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Victorian Pearl Ruby Diamond Gold Double Heart Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
a one carat dark pink ruby. Each heart and the bow that sits atop them, is framed by old European
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Silver

12.84 Carat GIA Cert Burma Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Miami, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring Featuring a 12.84 Carat Heated Burma Cabochon Ruby
Category

20th Century American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 1.60 Carat Diamond and Ruby Platinum Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning antique 1.60 carat diamond and 0.60 carat ruby, platinum cluster style cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco 2.67 Carat Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
centered with a sparkling 2.67 ct old European cut diamond (8.54 – 8.43 x 5.60 mm, J color, VS2 color
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Van Cleef Appels 1970s diamond and ruby bombe ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in London, GB
This 1970s 18 carat gold Van Cleef & Arpels diamond and ruby ring is a magnificently designed dome
Category

Vintage 1970s European Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Antique Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
A fine Victorian ring in 18K gold. The central old-cut diamond of approximately 0.2 carats, mounted
Category

Antique 19th Century British Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Ring In 18 Carat Yellow Gold Certified Pigeon Blood Ruby Ruby Diamonds
Located in Vannes, FR
Ring In 18 Carat Yellow Gold, Ruby, Diamonds This 18-carat yellow gold ring features a natural
Category

Late 20th Century European Art Nouveau Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Three-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique Victorian 0.45 carat diamond and 0.52 carat ruby, 18k yellow gold three stone
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 1.46 Carat Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a transitional cut diamond weighing approximately 1.03 carats; H color with SI clarity
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Ruby and Diamond 18K Ring, English C.1890
Located in Toronto, ON
Antique Ruby and Diamond 18K Ring, English C.1890. The ring set with two old cut diamonds
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18 Karat Rose Gold Diamond Ruby Retro Ring
Located in Zurich, CH
18 karat rose gold diamond and ruby retro ring, circa 1940. A one-of-a-kind retro design ring, the
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Rose Gold, Palladium

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Carved Shank Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This classic Victorian ring has a beautiful carved shank, which holds the rubies and diamonds on
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Beautiful Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold Old European Cut Diamond Flower Engagement Ring. This
Category

Antique 18th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 18k/Platinum Ruby Diamond Engagement Ring .90ct
Located in Narberth, PA
platinum, this ring features a central .90ct bezel-set old European cut diamond. The diamond displays J
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Bypass Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Gold Ring. The center stone is an Old European Cut diamond, approximately 0.15 carat, F color, I1
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

.75 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Platinum Three-Stone Dome Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Bright red certified natural Ruby and diamond dome ring. Edwardin their original 1910 dome ring. 3
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1.50 Carat Natural Ruby Diamond Women s Ring 14K Gold
Located in Miami, FL
captivating 14K yellow gold ring featuring a marquise cut Ruby and brilliant diamonds. The precious stones are
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 18 Karat Yellow Gold, Ruby, Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
18 Karat Yellow Gold Wirework Ring Featuring Bezel Set Old European Cut Diamonds & Rubies Totaling
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Five-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1900s
Located in London, GB
This gorgeous five stone ring shows off a total weight of 1.40 carats of Rubies. They are a lovely
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian 0.40 Carat Burmese Ruby and Diamond Ring, circa 1880s
Located in London, GB
This stunning ruby and diamond ring dates to the 1880s. A 0.40 carat natural Burmese ruby is
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian 0.55 Carat Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
This stunning Victorian ring is hallmarked from the year 1900. Rubies and diamonds sparkle in the
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

1940s Ruby and Diamond 14 Karat White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A fantastic cocktail ring from the 1940s. Centrally set with a wonderful 50 point old European cut
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique 18ct Gold Victorian Ruby Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold Stamped Circa 1880 Fabulous, Victorian five stone ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring, circa 1900
Located in London, GB
Victorian Burmese ruby and diamond coronet cluster ring. Set to centre with an oval old cut natural
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcraft Diamonds 14 Karat Yellow Gold Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
artisans assembled with ruby and old cut diamonds Ring total weight 3.90 grams Ruby weight 0.51 karat Old
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Vintage Diamond and Ruby Bubble Ring in 18k Yellow Gold
Located in London, GB
A chunky diamond and ruby bubble ring set in 18k yellow gold . The ring is composed of three
Category

2010s European Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Chic Diamond, Ruby, Enamel, Silver Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Chic, colorful and very tailored ring created in Europe in the 1960's. Three wonderful old cushion
Category

Vintage 1960s European Cocktail Rings

Fine Edwardian Platinum Diamond Ruby Crossover Toi et Moi Ring, C 1900
Located in Firenze, IT
European cut diamond H- I/SI 1, approx 0.60 ct and 1 natural round cut ruby, bright red with a strong
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique Gold and Diamond Coiled Snake Ring with Ruby Eyes
Located in New York, NY
An antique Victorian period gold and diamond snake ring featuring a pavé diamond-set head with ruby
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Victorian 1.70 Carat Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Cluster style ring centering an oval cut ruby weighing approximately 0.90 carat, transparent and
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian 0.64 Carat Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, circa 1910s
Located in London, GB
This unique diamond and ruby ring was crafted in the 1910s. The centre diamond is G colour, VS2
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Late Victorian Ruby Sapphire Diamond Pansy Flower Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
A sentimental and sweet gemset flower ring. This 18k gold ring is set with two bright red rubies
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby Sapphire Emerald and Diamond Shamrock Ring
Located in London, GB
Colombian, the sapphire is Burmese and the ruby is also of Burmese origin. It is a colourful and fun ring
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow ...

French Ruby and Diamond 18 k Gold Ring
Located in New York, NY
French Ruby (possibly synthetic) and Diamond Platinum Ring. Classic cluster ring with mine cut
Category

Vintage 1920s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond

18 Carat Gold Diamond and Ruby Victorian Horse Shoe Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold Victorian ring featuring a little horse shoe set with diamonds and rubies, England
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring 18K Gold Cluster Navette Design - 1886
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this superb Victorian 18ct gold ruby and diamond navette ring made in
Category

Antique 19th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Gold Ruby And Old Cut Diamond Lion Men’s Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
features a depiction of a lion's head adorned with ruby eyes and a round old-cut diamond, which is located
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Retro Diamond and Synthetic Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Tank Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Retro Diamond and Ruby 18k Yellow Gold Tank Ring. Featuring one old European cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby Diamond Moonstone Cabochon 14K Yellow Gold Antique Snake Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
snakes holding stone Two of the snakes have engraved scales throughout Accented by flush set old European
Category

Antique 1870s Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18ct Yellow Gold Platinum Stamped, 1940s Ruby Diamond Crossover Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1940s This exquisite vintage
Category

Mid-20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Cushion Cut Diamond, Ruby Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
Fabulous antique ring created in Europe in the 1920's. It features two cushion cut diamonds
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Dinner Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Edwardian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Rose Gold Platinum Dinner Ring. Featuring three old European
Category

Vintage 1910s American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Late Art Deco Calibre Cut Ruby Diamond Platinum Domed Ring
Located in New York, NY
An antique platinum ring set with calibre cut rubies and bordered by diamonds, circa 1930. This
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Retro 1940s Euro Cut Diamond and Ruby 14 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Lexington, KY
This ring is magnificent! Featuring a gorgeous Euro-cut diamond in the center, accented by a line
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
ruby diamond ring. Circa 1920s. Created in 18k gold, size 7 3/4 and may be re-sized to fit. Flawless
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Vintage Victorian-Inspired Diamond and Ruby Three-Stone Ring, circa 1970s
Located in London, GB
This vintage 1970s era diamond and ruby three stone ring was designed in the style of a Victorian
Category

Vintage 1970s British Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Ruby Diamond Daisy Cluster Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Ruby & Diamond Daisy Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Tested Exuding timeless elegance, this
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique English ring with diamonds and rubies, early 20th century.
Located in Chorzów, PL
Antiquarian English filigree gold ring with diamonds and rubies from the early 20th century. A
Category

Early 20th Century British Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Retro Yellow Gold Champagne Diamond and Ruby Coiled Snake Ring, circa 1950s
Located in Cape May, NJ
CTW Accent Stone: Ruby Eyes Ring Width: .60" Ring Size: 6.5 Ring Weight: 9.3 grams Ring Condition
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Marina J. Ruby, Diamond and solid 14k Yellow Gold Ring
By Marina J.
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Brilliant ring by Marina J. This stunning piece features a large faceted Ruby, displaying a vivid
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artisan Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond 18K Gold Cluster Boat Shaped Ring - 1896
Located in London, GB
We are delighted to offer this stunning antique 18ct gold ruby and diamond three-row design ring
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Mouawad Gem Burma Ruby and Diamond Three stone Ring
By Mouawad
Located in Bethesda, MD
their brilliance and sparkle. The heart shaped diamonds, set on either side of the ruby, create a
Category

Late 20th Century European Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

18ct Gold Platinum, 1920s Art Deco Ruby Diamond Rectangular Shaped Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
pairs of vertically aligned natural diamonds, elegantly framed by magnificent calibrated natural rubies
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Platinum, 18k Gold, Gold

Art Deco Style 1.30 ct Diamonds and Ruby Platinum 950 Ring
Located in MADRID, ES
Elegant art deco-style ring crafted in Platinum 950, featuring brilliant- and trapeze-cut diamonds
Category

20th Century European Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique 15ct Yellow Gold, Victorian Ruby Diamond 3 Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
15ct gold Victorian 3-stone ring, adorned with a central ruby and a diamond on each side. The ring
Category

Antique Late 19th Century English Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Original Art Deco 18ct Gold Ruby Diamond Navette / Marquise Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Shaped Ring, Set with Calibrated Natural Rubies & Old Cut Diamonds Reeded Rose Gold Band Good Finger
Category

Early 20th Century English Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco 14K Yellow Gold 4.50 Carat Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Miami, FL
natural brilliance. This uniquely styled ruby ring, reminiscent of a bygone era, offers free resizing for
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow 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.