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Vintage French Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French Ruby Diamond 18k Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring one oval mixed cut ruby weighing
Category

Vintage 1980s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

18 Carat Gold, Ruby and Diamond Leo Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold ring representing a lions head with textured fur all around the shank with ruby
Category

Vintage 1970s French Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Cartier Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Style: Cartier 18kt Yellow Gold 0.20 ct Diamond and Ruby Ring Main Diamond: Round Brilliant
Category

Late 20th Century French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Diamond

1920s Antique 1.35 Carat Ruby and Diamond White Gold Twist Ring French
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive antique French 1.35 carat Thai ruby and 0.97 carat diamond, 18 karat white gold and
Category

Vintage 1920s French Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French Ruby and Diamond Two Row Ring
Located in London, GB
Here we have a delightful ruby and diamond two row ring that dates back to the early 1900s. The
Category

Vintage 1920s Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Burmese Ruby French Bombe Flowerhead and Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Bay Harbor Islands, FL
Gorgeous Burmese Ruby and Diamond ring featuring approximately 5 carats of pear shaped Burmese
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Handcrafted Ring Diamonds and Rubies, White Gold
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 14k white gold structure, mounted with diamonds and rubies. This particular design
Category

1990s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

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

French Art Deco 8.93 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
loaf shaped ruby cabochon. At each side is a line of 4 rose cut diamonds. The beginning of the ring
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Dome Rings

Materials

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

GIA Certified Ruby and Diamond Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold French Mounting
Located in Tustin, CA
We are pleased to offer this GIA Certified French Ruby & Diamond Ring 18k Yellow Gold. This
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

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

Vintage 1940s Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique French 1930s Opal Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
cut diamonds, graduated in size. The 18ct white gold set curved ring shoulders are each accented with
Category

Vintage 1930s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

French Modern Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. Of oval shape, this second- hand ring has, in
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Cartier Diamond and Ruby Yellow Gold Dome Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
Incredibly designed in 18K yellow gold, this gorgeous Cartier ring demonstrates utmost magnificence
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

2.85Ct Ruby and 0.75Ct Diamond, 18k Rose Gold Dress Ring - Antique French
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive antique French 2.85 carat natural ruby and 0.75 carat diamond, 18 karat rose
Category

Vintage 1920s French Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Belle Époque French Ruby and Diamond 14k Rose Gold Tiara Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Belle Époque French Ruby and Diamond 14k Rose Gold Tiara Ring. Featuring one pear cut ruby
Category

Antique Early 1900s Belle Époque Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Antique French Belle Époque Gold Ring Rubies Emeralds and Diamonds Ladies Ring
Located in London, GB
A superb Belle Époque gold ring, made in Paris, circa 1910. This cluster ring features a gorgeous
Category

Early 20th Century Belle Époque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Ruby, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by a frame
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds and,externally,rubies. This ring was totally handmade
Category

Vintage 1960s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Antique Belle Époque French Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Aspen, CO
yellow gold sides. The ring bears French assay marks as well as a maker's mark. Circa 1895.
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1960s French Ruby Sapphire Engraved Emerald Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
18 carat yellow gold ring with an eagle head hallmark. A domed ring decorated with 31 antique
Category

Vintage 1960s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, Blue Sapphire, Gold, 18...

Ruby, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
structure mounted with a central ruby surrounded by diamonds. This ring was totally handmade by Italian
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Cartier Diamond Pave and Ruby Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
alluringly refined appearance. The ring is made of classy 18K yellow gold and embellished with FG-color, VVS
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian French 18k Gold Diamond and Ruby Cluster Ring Navette Marquise
Located in London, GB
A truly stunning French Victorian era ring dating to around 1895. This navette-shaped cluster is
Category

Antique 1890s French Late Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in Southampton, PA
18k Yellow Gold And Diamond Ruby Band Ring by Cartier. With 1 diamond approx. .10ctw VVS1
Category

Vintage 1970s French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Ruby and Diamond Plaque Ring
Located in London, GB
A Belle Époque style ruby and diamond plaque ring, set with a transition-cut diamond in the centre
Category

20th Century French Belle Époque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum, 18k Gold

Cartier Ruby Diamond Bombe Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Leave it to Cartier to create the perfect bombe style ring. A ruby and diamond ring by CARTIER Of
Category

Vintage 1980s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Cartier Ruby Diamond Gold “Lanieres” Ring
By Cartier
Located in Litchfield, CT
, diamonds, and rubies tames the art into fashion. Meticulously made by Cartier, this iconic "Lanieres" ring
Category

Early 2000s French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Retro Gold Ring with Sapphires, Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Lisboa, PT
18kt – 750‰ yellow gold ring with 9 vertical rows, set with 28 brilliant-cut diamonds totalling
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Contemporary Dome Rings

Materials

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

Cartier Ruby Diamond Gold Panthère Ring
By Cartier
Located in Bal Harbour, FL
18kt yellow gold, ruby and diamond (app. 6cts) ring from the iconic Panthère collection. A perfect
Category

Late 20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

French Retro "Day Night" Reversible Ruby Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Ruby and the other one with Diamond. French marks. Circa 1945. Total weight of the ring: 18.5 grams
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in London, GB
An antique ruby and diamond ring, with old-cut marquise and two pear shape diamonds, surrounded by
Category

Antique 1890s British Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian French Natural Ruby, Diamond, and Blue Enamel Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
An exquisite and unique ruby and diamond ring from the Victorian (ca1880) era! French in origin
Category

Antique 1880s French Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Sterling Silver

Piaget Ruby Diamond Gold Bypass Ring
By Piaget
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
crossover creation of numerous vibrant red marquise cut rubies that flow into cascading white diamonds down
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier Colisee Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k yellow gold that have been fashioned with a vibrant red ruby and two near colorless diamonds
Category

1990s French Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier Colisee Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
18k yellow gold that have been fashioned with a vibrant red ruby and two near colorless diamonds
Category

1990s French Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Cartier Diamond Ruby Gold Gypsy Ring
By Cartier
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
that is perfectly complimented by a lively red ruby on either side bezel set in 18k yellow gold. Signed
Category

1990s French Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Natural Ruby and Diamond Gold Gypsy Ring
Located in New York, NY
A fine cabochon ruby center stone with nice quality diamonds on each side. This classic 18K Gypsy
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Late Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

New Ruby Diamond Gold Knot Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carat white gold, eagle head hallmark. This splendid diamond and ruby ring features
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

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

French Diamond Ruby Flower Ring 18 Karat Yellow Gold Petals Open and Close
Located in Boca Raton, FL
Fabulous French flower ring fashioned in 18 karat yellow gold. The petals open and close, and
Category

Mid-20th Century French More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dior Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
come. The ring is made of 18K yellow gold and is set with ~.35ct of rubies as well as ~.30ct of
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Dior Ruby Diamond Gold Band Ring
By Christian Dior
Located in Southampton, PA
of elegant 18K yellow gold and accented with 0.35ct of diamonds and 0.35ct of stupendous rubies
Category

20th Century French Band Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

French Modern Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold, eagle head hallmark. A feminine ruby-diamond second hand ring, its
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage French Octagonal Diamond Ruby Target Ring
Located in London, GB
diamond framed by 8 naturals rubies and finally by diamonds. The rubies have a very nice pinkish red
Category

Vintage 1960s French Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Diamond Ruby and Resin Amber Rose Gold Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
the resin amber rose shaped, the leaves are adorned alternate with diamonds and rubies. Ring Size
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Silver

French 18 Karat White Gold, Platinum, Diamond Sapphire and Ruby Bombe Ring Retro
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
French 18k White Gold, Platinum, Diamond, Sapphire & Ruby Bombe Cocktail Ring Retro Circa 1940s
Category

Vintage 1940s French Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, White Gold, Platinum

French Modern Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Flower Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
the start of the ring, are set 2x3 small diamonds. Weight of the ruby : 0,50 carat approximately
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Modern Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Antique Edwardian 18 Karat Gold French Synthetic Ruby and Diamond Cocktail Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Edwardian French cocktail ring with a synthetic ruby center surrounded by a delicate halo
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

French Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Platinum Daisy Ring
By Baume
Located in Poitiers, FR
entourage ring, it is decorated with an oval ruby surrounded by 10 brilliant-cut diamonds set with
Category

21st Century and Contemporary French Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Turtle Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
, ITEMS AT AUCTIONS AND ONGOING PROMOTIONS. Turtle ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure. The
Category

2010s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

French Art Deco Certified Burma Ruby Diamond Platinum Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
heated Burma ruby that is surrounded by a celestial halo of old cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.50
Category

Vintage 1930s French Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Retro French Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Platinum Tank Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Retro French Diamond Ruby 18 Karat Gold Platinum Tank Ring. Featuring two old European cut
Category

Vintage 1940s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Rubies, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Retrò Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
structure mounted with three central rubies surrounded by diamonds and, externally, rubies.. This ring was
Category

Vintage 1950s Italian Retro More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Ruby Diamonds Ring in White Gold
Located in Vannes, FR
. The 6 yellow gold claws set the oval-cut ruby. Surrounded by 20 diamonds of 0.010 carats each, the
Category

Late 20th Century French Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Diamond Gold Dome Ring
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
covered by the seller (customs duties included). Sparkling ring in 14kt white gold embellished with a
Category

Late 20th Century Italian Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

French retro 18k rose gold diamond synthetic ruby tank ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This Retro 18k rose gold ring combines old European-cut diamonds with vibrant French-cut synthetic
Category

20th Century Engagement Rings

Materials

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

French Collection Ruby Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
Collection. The ring is made of 18K white gold and features a leaf-shaped motif set with a fantastic diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, White Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

French 1950s Ruby Diamonds Intertwined 18 Karat Gold Threads Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
opinion: Perfectly made, this retro ruby diamond ring presents a particularly interesting model
Category

Vintage 1950s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

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French Ruby And Diamond Gold Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the french ruby and diamond gold ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Every item for sale was constructed with extraordinary care, often using Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold. Our collection of these items for sale includes 63 vintage editions and 5 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for a french ruby and diamond gold ring from a specific time period, our collection is diverse and broad-ranging, and you’ll find at least one that dates back to the 19th Century while another version may have been produced as recently as the 21st Century. As it relates to this specific piece, our collection includes designs that are universally popular, but .5 Carat and 1 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. There have been many well-made iterations of the classic french ruby and diamond gold ring over the years, but those made by Boucheron, French Collection and Marchak are often thought to be among the most beautiful. Today, if you’re looking for a round cut version of this piece and are unable to find the perfect match, our selection also includes french cut and cushion cut alternatives. When shopping for a french ruby and diamond gold ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a French Ruby And Diamond Gold Ring?

The price for a french ruby and diamond gold ring starts at $850 and tops out at $28,222 with these rings, on average, selling for $5,000.

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.