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Edwardian 2.48 Carat Burma Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Gold Platinum Three-Stone Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
, transparent and saturated in color Flanked by two old mine cut diamonds weighing approximately 1.40 carats
Category

Early 20th Century Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

1940s Diamond Buckle Ring 14 Karat Yellow Gold Retro Estate Fine Jewelry Belt
Located in Torrance, CA
red stone measures 7mm x 2mm. The stylish buckle ring features an old mine cut diamond set into a
Category

Mid-20th Century Unknown Retro Band Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Diamond and Emerald 14K Gold Snake Ring
Located in Venice, CA
are represented with sparkling Old Mine Cut diamonds. The body of the snake spirals around the finger
Category

Antique 1880s Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Mid-Century French Diamond and Gemstone 18k Yellow Gold Cocktail Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
this ring sits a majestic old mine cut diamond, a shimmering focal point that commands attention with
Category

Vintage 1950s Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 0.58 CTW Diamond Ruby Opal Silver 14 Karat Gold Antique Cluster Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
Centering a bead set old mine cut diamond weighing approximately 0.10 carat Eye clean and bright
Category

Antique 1870s Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

LALAOUNIS Double Lion Ring
By Ilias Lalaounis
Located in San Antonio, TX
18 kt. gold double headed lion ring, set with old mine-cut diamond collars and ruby eyes. Signed
Category

Greek More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby

Victorian 2.46 Carats Emerald Diamond 18 Karat Rose Gold Snake Halo Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
in color and prong set with a halo surround. Comprised of flush set old mine cut diamonds with
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco Burma No Heat Red Spinel with GIA White Gold Diamond Ring, Looks Ruby
Located in Addison, TX
gem in person! The ring is crafted in white gold and accents the vibrant center with an old mine cut
Category

Early 20th Century Art Deco Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold, White Gold

Antique Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
A very Nice, Period coiled Snake Ring of 18K Yellow gold and set with 1.50 Carats of Old Mine Cut
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Americana Gemstone Gold Ring
Located in Carmel-by-the-Sea, CA
and a pair of old mine cut diamonds which weigh approximately 1 carat in total set in rose gold
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire, Rose Gold

Bague Art-Déco en or, platine, diamants taille ancienne et rubis calibrés
Located in PARIS, FR
mine cut pesant environ 0,85 ct (5.25 x 5.10 x 4 mm) de qualité (KL VS1) dans un double entourage de
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Large Natural Pearl Diamond Gold Snake Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
mounting as well as the band of the ring. A single old Mine Cut diamond is set in the top of its head and 2
Materials

Natural Pearl, Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Art Deco Geometric Diamond Ring Circa 1920s
Located in ADELAIDE, SA
weight 0.58cts Diamonds: Eighteen heavy old mine cut (2.3mm), average material, estimated total weight
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Platinum

C.1860 18k 5 Stone Romantic Message Ring ADORE
Located in Baltimore, MD
gemstones on our ring are old mine cuts except for the opal which is en cabochon. ADORE rings are the rarest
Category

Antique 19th Century European Victorian More Rings

Materials

Amethyst, Diamond, Emerald, Opal, Ruby

Victorian Natural Spinel and Diamond Ring, circa 1860s
Located in Idar-Oberstein, DE
diamonds. The ring head is further accentuated by two smaller old cut diamonds on either side. The total
Category

Antique 19th Century Early Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 18k Gold

Large Victorian Sapphire Diamond 14 Karat Gold Unisex Bypass Snake Ring
Located in Philadelphia, PA
1.25 carats Old mine cut diamonds weigh in total approximately 1.55 carats; varied in quality with I
Category

Antique 1860s Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

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

GIA Ruby No Heat Platinum Diamond Necklace 18K Antique Pendant Old Mine 5.04 CTS
Located in Sylvania, GA
NECKLACE & BOX! Finest Untreated Ruby Crowned With 3.82 Carats of Sparkling Old Mine Diamonds. Authentic
Category

Antique 19th Century Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Antique Diamond Set Double Snake Ring
Located in Litchfield, CT
by 1.0 carats of fine old mine-cut diamonds and .02 carats of rubies, the look is "jewels of the
Category

Antique 1890s English Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Moonstone, Enamel And Diamond Antique Ring
Located in Los Angeles, CA
old mine-cut diamonds totaling approximately 0.20 carat, bezel-set to the north and south cardinal
18 Karat Gold Diamond Coiled Snake Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A Victorian 18K gold coiled snake ring. The head of the snake is embellished with old mine cut
Category

Antique Early 19th Century Victorian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, 18k Gold

Art Deco Revival Antique Diamond Serpent Snake Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
old mine cut pear shape diamond of a brilliant personality wrapped in lush sapphires, diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Blue Sapphire, Platinum

Art Deco Inspired Antique Diamond Emerald Snake Ring
Located in Santa Barbara, CA
design, this luxurious piece presents a refined, lively air. The coveted, old mine pear cut diamond
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Platinum

Art Deco 14K Rose Gold Vintage Circular Pendant with Old Cut Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Addison, TX
. Surrounding the old mine cut center diamond. All these pieced work together to give you a breath taking piece
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Art Deco More Jewelry

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Rose Gold

Important Early Bulgari Citrine Ring, Italian, circa 1884-1932
By Bulgari
Located in London, GB
An important early Bulgari ring. Set centrally with an impressive oval old cut citrine in an open
Category

Early 20th Century Italian More Rings

Materials

Citrine, 18k Gold

Antique Victorian 10k Yellow Gold Enamel and Diamond Snake Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
crafted in 10k yellow gold. The snake head is beautifully enameled and has old mine cut diamonds on the
Category

Antique 1890s Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, Enamel

SPANISH COLONIAL 1790 Iberian Antique Ring In 18Kt Gold With Emerald Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Note: All gemstones displayed in
Category

Antique 1790s Spanish Baroque Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver, 18k Gold

18K Emerald Diamond Ring Pendant Vintage Tiffany Co Necklace GIA Fine 7.02 Cts
Located in Sylvania, GA
-Mined Transparent Pear Cut Columbian Emerald. Approx: 2.52 Carats! 24 Baguette Cut Diamonds Grade VS
Category

20th Century Unknown Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Art Nouveau 18k/Sterling Silver Diamond and Ruby Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
/pendant is similar in shape to an umbrella. The umbrella shaped component is adorned with 21 old mine cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s Art Nouveau Brooches

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Sterling Silver

Victorian 18 Karat Gold Ruby Rose Cut Diamond Snake Slider Pendant Necklace
Located in Vilnius, Vilniaus apskr.
piece features rubies, old mine and rose cut diamonds. Weight: 10.87g Pendant length: 4cm Chain length
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Victorian Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 18k Gold

Art Nouveau 18k/ Sterling Silver Diamond and Ruby Pin/Pendant
Located in Narberth, PA
/pendant is similar in shape to an umbrella. The umbrella shaped component is adorned with 21 old mine cut
Category

Antique Early 1900s American Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Sterling Silver

Art Deco 3.60ct Diamond and Ruby Target Drop Earrings, c.1930s
Located in London, GB
from a hinge back, five old cut diamonds totalling 0.35 carat elegantly fall down to the target style
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Art Deco Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Art Nouveau 1920s Diamond Pearl Ruby and Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
single 3mm pearl, two Dutch cut diamonds and a bezel set ruby. An old mine cut diamond is displayed
Category

Vintage 1920s German Art Nouveau Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Edwardian 1905 Antique French Earrings 18Kt Gold With 3.54 Ctw Diamonds Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
, such; European old cuts diamonds and cushion cut rubies. These earrings are completely genuine from the
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

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

1930s Ruby and Diamond Yellow Gold Pendant
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
setting, ornamented with a feature 0.75 ct pinkish red pear cut ruby, surrounded by twenty pavé set old
Category

Vintage 1930s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, 18k Gold, White Gold, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Antique Edwardian Platinum Diamond Burma Ruby Dangle Earrings
Located in New York, NY
VS to SI clarity. A smaller ring of rose cut diamonds accent the oval rubies. The rubies themselves
Category

Early 20th Century American Edwardian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

French 1905 Edwardian Earrings in 18kt Gold with Diamonds and Red Burmese Rubies
Located in Miami, FL
European round cut and old rose cut diamond, 0.44 carats, F/G color, VS/SI clarity. Rubies: Mounted in
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Drop Earrings

Materials

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

Edwardian 1900 Belle Epoque Convertible Pendant 18kt Gold 5.08ctw Diamonds Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
white gold. Diamonds often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Belle Époque Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

Art Deco Platinum Bangle Bracelet Diamond Black Onyx Ruby, French, a Set of Two
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
. The diamond Art Deco bracelet features a row of ninety-six old mine and cushion cut diamonds framed
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Onyx, Platinum

Victorian Ruby Diamond 14 Karat Yellow Gold Horseshoe Brooch
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
rubies with a total weight of approximately 6.00 carats. Accented by 40 old mine cut diamonds with a
Category

Antique 1860s Unknown High Victorian Brooches

Materials

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

Antique 2.80 Carat Ruby and 0.28 Carat Diamond Yellow Gold Heart Pendant Locket
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
) H Clarity (average grades) P1 Cut Old European/Mine Content (total) 0.28 carats Dimensions Length
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Pendant Necklaces

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold

Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot In 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds Rubies
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
old rose cut diamonds, 0.36 carats, G/H color, SI-1 clarity. Rubies: Mounted in millegrain settings
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Cartier Paris 1905 Edwardian Arrow Jabot 18Kt Gold Platinum Diamonds And Rubies
By Cartier
Located in Miami, FL
millegrain settings, with 12 old rose cut diamonds, 0.36 carats, G/H color, SI-1 clarity. Rubies: Mounted in
Category

Antique Early 1900s French Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

Victorian 18K Yellow Gold, Blue Enamel and 3.0 Carat Diamond Snake Wrap Bracelet
Located in New York, NY
: Victorian Year: c.1880 Material: 18k Yellow Gold, 3.0cts. Old Mine Cut Diamonds, Cabochon Ruby and Blue
Category

Antique 19th Century Unknown Victorian Bangles

Materials

Diamond, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold, Enamel

Edwardian Art Nouveau 1900 Scarab Brooch Gold Silver Diamonds And Gemstones
Located in Miami, FL
mined natural gemstones such: blue sapphires, rubies, European rose cut diamonds and one green emerald
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Brooches

Materials

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

"Genuine Burmese Jadeite Phoenix" Baikalla Jewelry Signature Neck-Piece
Located in Portland, OR
good luck. 15 total masterfully cut genuine old mine Burmese cabochon imperial green jadeite. With 5
Category

21st Century and Contemporary American Artist Pendant Necklaces

Materials

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

GEORGIAN 1820 Antique Convertible Dangle Drops Earrings 18Kt Gold Moonstones
Located in Miami, FL
'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Collateral: They are accompanied by a presentation jewelry
Category

Antique 1820s English George IV Dangle Earrings

Materials

Moonstone, Gold, Yellow Gold, 18k Gold

Georgian 1820 Antique Convertible Brooch 18kt Gold 5.54 Ctw in Diamonds Emerald
Located in Miami, FL
gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Note: All
Category

Antique 1820s English George IV Brooches

Materials

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

Georgian 1800 Antique Dangle Earrings In 15Kt Gold With 8.46 Ctw In Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Millegrain
Category

Antique Early 1800s English Georgian Dangle Earrings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Gold, 15k Gold, Yellow Gold, Silver

Georgian 1810 Antique Convertible Brooch 18Kt Gold 6.48 Ctw in Emeralds Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
gemstone rings. Popular cuts for diamonds included 'rose cut', 'old mine cut' and 'table cut. Note: All
Category

Antique 1810s English Brooches

Materials

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

Edwardian 1905 Graziosa Guilloche Enamel Pocket Watch In 14Kt Gold With Diamonds
Located in Miami, FL
often had an Old Mine or European cut and sapphires were a popular choice for a pop of color. They
Category

Antique Early 1900s Swiss Edwardian Pocket Watches

Materials

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

Art Deco Inspired 0.84 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Art Deco Inspired 0.84 Carat Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Platinum Ring. Featuring one old mine
Category

2010s Unknown Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Style Rubies Old Mine Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
Introducing a captivating diamond and ruby ring exuding the elegance of Art Deco design, showcasing
Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Russian 1910s Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring
Located in AMSTERDAM, NL
. Gemstones: Diamonds: natural Ruby: synthetic 3. Design & Style: engagement ring 4. Cut & Shape: Old mine
Category

Vintage 1910s European Russian Empire Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian Old Mine Cut Diamond Ruby Ring Circa 1900 – 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Santa Monica, CA
. Two old mine cut diamonds and two rubies adorn the ornate 14K yellow gold band, detailed with romantic
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Late Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Yellow Gold, 14k Gold

Vintage Burma Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Ring, 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Hong Kong, HK
Here is a nice Burma Ruby and diamond ring. The ring is set in yellow gold and old mine cut
Category

Vintage 1950s Hong Kong Contemporary Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Ring
Located in Cairo, EG
Antique 14k gold russian ring centered with 4 old mine cut diamonds with estimate diamond weight of
Category

Antique Early 1900s Cocktail Rings

Art Deco Burmese Red Ruby and Old Mine Cut Diamond Trilogy Engagement Ring
Located in London, England
A beautiful late Art Deco ruby and old mine cut diamond trilogy engagement ring set in 18k yellow
Category

Vintage 1920s British Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

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Old Mine Cut Ruby Ring For Sale on 1stDibs

You are likely to find exactly the old mine cut ruby ring you’re looking for on 1stDibs, as there is a broad range for sale. Frequently made of Gold, Platinum and 18k Gold, this item was constructed with great care. You can easily find a 30 antique edition and 6 modern creations to choose from as well. If you’re looking for an old mine cut ruby 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 2 Carat and 2.5 Carat carat weights, specifically, are sought with frequency. See these pages for an old mine cut iteration of this accessory, while there are also old european cut cut and cushion cut cut versions available here, too. Most of our old mine cut ruby ring for sale are for women, but there are 7 pieces available to browse for men.

How Much is an Old Mine Cut Ruby Ring?

On average, an old mine cut ruby ring at 1stDibs sells for $3,970, while they’re typically $950 on the low end and $33,276 for the highest priced versions of this item.

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.