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18 Karat Yellow Gold Emeralds Diamonds Cognac Brilliant Pave Cocktail Ring Lion
By Volund
Located in Vancouver, CA
Lion Cub ring in 18K gold, cognac and clear diamonds pave and emerald eyes. This ring depicts a
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Canadian Artist Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Gold Winged Sphinx Lion Talismanic Ring in 18 Karat Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
GOLD WINGED SHINX LION TALISMANIC RING. This unique sculpture named "Stargate," was inspired by
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Egyptian Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lesunja Zurich Lion White Gold Agate Diamond Sapphire
Located in Zürich, CH
with 15 white trapeze cut diamonds 1.185ct, set all around with 31 brilliant cut blue sapphires. Ring
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Swiss Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Agate, Diamond, Sapphire, 18k Gold, White Gold

Lion with Diamonds Sterling Silver and 18 Karat Gold Animal Stackable Ring
By Bibi van der Velden
Located in Amsterdam, NL
Set with a regal lion, who signifies protection, the Animal Lion Stackable Ring can be worn alone
Category

2010s Dutch Contemporary Dangle Earrings

Materials

White Diamond, Brown Diamond, 18k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Lion Ruby Diamond Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Miami, FL
This mesmerizing vintage ruby and diamond lion cocktail ring is crafted in 18-karet yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1960s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Lion Head Ruby Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Victorian unisex lion head gold ring with rubies and diamond circa 1890. Designed as a lion head
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 10k Gold

1930s Lion Head Ring Ruby Diamond Gold
Located in Los Angeles, CA
1930s Lion Head Ring Ruby Diamond Gold Gentleman's 1930s lion head ring with a diamond in the
Category

Vintage 1930s American Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Black Onyx Gold and Diamond Lion Ring
Located in New York, NY
18kt Yellow Gold and black Onyx Lion ring set with a diamond studded Head and Tail. Eyes are set
Category

Vintage 1960s Unknown Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Gold and Diamond Lion Ring
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18 carat gold Art Nouveau ring with a lions head holding a diamond in its mouth on each side and
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Art Nouveau Band Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold

Jurio Diamond Pave Yellow Gold Oval Lion Ring
Located in Southampton, PA
motif of a lion and it is embellished with dazzling diamonds that amount to 0.59 carats. Ring Size: 8.0
Category

20th Century More Rings

Materials

White Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Karat Gold Diamond Lion s Head Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage Diamond Lion's Head Ring composed of 18k yellow gold. Depicting a three dimensional lion
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lalaounis Gold and Diamond Twin Lion Heads Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Firenze, IT
textured and sculpted gold crossover design in twin lion heads, enhanced by rose-cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1980s Greek Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Lion’s Head Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Designer: custom Material: 18K yellow gold Diamond: round brilliant cut = .75cttw Color: H Clarity
Category

21st Century and Contemporary More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

.36 Carat Diamond Lion Ring
Located in Lynchburg, VA
This vintage men's ring is made of solid, 14-karat yellow gold. A white gold head and prongs hold a
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Diamond Tsavorite Ruby Lion Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
in its mouth. Soft to the touch and full of detail and life, this 18k whtie gold lion ring will keep
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Lion Band Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring is highly rendered to depict a roaring lion with a flowing mane With an old mine cut
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Belle Époque Antique Diamond Gold Lion Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1890 This antique 14K gold unisex ring is finely modeled as the head of a lion with a
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Solitaire Rings

Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Lion s Head Vintage Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
This vintage 14 karat yellow gold lion's head ring is a bold and regal statement piece. Expertly
Category

Mid-20th Century American Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Victorian Diamond 14 Karat Gold Lion Band Ring, circa 1890
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Band ring is highly rendered to depict a roaring lion with a whiplashed mane Diamond accented eyes
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

19th Century Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Men s Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat yellow gold. This sumptuous antique men's ring, represents a lion with its mouth
Category

Antique Late 19th Century French Napoleon III Band Rings

Materials

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

Antique Lion Ring of 10k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
Commanding in presence and rich with symbolism, this antique ring showcases a lion’s head
Category

Vintage 1910s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 10k Gold

Lion Enamel Ring with Diamonds in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in New York, NY
A Lion Enamel Ring with three Diamonds on the head, made in 18 Karat Yellow Gold. Enamel Colors
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Vintage Gold Ruby And Old Cut Diamond Lion Men’s Ring
Located in Firenze, IT
Size: 8 Material: 18kt Yellow gold Gross weight: 18.10 g. This 18-karat yellow gold mounted ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Handcrafted White Black Diamond Turquoise Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
message to solve the problem. This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.70 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Black Diamond, Turquoise, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Art Nouveau Yellow Gold Platinum Diamond Lion Head Ring
Located in London, GB
This ring was nicely designed into a Lion head. It has a strong design. It depicts a regal lion
Category

Early 20th Century French Art Nouveau Fashion Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Gucci Amethyst and Diamond Lion Head Ring in Yellow Gold
By Gucci
Located in London, England
A stylish vintage Gucci amethyst and diamond ring set in 18k yellow gold. The ring is composed of
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

0.29ctw Diamond Roaring Lion Ring 14k Yellow Gold Size 10
Located in McLeansville, NC
Gemstone Information: - Natural Diamond - Carats - 0.23ct Cut - Round Brilliant Color - G - H
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Vintage Lalaounis Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Wrap Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Lalaounis Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Wrap Ring. Featuring two round rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Lalaounis Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Two Headed Lion Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage Lalaounis Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Two Headed Lion Ring. Featuring four round rubies
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Lalaounis Gem Set Gold Lion Head Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Chicago, IL
18K Yellow Gold and Gem Set Lion Head Ring by Ilias Lalaounis, nicely detailed and set with Rubies
Category

Vintage 1980s Greek Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, 18k Gold

Ilias Lalaounis Precious Gemstone Lion Gold Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
against a collar of 18K White Gold and diamonds. A most alluring ring of class and originality. Ring Size
Category

Late 20th Century Greek More Rings

Materials

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

Antique Lion Ring of Carnelian 10k Gold
Located in Lewisburg, PA
A striking union of two antique treasures, this unique ring features a finely detailed gold lion
Category

Antique Early 1900s Victorian Signet Rings

Materials

Carnelian, Diamond, 10k Gold, 14k Gold

Handcrafted White Diamond Oval Cut Emerald Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
message to solve the problem. This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.15 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcrafted White Diamond Oval Cut Emerald Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
message to solve the problem. This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.15 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcrafted White Diamond Oval Cut Citrine Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
message to solve the problem. This Ring is made of 14K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.40 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Citrine, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Handcrafted White Diamond Brazilian Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
1stdibs catalog worldwide. This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.70 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcrafted White Diamond Brazilian Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
message to solve the problem. This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.70 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcrafted White Diamond Brazilian Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
message to solve the problem. This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.70 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Handcrafted White Diamond Brazilian Blue Topaz Yellow Gold Cocktail "Lion" Ring
By Luigi Ferrara
Located in Naples, IT
message to solve the problem. This Ring is made of 18K Yellow Gold. This Ring has 1.70 Carats of White
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Topaz, Blue Topaz, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Striking 18k Yellow Gold Double Lion Head Ring
Located in New York, NY
Striking 18k Yellow Gold Double Lion Head Ring Make a bold statement with this stunning 18k yellow
Category

1990s Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ilias Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Head Diamond Ruby Bypass Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Baltimore, MD
Ilias Lalaounis 18 Karat Yellow Gold Lion Head Diamond & Ruby Bypass Ring Metal: 18 karat yellow
Category

Late 20th Century Greek Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Old European Cut Diamond Ruby Lion Head Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Vintage lion’s head yellow gold ring with ruby-set eyes and a diamond in its fangs circa 1930
Category

Vintage 1930s Artisan Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Diamond Lion Ring Emerald Eyes 18 Karat Yellow Gold Large Face Ornate Jewelry
Located in Torrance, CA
Striking vintage Lion ring set with diamonds and emerald eyes (circa 1960s to 1970s) crafted in 18
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Diamond, Ruby, Emerald and Blue Sapphire Lion Ring
Located in London, GB
A highly unique vintage diamond, ruby, emerald and blue sapphire lion ring set in 18k yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1980s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Russian Lion Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
An Antique Gold and Diamond Lion Ring with a Russian Jewish provenance made in St
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond

Vintage Zolotas 18k Yellow Gold Double Lion Head Ring
By Zolotas
Located in New York, NY
appearance. Delicate white gold accents with sparkling diamonds are interspersed between the lion heads
Category

Mid-20th Century Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, 18k Gold

Lion Ring by Ilias Lalaounis
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Paris, FR
Lion Ring by Ilias Lalaounis 18K Gold, Black Enamel, Ruby, Rose Cut diamonds Greece, Circa 1970
Category

Vintage 1970s Greek Greek Revival Cocktail Rings

Materials

Agate, Amber, Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.30 ct Diamond and 0.35 ct Emerald Lion Ring
By LB Exclusive
Located in Southampton, PA
This unique LB Exclusive 18K Yellow Gold 0.30 ct Diamond and 0.35 ct Emerald Lion Ring is a fun
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

David Webb Platinum 18K Yellow Gold Double Head Lion Ring
By David Webb
Located in New York, NY
Estate David Webb Platinum & 18K Yellow Gold White Enamel Diamond Head Ruby Eye Lion Ring
Category

20th Century American Modern Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold, Platinum

Yellow Gold Diamond Lion Ring
Located in Palm Desert, CA
14 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond Lion Ring. This glorious ring features a detailed lion head and mane
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Retro Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Lion Head Gold Diamond Ruby Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Lion Head Gold Diamond Ruby Ring Unisex estate lion head gold ring with diamond eyes and ruby
Category

Vintage 1980s Modern Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Gregory Appleby Diamond Gold Lion Cocktail Ring
Located in Stamford, CT
Gregory Appleby lion ring #1/100 in 14k yellow gold with diamond eyes. Circa 1994. 2 round
Category

1990s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Men’s Ring
Located in New York, NY
This fabulous vintage men's ring features the shape of a lion's head crafted in 14k yellow gold and
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

1970s 14k Yellow Gold 3 Diamond Lion Head Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Beautiful heavy weight ring designed as a sculpted lion head, round shaped ring on an 14kt gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Gold and Diamond Lion "Leo" Zodiac Ring, circa 1970
Located in Cincinnati, OH
1970's Leo Zodiac ring. 18k Gold Lion head ring with ruby eyes and a diamond muzzle. The 1 1/8" x 3
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold

Ilias Lalaounis Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Lion Bypass Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in Southampton, PA
gorgeous rubies while glistening diamonds totaling 0.16ct are set in complementing 18K white gold. Ring
Category

Late 20th Century Greek More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Hand Chased Yellow Gold Lion Ring with Diamond
Located in Chicago, IL
Circa 1910 14K Yellow Gold Lion Ring, the top measures 3/4 x 3/4 inch and weighs 8.8 Grams, all
Category

Vintage 1910s American Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

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Gold Diamond Lion Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

Surely you’ll find the exact gold diamond lion ring you’re seeking on 1stDibs — we’ve got a vast assortment for sale. 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. Our collection of these items for sale includes 74 vintage editions and 20 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect gold diamond lion ring may mean sifting through those created during different time periods — you can find an early version that dates to the 19th Century and a newer variation that were made as recently as the 21st Century. A gold diamond lion ring from Ilias Lalaounis, Carrera y Carrera and Luigi Ferrara — each of whom created a beautiful version of this treasured accessory — is worth considering. A round cut version of this piece has appeal, but there are also brilliant cut and mixed cut versions for sale. When shopping for a gold diamond lion ring, you’ll find that there are less available pieces for unisex or men today than there are for women.

How Much is a Gold Diamond Lion Ring?

The price for a gold diamond lion ring starts at $708 and tops out at $50,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $2,855.

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.

Questions About Gold Diamond Lion Ring
  • 1stDibs ExpertApril 5, 2022
    A gold lion ring can be a symbol of strength and leadership as well as a piece meant to bring protection to the wearer. Wearing it on the right hand can accentuate the meaning of the leadership qualities, while wearing it on the left hand emphasizes its protection qualities. Shop a range of authentic gold lion rings on 1stDibs.