Jadite Cabochon 18 Karat Brushed Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds
Located in Mount Kisco, NY
-crafted 18 Karat brushed Yellow Gold Ring with two .04 carat Diamonds side lights. Unusual shank
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Jade, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Dreicer Co. Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring
By Dreicer Co.
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Antique Dreicer & Co. Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Halo Ring. Featuring one oval mixed cut
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Garnet and Diamond 9 Carat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
The garnet stones in this ring are deep red in colour and when they hit the sunlight they glow
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Gold

10.88 Carat Royal Blue Art Deco Sapphire Ring with Old Cut Diamond 18k Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
An extraordinary and remarkable Sapphire Ring that we're sure you won't come across this easily
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Antique Sapphire and Old Cut Diamond 18 Carat Yellow Gold Ring, 1914
Located in London, GB
This beautiful ring features 3 oval blue sapphires accompanied by four old cut diamonds, two
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Amethyst Five-Stone with Diamond Points Modelled in 9 Carat Gold
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
Not only does this ring hold five bright and sparkling amethyst but it also boasts diamond points
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, 9k Gold, Platinum

  • 1
Get Updated with New Arrivals
Save "Edwardian Oval Diamond Ring", and we’ll notify you when there are new listings in this category.

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.