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Gold Diamond Rings 1979

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Vintage 14K Yellow Gold and Diamonds Snake Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
Year: 1970s Item Details: Metal Type: 14K Yellow Gold [Hallmarked, and Tested] Weight: 11.4
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds and Natural Emerald
Located in Tel Aviv - Jaffa, IL
18K Yellow Gold Ring with Diamonds Material: 18K Yellow Gold Center stone: Natural Emerald Weight
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 5.25ct Sapphire 1.33ct Diamond White Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
impressive vintage sapphire and diamond ring has been crafted in 14k white gold. The pierced decorated
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

French 1970s Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Petals Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold, eagle's head hallmark. Lovely retro ring, it represents a flower whose
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

1970s Emerald Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Daisy Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karat white gold. This lovely daisy ring is set with a central oval emerald held in 4
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Bold 1970s 14K Yellow Gold Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck Plaza, NY
A striking vintage cocktail ring crafted in richly textured 14K yellow gold, centered with a vivid
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

14K Yellow Gold Square Shaped Emerald Diamond Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
diamonds set in solid two toned 14k gold with a unique brushed/matte finishing. *Approximate stone
Category

Vintage 1970s More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Yellow Gold

French 1970s Emerald Diamond 18 Carat White Gold Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 carats white gold, head of eagle hallmark. It comes straight from the 1970s, this
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Vintage 1970s Sapphire and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
1970s sapphire and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 18k white gold. The pierced decorated mount
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1970s 2.40 Carat Diamond and White Gold Twist Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 1970s 2.40 carat diamond and 18k white gold twist style cocktail ring; part
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
diamond is has generally F-G color and vvs-vs clarity. Ring size is US 8.2 We can make any size. Box is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Handcraft 18 Karat White Gold Diamonds Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. 18 Karat White Gold cocktail ring.Handmade by artisans assembled with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Diamonds Emerald Yellow Gold 14 Karat Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. Splendid retro ring made entirely by hand in 14 Karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18KT White Gold Colombian Emerald Diamond Cluster Ring
Located in Braintree, GB
A vintage 18KT white gold Colombian emerald and diamond cluster ring from the 1970s, featuring a
Category

Vintage 1970s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 18k Gold

Vintage Diamond and White Gold Half Eternity Engagement Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
An impressive vintage 0.90 carat diamond and 18 karat white gold half eternity style cocktail ring
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Retro Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, White Gold, 18k Gold

18K Gold Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring
Located in Scottsdale, AZ
Introducing the extraordinary 18K Gold Black South Sea Pearl Diamond Ring, a truly unique and
Category

Vintage 1970s Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, South Sea Pearl, 18k Gold

Black Onyx Diamond Yellow Gold Men s Substantial Ring
Located in New York, NY
This classic men's substantial ring is crafted in 14k yellow gold and set with a square black onyx
Category

Vintage 1970s American More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Yellow Gold

Boucheron Serpent Bohème Ring 18K Gold, Platinum Diamonds, 1970s
By Boucheron
Located in MONTMORENCY, FR
daring creativity and signature French elegance. Crafted in 18K yellow gold and platinum, the ring
Category

Vintage 1970s French Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Platinum

Enamel Diamonds Yellow Gold 14 Carat Cocktail Ring
By SCALA GIOIELLI
Located in Marcianise, IT
message to solve the problem. Splendid retro ring made entirely by hand in 14 Karati yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

Emerald, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Fly Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fly shape ring in 9 karat rose gold and silver structure mounted with a diamond as head, an emerald
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Vintage diamond 18k yellow gold and blue enamel ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
This vintage ring from the 1970’s is crafted in 18k yellow gold and detailed with rich blue enamel
Category

Vintage 1970s Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Enamel

PICCHIOTTI 18kt Yellow Gold Ring with Chrysoprase and Diamonds
By Picchiotti
Located in Aventura, FL
: Modernist Creator: Picchiotti Metal: 18Kt yellow Gold Natural Stone: Diamonds & Chrysoprase Ring size: 6 3/4
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Modernist Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1970s Sapphire Diamonds 18 Karat White Gold Marquise Ring
Located in Poitiers, FR
Ring in 18 karats white gold. Elegant vintage marquise ring with gold wire basket and band. The
Category

Vintage 1970s French Retro Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Van Cleef Arpels Paris Philippine Diamond Gold Modernist Ring
By Van Cleef Arpels
Located in Greenwich, CT
Van Cleef & Arpels 'Philippine' 18 karat yellow gold modernist ring is a once in a lifetime find
Category

Vintage 1970s French Modernist Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold

Emerald Cut Emerald and Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
cut Emerald and diamond cluster ring has been crafted in 15k white gold. An impressive emerald cut
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 15k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 0.10 Carat Diamonds Hammered Design Ring 18k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 0.10 Carat Diamonds Hammered Design Ring 18k Gold. The ring measures 10mm in height and
Category

Vintage 1970s Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Enameled Diamond Snake Ring 18 Karat Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage Enamelled Old Mine Cut Diamonds Snake Ring. The ring features red ruby cabochon eyes as
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold, Enamel

Diamonds Sapphires 14 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This distinctive ring showcases a harmonious blend of 14-karat yellow gold and sterling silver
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Onyx, Topaz, Diamonds, Rose Gold and White Gold Retrò Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic retrò ring in 9 kt rose gold structure with a carved stem. On it, a plate of onyx
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Onyx, Topaz, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, White Gold

Ruby Diamond Halo Cocktail Ring, 18k Yellow White Gold, Ring, Oval Ruby
Located in McLeansville, NC
Stones: - ruby, 1 stone - oval cut - 8.64 x 6.15 x 2.63 mm - stamped 1.34ct - diamonds, 55 stones
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

18 Karat Gold Diamond 1.63 Carat Aquamarine Ring
Located in New York, NY
18k white gold ring with approx. 1.63ct aquamarine (measures 8.7 x 6.9 x 3.96mm) surrounded with
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Contemporary Fashion Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage lapis lazuli diamond 18k yellow gold cocktail ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
color diamonds. Crafted in glowing 18k yellow gold and hallmarked for purity, the setting showcases
Category

Vintage 1970s Modern Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage Original 14k White Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 4.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.80 carat. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Gold

2ctw 5 Stone Diamond Wedding Band Ring, 18K Yellow Gold, Ring, Stackable
Located in McLeansville, NC
This 18K yellow gold stackable diamond wedding band ring features five shimmering gemstones for a
Category

Vintage 1970s Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold

Turquoise, Sapphires, Diamonds, Rose Gold and Silver Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 9 kt rose gold and silver structure mounted with a central turquoise surrounded
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, Turquoise, 9k Gold, Rose Gold, Silver

Sapphires, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Amazing band ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with rows of diamonds and sapphires. They
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 2.00 Carat Diamonds Ballerina Cocktail Ring 14k Gold
Located in Miami, FL
Vintage 2.00 Carat Diamonds Ballerina Ring 14k Gold. Elegant and sparkling diamonds in this
Category

Vintage 1970s Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has H
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Magnesite, Topazs, Diamonds, 14 Karat Rose Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 14 kt rose gold structure mounted with a central magnesite with a diamond in the
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Topaz, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Tank Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.7 grams. Totally is diamond 0.40 carat. The diamond is
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Cartier 18 Karat Gold Lapis Diamond Band Ring
By Cartier
Located in New York, NY
Vintage 18k Gold lapis and diamond ring by Cartier circa 1970. The lapis and the diamonds oppose
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Modern Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Lapis Lazuli, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5 grams. Totally is diamond 0.30 ct. The diamond is has vs
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorateda Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.2 grams. Totally is diamond 0.50 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 5.5 grams. Totally is main stone 0.87 ct. The main diamond
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Vintage Diamond Platinum and 9 Carat Gold Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
On top of this simple 9 Carat Gold band sit seven bright diamonds with a total weight of 40pts
Category

Vintage 1970s British Modern More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, Platinum

Vintage Circa 1970s 18k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight 1.6 grams. Totally is diamond 0.35 ct. The diamond is has H-I
Category

Vintage 1970s European Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Vintage Circa 1970s 14k Gold Natural Diamond Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 10.9 grams. Totally is diamond 2 ct. The diamond is has G
Category

Vintage 1970s Asian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, 14k Gold

Pink Coral, Diamonds, 18 Karat White Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fantastic ring in 18 kt white gold structure mounted with a central big pink coral surrounded by a
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cluster Rings

Materials

Coral, Diamond, 18k Gold, White Gold

Rubies, Diamonds, 14 Karat White Gold Band Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Elegant retrò ring in 14 kt white gold structure mounted with a central ruby (11 mm x 7.5 mm
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, White Gold

Vintage 13.04ct Aquamarine and Diamond Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A stunning, fine and impressive 13.04 carat aquamarine and 0.20 carat diamond, 18 karat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

Aquamarine, Diamond, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Vintage 1.60 Carat Diamond and White Gold Full Eternity Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
A fine and impressive 1.60 carat diamond and 14 karat white gold full eternity ring; part of our
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 14k Gold, White Gold

Rubies, Sapphires, Diamonds, 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring.
Located in Marcianise, Marcianise (CE)
Fashion ring in 18 kt yellow gold structure mounted with a flower of rubies and a flower of
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

14k White Gold Ring with Diamonds and Sapphires
Located in Berlin, BE
Introducing the epitome of glamour and sophistication, the 14k white gold cluster ring with
Category

Vintage 1970s German Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Sapphire, White Gold

Diamond and 18K Yellow Gold Band
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
five stone diamond band has been crafted in 18k yellow gold. The vintage ring has a textured finish
Category

Vintage 1970s English Wedding Rings

Materials

Diamond, Gold, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Ruby Diamonds 18 Karat Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Marcianise, IT
This exquisite ring harmoniously blends 18-karat yellow gold with 800 silver to create a piece
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Artisan Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

An 18k Gold Bombé Ring with Old Cut Diamonds
Located in Amsterdam, NL
An 18-carat yellow gold bombé ring with 5 old cushion cut diamonds in various sizes, three a little
Category

Vintage 1970s French Dome Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Estate Colombian Emerald Diamond Onyx Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A beautiful Cocktail t18k white Gold ring, featuring a 2.10 carat Natural Vivid Green Colombian
Category

Vintage 1970s Italian Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Onyx, Gold, 18k Gold

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Gold Diamond Rings 1979 For Sale on 1stDibs

On 1stDibs, you can find the most appropriate gold diamond rings 1979 for your needs in our varied inventory. Frequently made of Gold, 18k Gold and Yellow Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 3647 antique edition and 1 modern creations to choose from as well. Finding the perfect gold diamond rings 1979 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. For this particular piece, .5 Carat and 1 Carat are consistently popular carat weights. Finding an appealing gold diamond rings 1979 — no matter the origin — is easy, but Van Cleef Arpels, Cartier and David Webb each produced a popular version that is worth a look. 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 oval cut and emerald cut alternatives. Most of our gold diamond rings 1979 for sale are for women, but there are 603 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is a Gold Diamond Rings 1979?

The price for a gold diamond rings 1979 starts at $100 and tops out at $495,000 with these rings, on average, selling for $3,688.

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.