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Edwardian Sapphire Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Platinum and yellow gold (18kt) Sapphire, Ruby and Old-Mine cut Diamond Ring. Antique English
Category

Early 20th Century British Edwardian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Blue Sapphire, Yellow Gold, Platinum

Old Mine Champagne Colored Diamond Ruby Platinum Engagement Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
the best times in jewelry. Featuring a 1.30 carat old mine cut champagne colored diamond that is
Category

20th Century Unknown Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Old Cut Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold Retro Textured Men s Ring
Located in Miami, FL
Solid 14K Yellow Gold, The center diamond is an Old Cut Round Diamond of 0.95 cts, J-KColo, SI2-I1
Category

Vintage 1950s Retro Signet Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Vintage French GIA Burma No Heat Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 18K Gold Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
One Vintage French GIA Burma No Heat Ruby Old Mine Cut Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring. Featuring
Category

1990s French Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Deco Style Green Emeralds Old Mine Cut Diamond Cocktail Ring
By Antinori Fine Jewels
Located in Chicago, IL
custom cut natural rubies. Finished with dazzling diamonds and fine milgrain details, this bezel setting
Category

2010s Italian Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, White Diamond, Emerald, 14k Gold

Antique Victorian 14 Karat Rose Gold Old Miner Cut Diamonds and Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Elegant Victorian ring with 5 old miner cut diamonds and 2 rubies. Item #R0490 Metal: 14K Rose
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Rose Gold

Old Cut Diamond and Ruby Art Deco Style Halo Ring in 18k White Gold
Located in Bangkok, TH
A stylish diamond and ruby ring crafted in 18k white gold. Old cut diamonds total an estimated 0.48
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Thai Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, White Gold

Victorian Ruby Mine Cut Diamond Three Stone Ring in 18 Karat Yellow Gold
Located in Boston, MA
stone, exhibiting a rich vivid red color. Flanking the central ruby are two old mine-cut diamonds
Category

Antique 1880s Victorian Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Victorian Lion Ring Old Mine Diamond Garnet Eyes 14k Yellow Gold 7 Old
Located in Torrance, CA
total an estimated 0.02 carats). The Lion features an old mine cut diamond set to the mouth with ruby
Category

Antique Late 19th Century Unknown Victorian Band Rings

Materials

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

Art Deco 23 Carat Siberian Amethyst Ring Old Mine Diamond Ruby 14 Karat Gold
Located in New York, NY
FOUR GORGEOUS OLD MINE CUT DIAMONDS AND SIX SPECTACULAR SQUARE CHANNEL SET RUBIES IN 14 KARAT ROSE GOLD
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Ruby, Diamond, Amethyst, Rose Gold, 14k Gold, Gold

Circa 1920s 14K Yellow Gold Old European Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Hicksville, NY
] Weight: 3.60 grams Diamond Details: .90ct, total weight. Old Mine and Old European Brilliant cut diamonds
Category

Vintage 1920s Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Vintage Burmese Ruby and Diamond Abstract Ring
Located in London, GB
exceptionally crafted in 18ct yellow gold and features an array of old cut diamonds and rich red Burmese rubies
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 18k Gold

Vintage 1.12 Carat Diamond Ruby Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Unusual 18K Yellow and White Gold Cluster Ring centered with a Sparkling Old Mine cut Diamond
Category

Vintage 1980s Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Art Deco Diamond Ruby Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
Pretty and authentic Art Deco cluster ring featuring rose cut Diamond and ruby custom cut. Entirely
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold

Antique 2 Carat Ruby and 0.65 Carat Old European Diamond Ring, circa Early 1900
Located in Miami, FL
approximately 2.00 carats, framed with 14 natural earth mined old European cut diamonds weighing approximately
Category

Mid-20th Century Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique Rose Cut Diamond, Ruby, Emerald Ring
Located in Coral Gables, FL
14 Karat White & Yellow Gold Antique Ring Featuring 43 Old Mine & Rose Cut Diamonds, A 0.25 Carat
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

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

Retro Ruby Diamond White and Yellow Gold Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Retro Ruby calibrated and old mine cut Diamond on White and Yellow Gold Ring. Circa 1940. Ring size
Category

Vintage 1940s European Retro Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, White Gold, Yellow Gold

Retro Ruby and Diamond 18 KT Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, IT
Hallmarks: assay Gems: 3 old mine cut diamonds totaling approx .35 Ct (G-VVS/VS) – 4 round faceted cut
Category

Vintage 1940s Italian Retro Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

18K Gold Natural Diamond And Natural Ruby Navette Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
rose cut diamond 0.70 ct. The diamond is has H-I color and vs-s1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.85 ct. Ring
Category

2010s Asian Modern Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
each and are old mine cut and the rubies total 50pts. The stones are set in simple claw settings and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
each and are old mine cut and the rubies total 50pts. The stones are set in simple claw settings and
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Antique Victorian 18 Karat Yellow Gold Diamond and Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Victorian Diamond and Ruby engagement ring with an Old Mine cut center diamond. Item
Category

Vintage 1920s Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Burma No Heat Ruby Diamond Antique Ring
Located in Boca Raton, FL
10 near colorless Old Mine Cut diamonds that equal approximately 1.50 carat total weight. The
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Late Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ruby Red Spinel, Diamond and Gold Ring
Located in New Hope, PA
A deep rich ruby red Spinel is surrounded by old mine cut diamonds creating a classic and very eye
Category

Vintage 1920s Unknown Romantic Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Spinel, 14k Gold

Edwardian 18kt Gold Ring with Rubies and Diamonds
Located in Aventura, FL
18kt rose gold with a luxurious platinum top. At its heart lies a captivating old mine diamond
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Antique Victorian 14 Karat Yellow Gold Toi et Moi Diamond and Ruby Ring
Located in Great Neck, NY
Stunning Toi Et Moi ring with a chunky 0.65 CT Old Mine Cut diamond and a .50 CT Ruby #R0434
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Edwardian 1.00ct Ruby and Diamond Three Stone Ring, C.1910s
Located in London, GB
A superb Burmese ruby sits between two 0.50 carat old cut diamonds. The 1.00 carat natural ruby is
Category

Vintage 1910s Unknown Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian Antique Ruby and Diamond Five-Stone 18 Karat Gold Ring
Located in Banbury, GB
This is a Victorian 18ct yellow gold ring featuring three alternating rubies and two old cut
Category

Antique 19th Century British Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
In very good condition. Total weight is 3.3 grams. Totally is center old cut diamond 0.40 carat
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Circa 1900s 18k Gold Handmade Natural Diamond And Ruby Decorated Ring
Located in Fatih/İstanbul, 34
old cut diamond 0.11 ct. The diamond is has H-I-K color and s2-s3-Pique1 clarity. Totally is ruby 0.08
Category

Antique Early 1900s European Victorian Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Burma Ruby Diamond 18 Karat Yellow Gold Ring AGL Certified
Located in Boca Raton, FL
minor heat residue-see report 1095241. The ruby is surrounded by 14 Old Mine Cut Diamonds that equal
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

White Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Vintage 18 Carat Gold Ruby and Diamond Three-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
A beautiful vintage three-stone ring. Set with a 45 point square cut central ruby flanked by fine
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique 10k Gold Diamond, Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald Triple-Headed Snake Ring
Located in New York, NY
crowned with its own gemstone eyes—ruby, sapphire, emerald—and one accented with a sparkling old mine-cut
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Emerald, Ruby, Sapphire, 10k Gold

Vintage 18 Carat Gold Diamond and Ruby Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
are old mine cut and the total diamond weight is over 85 points. Modelled in 18 carat yellow gold
Category

Vintage 1970s Unknown Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Yellow Gold

Antique French 18k Gold Platinum 1.5ct Diamond Ruby Milgrain Open Work Oval Ring
Located in Montclair, NJ
throughout its slightly puffed open work top. The old mine and old rose cut diamonds show remarkable
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Victorian 1890 Ring in 18kt Yellow and White Gold with Diamonds and Rubies
Located in Aventura, FL
craftsmanship, showcasing a beautiful interplay of 18kt yellow and white gold. At its center, an Old Mine
Category

Antique 1890s Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

1920s French Ruby Diamond Platinum Ring
Located in Geneva, CH
Old-mine cut Diamond. French marks. Circa 1920. Gross weight: 3.02 grams.
Category

Vintage 1920s French Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Platinum

Art Deco Diamond Ruby Engagement Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A stunning floral motif diamond and ruby ring crafted in 18 white gold. Centering a 0.62 cts old
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Engagement Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 4 Carat Ruby and Diamond Ring
Located in Chicago, IL
hint of Purple Ruby, measuring 11 X 7 MM and having a known wight of 4 carats. Surrounded by old mine
Category

Antique Early 1900s Unknown Edwardian Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Edwardian Diamond Natural Ruby Gold Platinum Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
platinum topped 14kt yellow gold and has a stunning old Mine Cut diamond bezel set in its center. The
Category

Vintage 1910s Edwardian Fashion Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold, Platinum

Art Deco Ruby Diamond Platinum Cocktail Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
surrounded by Old mine cut diamonds, weighing all together 3 carats, graded from M to S color and VS clarity
Category

Mid-20th Century Art Deco Cocktail Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Platinum

Victorian GIA Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Beverly Hills, CA
stunning GIA-certified cushion-cut ruby, weighing approximately 2 carats and hailing from the vibrant mines
Category

Antique 1890s Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Edwardian Diamond and Ruby 18 Carat Gold Snake Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
diamond head. The old mine cut diamond measures 30pts and the ruby eyes measure 1pt each. Made in London
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique 1900s Natural Ruby Diamond White Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Napoli, NA
A 18k White Gold, Ruby and Diamond Ring, set in the center with a Vivid Ruby oval-cut weighing
Category

Early 20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Victorian Ruby Diamond and Rose Gold Navette Ring
Located in Montgomery, AL
rubies and 7 Old Mine cut diamonds. The piece has some very small antique engravings here and there as
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century Victorian Cocktail Rings

Materials

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

Ganmario Buccellati Sapphire Ruby Gold Vintage Eternity Band Ring
By Buccellati
Located in New York, NY
features 3 colorful rows set with old-mine cut round red rubies and blue and green sapphires. Made in Italy
Category

Vintage 1980s Italian More Rings

Materials

Ruby, Sapphire, Gold, 18k Gold

Edwardian Ruby and Diamond 18 Carat Gold Five-Stone Ring
Located in Chipping Campden, GB
each and are old mine cut. The stones are set in simple claw settings and sit quite flush within the
Category

Antique Early 1900s British Edwardian Band Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, Gold

Vintage Men Ring Ruby Red solid 14K Yellow Gold ØUS 10.25/ 7.1gr
Located in SE
oval cut and faceted lab-made Red Ruby stone 14 mm x 11 mm with closed back / ca 8 ct. The design and
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Nouveau Signet Rings

Materials

Ruby, 14k Gold

Antique 1.50 Carat Ruby Diamond Yellow Gold Cluster Ring
Located in Jesmond, Newcastle Upon Tyne
design. The ruby is encircled by fifteen 18k white gold bezel set, well colour matched old mine cut
Category

20th Century Unknown Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Ring 0.5 Ruby Diamonds solid 18K Rose Gold Ø4.75 US / 2.2 g
Located in SE
magnification. Ruby is flanked with 6 old mine cut Diamonds set in silver clusters. All stones with open backs
Category

Early 20th Century European Art Deco Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold, Silver

Antique Imperial Russian Ring Ruby Diamonds solid 56 14K Gold Ø 6.5US / 1.62 gr
Located in SE
Antique Art Nouveau period Imperial period Russian Ring featuring an square cut Natural ruby and
Category

Antique Early 1900s Russian Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k Gold

Edwardian 1905 Ring In 18Kt Yellow Gold And Platinum With Diamonds And Ruby
Located in Miami, FL
, with 4 old European rose cut diamonds, 0.08 carats, white colorless G color, VS/SI clarity. Ruby
Category

Antique Early 1900s English Edwardian Engagement Rings

Materials

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

Victorian Era Horseshoe Gemstone Ring 14K Yellow Gold
Located in Montgomery, AL
Sapphires 2 - Old Mine Cut Diamonds 1 - Old Mine Cut Ruby Item: 768TMV8-AD9
Category

Antique 19th Century Victorian Fashion Rings

Materials

Ruby, Gold, 14k Gold, Yellow Gold

Art Nouveau Diamond, Moonstone, and Ruby Cameo "Pierrot Clown" Ring
Located in Narberth, PA
Mine Cut diamonds, forming a glittering array! Two luscious red rubies are incorporated into the design
Category

Antique 1890s Art Nouveau More Rings

Materials

Diamond, Moonstone, Ruby, 14k Gold, Sterling Silver

Antique Ring natural 0.75ct Ruby 0.3ctw Diamonds solid 18K Gold ØUS6.25 /3.1 gr
Located in SE
Three stones Ruby and Diamonds Ring hand- made in ca. 1920s- 1930s. This design with secure bezel
Category

Vintage 1930s European Art Deco Three-Stone Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 18k Gold

Antique Georgian Emerald, Diamond and Ruby cluster ring, 18k yellow gold
Located in NEWARK, GB
later. Ring face Approx 16mm length and 2mm band width. Diamonds - old Mine cut, approx 0.65ct total
Category

Antique 19th Century British Georgian Cluster Rings

Materials

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

Antique Halo Ring natural Ruby Diamonds solid 14K Gold ØUS5 / 4.8gr
Located in SE
clustered natural Diamonds old mine cut Ø 1.75 - Ø 1.5 mm / ca 0,025 ct - 0.02 ct each / total weight of
Category

Vintage 1920s European Art Nouveau Solitaire Rings

Materials

Diamond, Ruby, 14k 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.