Skip to main content

Fire Opal And Diamond Ring

to
117
750
426
395
261
142
833
792
357
110
144
3
39
254
618
17
8
12
3
2
13
11
22
11
16
1
691
225
2
215
160
90
89
61
to
73
17
17
14
13
182
141
75
62
28
25
15
12
3
2
2
2
1
1
911
7
686
145
Sort By
Opal and Diamond Ring Platinum
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, Platinum, American. The sublime .87 carat opal in this gorgeous platinum fifties ring
Category

Vintage 1950s American Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

12.24 Carat Mexican Fire Opal with Diamonds and Rubies in 14K Rose Gold
Located in Towson, MD
One 14 karat rose gold ring featuring one (1) 12.24-carat polished nugget shape Mexican fire opal
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, Fire Opal, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Opal and Diamond-Set Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, 18k, American. The scintillating 4.5 carat opal in this gorgeous fifties ring is
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Platinum Round and Tapered Baguette Diamonds and Blue Fire Opal Oval Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
of diversely cut diamonds, while the opal weighs astounding 15.83 carats. Ring Top Dimensions: 22mm
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

1.61ct Fire Opal Ring w Diamond Accents in Solid 14k Yellow Gold Oval 10x8mm
Located in Columbus, OH
. Specifications: Item Type: Ring Stone Specs: Type: Fire Opal, Orange Weight: 1.61 cts Shape: Oval Size: 10x8mm
Category

2010s American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Mid-Century Fire Opal Diamond 14 Karat Two-Tone Gold Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut fire opal measuring 12.1 x 11.5 mm Transparent vibrant orange in color
Category

Vintage 1950s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Large Fire Opal 13.0 Carat faceted with Diamond 1.25 Carat Surround
Located in North Hollywood, CA
carats of Diamonds and the Opal is a bit over 13.00 carats. I have seen many fire Opals but most are
Category

2010s American Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold

0.22 Carat Diamond and Fire Opal Three-Stone Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
. The unique ring features a stunning yellow fire opal and 0.22ct of dazzling diamonds that give the
Category

20th Century Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, White Diamond, Platinum

Opal and Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
The star of the show in this stunning platinum ring is the striking fire opal that captivates with
Category

Late 20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Fifties Opal Diamond and Platinum Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1950s, Platinum, American. The fine 4.13 carat opal in this dazzling fifties ring is
Category

Vintage 1950s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Large Opal and Diamond Dome Ring
Located in Nantucket, MA
A beautiful large center opal with nice fire with two faceted round diamonds on the sides of the
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

GIA Black Opal Australian Platinum Diamond Vintage Ring Fire Solid Huge 6.79 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
Old South Jewels proudly presents...LUXURY GIA CERTIFIED SOLID AUSTRALIAN BLACK OPAL & DIAMOND
Category

20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

1.84ct Rainbow Fire Mexican Jelly Opal with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring R6732
Located in Osprey, FL
♥ 1.84ct Rainbow Fire Mexican Jelly Opal with Diamond Halo Engagement Ring Platinum R6732 ♥ Solid
Category

2010s American Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Vintage Swirling Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
A graceful, flowing ring with swirling 14k yellow gold and blazing crystal brush-stroke opals that
Category

Vintage 1960s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Opal and Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1905, 14k, American. The scintillating 4.5 carat opal in this gorgeous antique ring is
Category

20th Century American Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Opal, White Diamond, 14k Gold

Tiffany Co. Vintage 4.86 Carat Fire Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Ring
By Tiffany Co.
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a claw set oval cut fire opal weighing approximately 4.50 carats, transparent and glowing
Category

Late 20th Century Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1980 s 3.48 CTW Fire Opal Trillion Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Vintage Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a cushion cut fire opal weighing approximately 3.10 carats total Transparent bright
Category

Vintage 1980s Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Fire Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Black Opal and Diamond Ring, by Meister
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
A fascinating black opal and diamond ring in white gold by Meister. The opal has a stunning play of
Category

Mid-20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Black Opal, 18k Gold

Superb Opal and Diamond White Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
fire and sublime play of light. One carat of fine white diamonds surrounds the main stone. Finely made
Category

Vintage 1970s English Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Beautiful Play of Color Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Suwanee, GA
Beautiful Play of Color Mexican Fire Opal Engagement Ring 18K Yellow Gold. Free Domestic USPS
Category

2010s American Artist Engagement Rings

Materials

Opal, Fire Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

14 Karat Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Towson, MD
) eight (8) Mexican fire opals, and forty-four (44) brilliant cut diamonds, approximately 0.15 carat total
Category

Late 20th Century Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Rectangular Opal and Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Greenwich, CT
Ring offering a spectacular fire of colors... Designed by Lauren K and Crafted in 18K yellow gold in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Sixties Opal and Diamond-set Gold Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
Circa 1960s, 18k, American. This chic sixties ring is all about the scintillating 2.5-carat opal
Category

Vintage 1960s American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Opal, Emerald, Sapphire and Diamond Contemporary Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Opal certified by IGE (ref. D-24202) with 4,37 ct; - 4 "Sugarloaf" Cabochon Fire Opals with 2,13 ct
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Fire Opal, Gold, Yellow...

0.73 Carat Diamond and Opal Cabochon Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
. The stunning ring features a captivating yellow fire opal, weighing 6.05ct, surrounded by 0.73ct of
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Opal Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Estate 1970s opal and diamond gold ring. The design showcases an impressive oval opal weighing
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold

14k Ethiopian Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Austin, TX
An exceptional cabochon opal with great fire beautifully set within a halo of diamonds in 14k
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold

18 Karat Yellow Gold Opal and Diamond Ring
Located in Dallas, TX
is surrounded by pear opals and more diamonds! Opals have beautiful fire. This ring is a size 6.
Category

1990s Unknown Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

LB Exclusive Platinum 1.26 Carat Diamond and Opal Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This stunning platinum ring is impossible to ignore. At the center, a commanding 12.80 carat opal
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Vintage 3.40 Carat Mexican Fire Opal Diamond 18 Karat Gold Three-Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering an emerald cut Mexican fire opal weighing approximately 2.50 carats, intensely reddish
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold

Victorian Rose Gold Opal Rose Cut Diamond Diamond Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
amount of fire. Ring Details Material: 10K Rose Gold Era: Victorian 1840 - 1900 Length: 8mm Width
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Fire Opal, Gold, 10k Gold, Rose Gold

LB Exclusive Platinum 0.10 Ct Diamond and Opal Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
You’ve never seen anything quite like this dynamic ring. An attention-grabbing 4.50 carat opal in a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Diamond and Opal Cabochon Platinum Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
fire opal that makes the piece alluring and a must have! Ring Top Dimensions: 15mm x 13mm Band: 3mm Top
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Chrysophrase, White Diamond, Platinum

Vintage 18ct Gold White Opal and Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Portland, England
This stunning and luminous opal and diamond cluster ring is set in 18ct yellow gold. The central
Category

21st Century and Contemporary European Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold

LB Exclusive Platinum 0.43 Ct Diamond and Black Opal Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
enchanting 0.79 carat black opal center stone with an intense fire and radiance. It’s surrounded by a halo of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Black Opal, Platinum

Antique Demantoid Garnet Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Victorian 14K Yellow Gold ring Centrally set with Fire Opal, surrounded by Demantoid Garnets and
Category

American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Garnet, Opal, 14k Gold

Large Opal Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
shoulders which merge into an easily sizable shank. This estate opal and diamond cocktail ring remains in
Category

Vintage 1950s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, White Gold

Large Cabochon Opal Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This conspicuous vintage ring with an oval-cut opal cabochon and marquise diamonds is crafted in
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Diamond, Platinum

Art Deco Opal and Ruby Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
This stunning twenties confection is set with a scintillating 7.5 carat opal. Deliciously vivid
Category

Early 20th Century American Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Ruby, 14k Gold

7.21 Carat Crystal Black Opal and Diamond Cluster Engagement Wedding Ring
Located in New York, NY
A Beautiful Vintage Cluster Engagement Platinum (tested) Ring. The Center Stone is Oval Shaped
Category

Early 2000s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Tiffany Co. 10.56 Carat Black Opal Diamond Ring
Located in Princeton, NJ
Crafted in platinum, this exceptional Tiffany and Company black opal and diamond ring is a
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Black Opal Cocktail Ring
Located in San Francisco, CA
Black Opal Cocktail Ring with Diamond Halo features 1 Oval Cut Black Opal with electric blue
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Rosior Sapphire, Emerald, Opal and Diamond One-off Cocktail Ring in Yellow Gold
By Rosior
Located in Porto, PT
Cut Emerald with 0,53 ct; - 1 Pear Cut Fire Opal with 0,46 ct; - 1 Round Cut Pink Sapphire with 0,22
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Pink Sap...

LB Exclusive Platinum 2.05 Ct Diamond and 4.44 Ct Opal Cocktail Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
Diamond and 4.44 ct Opal Cocktail Ring. Guaranteed to make a statement, this fashion-forward diamond and
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

3.41tcw 18K Natural Opal Diamond Engagement Ring
Located in Jupiter, FL
A one of kind, couture-inspired sunset 3.11 carat opal and diamond halo ring. Make it your
Category

2010s American Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Edwardian Opal Diamond Ring 18K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
The fire of these opal gemstones is something you just have to see to appreciate. This lovely piece
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Hot Pink Blue Fire Australian Opal Ring with Sapphire, Pink Sapphire Diamond 1
By Angel Alchemy Jewelry
Located in Kula, HI
Hot Pink Blue Fire Australian Opal Ring, Opalescent Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Diamond solid 14k
Category

2010s American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

14k Gold

Victorian Opal and Rose Cut Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
An attractive antique, late Victorian era opal and Rose cut diamond ring. A rich 18kt yellow gold
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco 18K White Gold Diamond and Opal Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Addison, TX
piece holds 16 beautiful old European cut diamonds that surround a breath taking oval opal cabochon that
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, White Gold

Australian Opal Pagoda Ring w/ Lilac and Mahenge Sapphires. Diamonds, 14k Gold
By Angel Alchemy Jewelry
Located in Kula, HI
Fiery Australian Opal Pagoda Temple Ring with Opalescent Purple Sapphire, Lavender Peach Spinels
Category

2010s North American Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, 14k Gold

Kabana Amethyst, Opal, and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat Gold Oval .95 Carat
By Kabana
Located in Greensboro, NC
shimmering diamonds. Inlaid opals with stunning blue-green fire adorn cathedral-style shoulders that arch
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Natural Opal Round Brilliant Diamond Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Details Shape: Natural Opal Carat Weight: 4.05 carat Color: Amazing Color Play and Fire Side Stone
Category

Early 2000s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Opal, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Era Rose Gold Opal Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
We always love old mine cut halo rings!! This beauty features a vibrant opal gemstone that exhibits
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Antique Natural Opal Diamond Ring Art Deco Platinum Vintage Cocktail Ring
Located in Torrance, CA
). The high domed cabochon cut opal is in excellent condition and free of cracks or chips. The ring
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, Platinum

Kabana Opal and Diamond Ring, 14 Karat White Gold Round Cut .12 Carat
By Kabana
Located in Greensboro, NC
-set diamonds and inset opals featuring flames of neon-green, cobalt-blue and sunset orange fire. The
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, White Gold

Ruchi New York Ethiopian Opal, Multi Colored Sapphire and Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Ruchi New York
Located in New York, NY
Iridescence Collection Ethiopian Opals bursting with fire with multi colored Sapphire and Diamond
Category

2010s Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Opal, Sapphire, Pink Sapphire, Green Sapphire, G...

.46 Carat Oval Brilliant Amethyst, Opal, and Diamond Kabana Ring, 14 Karat Gold
By Kabana
Located in Greensboro, NC
royal-purple amethyst solitaire bordered in crescents of diamonds. Inlaid opals add flames of blue-green
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Unknown Solitaire Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Opal, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Fire Opal And Diamond Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Find the exact fire opal and diamond ring you’re shopping for in the variety available on 1stDibs. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Platinum. Our collection of these items for sale includes 47 vintage editions and 43 modern creations to choose from as well. Making the right choice when shopping for a fire opal and diamond ring may mean carefully reviewing examples of this item dating from different eras — you can find an early iteration of this piece from the 20th Century and a newer version made as recently as the 21st Century, both of which have proven very popular over the years. For this particular accessory, there are many different carat weights to choose from, but 1 Carat and 1.5 Carat versions are of considerable interest. A fire opal and diamond ring from Pamela Froman, carpenter and sons and Ruchi New York — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. See these pages for an oval cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also round cut cut and cabochon cut versions available here, too. Most of our fire opal and diamond ring for sale are for women, but there are 26 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Fire Opal And Diamond Ring?

Prices for a fire opal and diamond ring can differ depending upon size, time period and other attributes — at 1stDibs, these accessories begin at $608 and can go as high as $80,000, while this accessory, on average, fetches $3,442.

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.