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Victorian Diamond and Ruby Five Stone Stackable Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Fairfield, CT
Victorian 18 Karat Ruby and Diamond Five Stone Stackable Ring This 18 karat yellow gold Victorian
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 15 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A beautiful antique mid-Victorian three-stone ring. Set with a central round ruby flanked by old
Category

Antique 1870s British High Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
European cut white diamonds between three wonderful round red rubies. The diamonds measure approximately 7
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian 18K Yellow Gold 0.45tgw Ruby and Old Cut Diamond 5 Stone Ring
Located in Staines-Upon-Thames, GB
A Victorian ruby, diamond, and yellow gold ring, set with three round cut rubies, and two old
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 1905 Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold And Platinum With Diamonds And Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
Edwardian ring with diamonds and ruby. A beautiful antique ring from the Belle Epoque period
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring natural 0.75ct Ruby 0.3ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.25 /3.1 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand- made in ca. 1920s- 1930s. This design with secure bezel
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Ring Natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Yellow Gold Platinum Ø US6 / 1.9gr
Located in SE
Fine cluster Ruby Ring made between ca.1900 -1930s. Combination of Gold, Platinum Ruby and Diamonds
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Imperial Russian Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 56 14K Gold Ø 6.5US / 1.62 gr
Located in SE
Antique Art Nouveau period Imperial period Russian Ring featuring an square cut Natural ruby and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

18 Kt. Yellow Gold Band Ring with 0.90 Ct Ruby, Sapphire, Emerald and Diamonds
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
On offer is an 18 kt yellow band gold entourage ring decorated with 5 round cut natural Ruby
Category

Early 2000s European Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring 0.36ct natural Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Gold Platinum ØUS7 / 1.65 gr
Located in SE
Beautiful Ruby and Diamonds Ring made ca. 1920s - 1930s. Fragmented Swedish hallmarks, 18K, metal
Category

Vintage 1920s Swedish Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
-I-J-K color and s1-s2-s3-Pique 1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.40 ct. Ring size is US 8 (We offer free
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

18k Gold

Circa 1900s 14k Gold Top Silver Natural Rose Cut Diamond And Cabochon Ruby Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
is has H-I-J color and s1-s2-s3 clarity. Totally is ruby 1.12 ct. Ring size is US 8.5 (We offer free
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Silver

Lovely Ruby Brilliant Ring 5 Hearts 1.20 ct and 0.40 ct beautiful Quality
Located in Viena, Viena
each heart for a special occasion or just beautiful to look at 5 raspberry colored ruby hearts
Category

2010s European Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Circa 1960s 9k Gold Natural Diamond And Emerald Ruby Navette Rin
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has H-I color and s1-s2 clarity. Totally is emerald 1.30 carat. Totally is ruby 0.40 carat
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 9k Gold

Antique Edwardian Ruby and Old Cut Diamond in British Hallmarked 18 Karat Gold
Located in London, GB
Classic antique, Edwardian ruby and diamond ring set in 18 carat rose gold. British Hallmarked
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

ART DECO 1925 Fabulous Snake Ring In Platinum And 6.47 Ctw Diamonds Emeralds
Located in Miami, FL
. Diamond: Mount on top of the head in a millegrain bezel setting, with 1 European trillion cut diamond with
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum, Enamel

Antique 18ct Gold Platinum Stamped, Edwardian Toi et Moi Diamond Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Toi et Moi Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Stamped Circa 1910 This beautiful Edwardian 18ct
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Antique Belle Époque 18ct Gold Platinum Illusion Set Diamond Five Stone Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Five Stone Ring 18ct Gold & Platinum Circa 1920s This exquisite Rose Cut
Category

Early 20th Century European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian ruby and diamond cluster ring, the oval-cut ruby with estimated weight of 1 carat
Category

Antique Early 1900s Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Ruby, Sapphire and Diamond Harem Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby, sapphire and diamond harem ring, consisting of three bands, the one centrally-set
Category

Antique 1860s British Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Silver

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
A Victorian ruby and diamond five stone ring, the two oval-cut rubies estimated to weigh 0.90
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Fine Victorian Five-Stone Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A fine Victorian five-stone ruby and diamond ring, the ring alternately-set with three old
Category

Antique 1870s British Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Three-Stone Carved Half Loop Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A three stone carved half loop ruby and diamond ring, the oval faceted ruby weighing an estimated
Category

Antique 1880s British Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Early 20th Century Emerald, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
An early 20th century emerald, ruby and diamond triple cross-over ring, the round faceted emerald
Category

Antique 1890s British Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Gold, Silver

A Ruby And Diamond Triple Cluster Ring By Tiffany Co
By Tiffany Co.
Located in London, GB
A ruby and diamond triple cluster ring by Tiffany&Co, to the centre three round-cut rubies
Category

Vintage 1930s American Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Octagonal Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
A Diamond And Ruby Octagonal Cluster Ring, the central old brilliant-cut diamond estimated to weigh
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

4.89ct Old European Cut DIamond Ruby Ring
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
setting. The ring features 1 Old European cut diamond weighing 4.89 carats and having an approximate color
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1.25 Carat Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This is such a pretty ring! The center diamond is an Old european cut diamond 1.25ct J-VS2 with an
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

White Gold Old European GIA Certified Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Columbia, MO
Purity 18k Stone 1 Information Stone Type Diamond Stone Shape Old European Cut Stone Color K Clarity SI1
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified Old European Diamond French Cut Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Columbia, MO
! DETAILS: White Gold Old European Cut Diamond & French Cut Ruby Classic Engagement Ring .92 carat Old
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

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

.44 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Halo Engagement Ring
Located in Columbia, MO
ring features an Old European cut center diamond that weighs .44 carats & grades as H/VS2 in quality
Category

20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond, Platinum

Old European Cut Diamond Burma Ruby silver topped gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
total approximately 3.5 carats in rubies, in between the diamonds. Circa 1900. The ring measures
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

2.48 Carat Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Ring 18 Karat White Gold
Located in New Orleans, LA
Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby ring with a gorgeous 2.48 carat center diamond surrounded by a
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby Band
Located in Los Angeles, CA
This gorgeous ring features seven Old European Cut diamonds with twelve Old European Cut rubies set
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1920s Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
A unique checker design 1920s platinum ring set with nine square cut Burma Rubies and one carat
Category

Vintage 1920s American Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1930s Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring, Old European Cut, Marquise Shaped Setting
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A beautiful ruby and diamond ring from the Art Deco era in a cluster style. Centring on a
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

0.93ct Old European Cut Diamond with Rubies Platinum Ring
By WBAW
Located in West Hollywood, CA
18K White gold with 0.93ct Old European Cut diamond, "H" color, "SI2" clarity center stone flanked
Category

American Engagement Rings

Cabochon Emerald, Ruby and diamond Ring
Located in Atlanta, GA
6.1mm, approximately 3.60 carats of rubies and approximately 1.00 carat of brilliant cut diamonds, VVS
Category

Vintage 1960s European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Emerald, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Target Ring, Round Ruby Halo Ring Engagement Ruby Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
100 years old ring is adorned with numerous diamonds with a total weight of 1.3 CT. A dreamy Art
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Old European Cut Diamond and Square Red Ruby Sundial Ring in 14 Carat Rose Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
red rubies. The centre of the ring is adorned with a romantic old cut diamond accompanied by
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Victorian Ruby and Diamond Boatshape Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
A beautiful antique ring from the late Victorian era with three round, mixed cut rubies and two old
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Art Deco European Cut Diamond with Ruby Halo Engagement Ring 18 Karat
Located in Manchester, NH
ring boasts an approximately 1.84ct old European cut diamond bezel-set in platinum. The stone is graded
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Burma Ruby Old Diamond Silver Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
European Cut Diamond surrounded by Burma Rubies. The outer border is accented with ten Old European cut
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Georgian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

Betteridge 4.19 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring
By Betteridge
Located in Greenwich, CT
Old European cut diamond engagement ring in platinum with partway pavé ruby shanks. Re-sizable
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

18 Karat Ruby and Diamond Sweetheart Ring
Located in Lancashire, Oldham
A pretty 18 karat yellow gold ruby and diamond sweetheart ring. The two entwinned hearts are set
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Antique Diamond and Ruby Double Headed Snake Ring
Located in London, GB
This Victorian Snake Ring is set with an old European Cut Diamond and a beautiful Ruby, which may
Category

Antique 1860s British Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Edwardian Ruby Diamond "Toi Et Moi" Engagement Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
Natural Ruby - likely Burma origin, 0.72ct Old European Cut Diamond - 0.86ct - SI2 clarity, I colour
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Estate 18 Karat White Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Composition: 18k white gold • 3 old European cut diamonds H-VS2 0.35ctw. • 4 natural round cut
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold

18k Yellow Gold Diamond Red Ruby Double Snake Ring
Located in Versailles, FR
on its head, the other one with a red ruby. The diamond is cut in old European style, cushion shape
Category

Early 20th Century French Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Edwardian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Trilogy Gypsy Band Ring
Located in St Helens, GB
An antique ruby and diamond trilogy ring of Edwardian era. Solid 18 carat yellow gold example
Category

Antique 19th Century Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Circa 1930s Old European Cut Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
, delicately set with three round rubies alternating with two old European cut diamonds. We have named this
Category

20th Century British Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage tank ring with diamond, synthetic ruby and pearl
Located in PARIS, FR
Stones: 0.10 carat diamond, pearl and synthetic ruby. Material: 18k yellow gold Dimensions: 2 cm x
Category

Vintage 1940s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique, Edwardian, 18ct Gold and Platinum, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Rochford, Essex
Ruby and diamond ring, circa 1900. Centring on three antique circular-cut diamonds against a
Category

Early 20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Platinum

Antique 18K gold green enamel ruby diamond floral ring
Located in Versailles, FR
, surrounded by delicate rose cut diamonds, this ring captures the essence of opulence and grace. The head of
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Art Deco Diamond Ruby Flower Cluster Gold Ring
Located in Sale, Cheshire
shoulders. STONES .75ctw of old European cut diamonds - and rubies RING SIZE 6.75 US MEASUREMENTS Head
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Bold Retro Ruby and Diamond Ring Made by Marlin N.Y.
Located in Lambertville, NJ
Strong 1940 design 14kt. rose gold ring with 7 graduating round European cut diamonds bead set in
Category

Vintage 1940s American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone Ring
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
. Diamond Details: Cut: European Cut Carat: 1.2ct total Clarity: SI Colour: J/K Ruby Details: Carat: 1.35ct
Category

Antique Late 19th Century British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k 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.