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Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Antique Lovers Knot Unisex Snake Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
European cut diamonds weighing approximately 0.24 carat total H color with VS2 clarity and flush set in
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Late 20th century Multigemstone Diamond Ring in 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
: 0.25 carat total. SI1 clarity, F-G color. 100% natural earth mined diamonds. Gemstones: Ruby, emerald
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Pearl, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Sapphire, Gold, 14k...

Vintage Sapphire Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Snake Ring, Circa 1960
Located in London, GB
A vintage sapphire and diamond 18 karat yellow gold and platinum snake ring, circa 1960. This
Category

Vintage 1960s European Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian Enamel Swallow Ring
Located in North Hollywood, CA
This antique Diamond Enamel Swallow started life as a brooch, which I converted to a ring. This is
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Enamel

Antique 18ct Yellow Gold, Star Set Old Cut Diamond Band Ring
Located in Brighton, GB
Antique Diamond Ring 18ct Yellow Gold Circa 1900 This 18ct yellow gold band ring is a stunning
Category

Early 20th Century English Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

20th century 14k Yellow Gold Dog Motif Ruby Pendant
Located in Miami, FL
total of 1.92 carats of round single-cut diamonds, this ring exudes elegance and sophistication. The
Category

20th Century European Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Georgian Regard 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
, Emerald, Garnet, Amethyst, Ruby, Diamond the ring features floral enamelled detail to its shoulders
Category

Antique 1820s British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Garnet, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

C1820 18K Multi-Stone Gold and Silver Italian Giardinetti Ring
Located in Baltimore, MD
carats turquoise and .01 carats rubies in a basket motif. The ring is a size 5 3/4. It has clear early
Category

Antique 1830s Italian George III Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Turquoise, Yellow Gold, Silver

Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in London, GB
This is a beautiful diamond and ruby cluster ring. The ring features a central ruby and is
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, Yellow Gold

18kt White Gold ring with 1.76 ct Red-Purple Ruby and 1.13 diamonds
Located in Vittoria, IT
This extraordinary ring, made entirely by hand in 18K white gold, is a celebration of Italian goldsmithing elegance and craftsmanship. Its elaborate, three-dimensional design immedia...
Category

2010s European Artisan Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Bague dôme en or à décor de fleur avec rubis et diamants
Located in PARIS, FR
Magnifique bague dôme des années 50. En or 18 carats (750 millièmes), elle représente une fleur dont les pétales sont soulignés de diamants taille 8/8 et le pistil de rubis calibrés.
Category

Vintage 1950s European Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Marquise Diamond Pearl and Ruby Ring
Located in London, GB
An Edwardian pearl, ruby and diamond ring, the marquise shaped ring set to the centre with a pearl
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Pearl, Ruby, Platinum

Belle Epoque Pearl, Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in London, GB
A Belle Epoque pearl, ruby and diamond navette-shaped ring, the old cushion-cut diamond estimated
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Belle Époque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Natural Pearl, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Early 20th Century Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in London, GB
An early 20th Century ruby and diamond three stone ring, the central cabochon-cut ruby weighing
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond and Enamel 18-Kt Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Monte Carlo, MC
hand. The ruby’s rich hue creates a contrast with the enamel and diamonds giving it a fabulous spark
Category

Late 20th Century European Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Retro Ruby Old European Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Bellevue, WA
set with an Old European cut diamond accented by Old Euro and single cut diamonds and round rubies
Category

Mid-20th Century Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Original 1940s Retro European Cut Diamond and Rubies Dress Ring
Located in Miami, FL
• Retro • 1 old European cut diamond H VS1 0.25 CTW • 8 single cut diamonds ring H VS1 0.20 CTW
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Space Nugget Style Mens European Cut Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
uniquely Picassoesque negative space nugget style men's ring features on one side Old European Cut Vivid
Category

20th Century American Fashion Rings

Materials

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

.46 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Ring with Ruby Accents
Located in Carmel, CA
This stunning ring features a .46 carat Old European Cut center diamond with .40 total carats of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Antique rose cut diamond and ruby Giardinetti Mourning ring, Europe circa 1760
Located in Magdeburg, DE
This ring was made in Europe circa 1760 and is in very good, antique condition. The gemstones do
Category

Antique Late 18th Century European Rococo Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Silver

18 Carat Yellow White Gold Vintage Ruby Old European Cut Diamond Daisy Ring
Located in Splitter s Creek, NSW
This large finger size, Ruby & Diamond Daisy Ring, features one 0.3carat Old European Cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Belle Époque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat Two-Tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond Fashion Ring
By J Rossi
Located in Mansfield, OH
Vintage J Rossi 18 Karat 2 tone European Cut Ruby and Diamond fashion ring. This unique creation is
Category

Vintage 1970s American Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian Ruby Diamond Ring in 0.85ct Ruby
Located in Kendal, GB
A gorgeous antique Victorian ring bezel set with a trilogy of deep, cherry-pink rubies weighing
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Navette Ring, Ruby Marquise Ring, Engagement Ruby Ring
Located in Rottedam, NL
A beautiful navette Art Deco diamond ring! Set with natural diamonds and calibrated rubies this
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in New York, NY
Centered by an oval-cut ruby wtihin a single-cut diamond line surround. An old European cut diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Ruby Diamond, Mid-Century Ring
Located in ALTRINCHAM, GB
compliments the colour of the natural rubies. It is set with with an Old European cut diamond weighing 0.45ct
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

2.50 Carat European Cut Diamond Ring
Located in New Orleans, LA
2.50 carat European cut diamond ring with ruby side stones in platinum. The center diamond measures
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

GIA Certified Siegelson Diamond Ruby Ring
By Siegelson
Located in New York, NY
Gold Diamond and Ruby Ring by Siegelson, New York A ring composed of a central collet-set diamond
Category

2010s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Diamond Ruby Silver Gold Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
total weight of 3.05 carats. The ring is set with a further twelve Old European cut diamonds, 8 of these
Category

Antique 1890s English Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Edwardian Gold Ruby Diamond Ring
Located in Middleton, WI
This wonderful ruby and diamond ring showcases three deep pink rubies kissed with red. The stones
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage Ruby Diamond Ring 1.2ct Ruby Dated 1989 with Certificate
Located in Kendal, GB
A gorgeous 1980s carved half hoop ring set with a trilogy of cherry-pink rubies which are
Category

Vintage 1980s European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Cabochon Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Stunning Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Ring in Platinum set with a centre cabochon ruby with 2 side
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1920s Yellow Gold, Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Torino, IT
This extremely chic 1920s 18K Yellow Gold Ring , centers a sparkling old cut Diamond that weighs
Category

Vintage 1920s European Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Supernova Rose Gold Ring with Diamonds, Rubies and Hot Pink Sapphires
By Katerina Marmagioli
Located in Nea Aghialos Magnesias, GR
: 35x35mm/1.377×1.377 inches Rose Gold with Gemstones Ring: A pink red tourmaline, rubies, hot pink
Category

2010s European Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Pink Sapphire, Rose Gold

Old Cut 1.09ct Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in Melbourne, AU
Red Estimated Total Ruby weight: 1.68ct Total weight of piece:6.7grams The Rubies and Diamonds have
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Natural Ruby Old Cut Diamond Ring 14kt Rose Gold
Located in FLEMINGTON, AU
in solid rose gold and adorn with natural rubies and old cut diamonds. This emblematic ring is a
Category

Vintage 1970s European Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Platinum Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Very smart platinum art deco ruby and diamond dress ring set with a centre diamond (early modern
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Platinum Art Deco Ruby and Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Perth, AU
Very smart platinum art deco ruby and diamond dress ring set with a centre diamond (early modern
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

1.25 Carat Diamond Ruby Platinum Art Deco Engagement Ring
Located in Tampa, FL
A captivating Art Deco diamond, ruby and platinum antique engagement or fashion ring featuring a
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

18k Gold 1.50 Carat Ruby 1.20 Carat Diamond Ring
Located in Ramat Gan, IL
Beautifully Hand Crafted 18k White Gold Ruby & Diamond Ring. Famous Halo Setting. Amazing Shine
Category

Early 2000s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

French Retro diamond ruby 18K gold cocktail statement ring
Located in Versailles, FR
ring. The red color of the rubies is feminine and delicate, the diamonds sparkle on their own – they
Category

Mid-20th Century French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Cluster Ring, Unheated Burmese Ruby 1.60 Cts, Diamond Surround
Located in PARIS, FR
), adorned in its center with a ruby weighing approximately 1.60 Cts surrounded with old cut diamonds. Total
Category

Early 20th Century European Edwardian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Tank Ruby Diamond Scroll Ring in 18k Gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Tank ruby diamond scroll ring in yellow, pink and white gold 18 karat. Beautiful tank ring
Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Ruby and Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Ring
Located in Antwerp, BE
A 19th century Victorian ring in 18 karat rose gold and silver set with a center old European cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Retro Era Ruby and Diamond Handmade Buckle Cocktail Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
Circa 1940. This striking Retro Era ring sparkles with four, step-cut rubies weighing .25 carats
Category

Vintage 1940s Unknown Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

2.53 Carat Old European Cut Diamond Engagement Platinum Ring
By Shreve, Crump Low
Located in Chestnut Hill, MA
Platinum ring consisting of 1 Old European cut diamond with a color and clarity of I/VS2
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Retro Ruby and Diamond 14k Gold and Platinum Ring
Located in Mammoth Lakes, CA
Superb Vintage Retro Ruby & Diamond 14K Rose Gold and Platinum Ring. Beautifully crafted in the
Category

Vintage 1940s North American Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Twisted Omen Ancient Double Gold Ring with Diamond and Ruby
By Katerina Marmagioli
Located in Nea Aghialos Magnesias, GR
100% recycled 14K Yellow Gold, plated with 22K Gold Diamond Ruby Size: on order Ancient Gold
Category

2010s European Artist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Mozafarian Diamond 0.3 Carat Ruby Yellow Gold Spinning Starfish Ring
Located in London, England
white diamonds, and a 0.3 ct ruby, accented with enamel and set in 18k yellow gold, with a total weight
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond and Ruby Square Filigree Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Seattle, WA
icy diamonds and lush rubies. The diagonal, square cushion-shaped top of the ring features a central
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Victorian Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring, circa 1900
Located in West Hollywood, CA
Victorian Era 18K YG ruby and diamond band circa 1900. Very pretty design, classic 5 stone ring
Category

20th Century Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mozafarian 1 Carat Ruby Heart Diamond Gold Spinning Marguerite Ring
Located in London, England
A collaboration between Mozafarian and Katarina Tarazi, the Marguerite Ring features a 1 ct ruby
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.70 CTW Natural Diamonds and 0.90 CTW Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in West Palm Beach, FL
14K Yellow Gold Ring with 0.70 ctw of natural diamonds and 0.90 ctw natural ruby. Metal: 14K Solid
Category

Vintage 1980s European Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco diamonds ruby ring in 18-karat white gold
Located in PARIS, FR
Art Deco diamonds ruby ring in 18-karat white gold. Ring set with 13 rose-cut diamonds and two
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Deco Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Mozafarian Diamond 0.3 Carat Ruby Yellow Gold Spinning Starfish Ring
Located in London, England
A collaboration between Mozafarian and Katarina Tarazi, the Starfish Ring embodies Apollo’s star
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Artisan Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Late Victorian Ruby and Diamond Cluster Ring with Diamond Set Shoulders in 18ct
Located in Yorkshire, West Yorkshire
antique cluster ring. Diamond Details: Cut: Old European Cut Carat: 0.40ct total Clarity: SI1-SI2 Colour
Category

Antique 1880s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Circa 1930s Diamond Ruby Signet Ring 15 Carat Yellow Gold
Located in Hamilton, AU
A romantic whisper from the past, our Lyanna diamond ruby signet ring in 15 carat gold speaks of
Category

20th Century Unknown Modern Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 15k 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.