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Art Nouveau Giardinetti Rose Cut Diamond Ruby Ring, Solid 9K Rose Gold Lyre Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
A head-turning antique Victorian diamond and ruby giardinetti ring! Giardinetti stands for “little
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique Ruby and Diamond Half Hoop Five Stone 18k and Platinum Ring 1.1ctw
Located in Joelton, TN
A Ruby and Diamond half hoop ring, three round faceted rubies and two old cut diamonds claw set in
Category

Vintage 1910s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Stunning 2.30 Ct Diamond Platinum 14k Ruby Cocktail Ring-1940s at its Finest
Located in Santa Rosa, CA
Type/Clarity: Eye Clean Gemstone: Diamond Carat Weight: 2.30 Stone Count: 19 Stone Shape: Old European
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Edwardian circa 1910s 18 Karat Gold and Platinum Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Miami, FL
• 18k gold and platinum on the top • 12 European cut diamonds H-I-SI-VS 1.30ct • 1 ruby 2.26ct
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Art Deco AGL Certified 7.18CT Burma No Heat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
Spectacular Antique Art Deco ring with an AGL Certified 7.18CT Burma No Heat Ruby as the center
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian 1.20 Carat Natural No Heat Ruby Diamond Rare Trilogy Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
European cut Diamonds both making .50 Ct rated as F/G VVS interspaced by little rose cut Diamond puncturing
Category

Antique Early 1900s Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Era 1880s Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring 18 Carat Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
Exquisitely crafted in 18 carat gold with crimson rubies and sparkling diamonds, she is our Bell
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bridal Rings

Materials

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

19th Century 1.80ct Filled Ruby and 0.60ctw Natural Diamonds 14k White Gold Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
14k White Gold Ring with Approx 1.80ct Filled Ruby and Approx: 0.60ctw of Natural Round Cut
Category

Vintage 1980s European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Ladies BPOE 14 Karat Yellow Gold ring with Diamond, Ruby and Pearl
Located in St. Louis Park, MN
Diamond; one 2.5mm Ruby; and one 4.5mm Pearl. Size: 4 (ladies ring) - this ring is sizeable but G
Category

20th Century Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18ct Gold, Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring. Three-stone rings are a classic choice for an engagement ring
Category

Early 20th Century British Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian No Heat Burma Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring in 18ct Yellow Gold
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
This gorgeous Late Victorian no heat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring is a remarkable piece of history
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Gorgeous 14k yellow gold antique ruby diamond ring with two Old European cut diamonds and two
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Romantic More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Bibi van der Velden bird gold silver ring
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in UTRECHT, NL
polky diamonds and two rubies as the eyes.
Category

2010s European Modern More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Silver

Art Deco Dress Ring Circa 1930
Located in Dubai, DU
sapphires and rubies, as well as 0.75 ct. of cushion-shaped diamonds, artfully arranged in a channel gallery
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Anello Oro Bianco 18 kt con Rubino da 1.06 Carati e Diamanti da 0.23 Carati
By Crivelli Gioielli
Located in Bari, IT
Delicato Anello in oro bianco 18 carati, con Rubino centrale taglio ovale da 1,06 carati e Diamanti taglio brillante da 0,23 carati.
Category

2010s European Contemporary Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

1940s Retro Diamond Rubies 18K Yellow White Gold Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
, diamonds and rubies. Circa 1935-1940 Old European diamond cut and rond cut rubys. Total approximate weight
Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Loose Gemstones

Materials

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

1940s Retro Diamond Rubies 18K Yellow White Gold Tank Cocktail Ring
Located in Pamplona, Navarra
, diamonds and rubies. Circa 1935-1940. Old European diamond cut and rond cut rubys. Total approximate weight
Category

Vintage 1930s French Retro Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Sparkling European Cut Champagne Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring in
Located in Boston, MA
A beautiful handmade ruby, and champagne diamond engagement ring in luxurious platinum. Centered
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Brown Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

18k Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Istanbul, TR
This Amazing European Ruby Diamond Ring is with Approx total 3ct G-H color VS clarity Diamond
Category

Late 20th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Floral Champagne Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring in Platinum
Located in Boston, MA
1.02ct old European diamond, this ring features shimmering ruby petals surrounding the center diamond
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond Ruby Ring. This amazing ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Ruby Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Cape May, NJ
Low profile calibre cut ruby and old european cut diamond ring with rounded shank. Main Stone
Category

Mid-20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
cut ruby's and approximately .20ctw of old European cut diamonds. The ring is made of platinum and is
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Solitaire Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
carat old European cut diamond center, framed with a cushion-shaped border of rubies and accented with
Category

Late 20th Century Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Old European Cut Diamond, Ruby Yellow Sapphire Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
of the diamond is what makes this ring work so well. Encompassed by alternating rubies and yellow
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Platinum

Antique Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Band Featuring An Old European Cut Diamond and 2 Rubies with Engraved
Category

Early 20th Century Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1.00 Carat Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
major old European cut diamond at its center. A single line of French cut rubies flanks the center stone
Category

Mid-20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Revival Old European Diamond Ruby and Diamond Surround Platinum Ring
Located in Montreal, QC
with an Old European Round Diamond, approx. 2.46 Carat, K color, SI2 clarity, surrounded by calibrated
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Inspired Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Inspired Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring. Featuring one 1.31
Category

2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Style Octagonal Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
Octagonal Old European cut diamond and ruby engagement ring marries together sleek geometric lines
Category

2010s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
princess cut rubies to create a contrast enhancing the beauty of the diamonds. The ring sits at a size 7.25
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old European 2.42 Carat Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This excellent old European diamond was made by a master cutter. The proportions are perfect and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old European 2.42 Carat Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This excellent old European diamond was made by a master cutter. The proportions are perfect and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Retro French 1.70 Carats Old European Cut Diamonds Ruby Tank Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Retro French 1.70 Carats Old European Cut Diamonds Ruby Tank Ring. Featuring four old European
Category

Vintage 1940s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Old European Cut Diamonds Ruby Platinum Filigree Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Old European Cut Diamonds Ruby Platinum Filigree Dinner Ring. Featuring 13 old
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring. This outstanding
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Style Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
An old European cut diamond sits at the center of an art deco styled hexagonal frame of rubies and
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Victorian 18k Gold Platinum GIA European Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
and appreciates antique jewelry. The ring comes with the original GIA certification for the diamond
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Solitaire Rings

Materials

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

Retro Diamond Ruby Eternity Band, Platinum Vintage Ring Old European .74 Carat
Located in Greensboro, NC
white diamonds and majestic rubies that are sweetly accompanied by milgrain accents. This ring is a
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco 2.25 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
old European brilliant cut center diamond weighs 2.25 carats. We grade the stone K color and Vs
Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Cluster Ring, 18k Yellow Gold, Platinum
Located in McLeansville, NC
An Art Deco style platinum, 18 karat yellow gold, ruby and old European cut diamond cluster ring
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco GIA 1.08 carat old European cut diamond ruby platinum engagement ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Art Deco platinum ring features a bold 1.08 carat old European cut diamond flanked by vivid
Category

Vintage 1930s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Revival Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A dazzling combination of color and craftsmanship. Featuring a 1.10 carat old European cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old European Cut 2.81 Carat Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A beautiful combination of old European cut diamonds and calibrated French cut rubies. The rubies
Category

Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Mens Retro Vintage 14k Gold 0.30ct European Diamond Pentagon Synthetic Ruby Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
diamond and synthetic ruby neatly set at its top. The stunning diamond is old European cut and is neatly
Category

Vintage 1940s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

2.17 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
outlined by numerous near colorless single cut diamonds. Hand crafted in platinum Ring size 6-3/4 and may
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Filigree Shield Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Filigree Shield Ring. This
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring - GIA
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Art Deco Platinum Old European Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring - GIA. This
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Lion Head Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage lion’s head yellow gold ring with ruby-set eyes and a diamond in its fangs circa 1930
Category

Vintage 1930s Artisan Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Burma Ruby Diamond Cocktail Ring, Mid Last Century, European.
Located in Miami, FL
Retro European ( hallmarked ) 18kt Retro Yellow Gold Burma Ruby Cluster Ring Step back in time
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 0.66 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Antique 0.66 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Cluster Ring. Featuring one old
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Yellow Gold

Modernist Ruby Old European-Cut Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
This three-stone ring features an oval-shaped ruby weighing an estimated 1.50 carats, flanked by
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Scalloped 1.07 Carat Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Flower Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
The design of the handmade mounting is centered upon an old European cut diamond solitaire set in
Category

Late 20th Century Bridal Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Platinum and 14kt Gold Edwardian Star Ruby and Old European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in Towson, MD
rectangle are approximately 1.26 carat Old European Cut and Single Cut diamonds. The bottom of the ring and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Star Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Handcrafted White Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Yellow Gold Cocktail Snake Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
White Old European Cut Diamond. This Ring has 0.37 Carats of White Brilliant Cut Diamonds. This Ring has
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 1.49 Carats Old European Diamond Ruby Platinum-Topped 14 Karat Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an old European cut diamond weighing 1.14 carats total - M color with VS1 clarity. Set in
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1940s 14 Karat Gold, Burmese Ruby and 2.5 Karat European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New York, NY
This stunning ruby and diamond ring was hand crafted in the United States, circa 1945. It features
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

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European Diamond Ruby Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate european diamond ruby ring for your needs in our varied inventory. Each design created in this style — which was crafted with great care and often made from gold, 18k gold and yellow gold — can elevate any look. You can easily find a 1219 antique edition and 143 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect european diamond ruby ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 18th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. For this particular piece, .5 carat and 1 carat are consistently popular carat weights. A european diamond ruby ring from Luigi Ferrara, Peter Suchy and Tiffany Co. — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. Today, if you’re looking for an old european cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes brilliant cut and round cut alternatives. Most of our european diamond ruby ring for sale are for women, but there are 338 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a European Diamond Ruby Ring?

Prices for a european diamond ruby ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $136 and can go as high as $495,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $4,073.

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.